2026 - 9 Day Classic South Africa

Your adventure begins with a smooth transfer arrival into Cape Town. You'll be welcomed and transferred to the charming La Rose Guesthouse in the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, a colorful, culturally rich area known for its historic Cape Malay heritage and proximity to the city center. This eclectic bed and breakfast blends French, Indian, Cape Malay, and African influences in its unique, stylish rooms. Settle in after your journey, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and perhaps take a short walk to explore nearby streets, Long Street, or the V&A Waterfront.

After a leisurely breakfast at La Rose Guesthouse, embark on a half-day Cape Town tour.

Drive pass the Castle of Good Hope, which was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The Castle was developed as a maritime replenishment station, and from 1678 it was the centre of civilian, administrative and military life at the Cape. Today, the Castle is the seat of the military in the Cape,
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‌Tucked under the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo Kaap is a fascinating and vibrant area that was somehow bypassed in the forced removal policies of the Apartheid. Also called the Malay Quarter, this area is characterized by its multi-coloured cottages and steep cobbled streets as well as its exotic Malay culture. (15min)

 For those who enjoy a sense of history, the South African Museum offers a look at life throughout the ages in South Africa. The museum is situated in the Company Gardens, which holds the Seat of Parliament. Pristine lawns, shady paths, ornate fish ponds, statues of past leaders and plenty of curious squirrels are just a part of the Company Gardens’ charm. (20min)
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‌The beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay lie along the Atlantic coast. Situated just a few minutes away from the city centre, the beaches are ideal for sunbathing and water sports (even if the water is somewhat chilly). (15min)

Signal Hill is a prominent landmark from which the historic noon gun is fired, and forms the “lion’s body” for the adjacent Lion’s Head mountaintop. The hill rewards hikers with spectacular views across Table Bay harbour, the central city and the Atlantic Ocean. Many family-friendly picnic spots on Signal Hill are favoured by tourists and locals all year round. 

The afternoon is free to relax at the guesthouse, explore more of the city independently, or dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Today features a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, one of the most scenic drives in the region.

• Experience the 114 curves and 9km drive of one of the world's most scenic and majestic drives - Chapman's Peak. Hop off at one of the many picnic spots where you can enjoy and take photographs of the breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, the beaches, the ocean, whales and dolphins!

• View the spectacular sight of Cape Point's towering rock cliffs and the lighthouse, over 250 species of birdlife, baboons, bucks and the Cape Mountain Zebra. Explore the Cape of Good Hope, the most South-western point of Africa.

• Visit the Jackass penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Observe their fascinating behaviours up close and dare to have a swim alongside them! (Optional)

Itinerary:

Explore the wonders of the Mother City and take in all the beauty she has to offer on our Full Day Peninsula Tour - from the pristine white beaches, the penguin colony, breathtaking mountains, to the spectacular sight of Cape Point.

Clifton & Camps Bay

Situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay have been awarded Blue Flag status, offering pristine white beaches and beautiful, clear waters that make these beaches a highly popular summer attraction for locals and tourists. Admire the lively atmosphere of the Camps Bay Strip - filled with bustling restaurants and bars, the Bay Hotel, the crisp ocean, white sand, palm trees and occasional street entertainment.

Hout Bay & Seal Island Boat Trip

The small fishing village of Hout Bay is often jokingly referred to as the ‘Republic of Hout Bay’ by Cape Town locals, and has the sense of being an entirely separate town. A beautiful beach, delicious fresh seafood, the Bay Harbour market and plenty of restaurants make this suburb a must-visit on any Cape tour. You will also have the option of going to admire the thousands of seals that inhabit the Seal Island. Enjoy the world-renowned and incredible 9Km and 114 curved scenic drive of Chapman's Peak, also known as "Chappies", nestled between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, offering lookout points, picnic spots and unforgettable views. You could be lucky to spot some whales and dolphins along the way!
(1h)

Cape Point

See one of South Africa's most admirable sightseeing and tourist attractions. A spectacular nature reserve that lies in this area is one of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town, and for good reason. Situated on the very tip of the peninsula, the area spans across landscapes such as rugged cliffs, unique fauna and flora, and vast open spaces. See over 250 species of birdlife, baboons, bucks and the Cape Mountain Zebra. Explore the Cape of Good Hope, a world-renowned landmark, and monuments in honour of two of the world's most famous explorers - Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered Cape Point in 1488. No Cape Town tour is complete without a visit to Cape Point.
(1h 30min)

Penguin Colony & Simon's Town

A trip to Boulders Beach you will not forget - one of the only places in the world that you can swim alongside penguins. Boulders Beach has grown rapidly to over 3000 penguins since only two breeding Jackass penguins settled in that arrived from Dyer Island, near Gansbaai. Simon's Town is the seat of the South African Navy, and has a charming coastal town atmosphere and a vibrant history. Here you can find a thriving harbour, The Warrior Toy Museum and The South African Navy Museum. View the frigates and submarines from a distance that are docked at the Naval Base harbour. (30min - optional)

(To visit and interact with the penguins there is a small conservation fee of R 245 for adults.
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Kalk Bay

The quirky seaside village of Kalk Bay runs along the Main Road, with the False Bay coastline running on one side, and the mountain on the other. Along the Main Road lies a host of veritable treasure troves, from antique shops to costume shops, cobbled streets, vintage bookstores, bakeries, the famous Brass Bell restaurant and plenty more. The area is also excellent for whale watching during whale season (June to November) (Drive by).

Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a world-renowned surfing spot, where people from all parts of society join in communion to enjoy the wonders of the ocean. Situated on the beach, you will find an array of the famous colourful beach huts and plenty of restaurants and surf shops. Shark spotters keep a lookout for potential danger roaming in the bay. (Drive by)

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic transfer from Cape Town to the beautiful Winelands, arriving in Franschhoek. You'll settle into the serene Lavender Farm Boutique Guesthouse, a luxurious retreat surrounded by lavender fields and majestic mountains, offering peaceful suites, a pool, and breathtaking valley views. This marks your shift to the countryside, with the rest of the day free to unwind, stroll the gardens, or explore the charming village of Franschhoek nearby, known for its French Huguenot heritage, boutique shops, and fine dining.

Stellenbosch

We start the morning off at the Stellenbosch winelands, only 20 minutes out of Cape Town, which offers a majestic scenery that is entirely different to the Cape Peninsula. You will discover different grape varieties that grow in the area such as Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and the uniquely South African Pinotage. You will also learn about the Méthode Cap Classique developed in the region, that emulates and rivals the very best French champagnes. Stellenbosch is a small but very lively town with a famous university and numerous activities such as wine cellar tours and tastings, museums, galleries and strawberry picking. You will have the opportunity to purchase wines to bring back home to enjoy the region's delightful vintages after your visit.
(1h45)

Franschhoek

We then head to Franschhoek - a wine-lover's dream destination - also known as "the French corner", an old Huguenot village. With its numerous streets and estates with French names, the town will make you feel completely bewildered, feeling like you were in France in another era. You will be completely enchanted by the town's charm and its peaceful environment. You will get the chance to taste the region's delicacies, cheeses and its best wines. Since the 1st of October, we are very proud to take you on an unique ride on the Franschhoek Tram, journeying through beautiful vineyards, breath-taking scenery and award-winning wine farms. Bonus - our guides are fluent in English and French!
(2h)

Drakenstein Prison

Drakenstein, also known as Victor Verster Prison, is located between Franschhoek and Paarl. The prison is famous for being the one where Nelson Mandela spent the last fourteen months of his imprisonment for campaigning against Apartheid, there after leaving a free man in February 1990. Here you will get to see a recently unveiled, larger than life-size statue of Nelson Mandela raising his fist, not in anger, but as a well-known gesture of defiance, usually accompanied by the freedom slogan - 'Amandla awethu' in isiZulu or 'power to the people' in English.

Paarl

The tour continues with a scenic drive on the outskirts of Paarl, offering beautiful views of the iconic Paarl Mountain and its surroundings. Your guide will tell you about the town's rich history, such as its early settlement by the Dutch in the 17th century. Paarl is known for being one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is famous for its wine estates and beautiful landscapes. The name "Paarl" means "pearl" in Dutch, inspired by the massive granite rock formations that shine like pearls in the sun. You might also hear about the role of Paarl during the Apartheid era, including its significance in the resistance movements. The scenic drive allows for a photo opportunity at Victor Verster Prison Photo Stop.‌
‌(1h)

Your Winelands stay concludes after breakfast. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for your flight to the Kruger area at Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit (flight not included in the itinerary). Upon arrival you'll be met for a road transfer into the pristine Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park and shares its unfenced wildlife. Arrive at Honeyguide Khoka Moya Lodge, a family-friendly tented safari camp offering comfortable en-suite tents, full-board meals, and inclusive activities like game drives. Check in, enjoy afternoon tea, and  head out on your first evening game drive to spot the Big Five and other wildlife

A full day at Honeyguide Khoka Moya Lodge immerses you in the African bush. Expect two game drives—typically one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon/evening—guided by experienced rangers in open safari vehicles to maximize sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife. Between drives, enjoy lodge downtime with meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), perhaps a bush walk if offered, relaxation by the pool or firepit, or optional family-friendly activities. The unfenced reserve allows for authentic, close-up wildlife encounters.

Another complete day in the safari paradise of Manyeleti. Follow the same rewarding rhythm: morning game drive at dawn to catch animals at their most active, followed by breakfast back at camp. Spend the midday relaxing, perhaps with a siesta or lodge facilities. In the afternoon, another game drive offers fresh opportunities to track wildlife, learn about the ecosystem, and enjoy sundowners in the bush. Meals are included throughout, with the lodge's warm hospitality enhancing the experience.

After breakfast and possibly a final morning activity (depending on departure timing), check out from Honeyguide Khoka Moya Lodge. Transfer to Hoedspruit (HDS) Airport for your onward travel arrangements.