South African Tapestry
South Africa
11 days
Touching both coasts, this journey through South Africa explores a rich tapestry of wine, wellness and wildlife across beautiful coastal cities, centuries-old vineyards and a pristine wildlife reserve.
How Your Trip Matters
Discover the rich tapestry of cultures and wildlife in this “Rainbow Nation.” Meet ground breaking artists, winemakers, wellness and wildlife enthusiasts in a kaleidoscope of adventures across South Africa.
Highlights
Explore Africa's interesting culture and heritage, including a Kwazulu-Natal Midlands Tour visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Ardmore Ceramic Art studio.
Discover great food, art and wine. Live like a local and stay a few days in the beautiful Winelands.
Experience sunrise views of the Indian Ocean from the charming Oyster Box in Durban and sunset views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town.
Enjoy the striking scenery and tranquility from your private game lodge. Delight in prolific wildlife sightings on twice-daily day and night game activities.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have both on their communities, and on those who experience them: our guests. You can identify these experiences across our trips by locating the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal.
Accommodations
1. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
South Africa, Cape Town
The award-winning 5-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is dramatically poised above the Atlantic Ocean. Flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain ranges, the hotel has the ideal setting. Enjoy splendid luxury, passionate service and generous hospitality synonymous with Red Carnation Hotels. Delight in exquisite cuisine at Azure Restaurant. Mingle with the locals over delicious cocktails at the Leopard Bar with its panoramic ocean views. Surrender your senses at the holistic Spa, or enjoy walks and picnics in the surrounding Table Mountain National Park. Additional facilities include a private cinema, a heated infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a rock pool and heated Jacuzzi. There is also complimentary internet and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a 24-hour business center.
2. Mont Rochelle
South Africa, Franschhoek
Escape to Mont Rochelle, a stunning hotel and vineyard in picturesque Franschhoek, famously known as the French Corner of the Cape. All of the rooms feature fantastic views of the valley. The hotel’s two restaurants showcase the very best produce and seasonal ingredients from South Africa paired with excellent wines The Country Kitchen is the ideal spot for a light lunch while Miko, is a great setting for a gourmet meal. The bar is perfect for pre or post-meal drinks as well as light bites throughout the day. From personalized wine tasting to a picnic in the vineyards, wine enthusiasts will be in heaven at Mont Rochelle! If you are looking to get a bit more active we recommend a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool, or working up an appetite in the gym. The Spa at Mont Rochelle is the ideal place to relax with two dedicated spa treatment rooms, as well as a Hammam.
3. The Oyster Box
South Africa, Durban
The Oyster Box Hotel is set in lush, tropical gardens with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. A national treasure, the hotel has been lovingly preserved offering the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities. Luxurious rooms are meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and style with the décor reflecting the soothing shades of the ocean and tropical vegetation. The culinary experience of the Oyster Box celebrates the palate, whether you are enjoying sundowners at the Lighthouse Bar, sumptuous tea in the Palm Court, casual dining at the Ocean Terrace, fine dining at the Grill Room, or swapping stories over a cold beer in the Chukka Bar. For a bit of spice, give Executive Chef Kevin Joseph’s curries a try! Relax at one of the two pools on the property or enjoy direct access to the Umhlanga beach. Additional amenities include a private cinema, a fitness center, and an award winning Spa.
4. &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Dramatically set into a cliff-face overlooking spectacular Leopard Rock, the unique Rock Lodge at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is an architectural fascination. Its six suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views. Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone and adobe, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, opening onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Complete with spacious ensuite bathrooms, these sublime suites also feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent. The Lodge’s comfortable sitting areas are the perfect vantage point for viewing the abundant wildlife roaming the bushveld below. This is an intimate lodge, where guests are treated like treasured family members and time is shared with fellow safari adventurers who soon become friends. Striking sunsets are witnessed from the game viewing deck suspended over Africa’s bushveld, and delicious Pan African meals are served in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Upon your arrival in Cape Town, South Africa's "Mother City", you will be warmly welcomed and whisked away to your luxurious hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa
Day 2. Cape Town
Begin a day of spectacular vistas with a ride on the cable car and maybe a yoga class at the top of Table Mountain. Tonight, delight your taste buds with a delicious meal at Azure Restaurant. (BD)
The Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa
Day 3. Cape Town
On a privately guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, wind your way along the coast stopping in charming coastal towns, visiting the endearing penguins, and walking along the Cape of Good Hope. (BL)
The Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa
Day 4. Cape Town / Franschhoek
After breakfast and check out, transfer to the beautiful Franschhoek winelands and discover the wine farms and estates dating back 300 years. Mont- Rochelle has over 100 acres to explore. (B)
Mont Rochelle
Day 5. Franschhoek
Enjoy the Wineland’s charm on a private tour of the valley’s artisans and wine cellars. Discover local cheeses, chocolates and olive oil, all crafted with passion. (B)
Support local artists in a gallery tour perhaps visiting the Ebony/Curated Bordeaux House and Manz Art and maybe stop at the Farm Sanctuary SA to learn about the famous pig, Pigcasso, and the work of the Utopian Farm..
Mont Rochelle
Day 6. Franschhoek/ Durban
After a final morning in the vineyards, return to Cape Town and fly off to Durban. Sink into luxury at your prestigious beachfront hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. (B)
The Oyster Box
Day 7. Durban
This morning after breakfast meet your guide and depart on your full day Kwazulu-Natal Midlands Tour. The first stop on your tour is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site memorial. It was here that Nelson Mandela was arrested, and said goodbye to freedom for 27 years. Continue on to Ardmore Ceramic Art to enjoy tea and an exploration of art and culture. (B)
At Ardmore Ceramic Art, learn how the collective empowers African artisans to share their unique takes on nature, Zulu folklore and traditions. Under Fée’s tuition, a talented group of sculptors and painters have emerged, winning numerous awards in South Africa and around the world. Meet local artisans who share their unique takes on nature and Zulu folklore, enjoy tea and create a work of art together.
The Oyster Box
Day 8. Durban / Phinda Private Game Reserve
Today you will be on your way to the most diverse wilderness area, boasting seven ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife. The private Phinda Game Reserve is home to a 415 bird species thanks to the diverse ecosystems and unique waterways. Settle in and soak up the tranquility of the African bush. (BLD)
&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Day 9. Phinda Private Game Reserve
Rise early when the animals are most lively for this morning’s game drive. There are a number of conservation projects you may be able to experience, from joining the rhino research team in field to tracking pangolin and elephant collaring. Tonight enjoy rooftop dining beneath the stars - a perfect setting for sundowners or al fresco dinners. (BLD)
Participate in this privately guided pangolin research and monitoring experience, supporting the conservation of the world’s most trafficked mammal.
&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Day 10. Phinda Private Game Reserve
Accompanied by one of specialist birding guides, set out in search of bird species that inhabit Phinda’s seven diverse habitats. Visit an authentic Zulu homestead, to get a glimpse into the rituals of daily life and see how tribal culture and tradition affect rural Zulu villagers in the modern world. (BLD)
&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Day 11. Phinda Private Game Reserve / Depart
Greet the dawn on one final game drive. After a hearty breakfast travel by air to Johannesburg for your international departure flight. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Jan 01-05 Dec 20-31.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Cape Town - Durban - Johannesburg - Kruger - Johannesburg
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