Safari of the Senses: Winelands, Sabi Sands, and Victoria Falls

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! You will be met at the airport with your name on a paging board and escorted to your private hotel transfer. Your home for the next 3 nights is the Cape Grace hotel. Situated on a private quay on the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace commands dynamic views over the working harbor, yacht marina, and iconic Table Mountain. Included in your stay is a wine tasting where you’ll receive an introduction to the world-renowned wines of the Cape, as well as private chauffer transfers around town.
Cape Grace

Day 2
Today, you’ll explore the lovely Cape Peninsula on a private, full-day tour. Don a leather jacket and hop in a stylish, vintage WWII sidecar for a road trip along the Atlantic Seaboard, with salty breezes and stunning views all the way. Wind your way down to fashionable Hout Bay, where you’ll board a boat and head out to Seal Island. Keep an eye out for dolphin pods, whales, and abundant birdlife! Then, you’ll be able to snorkel in the water surrounded by playful seals.

This afternoon, continue on to the Cape Peninsula, where you’ll ride the funicular up to the Cape Point Lighthouse for stunning panoramic vistas. Hike along the trails with your guide and explore some of the rock pools, shipwreck beaches, and sheltered coves of this historic region.

Near Simon’s Town, embark in search of a colony of African penguins, away from the crowds, taking the opportunity to stand-up paddle across kelp beds and view these fascinating creatures from a different vantage point. Explore the harbour town of Kalk Bay, chatting to the fishing folk and browsing through bohemian and artsy shops. After a busy day outdoors, relax and sample some craft beer and local gin at Muizenberg, soaking up the atmospheric vibe, surrounded by surfers and interesting locals. Your guide will drop you off at the hotel after a rewarding day of exploration and adventure!
Cape Grace

Day 3
Enjoy a private, full-day tour of the Cape Winelands outside of town. This is the wine region with an organic, off-the-radar appeal. Your day of visiting farmstalls, local hotspots and estates takes you through the striking scenery of Elgin Valley, with its apple and pear orchards, rows of vineyards, and lush flower gardens. Plantations and forests are encircled by distant mountains and interspersed with old-world Cape Dutch buildings.

Explore the artisanal products, expertly crafted ciders and wines, deli treats, and foodie delights created here. Perhaps try one of Peregrine Farmstall’s legendary pies or sip coffee along with Terre Madre Food Barn’s superb baked goods. Discover the glorious flavors of Elgin, visiting intimate family estates and boutique wineries we visit. Depending on the time of year, meet the wine-makers or experience a barrel tasting. After your tour, complete with a gourmet picnic lunch, your driver will drop you off back in Cape Town.
Cape Grace

Day 4
Continue exploring the Cape Winelands on another private tour today. Don’t worry—in South Africa’s culinary capital, there are plenty of flavors to indulge in for 2 days! Meet your helicopter transfer at the Cape Grace and watch the undulating farmlands and dramatic mountains below as you make your way to Franschhoek. Set off in this historic town to discover gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques, and art galleries. Then you’ll head to Stellenbosch, home to delicious local coffee blends, gourmet wines, and scrumptious tasting plates all ready to sample. Take in the stunning vistas from an elevated point at an old-world estate. Stroll through picturesque vineyards or cycle through the trails.

The day is entirely up to you, with cellar door tastings at a handful of estates depending on your interests. Chocolate, olive, and local produce tastings are on the menu as well if you so desire. After your heavenly day in the Winelands, your private guide will drop you off at your elegant boutique hotel, Leeu Estates.
Leeu Estates

Day 5
Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the offerings at Leeu Estates, which is home to a working farm and winemaking facility. Scenic nature trails, a gym, a pool, and the luxurious spa are all yours to enjoy. A complimentary tasting of the award-winning Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is included in your stay, and superb gourmet meals are served in the elegant dining area or in the comfort of your private terrace.
Leeu Estates

Day 6
It’s time for your South African safari! Head back to Cape Town and catch a flight to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Your home for the next 4 nights is Simbambili Game Lodge, located in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve sharing an unfenced border with Kruger. Nestled amongst dense stands of knobthorn and jackalberry trees, your romantic suite features a private deck, plunge pool, and shaded sala. Embark on your first game drive this afternoon to check the Big 5 of Africa off your list!
Simbambili Game Lodge

Day 7 – 9
Spend the next 2 days on safari in the Sabi Sands, a region renowned for its abundant leopard sightings. In addition to the Big 5, you’ll have a chance to see giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and much more. Your expert safari guide will bring you close to the action and reveal the magic of this wild animal kingdom. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, plus an optional bush walk if you’d like a more intimate nature experience. In the heat of the afternoon, return to camp for a delicious lunch and cool off in your pool, or lounge on the spacious viewing decks overlooking the river and chat with your fellow guests. Afternoon game drives end with a scenic sundowner cocktail in the bush, and evenings are spent enjoying delicious gourmet meals around the campfire.
Simbambili Game Lodge

Day 10
Say goodbye to South Africa today as you board your flight to Zambia and the mighty Victoria Falls! Arrive at Livingstone airport and enjoy a transfer to your next unique and luxurious retreat: Islands of Siankaba. Gloriously positioned on 2 islands on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream from Victoria Falls, the Islands of Siankaba offers luxury accommodation and a lovely river experience. The densely forested, private islands are hidden from the mainland and linked by a suspension bridge. Surrounded by exquisite beauty, the 7 raised, tented chalets are teak and canvas, spaciously romantic, and feature private decks overlooking the river. Time permitting, enjoy an excursion in a traditional mokoro (canoe), a private picnic lunch on the islands, or a scenic sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba

Day 11
You’ll have multiple opportunities today to explore Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Walk along the Zimbabwe side of the Falls for impressive panoramic views, then enjoy a short helicopter ride to soak up the majesty of Victoria Falls from the air. Head back to your lodge, where you can choose to enjoy more included activities (seasonal fishing, guided nature walks, walking or bicycling to a local village, visiting a local school, and more) or simply relax in this serene natural environment.
Islands of Siankaba

Day 12
Your magical adventure comes to an end today. After a scrumptious breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer back to Livingstone airport, where you’ll begin your journey back home.