WINELANDS & WILDLIFE SAFARI

WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival of your international flight at OR Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met and taken to the boutique Peech Hotel, where you can leave your bags until check in.

Lunch can be taken at the hotel, following which there will be an afternoon tour of Soweto, a place steeped in history, resilience, and vibrant culture. The tour will include a visit to the Apartheid Museum and the house where Nelson Mandela grew up.

Before dinner there will be a welcome 'get together' and introduction to the tour and SA wines. 

Dinner at Peech Hotel at ones' own expense.

UNDILUTED AFRICA - CRAFTED ELEGANCE

Becks Safari Lodge is located close to the Kruger National Park and is famous for its Big 5 animals. It combines luxury living and innovative design with a deep appreciation for the South African bushveld. Setting this new intimate and exclusive safari lodge aside is its owners’ strong philosophies on community development and environmental sustainability, paired with a passionate and dedicated team of staff.

After breakfast we transfer back to OR Tambo Johannesburg Airport for the local flight to Hoedspruit Airport, where we will be met on arrival and taken to Becks Safari Lodge, part of the Karongwe Portfolio in time for lunch. 

Later in the afternoon we will experience the first of the game drives with sundowners included. The game drive returns to the lodge in the early evening time for dinner. 

GAME DRIVES - A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI AT BECKS SAFARI LODGE

Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles with qualified and knowledgeable guides or go on foot for a bush walk and get close to the little 5 and feel the true African bush.

MORNING PROGRAMME

• Wake Up Call at 05h00
• Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate Served with Rusk’s in the Main Area
• Morning Game Drive commence at 05h30 and return to the lodge at 08h30 – 09h00
• Breakfast served from 09h00

AFTERNOON PROGRAMME

• Lunch served from 14h30
• Afternoon Game Drive commence at 16h00 and return to the lodge at 19h00 – 19h30
• Dinner is Served

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT BECKS SAFARI LODGE

In addition to the twice daily game drives in the morning and afternoon, there are many other options to enjoy at Becks Safari Lodge, including.

• visit to local community,
• gin tasting,
• photographic course,
• 4-hour anti-poaching walk
• interactive cooking
• bush picnic
• yoga
• helicopter flight through Oliphants Gorge

These options are not included in the price and need to be pre-booked in advance of arrival.

LEAVING THE BUSH FOR THE WINELANDS.

Sadly, we must leave the Becks Safari Lodge with lasting memories and head south for the start of our wine exploration in the beautiful Winelands, a symphony of vineyards, terroir, and passion that resonates across rolling hills and valleys. 🍇 Let’s raise our glasses and explore this remarkable wine region together.

After breakfast and check out we will be taken back to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport for the local flight to Cape Town. On arrival we will be met and taken to our hotel in the Winelands.

Lunch at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery at Spier, at your expense

In the afternoon there will be an opportunity to walk around the estate and wine tasting. Spier was voted one of the 100 World's Best Vineyards in 2021, and Editor's Choice - Winery of the Year 2022. 

When back at the Spier Hotels, there will be a Vertical Chenin tasting followed by dinner at one of the restaurants. Dinner at one's own expense.

THE WINELANDS - HOME OF SOUTH AFRICAN WINES

Welcome to the heart of South African viticulture! Here, amidst breathtaking landscapes and historic estates, you’ll discover a rich heritage, exceptional wine experiences, and a generosity of spirit that’s as prominent as the sun at noon. 

The programme for the day will be 2 wine tastings and a cellar visit in the morning followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations, which will be on a Winelands vineyard with one of the local winemakers to talk about their produce.  In the afternoon there will be one further tasting before returning to the hotel. For those wanting to do other activities such as walking or cycling, this can be arranged with the tour leader. 

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 3 of the vineyards listed below.

• Catherine Marshall
• Jordans (wine tasting at lunch)
• Lanzerac 
• Reyneke's (bio dynamic)
• Waterford
•  Kanonkop
• Muratie
• De Toren
• Edgbaston
• De Trafford. Vineyard Walk (R450 pp) inc tasting

 In the evening, we will be taken into Stellenbosch for a short tour of the town, followed by a dine around dinner at a restaurant of your choice at one's own expense.

A DAY IN THE FRENCH VILLAGE OF FRANSCHHOEK AND SURROUNDING VINEYARDS

Franschhoek is a haven for foodies and wine enthusiasts. Explore boutique wineries, dine at award-winning restaurants, and soak in the valley’s beauty. The Huguenot Monument stands as a testament to the area’s French heritage.

The programme for the day will be 2 wine tastings and a cellar visit in the morning followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations which will be on another Winelands vineyard with one of the local winemakers to talk about their produce.  In the afternoon there will be one further tasting before returning to the hotel. For those wanting to do other activities such as walking or cycling, or simply wander around the shops in the charming village of Franschhoek.  

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 3 of the vineyards listed below

• Mullineux and Leeu Wine studio
• Oldenberg
• Keermont
• Dieu Donne Vineyards 
• Colmant
• Stony Brook
• Rickety Bridge

In the evening, we will enjoy a special Winemakers dinner at the Spier Hotel.

SWARTLAND - WHERE TERROIR AND TRADITION MEET 

Viticulture in the Swartland is relatively young but rapidly gaining popularity. Focused producers have migrated here, making it one of South Africa’s most fashionable wine areas. Dryland viticulture prevails, with minimal irrigation. The secret?  Many hectares of old vines that require less maintenance.

The programme for the day will be 2 wine tastings and a cellar visit in the morning followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations which will be on a Swartlands vineyard with one of the local winemakers to talk about their produce.  In the afternoon there will be one further tasting before returning to the hotel. For those wanting to do other activities such as walking or cycling, this can be arranged locally with the tour leader. 

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 3 of the vineyards listed below 

• Sadie family
• Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards
• AA Badenhorst
• Allesverloren Wine Estate
• Wine Kollective (small wine shop in Ribeek Kasteel, specialising in Natural Wines)

Dinner will be at one of the restaurants at Spier at one's own expense.

ELGIN & HEMEL EN AARDE WINE VISITS

Elgin’s vibrant, aromatic wines are attracting attention from wine critics worldwide. These elegant, age-worthy wines—made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc—showcase the region’s unique character.

The gently undulating topography of Hemel-en-Aarde offers diverse vineyard sites, producing some of the world-famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Soil profiles vary, with gravel, sandstone, clay, and weathered shale contributing to the unique terroir. The name itself—meaning “Heaven and Earth” in Dutch and Afrikaans—captures the magic of this place

Having left the Winelands in the morning we will drive to Elgin on the way to Hermanus and stop at one the vineyards to taste some of the excellent produce from the area.  Lunchtime Wine Conversations will be on a vineyard in Hemel en Aarde with one of the local winemakers to talk about the produce. In the afternoon there will be two further tastings and a visit to Hemel & Aarde wine shop for discussions on the local wines before driving to our hotel in nearby Hermanus. 

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 3 of the vineyards listed below

• Beaumont
• Luddite
• Ataraxia
• Creation
• Newton Johnson
• Bouchard Finlayson
• Hamilton Russell
• Chris Alheit 

There will be time before dinner to walk along the famous coastal path, which will be followed by a dine around dinner at a restaurant in Hermanus of your choice and one's own expense.

STANFORD WINES - A HIDDEN GEM

The proximity to the coast ensures cool sea breezes during hotter months, allowing grapes to ripen gently. Winemaker Peter Kastner believes that great wine is produced in the vineyard, and Stanford Hills benefits from wonderful soil and climate. All grapes used for their wines are grown on the farm itself and hand-picked to ensure quality.

The programme for the day will be 2 wine tastings and a cellar visit in the morning followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations which will be on a Stanford vineyard with one of the local winemakers to talk about the produce.  In the afternoon there will be one further tasting before returning to the hotel. For those wanting to do other activities such as walking or cycling, or indeed a visit to the wild cat sanctuary at Panthera Africa, this can be arranged locally with the tour leader.

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 3 of the vineyards listed below

• Springfontein
• Stanford Hills
• Raka
• Misty Mountains
• Robert Stanford Estate

In the evening, we will enjoy a special Winemakers dinner at the Rock Restaurant in Hermanus

CAPE TOWN - THE MOTHER CITY

Cape Town’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion. From seafood feasts along the V&A Waterfront to spicy Cape Malay dishes in the Bo-Kaap, your taste buds will dance.  Just outside Cape Town in Constantia rolling vineyards await. Sip on Chenin Blanc, indulge in Pinotage, and raise your glass to the artistry of South African winemakers.

After breakfast we drive back to Cape Town stopping at Blank Bottle in Somerset West. The Winemaker: Pieter Walser, the mastermind behind Blank Bottle, is a winemaker with a penchant for pushing boundaries. His philosophy? Each wine should be unique, unrepeatable, and a reflection of its moment in time. No wonder Blank Bottle’s labels are as diverse as the wines themselves!

Today's Lunchtime Wine Conversations will be on the Steenberg vineyard with one of their winemakers to talk about their produce. Check in to the hotel during the afternoon. 

Options for the afternoon, time permitting.  To be booked locally or pre-booked where necessary at one's own expense. 

• Table Mountain 
• Robben Island
• A round of Golf at Royal Cape Golf Club
• Walk on Lions Head
• Kirstenbosch Garden
• Guided tour of Cape Town 
• The Zeitz Museum of Modern Art
• District Six Museum
• At leisure, Shopping etc. The Watershed and the V&A Waterfront

Dinner will be a dine around at a restaurant of your choice and one's own expense in the V&A Waterfront area, a captivating space nestled in the oldest working harbour with Table Mountain as its majestic backdrop.

CONSTANTIA - WHERE TIMELESS ELEGANCE FLOWS

The Constantia wine region is a place where vineyards meet ancient trees, and every sip carries centuries of tradition. Dating back to 1685, Klein Constantia is one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates. Nestled on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, it offers breathtaking views across False Bay.

Our day starts with breakfast and then a short drive behind Table Mountain to the vineyards of Constantia. There will be two wine tastings during the morning plus a cellar visit followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations, which will be on a vineyard in Constantia with one of the local winemakers to talk about the produce.

Afternoon at leisure to explore Cape Town. 

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 2 of the vineyards listed below

• Constantia Glen
• Groot Constantia
• Klein Constantia
• Buitenverwachting
• High Constantia

Options for the afternoon, time permitting.  To be booked locally or pre-booked where necessary at one's own expense.

• Table Mountain 
• Robben Island (must be pre-booked)
• A round of Golf at Royal Cape Golf Club (must be pre-booked)
• Walk on Lions Head
• Kirstenbosch Garden
• Guided tour of Cape Town 
• The Zeitz Museum of Modern Art
• District Six Museum
• At leisure, Shopping etc. The Watershed and the V&A Waterfront

Dine around dinner at one of the restaurants of your choice and one's own expense in Bree Street, a vibrant and popular area that has firmly established itself as Cape Town’s culinary and cultural heart.

DURBANVILLE - A WINE GEM WORTH VISITING.

A mere 20 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the Durbanville Wine Valley offers scenic vineyards that stretch across rolling hills. The terroir here is unique, resulting in wines that reflect the slopes and individual personalities of the winemakers.

The programme for the day will be 2 wine tastings and a cellar visit in the morning followed by Lunchtime Wine Conversations, which will be on a Durbanville vineyard with one of the local winemakers to talk about their produce.   

Wine tasting visits and 1 x Cellar Tour will take place at 2 of the vineyards listed below

• Bloemendaal
• Nitida
• Canto
• D'aria
• De Grendal
• Diemersdal
• Durbanville Hills

After lunch we will be driven back to Cape Town where the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. the city or join one of the activities below.

Options for the afternoon, time permitting.  To be booked locally or pre-booked where necessary at one's own expense.

• Table Mountain 
• Robben Island (must be pre-booked)
• A round of Golf at Royal Cape Golf Club (must be pre-booked)
• Walk on Lions Head
• Kirstenbosch Garden
• Guided tour of Cape Town 
• The Zeitz Museum of Modern Art
• District Six Museum
• At leisure, Shopping etc. The Watershed and the V&A Waterfront

In the evening there is a transfer for a dine around sunset dinner at one's own expense in Camps Bay, a coastal gem nestled against the Twelve Apostles mountains, where the Atlantic waves touch the shore, and the sunsets paint the sky in hues of gold and pink.

EXPLORE CAPE TOWN

All day at leisure for last minute shopping and/or day tour

Options for the day. To be booked locally or pre-booked where necessary at one's own expense

• Full day tour to Cape Point and Boulders Beach with lunch (must be pre-booked)
• Table Mountain 
• Robben Island (must be pre-booked)
• A round of Golf at Royal Cape Golf Club (must be pre-booked)
• Walk on Lions Head
• Kirstenbosch Garden
• Guided tour of Cape Town 
• The Zeitz Museum of Modern Art
• District Six Museum
• At leisure, Shopping etc. The Watershed and the V&A Waterfront

As we bid farewell to Cape Town and South Africa, with its wonderful wines and wildlife, we will host a Farewell Dinner at the Wine Cellar with guest speaker.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA SOON!

Transfer back to Cape Town Airport for return international flights