South Africa: from Wine to Wild

Your Small Group Discovery Tour begins!

Welcome to Cape Town, commonly referred to as the “Mother City” by locals, as it was home to the first European settlement in South Africa. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Globus is proud to feature magnificent hotel experiences during your tour of Africa via a collection of premiere properties developed by iconic hotelier, the late Liz McGrath. This celebrated matriarch of three stunning South African properties known as the Liz McGrath Collection, including The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, The Marine in Hermanus, and The Cellars-Hohenort in in Cape Town, devoted her visionary passion for superlative hospitality to become the extraordinary Mrs. M, as her staff so fondly called her.

City Sights & Soaring Heights

Start the day with a highlight by skipping the lines at Cape Town's most popular site. Enjoy a scenic cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning 360-degree views over the city. Later, visit the V&A Waterfront where history meets modernity. Located in the heart of the city, this area offers a unique variety of dinning, shopping, and entertainment options.

Enjoy free time here to explore on your own or join an optional helicopter flight over the city. Later, return to the hotel for a guided walking tour of the gardens followed by a welcome dinner featuring local beer and wine.

LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Join a private guided walking tour of the onsite gardens of your hotel at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa. A testament to its rich history, the trees in the forest surrounding the resort date back 300 years to when it was known as Klaasenbosch Farm. The garden boasts magnificent views of the Table Mountain range and contains a myriad of delights, from the Picnic Garden and Hohenort Lawns, to a structured garden with a beautiful water feature, and several ponds. Eco-zones within the gardens include 950 grape vines, as well as herb, vegetable, and citrus gardens, which grow fresh produce for the onsite restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The 5-star luxury boutique Cellars-Hohenort hotel, surrounded by nine acres of perfectly manicured and award-winning gardens. Located in what is known as Cape Town's vineyard in the historic Constantia Valley, the hotel is inspired by the natural beauty of the gardens and amazing views of Table Mountain, all reflected in the design throughout the rooms, with light streaming in through large windows and a natural color scheme creating a soothing 51-room retreat.

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Take your adventure higher with an optional helicopter ride exploring an important part of South Africa's history. Depart the V&A Waterfront, passing by Green Point and Cape Town cityscape, towards Robben Island for an aerial view of the buildings and prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

Rocky Coast & Beach Life

Take a scenic drive along stunning Chapman's Peak Drive en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before arriving at Cape Point. Ride a funicular to the steps of the old lighthouse with panoramic views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Boulders Beach to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Free time this evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - TUXEDO JUNCTION: Jackets aren't required on Boulders Beach, even though the residents look dressed to the hilt. The only penguins found on the continent, African penguins are known for the unique sound they make. Colonies can be found from southern Namibia all the way around the South African coast, and Boulders Beach is the premiere viewing spot.

Garden Parties

After a morning at leisure, leave the city behind and journey into the stunning Winelands. The first stop is Delaire Graff Estate, the jewel of the Winelands. Enjoy a tasting while taking in the stunning views from the property or peruse the vast, personal art collection of estate owner and diamantaire, Laurence Graff. Continue to Boschendal wine estate and working sustainable farm for a farm-to-table Werf Picnic lunch, including a glass of Boschendal wine. Afterwards, continue to the historic Lanzerac Estate for a 2-night stay.

LOCAL FAVORITE - PICNIC SEASON: The Boschendal wine estate sets the standard for sustainable eating with a philosophy of no-waste food and soil-to-farm practices. Enjoy the Boschendal Estate like a local with a farm-to-table, seasonal Werf Picnic lunch on the big Pavilion Lawn where bold views and flavors are only topped off with a glass of wine from the estate. Each picnic basket includes hand-selected fare made from farm products, including freshly baked bread, salads from the Werf Garden, free-range, handmade charcuteries cuts, and more. After lunch, enjoy free time to shop at the farm store, play lawn games, or simply take in the view of the stunning Drakenstein Valley and the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SOUTH: AFRICA'S FINEST In the heart of South Africa's Winelands, enjoy a wine tasting experience like no other at Delaire Graff Estate to sample some of South Africa's finest vintages served with spellbinding views across Simonsberg Mountain. Globally recognized as an essential South African destination, the estate spans acres of fragrant gardens, with exclusive boutiques, breathtaking art at every turn, and sustainability at its heart. Its 20 hectares of vineyards on the slopes of Botmaskop Mountain, the vineyards produce a bounty of Bordeaux reds, Chardonnay grapes, and elegant vintages named by the World's Best Vineyards as one of the Top 50 wineries—first within the African continent.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Set in the heart of a 162-hectare working wine estate on the outskirts of picturesque Stellenbosch, the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is the perfect base from which to explore the Cape Winelands. Established over 330 years ago, the estate's gracious opulence has earned the hotel a 5-star rating. The hotel also prides itself with 4 renowned restaurants, beautiful gardens, scenic walking and hiking opportunities, 4 swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a wellness spa, and a wine cellar.

Resort Life

Today is at leisure. Enjoy the Lanzerac resort's many included amenities such as a wine tasting, cellar tour, the spa's hydro facility, or the shuttle service to nearby Stellenbosch for shopping and dining. Or join an optional excursion or perhaps take a walk on one of the area trails.

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Spend your free time enjoying the estate or consider joining an optional Food tour of Stellenbosch.

Bay Dreaming

Continue your stunning journey with a scenic drive towards the coast, stopping in Betty's Bay and other scenic viewpoints in search for Southern Right Whales, often found close to the coast in this area. Arrive in Hermanus, the whale watching capitol of South Africa for a 2-night stay at the Marine.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: The Marine is a boutique hotel and celebrated as one of South Africa's most spectacular seaside spots! Located in the village on the famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the hotel is the ultimate location for whale watching – often directly from the comfort of the hotel. Experience beyond expectation where luxury accommodation abounds, culinary journeys are crafted and memorable moments shine through.

Seascapes & Landscapes

This morning is at leisure to enjoy Hermanus. Explore the walking path along the rugged coast, visit one of the many shops and galleries, or perhaps venture out on an optional cruise in search of whales and other marine life. Then venture into the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, celebrated for its untouched beauty in a harmonious blend of well-tended vineyards, farmlands and pristine natural landscapes. Visit two different estates for wine tasting before returning to Hermanus for a free evening.

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Consider a whale watching cruise (June-December) or tea in the Sun Lounge in search for whales on dry land.

Coasting & Toasting

Continue down the coast along the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. Pass by world-class beaches, iridescent lagoons, vast forests, and welcoming quaint towns as the Garden Route winds it's way along the coast. Arrive in Plettenberg Bay, a premier holiday destination popular for its six Blue Flag beaches, the iconic Robberg Peninsula, and most notably, home to some of South Africa's award-winning restaurants. Spend 2-nights at the stunning Plettenberg Hotel. Tonight, be prepared for a mouthwatering dinner to celebrate the areas rich flavors, including local wine and beer.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: The Plettenberg hotel is situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay. This 5-star hotel, with just 35 beautifully appointed rooms, showcases the most breathtaking vistas in southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains, and endless stretches of golden sand. Guests can look forward to enjoying world-class cuisine at The Plettenberg, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.

Blue Lagoon

This morning, we venture out to the Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna. Situated on the Western Head in Knysna, the reserve is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route giving guests an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five freshwater rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the ‘Knysna Heads' - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.

Your visit here contributes to Endangered Wildlife Trust's Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Project, focusing on monitoring species reproduction and overall count.

LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: The privately-owned Featherbed Nature Reserve is a pristine piece of land situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is only accessible by ferry. Enjoy a half-day outing via ferry cruise, 4×4 vehicle drive, and a short, guided nature walk through a coastal forest and into ancient sea caves. Your knowledgeable nature guides share insights on the breathtaking area's fauna and flora. Celebrate the day with a spectacular outdoor buffet under the ancient Milkwood trees.

Wildlife Warriors

Today, continue along the Garden Route into the Eastern Cape to the stunning Kariega Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival, watch for herds of elephants and other fascinating wildlife with a drive through the reserve to be welcomed by your safari ranger. After a welcome drink and briefing, travel by boat for your first safari experience. Cruise along the Bushman tidal river in search of abundant Africa wildlife reaching your exclusive luxury tent camp!

Enjoy lunch at camp before setting off on your first game drive. Your visit here contributes to Endangered Wildlife Trust's Conservation Canine Project, aimed at training dogs to patrol, detect and track poachers, and to the Lion Recovery Fund who works towards the rehabilitation of lions and their habitats.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CONSERVATION HEROES: Privately owned by a local family who have spent a lifetime passionately conserving the Big 5 and their natural habitats, Kariega Private Game Reserve champions the preservation of wildlife with a continued dedication to their thriving survival. Other species abound in variety, such as hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck, antelope, bird species, nesting eagles—and perhaps its most celebrated rhino resident, Thandi (tr. Courage). Hear how this inspiring Southern white rhinoceros survived a brutal poaching attack to thrive and give birth to multiple offspring.

ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift Lodge offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. The lodge consists of just 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman's River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 Settlers as they guided their wagons across the river. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience. Also enjoy the many onsite amenities including a spacious deck, pool, curio shop, library, spa and even in-room complimentary mini-bar.

Safari, So Good!

Start your day with a choice. Wake with the sunrise for another game drive or join a guided bush walk to learn more about tracking and spotting from the ground. Your expert Ranger is familiar with every corner of the reserve and is intimately familiar with each animal, making for an excellent adventure with closeup viewing of abundant African wildlife and spectacular vistas across African plains and magnificent hills.

Later, venture out for an afternoon game drive. Before returning to the lodge tonight, enjoy a sundowner in the bush where you can share your exciting “spots” with fellow travelers before returning to the resort for a 5-star dining experience.

Note: A variety of safari activities are on offer to ensure you enjoy the spectacular wilderness, including twice daily game viewing from open safari vehicles with qualified Rangers, guided bush walks, canoeing and more.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: Bordered in the east and west by the vast Kariega and Bushmans river valleys, Kariega Game Reserve is a natural wonder of dramatic landscapes across five unique ecosystems. Here, valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests, and acacia woodland provide refuge amid a natural paradise of trees, grasses, and plants of the Eastern Cape. From hidden secrets of the smallest creatures to mammoth beasts, there is never a dull moment on safari drives in this African Eden experience.

Natural History

Another fantastic day in Kariega with a morning game drive. Return to the lodge for lunch and free time before venturing out for an evening game drive. This evening, join a private fireside chat with a special guest historian who shares fascinating stories of the history of the region and game reserve. Afterward, join your Tour Director for a special Farewell Boma Dinner featuring local specialties enjoyed under the dark skies and bright stars.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Join a private fireside talk with an award-winning local historian and storyteller to discuss the history of the areas first people, the arrival of European settlers, and the development of the private game reserve.

Safe travels until we meet again!

One last game drive this morning as you depart the Kariega Game Reserve and travel to Port Elizabeth Airport for a flight to Johannesburg to your connecting homebound flight. Please schedule departing flights after 8 pm.