South Africa Grand Journey

The Mother City

Your South African adventure begins in Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities, where dramatic mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean and every neighborhood tells a different story. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your boutique hotel, where the relaxed pace of the Cape invites you to settle in and unwind.

Over the next three days, discover the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty with your private guide. Ride the iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (weather permitting), explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, visit the historic Castle of Good Hope and District Six Museum, and journey along the spectacular Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. Along the way, stop at Boulders Beach to meet its charming colony of endangered African penguins.

Evenings are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, discover Cape Town’s exceptional dining scene, or simply relax while watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. Tomorrow, the city gives way to the rolling vineyards and mountain valleys of South Africa’s celebrated Cape Winelands.

Overnight: Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast Daily

Vineyards, Mountains & Timeless Hospitality

Leave the coastline behind as rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain valleys welcome you to South Africa’s celebrated Cape Winelands. Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the charm of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where centuries-old wine estates, tree-lined streets, and award-winning restaurants showcase one of the world’s finest wine regions.

Enjoy curated wine tastings, exceptional local cuisine, and opportunities to explore boutique galleries, artisan shops, and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Every estate offers a unique perspective on the region’s rich winemaking heritage, complemented by breathtaking scenery at every turn.

This slower pace invites you to savor the flavors, landscapes, and warm hospitality that make the Cape Winelands one of South Africa’s most treasured destinations.

Overnight: Cape Winelands

Meals: Breakfast Daily

Along South Africa’s Whale Coast

Your journey continues to the charming seaside town of Hermanus, where dramatic cliffs overlook the pristine waters of Walker Bay. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal destinations, Hermanus is known for its relaxed atmosphere, spectacular ocean views, and abundant marine life that thrives just offshore.

During your stay, embark on an unforgettable Marine Big Five Ocean Safari, offering the opportunity to encounter dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins, and a remarkable variety of seabirds. Between June and November, Walker Bay also becomes one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing southern right whales, often seen breaching and nursing their calves just offshore. Even outside whale season, the rich marine ecosystem provides exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Take time to stroll the famous Cliff Path, browse the town’s boutiques and galleries, or simply relax while taking in panoramic views across the bay. As your coastal journey continues, tomorrow you’ll follow the scenic Garden Route toward Plettenberg Bay, where pristine beaches, indigenous forests, and rugged coastal landscapes await.

Overnight: Hermanus

Meals: Breakfast Daily

The Beauty of the Garden Route

Continue east along South Africa’s renowned Garden Route, where dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, and pristine beaches combine to create one of the country’s most celebrated scenic drives. Your destination is Plettenberg Bay, an elegant seaside town known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

During your stay, discover the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve, a protected peninsula where rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and sweeping ocean views create one of South Africa’s most rewarding coastal walks. Keep watch for Cape fur seals basking on the rocks, soaring seabirds overhead, and, during the season, dolphins and whales cruising the waters below. Beyond Robberg, Plettenberg Bay invites you to browse boutique shops, enjoy exceptional local cuisine, or simply unwind while overlooking the Indian Ocean.

As your coastal adventure draws to a close, tomorrow’s journey turns inland toward the Eastern Cape, where rolling hills and winding rivers give way to one final chapter—an unforgettable Big Five safari in the African bush.

Overnight: Plettenberg Bay

Meals: Breakfast Daily

The Grand Finale

Leaving the coast behind, your journey turns inland to Kariega Private Game Reserve, where rolling hills, winding rivers, and open savannas provide the perfect setting for your final South African experience. As one of the Eastern Cape’s premier private reserves, Kariega offers an intimate safari where luxury hospitality and exceptional wildlife encounters come together in a beautifully diverse landscape.

Over the next two days, venture into the bush on expertly guided morning and afternoon game drives in search of the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope species, and an abundance of birdlife. Depending on seasonal conditions, enjoy a tranquil river cruise that offers a unique perspective of the reserve’s wildlife and scenery, complementing your safari experience from the water.

Between adventures, unwind at your lodge overlooking the African wilderness, where warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and the peaceful rhythm of the bush invite you to slow down and savor your final days in South Africa. As the sun sets over the reserve and the sounds of the wild come alive, it’s the perfect conclusion to a journey that has revealed the extraordinary diversity of this remarkable country.

Overnight: Kariega Private Game Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily

Until Next Time

Enjoy one final morning in the African bush before your transfer to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Airport for your onward journey.

As your South Africa Grand Journey comes to a close, you’ll depart with unforgettable memories of vibrant cities, world-class vineyards, dramatic coastlines, abundant marine life, and extraordinary wildlife. From the iconic landscapes of Cape Town to the tranquil beauty of the Winelands, the breathtaking Garden Route, and the thrill of a Big Five safari, you’ve experienced the many faces of South Africa—each one as inspiring as the last.

Though your journey home begins today, the memories, friendships, and moments of discovery will remain long after you’ve left Africa’s shores. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next CURAH adventure.

Meals: Breakfast