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South Africa: Vineyards, Big Five & Wild Coasts

11 NIGHTS · FLEXIBLE DATES · FROM $14,090 pp

20 YEARS OF CRAFTED TRAVEL

6,000+ TRAVELLERS SERVED

PERSONALLY VETTED BY OUR TEAM

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South Africa: Vineyards, Big Five & Wild Coasts · 11 nights
From · $14,090 pp
ABOUT THIS JOURNEY

For explorers and families who want a quintessential African experience with safaris, beaches, and endless adventure.


It’s time to discover South Africa: a land of staggering geographic diversity with dramatic oceans, urban sophistication, and thrilling untamed bushlands. Begin in Cape Town, where the iconic Table Mountain stands guard over the cosmopolitan cityscape and the pristine coastline. You’ll journey to Cape Point to meet the resident penguins, then dive into the Winelands on a delicious day trip. Heading east, Plettenberg Bay’s turquoise waters and white shores beckon you to bask in the sunshine. Next is a stopover in Johannesburg, then you’ll watch your safari dreams come true in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. At an ultra-luxury river lodge, enjoy front-row seats to the world’s most spectacular wildlife viewing, bringing this incredible African odyssey to a close.

DAYS 1 – 4

Cape Town

Cape Town reveals itself in jaw-dropping brilliance: A bustling metropolis sitting between sharp peaks and two crashing oceans. Arrive to find an elegant hotel and a free evening to unwind and feel the coastal breeze. Day two brings you through bustling streets to see an ancient fortress, across the sea to wander Robben Island, and up Table Mountain to soak in panoramic vistas. The following excursion is a cinematic exploration of the Atlantic Seaboard and Hout Bay, where you can stand at the continent’s edge at Cape Point, watch miniature penguins and passing whales, then walk the paths of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Lastly, you’ll be swept away to the exquisite Cape Winelands. On a full-day adventure, sip world-class wines as rolling vineyards rest in the shadow of mountain giants.

DAYS 5 – 7

Plettenberg Bay

The fun continues as you make your way east to the scenic Garden Route, arriving in beautiful Plettenberg Bay. At a fabulous seaside hotel, envelop yourself in coastal elegance from the comfort of your sea-view balcony. The following morning invites you to rest by the ocean and savor a fresh seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Monkeyland, a roaming sanctuary for primates including lemurs, monkeys, and gibbons. Your final day in Plettenberg Bay allows you to discover South Africa’s plentiful bird species at the world’s largest free-flight aviary. Finally, enjoy more sun-soaked relaxation at the beach before journeying to Johannesburg.

DAY 8

Johannesburg

Leaving the coastline behind, you travel inland to Johannesburg, South Africa’s dynamic, high-energy heart. Your eco-chic, design hotel is tucked away in the stylish, leafy neighborhood of Melrose. Perhaps you’d like to lounge beside the peaceful pool garden, visit the Giraffe Centre, or venture out to the upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and world-class art galleries. At sunset, book a table at a traditional grillhouse to try ostrich medallions or springbok steaks, then cap off the evening with some sultry tunes at a jazz bar. This lively interlude is the perfect segue into the safari quest awaiting you tomorrow.

DAYS 9 – 11

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

The grand finale arrives in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve at an ultra-luxury river lodge along the banks of the Sabie River. Your private deck offers views of the peaceful river and lush bushlands, where elephants and hippos gather at the water’s edge. In the evening, embark on a sunset game drive to see prowling predators, as well as porcupines, bushbabies, and owls exploring under the cover of night. The next two days offer more five-star safari immersion, with thrilling morning and evening game drives led by expert rangers and local trackers to pursue the iconic Big Five. Between drives, you may like to partake in a walking safari or indulge in a restorative massage at the on-site spa. On the last evening, relax under the stars with a glass of South African red wine: a perfect conclusion to this amazing journey.

DAY BY DAY

The highlights

  • DAY 1

    Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel for a four-night stay beneath Table Mountain.

  • DAY 2

    Discover the city’s history on a private tour taking in Robben Island, the Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap, the Castle of Good Hope, and the District Six Museum.

  • DAY 3

    Trace the coastline on a scenic Peninsula tour along Chapman’s Peak Drive, with stops at Hout Bay, Cape Point, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

  • DAY 4

    Sip your way through the Winelands on a private tour through Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most celebrated wine regions.

  • DAY 5

    Fly to Plettenberg Bay for a three-night stay along the Garden Route’s wild coastline.

  • DAY 6

    Spend the morning at leisure on Plettenberg Bay’s beaches, then visit Monkeyland, a free-roaming primate sanctuary where more than 550 monkeys, lemurs, and gibbons live wild in the forest, crossed by a swaying suspension bridge.

  • DAY 7

    A morning at Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to thousands of birds in a natural forest dome, followed by an afternoon at leisure on the beach.

  • DAY 8

    Fly to Johannesburg for an overnight stay at The Peech Hotel, a leafy garden retreat before heading into the bush.

  • DAY 9

    Transfer into the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for a three-night stay at Lion Sands River Lodge, bordering Kruger National Park and famed for some of Africa’s best leopard sightings alongside lion, elephant, and rhino.

  • DAY 10

    Morning and evening game drives through the reserve’s private traversing area, tracking the Big Five in open vehicles with expert trackers.

  • DAY 11

    A final day of game drives, with the chance to spot painted wolves and other rare predators that call Sabi Sand home.

  • DAY 12

    Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

“The best! Trip was seamless, planes, trains, car transport all coordinated through their app. Tremendously responsive and catering to our questions. Would not hesitate to use them again.”

GUY T. · GOOGLE REVIEW

“For a seamless unique vacation, WAC travel is the only one I would ever use again. I am a well seasoned traveler, and this is my third voyage with WAC travel each one has been perfect. The choice of hotels, itineraries, and dining experiences are superior. And no matter where you are in the world, they are available to answer questions as you travel. A truly stress-free, unforgettable experience.”

JOELLEN P. · GOOGLE REVIEW
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Everything taken care of

Door to door, from the moment you land until you fly home. Every road transfer and flight within South Africa is arranged for you, so there are no tickets to buy and no connections to figure out.

  • Private and shared road transfers
  • Flights within South Africa
  • Daily breakfast included
  • Daily gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of drinks (Sabi Sands)
  • Private full-day tours in Cape Town
  • Game drives and walking safaris
Meals not listed above are yours to enjoy wherever you like. International flights are not included.
PRICING
From $14,090 PER PERSON

Based on two people traveling together

  • 2 people traveling
    $14,090 pp
TRAVELING AS A GROUP?
This price is based on two people sharing. If you are traveling with family or friends, ask your travel designer about pricing for your group.

Prices are subject to change depending on your preferred dates of travel. Price does not include international flights.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Everything you want to know

A selection of questions about this itinerary and planning a trip to Italy. For more, visit our full FAQ page.

How do we start planning a trip with WAC?

With a conversation. We ask about how you like to travel, what’s brought you to this trip, and what would make it feel right, before suggesting anything specific.

Is insurance more important for international trips than domestic ones?

Generally, yes, given the higher cost of medical care abroad, evacuation logistics, and the complexity of rebooking multi-country itineraries.

Are flights included in the price?

International flights are booked separately from your itinerary price. We book business and premium class flights directly, usually arranged at the same time as your deposit, while economy fares are booked by you directly with the airline once we’ve pointed you toward the best options. We coordinate arrival timing regardless of how flights are booked.

What if members of a group are flying from different cities?

Very common, especially for multigenerational trips. We coordinate arrival windows and arrange group transfers once everyone lands, regardless of where each flight originates. Where it’s possible, we’ll also help align flights so part of the group can fly together for a leg of the journey, or failing that, so everyone lands around the same time.

Is South Africa safe for travelers?

With sensible precautions, yes, and this is exactly where a private guide and trusted drivers make the difference. We route you through well-established, well-lit areas and avoid the specific routes and situations that carry higher risk.

Can we combine Cape Town with a safari in one trip?

Yes, this is one of our most popular South Africa itineraries, several days in Cape Town and the Winelands followed by a flight to a safari region such as Kruger or a private reserve.

What currency is used, and are cards widely accepted?

The South African Rand. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Cape Town and other cities, with ATMs easy to find.

What’s the best time of year for Cape Town?

November through March, the Southern Hemisphere summer, offers the warmest, driest weather, though spring and autumn are pleasant as well with fewer crowds.

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