Sample Trip

South Africa – Winelands, Whales & Wildlife Safari

“Showcasing Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus & the Sabi Sands Game Reserve”
Budget level: High-End
Country
South Africa
When to Go
Jun to Dec
Duration
11 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge, Self drive
Location
Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Whale Coast

The perfect tour of South Africa, visiting some of the country’s most impressive locations where incredible experiences are to be had. Great for travellers who want to experience the highlights of the Cape and a short, yet high-quality, safari in the Sabi Sands.


Itinerary in Brief

Be blown away by the incredible view from Clifton, stay in the hearth of the winelands on a traditional vineyard, watch as Southern Right Whales slash and play just off the beaches of Hermanus and finally be immersed in one of Africa’s finest Big 5 reserves – the Sabi Sands. Whether you are a first timer to South Africa, a frequent traveller, on honeymoon or travelling with the family – this safari covers everyone!

For this safari we recommend hiring a car for the duration of your time in the Cape in order to be flexible and enjoy the region like a local. You can either pick this car up directly at the airport or have it dropped at your first nights’ accommodation, and be transferred from the airport to your hotel. We are also able to organize fully guided transfers and excursions for those interested.

Starting with 3 nights in Clifton at a stunning boutique hotel boasting incredible views over the ocean and surrounding mountains. From here explore Cape Town and its many attractions, site seeing and fabulous restaurants. From Clifton, move inland to the Cape Winelands region where you will stay for 2 nights on a luxurious yet traditional vineyard. Explore your own vineyard but also all those in the surrounding region as you indulge in some fine dining, wine tasting and property hopping. It’s highly recommended to enjoy a picnic on the wine estate! After the winelands, you’ll head back to the seaside but this time to the whale coast, just on the outskirts of Hermanus. Spending 2 nights here you will be in awe of the stunning scenery, birdlife, flora diversity and best of all – the whales that visit the area between Jun to Dec. Jump in a game viewer and head over to a secluded beach where you can enjoy your favourite beverage atop a dune while watching the whales playing just off the shore! After all this, you’ve truly done justice to the Cape and it’s time to make your way back to the airport for a flight to the Sabi Sands. Spend a full 4 nights in an old farm style luxurious lodge from which you will set of on twice daily game viewing activities. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is arguable one of the best wildlife regions to view all members of the Big 5 with added chances of wild dogs and cheetahs. With top quality guides, world class wildlife viewing, luxurious accommodation and fabulous catering – this is the perfect finish to an incredible South African Safari holiday.

Although technically this safari is possible throughout the whole year, for the best whale watching and BIG 5 viewing – travel from June to December.

Detailed Itinerary

Nights 1-3: Cape View Clifton

Cape View Clifton is centrally located and within minutes of the city of Cape Town. It offers convenient access to many of the spectacular sights of the area – the Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Clifton’s very own Blue Flag beaches. The shops, sidewalk cafés, restaurants and nightlife of Camps Bay are in close proximity.

Cape View Clifton offers seven elegantly appointed, expansive suites all opening onto uninterrupted views of Cape Town’s iconic Clifton coast line. The design and layout are crisp, clean and effortless, combining the luxury of a boutique hotel with the airy brightness of a well-appointed beach house.

Nights 4 & 5: Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa.

Nights 6 & 7: Mosaic Lagoon Lodge

As the name suggests, Mosaic offers the most multifaceted experience in the area with 1000 hectares of conservation land and over 3 km of frontage on the beautiful Hermanus Lagoon. Activities at Mosaic include being immersed in awesome fynbos flowers and bird-life of the Cape Floral Kingdom, lagoon cruises, stunning beaches, fascinating marine life and some of the world’s most beautiful wine lands. This is topped off with warm smiling staff serving fresh cuisine paired with delicious South African wine. Mosaic is also centrally located to whale watching, marine tours, shark cage diving and exploring the Overberg Wine Region, and the perfect location for nature and activity lovers.

For the ultimate private getaway, Lagoon Lodge captures the essence of tranquillity with just five safari style suites woven into an ancient milkwood grove. A pampered stay here is all-inclusive of meals, adventure activities and house beverages/wine/beer/spirits. Relaxing massage, skin and nail treatments can be indulged in at the Mosaic Rain Spa (either indoor or outdoor), using organic Rain Africa products (additional charges apply).

With Mosaic’s unique position adjacent to Walker Bay Beach, the guests’ favorite place for peaceful, private whale viewing is from the top of sand dunes at a secluded part of the beach. You will hop aboard an open air game vehicle for a 4×4 excursion to this serene venue and sip your favorite beverage. Along the way, passionate guides will be on the lookout for interesting birds, plants and insects to share knowledge about. Whales can also be viewed from the coastal cliffs of Hermanus or De Kelders, 30 kms from Mosaic.

Nights 7-10: Kirkmans Camp

The Sabi Sand is arguably a safari experience like no other in the world. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, the reserve benefits from a great diversity of wildlife – although it is particularly well known for its prolific leopard sightings. Game drives traverse an area of 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of an up-close game viewing experience.

Enjoy spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape that surrounds the Sand River from each of the lodge’s 12 guest cottages. Here, old meets new; with antique-styled beds seamlessly blending with modern comforts and claw foot bathtubs, fireplaces and private verandas creating a warm and inviting ambience.

When To Go

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Cape Town BestBestBestGoodGoodMixedMixedMixedMixedGoodGoodBest
Cape Winelands BestBestBestBestGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodBestBestBest
Sabi Sands Game Reserve GoodGoodGoodGoodGoodBestBestBestGoodGoodMixedMixed
Whale Coast GoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodBestBestBestBestBestGood
Best = Best Good = Good Mixed = Mixed

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!