Suggested Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Cape Town’s best and most exciting features on private tours.
- Volunteer with numerous neighborhood initiatives, enriching the lives of local children and communities.
- Visit one of the country’s only carbon-neutral wineries.
- Have an elevated conservation safari experience.
- Contribute to the sustainability of the desert black rhino, white rhino, and cheetah.
DAY 1: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN
HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE CAPE TOWN
Arrive in Cape Town, where you will be met by a representative who will take you on the 30-minute drive to your hotel located a historic square in Cape Town. Use the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax or explore the surroundings of this centrally located carbon-neutral hotel.
DAY 2: CAPE TOWN TOURING
HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE CAPE TOWN
Set off this morning for a day exploring the highlights of Cape Town, including a visit to the stunning Cape Point, the trendy V&A Waterfront, and the azure waters of Camps Bay.
A stunning destination from the ocean to the sky, Cape Town is a unique city with something for everyone. The landscapes range from sparkling turquoise beaches to majestic mountains. Unwind at a nearby award-winning winery, or stay in the lively atmosphere of the city, taking in the vibrant culture from the cafes and restaurants.
DAY 3: HALF DAY OF VOLUNTEERING WITH A LOCAL PROJECT
HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE CAPE TOWN
Your driver will collect you after breakfast for half-day of volunteering. You’ll have the option to choose from one of the following:
Vegetable Garden and Soup Kitchen
Get back in touch with your roots while volunteering at the extensive organic vegetable garden and yoga/meditation studio based on a local farm. Lend a helping hand to plant, harvest, water, and prepare the soil in the farm’s vegetable garden, then assist with the preparation and serving of the homemade soup, provided for the elderly, youth, and those in poor health. To help you further connect with nature, take some time today to participate in the studio’s optional meditation and yoga classes.
iGardi Project
Established to provide disadvantaged school children with daily nutritious meals, iGardi has grown to have many vegetable gardens that need help maintaining. Plant vegetable seedlings, build new garden beds and assist with running workshops for staff and students. Leave a positive impact by supporting the underprivileged communities of Cape Town in a sustainable and fun way.
The Philile Project
With a mission to transform communities through education and wellness, The Philile Project is an after school program which also holds in-office workshops, eco-learning lessons, and physical activity workshops. Get involved to help run one or more of these exciting projects.
The Butterfly Art Project
Based at a primary school in the Cape Flats, the Bufferfly Art Project empowers children to use therapeutic art activities as a method of healing. The children can explore and grow their artistic abilities in this safe space, creating positive change for themselves and those around them. Give your support to the teachers and school by taking part in a variety of activities such as painting murals and assisting in renovating new classrooms. Instead of interacting with the children, you’ll help with the preparation and serving of meals, administration, and support activities.
DAY 4: SEE CAPE TOWN’S SIGHTS
HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE CAPE TOWN
This morning, your local guide will meet at your hotel for an exciting 5-hour tour of Cape Town City and Table Mountain. Admire the views of Camps Bay as you ascend by cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, then wander through the Company Gardens from the 17th century, and stop for coffee at the Daily Telegraph’s best voted cafe worldwide.
Take part in a cultural journey in the District 5 museum, and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel for a quick rest. This afternoon, set out to see other favorite sights of Cape Town, such as Two Oceans Aquarium or Robben Island.
DAY 5: WINERY TOUR IN THE WINELANDS
LEEU ESTATE
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet your driver for the 50-minute private transfer to Franschhoek, located in the world-famous Winelands. En route, stop for a cellar tour and wine tasting at one of the three carbon-neutral, sustainably farmed South African wineries.
Upon arrival in Franschhoek, check into your boutique style hotel located on a wine estate. Sample the organically grown Mullineux & Leeu wines and spend the remainder of your day at the winery, wandering throughout the town, or joining one of the many surrounding activities.
DAY 6: VOLUNTEER AT THE LOCAL LEARNING CENTER
LEEU ESTATE
Have an early breakfast then from 9 am, spend a few hours or a full day volunteering at the recently opened Learning Centre in Franschhoek. The Centre provides complimentary online education and resources to help the local youth to learn leadership and gain life skills. The initiative was created to transform the lives of the children in the Franschhoek Valley. Contribute to the project by participating in educational games, arts & crafts, and by teaching a variety of subjects via computer programs.
DAY 7-9 OR DAY 7-11: CONSERVATION SAFARI
GONDWANA GAME RESERVE
Admire the last of the valley views during breakfast, then prepare for your South African safari! Your driver will collect you for the transfer to Cape Town Airport. From here, take the short 45-minute flight to George.
From George airport, a driver will be waiting to make the 45-minute transfer to the safari lodge on a private Big 5 game reserve.
Gondwana Game Reserve isn’t your traditional safari experience. Elevate your African adventure to the next level by getting involved in a unique conservation program at this private lodge. Learn about wildlife and field management, gain traditional bush skills while learning how to interpret the land, and of course, admire the incredible views and game sightings from the environmentally-friendly, upscale tents located on the game reserve.
The accommodation contains comfortable tents with private bathrooms and covered deck areas. The intimate camp, which hosts up to 10 guests at a time, has two expert field guides and a private chef.
Each day at Gondwana Game Reserve will be slightly different. Start the day with an early breakfast and a morning activity such as locating cheetah, or monitoring leopard cameras. Visit the conservation project site before enjoying either a packed lunch on-site or return to the lodge to eat. The afternoon will consist of a conservation or field project. Monitor wildlife activity on an evening game drive then freshen up at camp in time to share your day’s stories over a homemade dinner.
Interested in booking this itinerary or customizing a trip to South Africa? Get in touch with a private travel designer!
