South Africa Wine, Cape Town, and Bush Safari
January 18th to 29th, 2028
Join me on this unique tour of South Africa with a wonderful mix of great wine, outstanding cuisine, history, culture, scenic beauty, and a safari experience that is second to none. I’ve taken the best of my experiences over the past four year with four different tour groups. Starting in Stellenboach is a great introduction to the Western Cape region. We take a break from wine touring with a couple nights in Cape Town for a ride up to the top of Table Mountain and a visit to Robben Island is an important item for any visitor to the city. Then we’re back into wine country with time in Franschhoek. We wrap the tour up with three wonderful nights at the Kariega Game Preserve for an all-inclusive experience in a private lodge. Guests are treated to 5-star service and cuisine with access to up to 6 game drives during the stay.
I’ve selected this time in January because the weather is generally exceptional on the cape. A great opportunity to escape winter weather at home. It’s the warm dry season in the Western Cape. Expect mostly sunny days with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s.
It’s possible that another departure will be added to follow this one. It all depends on the level of interest. I have conducted a similar tour in four different years, all with outstanding results.
This tour includes:
- Three nights in Stellenbosch
- Two nights in Cape Town
- Three nights in Franschhoek
- Three nights in Kariega Game Reserve
- Domestic flights
- Six game drives
- Breakfast each morning
- Most dinners
- Many lunches
- Admission to sites, tastings, and attractions as indicated
- Air-conditioned motor coach transportation throughout
- Services of a local guide
What’s not included:
- Some meals
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Pricing
International Airfare is not included. The fare for a Seattle/Cape Town R/T itinerary is expected to be priced at under $1800 for coach travel. Assistance is available for booking these flights.
Pricing and payment schedule:
This tour is limited to 16-18 participants. The cost is $6,490 per person, based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $3400 and is limited to 2 single participants. The initial deposit is $2,000 per person with the balance due September 15th, 2027. There is a discount of $220 per person for guests paying by Zelle/Check/ACH instead of Visa/Mastercard.
Early booking discount of $200 per person applies through May 31st 2026.
Daily Itinerary- from which to choose
DAY 1: Tuesday, January 18
We’ll begin the tour in the town on Stellenbosch, our base for the first three nights of the tour. Starting with three days in wine country, move to Cape Town for a bit of local culture and history, then back for three days in Franschhoek wine country. Arrival flight times should have us on the group at Cape Town International Airport and ready to roll by noon.
Once we’ve met our guide and driver, we’ll be on our way to the hotel. Given that it’s a bit early to check in and we’d like to get on a local schedule as soon as possible, we’ll stop en-route for a wine tasting and light lunch. We’ll arrive in Stellenbosch by 3:30 with dinner planned this evening at 6:00 PM near the hotel. Overnight Stellenbosch (LD)
DAY 2: Wednesday, January 19
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: Thursday, January 20
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: Friday, January 21
We depart our Stellenbosch Hotel in the morning for Cape Town, a distance of about 35 miles. En-route, we’ll take the cableway up to the top of Table Mountain. We’ll take about 90 minutes to wander/hike/walk and enjoy the views. There are two cafés on top to grab a quick bite.
In the afternoon we’ll take part in a walking tour of the city center, which includes: Bo-Kaap, Company’s Gardens, Greenmarket Square, and Bree, Long, and Kloof Streets. We’ll arrive at our waterfront hotel about 3:00 PM. You’ll have a bit of free time late on the waterfront this afternoon. Dinner is scheduled nearby at 7:00 this evening. Overnight Cape Town. (BD)
DAY 5: Saturday, January 22
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. 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. In the early evening, we’ll journey to the seaside community of Camps Bay for a sunset seafood feast. Return to the hotel after dinner. Overnight Cape Town. (BD)
DAY 6: Sunday, January 23
We depart the Victoria & Albert Waterfront shortly after breakfast for a drive to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. We’ll spend about an hour in the park. Then we’re off to Franschhoek, a wine town with a decidedly French feel. En-route, we’ll stop at Waterford Estate for a Reserve Tasting with charcuterie. We’ll arrive in Franschhoek about 3:00 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 7: Monday, January 24
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: Tuesday, January 25
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 8: Wednesday, January 26
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. (BD) Overnight Ukhozi Lodge
DAY 8: Thursday, January 27
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. Overnight Ukhozi Lodge (BLD)
DAY 9: Friday, January 28
Today 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 see lions up close. I speak from experience on this. Overnight Ukhozi Lodge (BLD)
DAY 10: Saturday, January 29
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. Our local flight is designed to join up with scheduled flights home. You’ll pick up your baggage at the domestic terminal, then check in for your early evening departure on Emirates, Qatar, British, etc. (B)
Hotels
Stellenbosch de Wagon Boutique Hotel
Aan de Wagen Road, Stellenbosch
+27 21 415 4444
Franschhoek @ Franschhoek Hotel
R45 Main Road
+27 21 753 1680
Cape Town Radisson Red Hotel
No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
+27 87 086 1578
Port Elizabeth Ukhozi Lodge-Kariega Game reserve
FAQ
Politics, Safety, and security
South Africa continues to be on the state department warning list for violence and crime against tourists. These stats are largely from large cities in the north of the country. Johannesburg and Praetoria are not friendly places, which is precisely why they were not included in this tour itinerary. Cape Town depends greatly on tourism and the authorities have taken measures to combat crime. That said, it’s still not a good idea to wander on your own after dark.
The Western Cape is the only South African province not under the control of the African Nation Congress, which has had a history of corruption. The Western Cape gives more priority to keeping the infrastructure intact, with an eye to keeping tourists coming.
Common sense applies. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. You need to be extra alert just about the time your guard is down. Searching for an item in tour purse, making a phone call, checking a bag, taking a photo. These are all times when you’re distracted, flashing a green light to the people who want what you’re got.
There is safety in numbers. Don’t flash signs of wealth. Leave your jewelry at home. Be especially alert at the ATM and go with a friend. The number to phone police in South Africa is 10111.
Vaccinations
Some health sites include South Africa in a large list of developing countries for a hepatitis vaccination. That’s the only specific recommendation that I have. Our safari destination is not in a malarial zone. Malaria pills, which can carry side effects, are not necessary.
Weather
I’m looking forward to another summer in the southern hemisphere. Temperatures run warm to hot for late January and February. Humidity is relatively low in Cape Town, but more humid inland. Plenty of daylight with sunrise about 6AM. Sun set about 8:00 PM.
City average high average low Inches of rain/month
Cape Town 85 63 0.5
Port Elizabeth 83 61 1.4
Dress
We’re casual the entire tour. No need for dress apparel. Comfort is the key-Layer up in the morning, remove layers as needed. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as is a light-weight rain jacket. Consider a sun hat.
It’s important to bring the appropriate gear for safari. Comfortable shoes, jacket for the morning and evening, sun hat, bug spray. Not advisable to wear shorts in the bush. Long pants are a better idea. I recently purchased convertible, light weight hiking pants at Columbia Sportswear. The legs zip off, making them ideal for cool morning temps, warming in the afternoon.
Passports and Visa
There is currently no visa required for South Africa for Americans traveling to the country for less than 90 days. Americans traveling to South Africa should have a minimum of 30 days validity remaining on their passport.
Travel Insurance
Though not mandated, it’s worth considering. Travel insurance programs likely won’t provide coverage if the world shuts down again, but it will reimburse you for your tour costs if you have to cancel at the last minute. Many policies now provide compensation if you’re forced to pay out of pocket to isolate. There are two companies that have done a better job than most at paying and being responsive to claims…
https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/
Roughly ½ of my clients purchase a policy. I had a last-minute cancellation for a Costa Rica tour last December, caused by a traffic accident on the way to the airport. Her auto insurance (or the guy who hit her) may reimburse for some of the missed trip. If she’d had a policy in place, she would have been compensated through the policy.
Getting There-Flights to Cape Town
There are many airlines that will get you to Cape Town. I’m using Seattle as an example here since most participants will come from there.
The warmest connection cities on your way to Cape Town would be Emirates Air via Dubai or Qatar Airlines via Doha. More on this later. You also have KLM Via Amsterdam, British Airways via London or Lufthansa via Frankfurt. There are other airlines that will get you there via east coast gateways, but I strongly advocate flights over the pole for the most convenient service.
It’s not a short trip. Depending on the carrier and connection time, you’ll spend between 22 and 35 hours in transit. You may want to consider stopping over at the connection point either direction or possibly both ways. All of these airlines allow for a layover at their hub without additional costs. Staying over to stretch your legs, sleep a solid 8 hours, or see some new sights will provide for a South Africa arrival in better shape mentally and physically.
Emirates connects via Dubai. The flight from Dubai to Cape Town departs at 4:00AM with an arrival into Cape Town at 11:30 AM. Keep that late/early departure time in mind when planning. Qatar Airways via Doha has a similar schedule.
British Airways connects via London/Heathrow. The flight from London to Cape Town departs at 9:30 PM, with an arrival a little before noon. Both of these options employ a redeye from the connecting city, arriving in Cape Town the morning of the start of the tour. Similar schedules are operated by Qatar Airlines and Lufthansa, with an arrival before noon.
The exception to this is Delta/KLM, with an elapsed travel time of only 22 hours from Seattle to Cape Town (Via Amsterdam). The short, 90-minute connection time concerns me and the connecting flight from Amsterdam departs in the AM, with a late-night arrival. Anyone using this schedule would want to arrive a day early to join the tour by noon.
Qatar Airways and British Air have the best fares at this moment at under $1500 round trip. I generally suggest you set up a fare alert online with Kayak.com. You’ll receive email advice from the site with suggestions on fare trends and the best time to buy or wait. I will likely book with either Emirates or Qatar with plans to spend a couple nights on the Arabian Peninsula on the way to Cape Town. I would be happy to make arrangements for anyone wishing to explore
If you’re searching for a place to extend or enhance your tour, consider a stopover for a few nights to sightsee and catch your break in Dubai, Doha for warmer temps, or Amsterdam, London, or Istanbul, for colder connection points. Some airlines, depending on your fare, will offer stopover programs at a discount.
Our plan is to pick up at the airport to begin our tour close to 12:00 PM. Pick your arrival in Cape Town between 6:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
If you wish to come a day or two earlier to get your bearings and rest up, Stellenbosch is a nice town to spend a few more days. Hotel rate for early arrival, which include breakfast, is $335 per night.
When you depart Cape Town after the tour:
For your return flight, it is important that you not book return departures prior to 7:00 PM. We are flying on a domestic flight from Port Elizabeth that arrives at Cape Town at 4:00 PM. Most of the major carriers have flights departing from Cape Town at this time, including Emirates, Qatar, Virgin, Delta, British, and United. The Turkish Airways flight at 5:30 PM is a few minutes too early.
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.