Compare South Africa with a Twist by Rothschild Safaris vs Western Cape self-drive discovery by Audley Travel

Day 1 - 3: South Africa: Mala Mala Game Reserve - Mala Mala Main Camp, River View Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mala Mala Main Camp

On arrival in Johannesburg, a special meet & greet has been arranged for your arrival to assist you through customs, immigration and to connect with your onward flight. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard.

Johannesburg - Skukuza, Commercial Flight

On arrival into Skukuza Airport you will be met and transferred by road to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Mala Mala Main Camp is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The camp features air conditioned accommodation in 19 en-suite luxury rooms and suites. The camp's large wooden safari deck opens to views over the Sand River in the shade of a Jackalberry tree. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Facilities include an infinity pool with views across the river, well-appointed safari boutique, fitness facility, library and massage service.

Inclusions:

Your 3 night stay includes:

 • Local beverages (beers, house wine & soft drinks)

• Limited laundry - Please allow 24 hours for your laundry to be returned to you

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

Activities:

Morning & afternoon game drives and walking safaris. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Day: 4 - 5: South Africa: Cape Town - Mount Nelson Hotel, Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mount Nelson Hotel

South Africa: Cape Town - Mount Nelson Hotel, Deluxe Room

Today you will transfer by road to Skukuza Airport.

Skukuza - Cape Town, Commercial Flight

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Mount Nelson Hotel and Spa is set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town. From the elegant Junior to the magnificent Presidential, this luxury hotel offers an indulgent sanctuary. All rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath. The luxurious hotel offers easy access to all that's happening in this dynamic city. Facilities include two swimming pools, a fitness center, hair salon, boutique store and three restaurants.

Inclusions:

Your 2 night stay includes:

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

January 5 Classic Cape Peninsula Tour Meet your guide for your full day Cape Peninsula tour in the lobby of your hotel. Today you will travel to the Southwestern tip of Africa, to the Cape Point, where it is fabled that two oceans meet. En-route you will stop at Boulder’s Beach, residence of the African Penguin, famous for its animated displays. Guests are restricted to a generous boardwalk, where you are able to view the African Penguin in its natural habitat without disturbing or infringing.

Continue your drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you are provided with an opportunity to view animals like the Cape Mountain Zebra, the mischievous Baboon and the blissful Ostrich; all of which reside in the reserve among the indigenous Fynbos. Learn how the treacherous rocks running along the Atlantic Seaboard came to be known as the “Ship Graveyard”, why Bartholomew Diaz called this The Cape of Storms, and why Jan Van Riebeeck proclaimed Table Bay as The Cape of Good Hope. Lunch is typically enjoyed at the Harbour House which boasts an unbeatable location (as well as delicious fresh seafood) where waves are known to crash against the huge plate-glass windows at high tide. Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. Your drive this afternoon continues along the dramatic and beautiful Chapman’s Peak drive. Hugging the face of Chapman’s Peak Mountain, this pass offers breathtaking vantage points that rise up to 593 meters above sea level. Each one of the 114 curves along the roadway offer incredible views - so get your camera ready! You will arrive back at your hotel late afternoon.

Day 6 - 7: South Africa: Cape Winelands - Grande Provence Estate, Shiraz Room

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grande Provence Estate

This morning you will be met by your guide for your Winelands tour. Following your tour, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the Winelands.

Accommodation:

Grande Provence Estate is located on the main road in Franschhoek. La Provençale offers 2 air conditioned en suite bedrooms with showers only. The lounge leads directly onto a magnificent outdoor terrace, perfect for al fresco living on warm African evenings and close to the private swimming pool available for use by La Provençale guests. The Owner's Cottage has 4 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and 1 deluxe suite. Facilities include a swimming pool and spa pools with loggia. The charming Huguenot-founded village of Franschhoek is a five-minute drive away with small museums, specialty shops, postal and banking facilities.

Inclusions:

Your 2 night stay includes:

•A complimentary bottle of award-winning Grande Provence wine

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities: A complimentary wine tasting, cellar tour and guided walk through The Gallery and The Sculpture Garden.

Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

January 6 Classic Cape Winelands Tour Meet your guide for your full day tour, in the lobby of your hotel. Your day in the winelands can be custom designed for you. With hundreds of impressive farms and estates to choose from, you are spoilt for choice and may need guidance in where best to do your tasting. At your request, we can arrange wine maker meetings and tastings at unusual wine estates according to your wine preferences. There are few places on earth that can rival the Cape Winelands. With its unique combination of culture, history and people it is often called the “Gastronomic Capital of South Africa.” The Cape Winelands allows you to feast on the beautiful landscape with your eyes and nourish your soul with award-winning cuisine and wines that can rival some of the best in the world. Your day begins with a drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek. This lovely town plays host to some of South Africa’s most famed eateries and is surrounded by some of the region’s top wine estates. Some interesting places to indulge are the artisanal chocolatier’s boutique, art galleries, décor boutiques. Franschhoek is a great place to see examples of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture. You proceed to the Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Wine Estate planted on the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountains. The property can be visited by appointment only, allowing for an exclusive and unique wine experience. The Anthonij Rupert Tasting room is located on the farm’s historic and recently refurbished Manor House. Enjoy your private wine tasting at leisure in this stunning home, furnished throughout in the mid-nineteenth century Cape Dutch style. Next you’ll be swept off to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the stunning wine estates in the area. After recharging with lunch you’ll head to Boschendal Estate, one of the region’s best examples of original Cape Dutch estate living. Continue with a scenic drive through historic Stellenbosch en-route to Jordan Winery, listed as one of the Best Vineyard Experiences in 2017. Situated on a hillside behind the Winery Chateau. Enjoy one of chef Todd Knoll’s inspirational deserts paired with a wine tasting or a delicious cappuccino in this oasis overlooking 112 acres of grapevines, 18 acres of olive trees and a one-acre garden. * Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. HIGHLIGHTS: - Drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek to meander the shops and eateries (purchases and meals not included in the cost of the wine tour). - Lunch at one of the stunning vineyards in the area. We will reserve a table for lunch at either Delaire Graff or Jordan Wine Estates. (Lunch reservations require advance booking and is based on availability. Lunch not included with the cost of the wine tour.) - Award winning estate - Anthonij Rupert superior wine tasting (requires advance booking) - Wine Tasting and Cellar tours Jordan Estate

Day 8 - 10: South Africa: Southern Kalahari Game Reserve - Tswalu Kalahari Motse, Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tswalu Kalahari Motse

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel, for your transfer to Cape Town Airport.

Cape Town - Tswalu, Shared Charter Flight

Today you will be met at the local airstrip and transferred by road to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Tswalu Kalahari is nestled at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains and facing westward across the grasslands of the Kalahari, Motse is a spectacular space, with elevated decks and elegant lounges. There are 8 spacious and secluded “legae” (suites) each with en suite bathroom, including both indoor and outdoor showers, a large dressing and study area, an open fire and private sun deck overlooking the waterhole.

Inclusions:

Your 3 night stay includes:

•Local beverages (house wine, beer and soft drinks)

• Laundry - Please allow 24 hours for your laundry to be returned to you

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, guide and tracker (with a minimum 3-night stay), guided bush safari walks, horseback safaris, Junior Ranger program for children. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Day 10: Tswalu Kalahari Malori Sleepout

Sleep under the stars on the Malori sleep-out deck. This adventure offers you an unparalleled experience of sleeping safely in the wilderness.

Day 11:

Time permitting; enjoy a final game viewing activity. You are then transferred to the local airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, after you have collected your bags, you take a short 10-minute ride to the Johannesburg International Airport where you will be met and assisted to your onward international flight home. International flights should depart no earlier than 6pm.

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.