South Africa Wine and Safari Tour – with Shriti Plimpton of Fence Stile Winery

February 10-February 21, 2024

Due to a recent cancellation, this tour is now available for either a single or double. Flights are still available at reasonable rates. If you would like more information, send a note to bjcilley@gmail.com with the header “South Africa”. If you’d like to book this tour, complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Itinerary | Flights | Pricing | Reserve

A wine-lover’s tour of South Africa at a perfect time of year. Summer temperatures and sunny skies in Cape Town are a pleasant alternative to winter at home. We’ll visit some of the country’s premier wine producers, experience nature up close on safari, discovery important historical events, and soak up some South African sunshine.

This tour is hosted by Shriti Plimpton, winemaker and owner of Fence Stile Winery in Excelsior Springs Missouri.  This tour, and the two others offered to South Africa in 2024, are completely booked. We’re currently discussing tour locations for 2025. Register for the monthly newsletter!

Your tour includes:

  • 11 nights accommodations in South Africa
    • 4 nights Stellenbosch
    • 1 nights Cape Town
    • 3 nights Franschhoek
    • 3 nights on Safari at Kariega Nature Reserve
  • Air-conditioned motor coach transportation
  • Meals on tour, including
    • Breakfast each morning
    • Eight dinners
    • Seven lunches
  • Sightseeing, wine tasting and admissions as indicated in the tour itinerary
  • Pre-tour stopover options in Dubai

This 11-night tour is limited to 14-16 participants.

Items not included in your tour costs:

  • Personal items
  • Some meals
  • Gratuities

11-night Itinerary

DAY 1: Sunday, February 11th

We’ll begin the tour in the town on Stellenbosch, our base for the first four nights of the tour.  Kansas City departures via Atlanta on Delta Airlines arrive in the early evening.  We’ll meet our guide and driver and proceed to Stellenbosch, just 40 minutes away.  We’ll check into the hotel, followed by a late, light dinner.  Overnight Stellenbosch (D)

DAY 2: Monday, February 12th

Touring wineries in and around the town of Paarl.  We’ll start the day with a short drive to the North for a visit at Nederburg Winery for a food and wine pairing lunch.  Afterward, we’ll visit Babylonstoren for a self-guided tour of the grounds and fabulous garden before we meet at the cellar for a tour and wine tasting.  We’ll return to Stellenbosch in the late afternoon for time to do a little shopping or just rest up.  Dinner is on your own this evening.  Overnight Stellenbosch (BL)

DAY 3: Tuesday, February 13th  

Another day of wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area first with a visit to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden for an opportunity to stretch your legs.  We’ll then visit Uva Mira Winery for their collection tasting a selection of meats and cheeses.    Next visit is to Rust en Vrede Winery for a winemakers’ lunch with pairings.    Return to the Stellenbosch Hotel late afternoon.  Dinner is hosted at 7:00 PM near the hotel.  Overnight Stellenbosch (BD)

DAY 4: Wednesday, February 14th

We take a little bit of a break today from wine to experience a bit of Cape Town and the coastline as we depart our Stellenbosch Hotel in the morning just after breakfast.  We’ll first drive through the very colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood with a photo stop.  Then we’ll visit one of the best Botanical gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch.  You’ll have time to visit the garden and to enjoy lunch on your own before we continue our day with a visit to the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach.  Dinner is scheduled near the hotel at 7:00 this evening.  Overnight Stellenbosch. (BD)

DAY 5: Thursday, February 15th

We depart our Stellenbosch hotel shortly after breakfast with a wine visit at Waterford Estate for a Reserve Tasting with charcuterie.    We’ll stop in Gordon’s Bay for lunch on your own before continuing on to Franschhoek.  There’s one more winery visit  (TBD) this afternoon before our expected arrival in Franschhoek about 4:00 PM for check in.  Your afternoon is free to explore the town before meeting for dinner in town at 7:00 PM.  Overnight Franschhoek (BLD)

DAY 6: Friday, February 16th

Today is an independent day with tickets on the Franschhoek Wine Tram that runs through the valley.  Take your pick between eight different lines, each visiting a selection of wine estates showcasing a separate part of the Franschhoek Valley.

The Hop-on Hop-off experience allows you to curate and plan your own day. You get to choose how long you spend at each spot (within the line schedule, of course), where you eat, where you drink, and the activities you partake in.

Your experience begins at either the Franschhoek Terminal, where you can grab a coffee, and browse merchandise while waiting for your journey to start.

From the terminals, you will be transported around your selected line’s loop of stops on a combination of double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus, allowing you to disembark when you like.  Dinner is on your own this evening.  Overnight Franschhoek (B)

DAY 7: Saturday, February 17th

We’re back to serious wine tasting Our first winery visit of the day is at Stonybrook.  We’ll have a tasting of five of their wines.  The second visit today will be at Boschendal Wine Estate for a premium wine tasting with cheeses, charcuterie, and local breads.  Both of these wineries are making award winning wines. You’re on your own for dinner this evening.  Overnight Franschhoek (BL)

DAY 8: Sunday, February 18th

We’re scheduled on a mid-day flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth to travel to the Eastern Cape and our safari experience.  The flight takes about an hour, with a bus ride to the preserve about another hour.  We’ll arrive the Kariega Nature Reserve about 4:00 PM in time for an orientation to the property and our safari activities for the next 2 ½ days.  Ukhozi Lodge is all inclusive, which means that your welcome cocktail in the main lodge is just waiting for you.  Dinner will be in the main lodge this evening.    We’ll have a welcome cocktail this evening followed by dinner.  Overnight Ukhozi Lodge (BD) 

DAY 9: Monday, February 19th

Your first safari day begins with an early morning wake up call for the morning game drive.  We return to the lodge in late morning for a big breakfast, followed by free time.  Lunch is served shortly afternoon noon.  Your afternoon game time takes place just before dinner.  Most of the action in the preserve takes place in the morning or late afternoon/early evening.  Dinner takes place at the lodge later this evening.    

You’re free to opt out of any of the game drives, but you’ll miss out.  The morning drive I skipped was our-close up lion encounter.  We’d seen a pride the day before at a distance, but the drive I missed was a much better experience.  Overnight Ukhozi Lodge (BLD)

DAY 10: Tuesday, February 20th

Day Two in the game preserve is similar to the previous safari day.  There are two game drives offered each day.  You may choose to opt out of one or more.  It’s almost a guarantee that the one time you stay back is the one where you get to wildlife up close or the elusive Cheetah.  I speak from experience on this.   Overnight Ukhozi Lodge (BLD)

DAY 11: Wednesday, February 21st

We’ll depart the lodge shortly after breakfast (and another game drive if there’s interest) for the hour-long drive to Port Elizabeth and the flight to Cape Town.  We’ll have time to visit the boardwalk and beach in Port Elizabeth before taking our local flight back to Cape Town. 

We’re staying close the airport this evening, but have plans to venture into Camps Bay for a farewell seafood feast at The Cod Father (a much better restaurant than the name implies).    Overnight Cape Town (BD)

DAY 12: Thursday, February 22nd

We’ll be on the first ferry to Robben Island this morning for a tour of the museum and prison complex known primarily for its association with Nelson Mandela.  We’re just about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal. 

After an introductory tour of the island, you’ll have a tour of the prison with either a former guard or prisoner as your guide of the complex.

You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and the waterfront area in the afternoon.  Then we’re off on a visit by cable car to the top of Table Mountain for an opportunity to walk the natural area on top or have a drink to enjoy the views.  

We’ll return to the hotel by 4:00 PM with time to freshen up for the drop at Cape Town Airport for flights home.  Two airport shuttles will be available.  For guests on the earlier United flight at 8:50 PM, your transportation will depart from the hotel at 6:30 PM.  Guests booked on the later Delta flight at 10:55 PM will depart the hotel at 8:15 PM.  You’ll arrive at the airport for a 2-hour check in window.    (B)

DAY 13: Friday, February 23rd

Your flight arrives in Kansas City in the late morning or early afternoon. 

Safari

I’ve chosen a game reserve and safari experience in a Malaria-free zone.

Your safari stay includes your meals, and two safari excursions per day. We need to set those up the evening before each day’s tours. Alcohol is not included, but is available for purchase.

HOTELS ON OUR ITINERARY

Cape Town: Radisson Red

Stellenbosch: Oude Werf Hotel

Safari: Ukhozi Lodge-Kariega Game Preserve

Franschhoek: Protea Hotel Franschhoek

Getting There: Flights to Cape Town

Since most tour participants are coming from Missouri, schedules from Kansas City (MCI) are suggested here.  If you are originating from another city, I can arrange flights that coincide with these flights.

Delta offers the best schedule and fare with one-stop connections to Cape Town.  These flights connect each direction in Atlanta.  It’s suggested that you opt for the longer connection time on your outbound flight.  The shorter connection allows for just under an hour.  That’s risky if your first leg is delayed at all.

The Delta arrival comes in at 6:00 PM, so a light meal would be available in the evening.  Here are the suggested flights to book for this itinerary:

  • DL 2908         10FEB24        MCI/ATL        12:27 PM        3:23 PM
  • DL 210            10FEB24        ATL/CPT          8:50 PM        6:15 PM +1
  • DL 239           22FEB24        CPT/ATL        10:50 PM        8:10 AM +1
  • DL 2908         23FEB24        ATL/MCI        10:15 AM      11:27 AM

  • UA 6055        10FEB24         MCI/IAD        12:37 PM         3:59 PM
  • UA 2222        10FEB24         IAD/CPT          6:40 PM         4:10 PM +1
  • UA 1123          22FEB24        CPT/EWR        8:50 PM         5:45 AM +1
  • UA 1330         23FEB24        EWR/MCI      10:55 AM         1:23 PM

These are samples from Kansas City, assuming most guests on this tour would originate there.  Guests coming from other cities would use feeder flights from their closest airport to link with the international flights.

British Airways publishes a schedule as well, but with a double connection via Dallas and London.  Delta is shorter and more direct.  I anticipate fares to range from $1500-$1800, depending on when you purchase your tickets.

Weather in Cape Town for January

Expect ideal conditions with highs around 80, lows in the mid-60s, with low precipitation and cloud cover. It’s hard to imagine a better time to visit.

Documentation

You’ll need a passport with at least 30 days validity from your departure from the country. Considering that many of the countries you’ll connect through will require 3-6 months of validity, make sure your documents are up to date.  No visa is required at this time.

Pricing

This tour is based on a maximum of 16 participants. Share cost, based on double occupancy, is $5,650 per person. The single supplement is $1,000. These prices assume payment is made by Visa/MasterCard. Guests opting to pay by check in lieu of credit card, may take a credit of $160 per person. Price does not include flights from the USA, but assistance is booking assistance is available for anyone needing it.

Complete the online registration. Once that is done, a non-refundable deposit of $2000 is due within seven days of confirmation. Guests paying by check should send payment to the Woodinville office. Guests paying by Visa/MasterCard will receive a secure link to process payment online.  Balance of tour payment is due October 15, 2023. Assistance with booking flights is available.

What if I need to cancel my flight, tour or cruise?

Because payments are non-refundable, it’s strongly suggested that you consider travel insurance for this investment.  The exception to this is in the event that a replacement is found to take the place of a cancelling party. 

Both of the companies listed below have a policy rate calculator online.  Enter the cost of your tour and personal data to receive a no-obligation cost estimate.      Two recommended companies are:

Generali Travel Insurance Travelex Insurance

Cancellation insurance will range in price based on the cost of your travel and the age of the applicant.  Get a quote at the websites above before making a purchase.  If you have a pre-existing condition to cover, you usually must purchase your policy within 2 weeks of the initial deposit.

Make Your Reservation!

If you have any questions about this tour, please contact Brad Cilley at brad@nwtravel.com or by phone at 425 375 2676.