CLASSIC SOUTH AFRICA

13 Days & 12 Nights | South Africa

Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve & Johannesburg

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Honeymooners – Interesting boutique hotels in great locations

Photographers – Perfect for wildlife and street photography

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Game drives

Cultural tours

Seasonal whale watching

Nature walks

Wine tasting

Helicopter scenic flights (extra cost)

Birding

Sundowners

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season:  July to October

Green Season:  November to June

OVERVIEW

South Africa has an incredible variety of landscapes, accommodation and things to see and do. For this trip idea, all the ‘must-dos’ have been combined into one easy itinerary with top-notch accommodation that runs the gamut of eclectic city hotels to easy-going bush lodges. For travellers with wide interests – you want to see warthogs as much as you want to sample wine – this is a great place to start.

Kicking off in the Mother City – Cape Town – you’ll wend your way to one of the best seasonal whale-watching towns in the world. After that, a slice of France in Africa awaits, followed by a Big 5 safari. Jet home from Johannesburg after time at one of the city’s landmark hotels.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY SABRINA

Fortunate enough to call South Africa my home, I have been blessed with countless opportunities to explore this magnificent country. From the majestic peaks of Table Mountain in the Mother City, the famous vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park and the endless beaches and tropical weather of Kwazulu Natal, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in South Africa’s diverse landscapes.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

12 Nights / 13 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Cape Town, South Africa

Hermanus, South Africa

Franschhoek, South Africa

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa

DAILY ITINERARY

The Silo really is just that: an old granary at the working harbour that has been transformed into a breath-taking art gallery below and a high-end hotel above. It’s your first stop on your trip through South Africa and your driver will deliver you from Cape Town International Airport.

From this convenient base at the V&A Waterfront, you’ll be able to see the daily moods of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as easily reach the historic city centre.

Why we love The Silo:

  • Rooftop pool with 360-degree view
  • Filled with thought-provoking art
  • Outstanding architectural façade
  • Dining with Table Mountain as a backdrop

You’ve no doubt explored much of what Cape Town has to offer so today you venture further along the Atlantic coastline to the quaint town of Hermanus, known for some of the world’s most prolific whale watching. Pods of southern right whales arrive to frolic, feed and breed in about August, making for amazing excursions.

Out of whale season, the town offers specialist wine tasting, lovely walks through coastal fynbos, art and simply lazing on the beach if necessary!

Why we love Birkenhead House:

  • 270-degree vistas of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Perfect for whale watching over Walker Bay
  • Extravagant but cosy suites
  • Two pools, one overlooking the ocean

Your trajectory is inland today and the bucolic setting of the Cape Winelands, where some wine estates date back to the 1700s. Your driver will take you from Hermanus to the pretty town of Franschhoek, which means French Corner.

At La Residence, you’ll be cocooned in the hotel’s own vineyards and quiet elegance. Sample the vintages of other estates, take the village tram, browse galleries and boutiques, or perhaps get a little more active with horse riding, nature walks or animal interaction.

Why we love La Residence:

  • Nestled in beautiful gardens and vineyards
  • Restrained extravagance throughout
  • Superb dining including a chef’s table
  • Wine tasting and classic afternoon tea

After a week in the south, it is time to head north and your Big 5 safari. A driver will take you back to Cape Town International, from where you will fly to Skukuza Airport and get your first glimpse of the savannah, woodlands, thicket and riverine forest that are home to elephants and eland, leopards and lions.

 Your home is Selati Camp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private conservation area with very reliable sightings by vehicle or on foot.

Why we love Selati Camp:

  • Spacious and homey thatched lodge
  • Outdoor showers and romantic bathtubs
  • In the heart of Big 5 country
  • Presidential and honeymoon suites

It’s time to head back to reality, starting with your flight from Skukuza to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The contrast cannot be greater: from the untamed bush to Africa’s most vibrant metropolis. Fortunately, you can still be cosseted for the final two days of your vacation in the warm embrace of The Westcliff, a Four Seasons Hotel.

Johannesburg offers fine dining, excellent shopping for last-minute gifts and fascinating cultural attractions. Or you could just sleep late and head to the spa…

Why we love The Westcliff:

  • Hillside location in sought-after neighbourhood
  • Village feeling with cobbled streets and terraces
  • Infinity edge pool with panoramic view
  • Fine dining and a full spa and gym

After almost two weeks, you have a great idea of what South Africa has to offer. From the history of Robben Island in Cape Town and the stunning scenery of the Overberg around Hermanus, to gorgeous wine estates at Franschhoek and heart-stopping wildlife encounters in Sabi Sand, this itinerary almost has it all.

Today you wave goodbye to the staff of The Westcliff and are driven back to the airport for your flight home, hopefully with a heart full of touching memories.

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • Our consultants specialise in different safari-experiences
  • We have over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry

  • Our quick response and turnaround times