Compare Western Cape self-drive discovery by Audley Travel vs Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari by Ker & Downey Africa
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,567 | $ 16,797 |
| Price Per Day | $ 238 | $ 1,400 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
South Africa is beguiling in its variety. It’s confident, cosmopolitan Cape Town but it’s also big game viewing in Kruger National Park, the farmsteads and valleys of the Winelands, and the remote, wild Elephant Coast. Our South Africa specialists have thoroughly explored this land of contrasts, from the north to the Cape Peninsula, and can recommend the best South African experiences for you.
On your holiday to South Africa, you could learn about the country’s colonial past in the battlefields of KwaZulu Natal, or focus on its more recent history with a visit to Robben Island. Take a relaxed road trip along the Garden Route, enjoying views over the wave-lashed coast. Or go on a Big Five safari in the Eastern Cape. Meanwhile, rail journeys traversing South Africa’s mountain ranges, grasslands, and semi-arid Karoo Desert allow you to see the country’s untouched, far-flung areas. |
A country of incredible diversity, South Africa’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and epic wildlife offer something special for every traveler. This 12 day itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the country’s most sought-after destinations, taking you to the vibrant city of Cape Town, the scenic Cape Winelands and concludes with a unique private safari experience in the Kalahari. In true Ker & Downey® Africa style, you will stay in some of the country’s most exclusive hotels and lodges, visit the top sights on private guided tours, savor culinary delights of the Winelands, and experience day and night game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris and visit habituated meerkats. A highlight of your Kalahari safari will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Cape Town.
Day 2 : Cape Town
On arrival into Cape Town, you will be met by an Audley representative. You will be escorted through the airport and meet your driver who will drive you to your accommodation in Cape Town. Later today you may wish to get your trip off to an exciting start with a trip up Table Mountain. The Cableway allows for stunning 360 degree views across the city as you travel up and down.
Day 3 : Cape Town
Today you will be taken on a full day shared tour of the Cape Peninsula's beautifully rugged coastline, passing through pretty towns and villages. You will visit Cape Point which is one of the most iconic spots in South Africa. Here you can take a funicular to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. You will also see the African penguin colony at Boulders Bay and take a stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of native flora.
Day 4 : Cape Town
Today you will take the half-day excursion to Robben Island. You will learn about where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and learn the history of the island and of Apartheid. The trip departs from the V&A Waterfront and takes about three and a half hours including the ferry ride.
Day 5 : Franschhoek
This morning your hire car will be delivered to you at your guest house before you drive for around an hour and a half to the town of Franschhoek in the Winelands, passing through a patchwork of vineyards and green countryside. After settling into your accommodation, spend the rest of the day exploring the town with its variety of charming boutique shops. Franschhoek is widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa, so we recommend dining in one of its many award winning restaurants.
Day 6 : Franschhoek
Today you will make the most of your location in the Winelands by visiting some of the area's wine estates. You will be on board the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which leaves the town several times a day and runs on a circular route, stopping at various wineries along the way where you can hop on and hop off. A portion of your route involves being transported on the tram which is open-sided so you can enjoy views over the countryside. Many wineries can prepare a picnic for you to enjoy in their vineyards if booked in advance.
Day 7 : Franschhoek
We can arrange for you to have a private guided wine tour of the area. One of the best is led by Pietman Retief, who can tailor the tour to your interests, bringing in his knowledge of history, culture and architecture as well as wine. You visit various wine estates to sample local wines, and can even take a bottle home with you at the end of the tour. Alternatively, you may wish to drive to other nearby wine towns, such as Stellenbosch (the second-oldest town in South Africa) or Paarl, which is set at the foot of dramatic granite domes
Day 8 : Tulbagh
Leaving Franschhoek behind, drive for around an hour and a half through the Winelands to the town of Tulbagh. Situated in the Land van Waveren mountain basin. The town is surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Your accommodation is a Victorian farmhouse set within the private Bartholomeus Klip Nature Reserve, and you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your beautiful surroundings while looking out for passing wildlife. If you fancy a bit more activity, you could try your hand at archery or go for a peaceful walk through the fields.
Day 9 : Tulbagh
Today can be spent exploring the reserve, home to around 40 mammal species including the rare Cape zebra, herds of eland, springbok and black wildebeest, baboons, bat-eared foxes and ostriches. The lake also attracts birdlife such as fish eagles, kingfishers and occasional pelicans. You can head out on guided game drives to see some of the wildlife, with the sunset drive being particularly atmospheric.
Day 10 : Tulbagh
Another day to enjoy in and around the reserve. You could try to tick more wildlife species off your list, or choose from some of the other activities on offer here, including swimming, canoeing and fishing on the lake, mountain biking and walking. If you're visiting in the spring (August to October) you may be able to admire carpets of wildflowers, which bloom following the spring rain showers, transforming the landscape.
Day 11 : Paternoster
Leaving Tulbagh behind you, drive for around two hours to the quaint fishing village of Paternoster on the coast. The whitewashed buildings and brightly painted fishing boats lining the shore add to the laid-back atmosphere here, and after checking in to your accommodation you can relax before heading out to explore. Stroll along the sandy beach and dine on fresh seafood in one of the restaurants that face the ocean.
Day 12 : Paternoster
Spend a relaxing day in Paternoster and the surrounding area. Make the most of your coastal location by taking beach strolls and exploring the coves and bays of Cape Columbine Nature Reserve just outside the village. Horse rides along the beach, kayaking and deep-sea fishing are also options. Around half an hour's drive from Paternoster is the West Coast Fossil Park, where you can see fossils of sabre-tooth cats, bears and short-necked giraffes dating to millions of years ago.
Day 13 : Paternoster
Today you could take a trip to Langebaan Lagoon - around half an hour's drive south of Paternoster - which is a haven for birdlife such as flamingos and African black oystercatchers. The town has plenty of shops and cafes where you can enjoy some lunch. A little further south is the West Coast National Park, which is also an ideal spot for nature lovers, providing a habitat for over 350 bird species and a variety of plant life - you can cycle or hike along the paths to see what you can find.
Day 14 : International return flight
You depart Paternoster today and drive for around two hours back to Cape Town. Drop off your car at the airport's car depot before boarding your onward flight.
Day 15 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1-5: Arrive Cape Town International Airport
Check in: 21 Nettleton
Your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you, assist you through immigration and accompany you to 21 Nettleton. Located in one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town, on the slopes of Lion’s Head, this luxury boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ensures absolute privacy. Your time at 21 Nettleton can be enjoyed lounging by the pool, unwinding with a personalised on-site spa treatment, and indulging in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Discover the Mother City’s breath-taking surroundings on a half-day private tour or venture further afield to the Cape Peninsula to experience Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach – home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in South Africa.
Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton
Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighborhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.
Experiences:
Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Day 6-7: Transfer Cape Winelands
Check in Delaire Graff
After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, your driver will meet you for your transfer to the Cape Winelands. Located along the scenic Helshoogte pass outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estates offers luxury accommodation, each fitted with a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below. Spend the day at leisure or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour before enjoying a drink at the lodge bar before a world-class dinner at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff restaurant offering bistro chic cuisine, or Indochine – a bespoke Asian inspired eatery. You can also visit the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, known for their art, museums, shopping and award-winning wineries. End off your day in the Winelands with your favorite film in the private cinema.
Where you’ll stay: Delaire Graff
Located just outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate offers luxury living in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Each lodge on the estate has a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below.
Experiences:
You can enjoy the estate’s world-class spa or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour to sample award-winning wines followed by a unique fine dining experience at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff Restaurant or Indochine.
Day 8-11: Transfer Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Check in The Motse
After breakfast in the tranquil Cape Winelands, you will be accompanied to Cape Town International Airport for your light aircraft flight to Tswalu Kalahari. On touch down, your dedicated guide will meet you and transfer you to The Motse. With a private guide and tracker, your time at Tswalu Kalahari can be tailored exactly to your unique interests. There are an array of unique experiences available for you to enjoy, from day and night game drives and bush walks to horseback safaris and meerkat encounters. You Kalahari Safari will allow the opportunity to participate in conservation-management experiences during your stay alongside the researchers at the Tswalu Foundation. In the evening, you can enjoy the culinary delights at Klein Jan prepared by South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen followed by a world-class guided stargazing experience. A highlight of your time here will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire.
Where you’ll stay: Tswalu The Motse
Located in Tswalu Kalahari, The Motse features just nine luxurious suites, each fitted with a private deck, star-bed and open fireplace. Guests who stay at The Motse can enjoy the lodge’s outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym and photographic studio, as well as wine cellar, National Geographic library and gallery.
Experiences:
The Motse offers a completely private experience to its guests leaving you to design your day according to your mood. Join the conservation-management activities with the Tswalu Foundation and enjoy private game drives and bush walks alongside your dedicated guide and tracker, meerkat encounters and horseback safaris.
Day 12: Transfer Cape Town
Depart Cape Town International Airport
Day 12 marks the final day of your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari. Your guide will meet you after breakfast and transfer you to the reserve’s airstrip for your flight to Cape Town and onward journey home.
