Sophie Beraznik and family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN CAPE TOWN
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by a representative who will escort you to Ellerman House to spend the evening. Keep an eye out the window as you drive; your hotel is in Bantry Bay, set along the Cape’s stunning Atlantic coastline.
The Ellerman House has no shortage of curb-appeal. This historic Cape Edwardian-style mansion was originally a private residence. It’s kept its quaint allure and sense of warm hospitality; however, the inside is sleek and modern. The hotel offers world-class cuisine and excellent wine pairings.
Overnight Ellerman House
Day 2
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING IN CAPE TOWN
At 9:00 am, your private guide from Uthando (Love) South Africa, an internationally-award-winning and Fair-Trade Travel certified nonprofit organization, will meet you. Uthando links tourism and development by allowing guests to authentically assist with innovative community projects in Cape Town.
You will visit a number of unique projects, including the Ikhaya Community Garden. Ikhaya means “home” in Xhosa, and this important garden is part of the Abalimi Bezekhaya, an extensive urban agricultural program that works with over 5,000 Cape Town township residents. It is also part of the Slow Food International movement, as well as the Salon del Gusto Tera Mandre, a global network of farmers, producers, artists, and chefs working to promote clean and healthy food.
Overnight Ellerman House
Day 3
Cape Town Tour
Set off this morning on a full-day tour of Cape Town. You’ll hit the city’s highlights, hearing the fascinating stories of Cape Town’s past from your local guide along the way. In typical Capetonian culture, blend urban exploration and jaunts into nature.
Visit the city center, vibrant urban art projects, and the colorful Cape-Malay Bo Kaap area as well taking the Table Mountain Cable Way to the top for spectacular views, and hiking in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Overnight Ellerman House
Day 4
EXPLORING THE CAPE PENINSULA
Spend the day exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. In a car fitted with all the adventure equipment one could need, stop first at Living Hope to see the community work being done by this small organization before heading onwards to the peninsula.
Wind along one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, Chapman’s Peak and explore the shipwrecks and white-sand beaches of Cape Point. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales swimming off shore! Later, check out Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit a secret beach away from the crowded boardwalks and known only by locals for the splinter colony of penguins that live here before heading back to your hotel for the evening.
Your tour will be accompanied by a Rock Girl – a female youth training to be an adventure guide. This innovative program helps under-served girls reach their full potential. Rock Girls is training the next generation of female South Africa adventure-guides, and having a Rock Girl join for your journey helps support their efforts.
Overnight Ellerman House
Day 5
DRIVING THE WHALE COAST
Accompanied by your guide and Rock Girl, travel along South Africa’s rugged but extraordinary Whale Coast – a stretch of road that traces the Atlantic Ocean. The region’s namesake can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters from the car. En route, you will see charming seaside villages like Hermanus and visit the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay.
Check in to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, into the Forest Lodge. Nestled in an ancient milkwood forest, the peace oasis that is Grootbos Forest Lodge is flanked by rolling hills of fynbos before spilling out into the sandy white dunes along the ocean-side. The lodge is stylish and elegant. Spacious wooden decks and an infinity pool offer the perfect point from which to enjoy the panoramic views.
Overnight Grootbos Forest Lodge
Day 6 - 7
GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
The next two days are yours to make the most of your idyllic surroundings. Stroll around the reserve’s ancient forests, or meander through the narrow trails that run through the vast fynbos fields. Nearby, there are premiere golf facilities and vineyards that offer excellent wine tastings.
For the intrepid, hit the seas to Dyer Island to go whale watching, try shark cage diving, ride horses along the pristine beaches, or even try quad biking! The options are endless, but we always recommend ending your day with a glass of wine as you watch the sky turn soft pink and purple pastels as the sun slips below the horizon line.
Overnight Grootbos Forest Lodge
Day 8
HEMEL EN AARDE ADVENTURE
Travel from Grootbos to Franschhoek today, navigating the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley en route. Begin by visiting local farm stalls and artisans on the Standford mountain trail. Then, sample fine boutique wine estate that each have a unique way of producing some of the best wine in the world. At Beaumont Estate, taste wine directly from the barrel before ending the day with a light hike and sundowners over the scenic Franschhoek Pass.
Check in to La Residence, a romantic and indulgent paradise stocked with exceptional artwork and ornate furniture. A relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality define this dramatic place, where each of the eleven suites are individually decorated in vibrant colors. In typical fashion, the food here is gourmet and the views are stunning.
Overnight La Residence
Day 9
HEART OF THE WINELANDS
Franschhoek (meaning “French Corner”) was founded by French Huguenots who settled in this fertile valley years ago. Still, this sleepy village maintains its quaint feel. Tree-lined avenues are dotted with trendy boutiques, and delightful cafés. Now, Franschhoek is touted as the gourmet capital of South Africa and boasts some of the country’s finest wine farms.
Today, you will embark on a full-day private tour of the Winelands. After strolling around Franschhoek’s cozy village, move on to Stellenbosch, testing out the alfresco cafés and admiring the historic Cape-Dutch architecture. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the Western Cape’s oldest premiere wineries, Muratie, established in 1685.
Babylonstoren is next on your list. This traditional farm has an award-winning wine selection and specializes in innovative approaches to sustainable and organic agriculture. Have lunch at the renowned Pierneef a La Motte Restaurant before closing out your day by enjoying the sunset from the Franschhoek pass.
Overnight La Residence
Day 10 - 12
THE CEDERBERG
En route to the Cederberg, stop in at the famed Fairview Wine Farm for a gourmet cheese tasting followed by a visit to Tulbagh and the historical town of Riebeek Kasteel for an olive tasting.
From there, move onwards to the Cederberg, a wild landscape flanked by mountains that become bathed in vivid reds and oranges at sunset. This dynamic area plays host to the intense biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Guests can also see ancient rock art, swim in crystal clear rock pools, hike, boulder, and rock climb.
Check in to Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve, home to 130 ancient bushman rock art sites and a tranquil haven for wildlife and humans alike. Located in the heart of the Cederberg Mountain Range, the vast plains, majestic rock formations, and waterfalls set the scene for a stunning natural playground. The lodge’s hospitality also does not disappoint. To say that Bushman’s Kloof is luxurious doesn’t quite cut it. This secluded property has exceptional food and service and has even been voted as the Best Hotel in the World.
Overnight Bushman’s Kloof
Day 13 - 15
SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE
After a short flight from Cape Town, arrive in South Africa’s premiere wildlife viewing destination, Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Situated on Kruger National Park’s western corridor, Sabi Sands offers seclusion unfound in the rest of the park. Vehicle density in Sabi Sands is kept low, which in turn keeps wildlife density high. Leopard sightings here are legendary, as well as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, and a myriad of antelope.
Stay in Singita Boulders Lodge. This artfully designed lodge allows the barriers between guests and wildlife to melt away. Glass walls and airy spaces allow for a continuous flow, and unsurpassed connection with nature.
The décor is rustic yet luxurious, where masculine wood, iron, and rock are balanced with feminine flax linens and sheepskin rugs. Set along the banks of the Sand River, Singita Boulders is the perfect place to wait for the wildlife to come to you.
Overnight Singita Boulders Lodge
Day 16
Departure
No details have been spared over the past 16 days. After an exceptional and quintessentially South African trip, pack your belongings and prepare for your transfer to Johannesburg for your departing flight home.
