The wonder of South Africa is the dramatic and irresistible diversity of its cultures, landscapes and wildlife. The challenge is how to experience the best without committing to an extended visit that’s too long to make sense on your travel calendar. This carefully curated and wisely proportioned itinerary is the answer. You’ll go on thrilling safari in a wonderful preserve with abundant chances to see the Big Five and more. You’ll walk in gorgeous vineyards…taste your way to wine nirvana…and pair it all with remarkable cuisine. There are days in Cape Town with memorable visits to the Cape of Good Hope, the cultural townships and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Throughout, you’ll have the fulltime company of a fine local guide who helps you make sense of the complex history, the startling landscapes, and the native and colonial cultures that have clashed, sought common ground, and welcome you with warm hospitality.

DAYS 1-3 – CAPE TOWN
After meeting in Cape Town, you’ll go for a guided walk in the historic city and take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city and the rugged Atlantic coast. A scenic ride on Chapman’s Peak Drive takes you to the Cape of Good Hope, the turning point for navigators rounding the southern tip of Africa. At nearby Boulder Beach, you’ll visit the largest colony of African penguins.
 
To appreciate the challenges of apartheid and the cultural changes since its end, you’ll travel with your guide to one of the townships on the periphery of Cape Town. There, you’ll meet the students in a small local school and talk to a traditional healer. You will also visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that’s now a symbol of resistance and forgiveness. Nelson Mandela was held prisoner here for almost 20 years.

DAYS 4-5 – THE CAPE WINELANDS
South Africa’s wine region is one of the world’s finest, and you’ll have ample chances to see why for yourself. Your base is in Stellenbosch. You’ll head out for amazingly scenic walks through vineyards and scenic wine estates. (Prefer to see it by bike or ebike? You can do that too!) You can count on tastings at some of the most interesting boutique wineries…and a really fun (and delicious) progressive food walk punctuated with samples of local food specialties.
 
DAYS 6-9 – SAFARI
Your explorations so far have all led to the exclamation mark at the end of the week, as you’ll fly to the northeast coast of South Africa for a few days of safari excitement at Phinda Private Game Preserve. Your luxury accommodations are perfectly sited inside the preserve, so it’s fantastically easy to get to prime viewing areas for the Big Five – elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard – as well as zebras, hippos, cheetahs and more. Over the course of several expertly guided rides and walks, you’ll explore the preserve’s seven unique ecosystems and see wonderful examples of animal behavior. During these quintessential safari experiences, you can count on capturing amazing Instagram-worthy photographs and unforgettable memories. On the last morning of your trip, you’ll transfer to Cape Town or Johannesburg where you can connect with your homeward flights or continue your South African adventure on your own.