South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, and Wildlife

Arrive in Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa! Cape Town, which faces north across Table Bay, has thrived from its birth, first as a Dutch settlement in 1652 when Jan van Ribeeck established it as a supply station for ships of the Dutch East India Company, and later, under the British as a port supplying ships with food and fresh water from the perennial mountain streams.

During your adventure you’ll get to know your expert South African guide, who will be with you every step of the way as you explore the area around Cape Town and will teach you about wildlife behavior as you search for exciting animals on safari. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy dinner as a group this evening, where you’ll get to know your guide and fellow travelers.
Dinner

Overnight: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town
Arriving in Simonstown, meet your sea-kayaking guide for a safety briefing and then gear up for a few hours of easy paddling in twin kayaks along the False Bay coast. Not to worry, as these are safe, comfortable “sit-on-top” kayaks which require almost no balance or skill. Paddle to the Boulders Beach’s colony of African Penguins and view them from the ocean as they swim around this quaint cove.

Leaving the kayaks, you’ll have lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

Drive along the Cape Peninsula, surrounded by spectacular mountains, rugged shorelines, a variety of flowering plants, and the blue sea. Covering over 19,000 acres, the Cape Point Reserve houses a truly astonishing variety of plant species – about 1,200 – of which 30 are considered rare.

Note for Today: Bring your swimsuit and t-shirt, a windbreaker, sunhat and sunscreen, a towel and a change of comfortable clothes.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town
Discover the internationally acclaimed vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek on the Western Cape, along a scenic route. A stop at the historic estate of Boschendal will introduce you to some of the most brilliantly preserved Cape Dutch buildings in the Cape and its collection of priceless period furniture. At Franschhoek, explore lovely antique shops and gardens, where the French first settled in 1688. Stop in the university town of Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, undoubtedly the most scenic and historically preserved town in Southern Africa. Oak-lined streets next to water furrows compliment the many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture – all part of this unique “Town of Oaks”.

Lunch will be at one of the many classic restaurants in the area.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town
Your first port of call this morning is Bloubergstrand, which in Afrikaans is “blue mountain beach” after Blouberg. Much of Bloubergstrand’s attraction lies in its white sandy beaches from which you’ll get picture-postcard views of Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, can also be seen quite clearly from the beach at Bloubergstrand.

Continue north along the Atlantic coast to the West Coast National Park, a jewel in this peninsula’s crown. The park is a paradise for some 55,000 birds, belonging to more than 150 species, that gather here each year – many migrating from northern climates to breed. Walking trails are the best way to experience the park’s scenery, with stunning views of the sea, as well as fynbos and birdlife.

Visit the information center at Geelbek, a historic farm and national monument, then drive through a private section of the park to see bontebok, eland and zebra grazing amidst vast carpets of spring blooms, a feature for which this landscape is famous.

After lunch, return to the city, pausing to view the Moravian Mission Station at Mamre, and possibly, stopping off at the West Coast Ostrich Farm or Fossil Park en route.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town
Table Mountain is the signature of Cape Town, easily one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. Frequently a cloud covers this flat-topped mountain, which rises to 3,563 feet above sea level, and the locals affectionately call it a white tablecloth. Take the cable car to the top (weather permitting) and explore the mountain’s summit.

Enjoy a walk through the historical heart of the Bo-Kaap, complete with a mini shopping safari. Meet the guide at the Bo-Kaap museum for a unique insight into the origins and history of the Cape Malay people. Across the street from the museum is the bustling spice market, where you will learn about the origins of the spices and how they are used in Cape Malay cuisine.

To learn first-hand about Cape Malay cuisine, you’ll have a warm, home-hosted Cape Malay welcome, learning how to fold samosas, and discovering this traditional and deliciously spicy Cape Malay dish. Once you’ve mastered the art, sit down to enjoy the feast that you created.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town to Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Fly to Skukuza, where you will be picked up and transferred to your stunning lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the most prestigious wildlife sanctuaries in the world, with unfenced borders neighboring the Kruger National Park, and is famed for its leopards and incredible wildlife. The uniqueness of the lodge is its ideal positioning on the Sand River with exclusive access to the riverbed.

Settle in this afternoon. Kick your feet up and look for wildlife around the property or take a dip in the inviting pool.

Head out for an evening game drive, searching for the Big Five. When you return, enjoy a candlelit dinner as a group this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kirkman’s Kamp

Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Sabi Sand is known for its diversity of animals including the Big Five. During your stay you are likely to spot a variety of wildlife including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, kudu, and possibly the rare wild dogs. Two daily game drives provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to African wildlife.

Take time between your game drives to read a book, visit the pool, or make an appointment with the spa.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kirkman’s Kamp

Sabi Sand to Timbavati Nature Reserve
Enjoy one last morning drive from Kirkman’s Kamp. Transfer to Tanda Tula Safari Camp by road, watching for wildlife along the way.

Spend the afternoon exploring your new camp. Enjoy afternoon tea with your group. Enjoy another evening game drive and see what makes this new area different from your last lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Timbavati Nature Reserve
Enjoy another day of wildlife drives and optional guided safari walks. Soak in all the amazing scenery and wildlife.

Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with Kruger National Park, allowing the animals free range, and ensuring that guests can view the greatest diversity of wildlife that South Africa has to offer. The reserve is home to the great cats – lion, leopard and cheetah – as well as elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, zebra, giraffe and a host of antelope.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Timbavati Nature Reserve
Spend one more incredible day in the rhythm of the bush. Wake up before dawn for a quick coffee or tea and hop in your open-sided vehicle. Hear the bush start to come alive as the sun comes up and watch the animals begin their morning routine. After incredible wildlife sightings, head back to camp for a delicious breakfast and take the middle of the day to relax and soak in your surroundings. Have afternoon tea and snacks before heading out for another game drive to search for wildlife in the golden evening light.

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an incredible trip!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Depart South Africa
Enjoy one last morning in the bush before departing South Africa. Drive to the Hoedspruit airstrip and fly back to Johannesburg where you will connect with your flights home.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.