13 Day Western Cape and Kruger Gourmet Journey

Franschhoek, meaning "French Corner," was founded in 1688 by Huguenots who fled persecution in France due to their Protestant-Calvinist beliefs. The French settlers found a new home at the Cape, significantly boosting the quality of South African wine production. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek commemorates these immigrants, who gave their names to many places and families in the region. Families such as Du Toit, De Villiers, and Le Roux are common in South Africa, especially around Franschhoek. The town offers a French-inspired atmosphere along the Main Road, with stylish cafés, French restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

THINGS TO DO:

• Wine tasting at one of the many wineries, including the Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za).
• Visit Babylonstoren & take a garden tour – also, check out the new tour at the historic working farm Soetmelksvlei and visit the wine museum (www.babylonstoren.com).
• Hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
• E-bike tour through the Franschhoek Winelands with wine tasting and lunch: (www.vinebikes.co.za/franschhoek-bicycle-wine-tour/).

RESTAURANT & WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:

The 17 Best Restaurants in Franschhoek in 2025: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/franschhoek-restaurants/

• Le Lude Estate, near the Huguenot Memorial – excellent cuisine (www.lelude.co.za).
• Boschendal, especially for the picnic (www.boschendal.com).
• La Petite Colombe (Top 10 South Africa, www.lapetitecolombe.com).
• Le Chêne (www.lechene.co.za/restaurant).
• La Motte (www.la-motte.com).
• Grande Provence (www.grandeprovence.co.za).

OUR TIPS:

Franschhoek Village Market - Every Saturday, 09:00h - 15:00h, Address: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 (www.franschhoekvillagemarket.co.za)

"Life is too short to drink bad wine" (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe). Thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate and winter rains at the Cape, some of the best South African wines come from the southwestern region of the country. The rich, fertile soil along the Breede River and especially in the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl have made the region world-famous for its wines. Today, South Africa exports 420 million hectoliters of wine to more than 120 countries. The wine sector provides 300,000 jobs, with approximately 160,000 employees coming from previously disadvantaged social backgrounds. South Africa is also a global leader in environmental protection and sustainability. Most wineries in the area offer daily wine tastings and cellar tours. Of course, you can also buy wines directly from the estates. Many of these estates also have excellent restaurants and offer picnic facilities.

THINGS TO DO

• Wine Tasting at one of the numerous wineries
• Wine Tram through the Winelands (Hop on Hop Off Tour with various lines)
• Visit the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl & Tulbagh
• Guided Bike Tour through the Winelands
• Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (near Stellenbosch)
• Picnic at Boschendal Farm
• Hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Rust en Vrede (www.rustenvrede.com)
• De Vrije Burger (www.bertusbasson.com)
• The Fat Butcher (www.fatbutcher.co.za)
• Rykaart's (www.rykaarts.co.za)

WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Jordan Wine Estate & Restaurant (www.jordanwines.com)
• Stark-Condé Wines (www.stark-conde.co.za)
• Delaire Graff Estate (www.delaire.co.za)
• De Morgenzon (www.demorgenzon.co.za)
• Waterford Estate (www.waterfordestate.co.za)
• Bartinney Wine Estate (www.bartinney.co.za)

For more restaurant recommendations on wine farms, visit Inside Guide:
www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town/wine-farm-restaurants

OUR TIPS

Our recommendation in the Elgin Valley - near Grabouw: The Railway Market in Elgin. Art Deco meets Victorian style elements here. Held every weekend in former apple storage sheds, the market offers a fantastic selection of stalls including food, drinks, jewelry, clothing, art, live music, and ceramics.

Opening Hours: Saturday 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Elgin Railway Market: Oak Avenue, Elgin, 7180 (www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za/)

Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, was founded in 1679 and is best known for its picturesque vineyards and around 120 wineries. Surrounded by the Stellenbosch Mountains, the town offers visitors a breathtaking backdrop. The historic old town is characterized by oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch buildings, featuring distinctive white houses, pointed gables, and tall doors. Stellenbosch University is one of the country’s most prestigious universities, attracting over 30,000 students annually.

THINGS TO DO

• Winetasting at the surrounding wineries (20 best wine farms: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/stellenbosch-wine-farms/)
• Cycling through the vineyards (Bike tour with wine tasting: https://www.adventureshop.co.za/stellenbosch-tours/guided-bike-tour/)
• Stellenbosch University’s Botanical Garden
• Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch Village Museum
• Strawberry picking at Mooiberg Strawberry Farm
• Vine Hopper: (6 Wineries, https://vinehopper.co.za/)
• Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (www.dylanlewis.com/garden/visit-the-garden)

RESTAURANT AND WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Rust en Vrede (www.rustenvrede.com)
• De Vrije Burger (www.bertusbasson.com)
• The Fat Butcher (www.fatbutcher.co.za)
• Rykaart's (www.rykaarts.co.za/)
• Jordan Wine Estate & Restaurant (www.jordanwines.com)
• Stark-Condé Wines (www.stark-conde.co.za)
• Delaire Graff Estate (www.delaire.co.za)
• De Morgenzon (www.demorgenzon.co.za)
• Waterford Estate (www.waterfordestate.co.za)
• Bartinney Wine Estate (www.bartinney.co.za)
• Tokara Restaurant (https://www.tokara.com/tokara-wine-estate/tokara-restaurant/)
• Capensis Wines (https://www.capensiswines.com/za)
• Rainbow's End Wine Estate (https://rainbowsend.co.za/ )

Located 15 km north-west of Vredenburg and 145 km north of Cape Town, this charming fishing village is a great place for a seaside escape, with its historical buildings, warm hospitality, long beach and beautiful views. It also has several quaint restaurants serving sublimely fresh and tasty seafood and one or two bars where you can enjoy a few drinks and get acquainted with the locals. Dolphins and whales can be spotted off the coast for ten months of the year and the striking Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, located just three kilomteres away, is a beautiful spot to explore, with its boulder-framed bay dotted with camping spots and barbeque facilities.

Things to do

• Die kulinarische Vielfalt erkunden
• Fahrrad Touren, Wandern, lange Strandspaziergänge
• Beach-Buggy fahren, Kanu Touren oder Reitausflüge am Meer
• Vogel-Beobachtungen

Unsere Restaurant Tipps

• Gaaitjie Restaurant (www.gaaitjie.co.za/)
• Wolfgat Restaurant (www.wolfgat.co.za/)
• Noisy Oyster (www.facebook.com/noisyoysterpaternoster/)

• Leeto Restaurant (https://www.leetorestaurant.com/)

Ankes Tipps

Das ruhige und klare Wasser vor der Küste von Paternoster bietet ideale Bedingungen für Kajak-Touren. Man kann die Küste entlang paddeln und Robben, Kormorane und mit etwas Glück auch Pinguine vom Wasser aus erleben.

Der West Coast National Park mit der herrlichen Lagune ist eine ideale Ergänzung zu einem Besuch in Paternoster. Die Kombination aus unberührter Küste und der Kraaibaai Lagune mit 22C warmen Wasser zieht viele Gäste im Sommer zum Baden an. Speziell in der Blumensaison im August & September lohnen sich hier auch ausgedehnte Wanderungen, man läuft durch ein Blumenmeer.

While the Garden Route remains one of South Africa’s most famous attractions, the West Coast’s windswept isolation and tranquillity appeal to visitors seeking a break from the hustle and bustle that often accompanies popular tourist towns. The sparsely populated West Coast offers wide open spaces, unspoilt beaches, rugged terrain, and azure seas. Visitors can look forward to exploring quaint country towns and whitewashed fishing villages, hiking through the spectacular Cederberg and the West Coast National Park as well as sampling fresh seafood at the seaside towns of Langebaan and Paternoster. Other popular activities include bird watching, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing.

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies some 200 km north of Cape Town. This vast area stretches from the Middelberg Pass at Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam, encompassing some 71 000 ha of rugged, mountainous terrain. The Cederberg was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973, and as such enjoys the highest possible conservation status.

The Cederberg is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rock formations, as well as its namesake, the increasingly rare Clanwilliam cedar tree. The Lebanon Cedar can grow a hight of 1000-4000m on rocky ground. This is a very attractive destination for hikers.

The Cederberg Mountains are part of the Cape folded mountain series and consist mainly of Table Mountain sandstone. Weathered sandstone formations, most notably the Wolfberg Arch and the 20-meter highMaltese Cross, are typical of the Cederberg. The mountains fall within the catchment area of the Cape fynbos region, and are managed as a source of water. Most precipitation falls in the southwest allowing the vegetation to be lush.

Clanwilliam is a picturesque town nestled in Cederberg, offering a world of natural beauty, cultural depth, and unmatched history. Surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Cederberg Mountains, which rise majestically over the region, this area is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its striking rock formations and gentle valleys are perfect for exploring along numerous hiking trails. The Cederberg Mountains are renowned for their unique rock art, revealing a deep connection to the history and culture of South Africa's indigenous peoples.

The town itself exudes a welcoming and warm atmosphere steeped in its historical heritage. Strolling through its streets, visitors can discover well-preserved colonial-era buildings. The Clanwilliam Museum offers fascinating insights into the region's history, spanning from its indigenous inhabitants to European settlers.

A culinary journey in Clanwilliam is another experience not to be missed. Sample local delicacies and enjoy fresh produce sourced from surrounding farms.

Sevilla Rock Art Trail

The 5 km trail winds along the Brannewyn River, visiting nine sites adorned with rock art left by the San people, who inhabited the area for millennia. The Sevilla Rock Art Trail showcases some of the finest examples of rock art, providing a captivating glimpse into the world of early inhabitants.

The trail is relatively easy to navigate, with an inspiring atmosphere enhanced by spring wildflowers (September to November). Alongside encounters with springboks, eland antelopes, and smaller wildlife like dassies and baboons, hikers can observe a fascinating diversity of native plant species and birds.

Cape Town is South Africa’s second-largest city and the capital of the Western Cape province. Affectionately known as the “Mother City,” it was the first city founded during South Africa’s colonial period. The city’s cultural richness reflects influences from Indonesian, French, Dutch, British, and German settlers, shaping its architecture, language, cuisine, and winemaking traditions. Today, Cape Town is a vibrant, unique city where history comes alive.

Things to Do

Cape Town offers endless ways to enjoy your stay. Here are some of our personal highlights:

Scenic Helicopter Flights
See Cape Town from the skies! Take a private or shared helicopter flight over the stunning Cape Peninsula and enjoy sweeping views of beaches, mountains, and the city, with Table Mountain as the perfect backdrop. Flights are weather-dependent.
helicopterscapetown.co.za

City Tour on a Red Double-Decker Bus
Explore Cape Town at your own pace on an open-top bus, combining sightseeing with walking tours. Highlights include Parliament, City Hall, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and Company’s Garden. Don’t forget your camera!
citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town

Constantia Winelands
Just 15 km from the city, the Constantia wine region is Cape Town’s “home vineyard.” Discover its hidden wine routes and learn about South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region. Our top pick: a wine tasting at historic Groot Constantia.
grootconstantia.co.za

Westside Adventurers Hiking Group
Join locals and tourists for daily hikes around Cape Town. Westside Adventurers also offers fun activities like karaoke, bowling, and theater visits.
westsideadventurers.co.za

Table Mountain – Hike or Cable Car
Take in breathtaking views of Cape Town and the ocean with a hike or a relaxing cable car ride. During peak season (October–March), we recommend the Fast Track cable car to skip long queues. Table Mountain is a must-see for every visitor!
tablemountain.net

Classic Cobra Car & TukTuk Tours
Drive along the Cape’s stunning coastline in a classic Cobra car or take a fun TukTuk tour of scenic local routes.
capecobrahire.com | hakunamatuktuk.co.za

Township Tours – Uthando
Support social initiatives while exploring local communities. Uthando offers customized tours that fund projects focused on HIV awareness, substance abuse prevention, and support for women and children.
uthandosa.org

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nestled on Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch preserves South Africa’s unique flora, including Fynbos and Protea species. Enjoy 6,000+ plants, scenic walks, and summer concerts. Free guided tours run Monday–Friday at 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00 (approx. 90 min).
sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch

E-Bike Tours & Cycling Adventures
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings by e-bike—perfect for longer rides and scenic routes.
ebikecapetown.com

Beaches
Cape Town boasts some of the country’s best beaches—surf, sunbathe, or stroll along pristine sands.
insideguide.co.za/cape-town/best-beaches

Shopping in Cape Town

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront + The Watershed (waterfront.co.za)

• Tribal Trends (capetownccid.org/explore/shop/tribal-trends)

• Baraka Gifts & Decor (barakashop.co.za)

• The Collective, Hout Bay (thecollectivehoutbay.co.za)

Markets:
Find fresh organic produce, street food, local art, and live music at:

• Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock (theoldbiscuitmill.co.za)

• Oranjezicht City Farm Market (ozcf.co.za/market-day)

Dining in Cape Town

Fine Dining:

• FYN Restaurant (fynrestaurant.com)

• Pier Restaurant (pier.restaurant/food)

• La Colombe at Silvermist (lacolombe.co.za)

Stylish & Trendy Spots:

• Willoughby & Co (Sushi, willoughbyandco.co.za)

• TANG (Japanese, tanghospitality.com)

• Dorp Hotel Restaurant (dorp.co.za)

• Grand Africa Café & Beach (grandafrica.com)

• Bilboa (bilboa.co.za)

• Ramenhead (by FYN team, ramenhead.co.za)

• Belly of the Beast (bellyofthebeast.co.za)

• The Strangers Club (Breakfast, thestrangersclub.co.za)

Bo-Kaap Cooking Tours
Learn about South African culture through its cuisine.
bokaapcookingtour.co.za

Bars & Nightlife:
insideguide.co.za/cape-town/bars

Reservations Tip: For top restaurants in Cape Town and the Winelands, book 1–2 months in advance via dineplan.co.za. Some require a deposit, deducted from your meal.

Insider Tip

First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries across Cape Town stay open until 9 PM. Locals stroll along Bree Street and Church Street with a glass of wine, enjoying the relaxed, year-round atmosphere.
www.first-thursdays.co.za

On the third Thursday of each month, the event moves to studios, galleries, and museums along Roeland Street, Buitenkant Street, and Harrington Street.

Situated in the northeastern reaches of South Africa in the province of Mpumalanga, MalaMala Game Reserve shares a boundary with the Kruger National Park. MalaMala is one of the largest Big Five game reserves in Southern Africa. Stretching over 13 300 hectares, this spectacular reserve features bushveld, vast savannah, riverine woodlands, and straddles the Sand River. MalaMala is one of the more established private reserves as well as one of the oldest private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region. Commonly spotted animals include lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

The Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa. It is in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, west of the Lebombo Mountains on the border with Mozambique. The park was established in 1898 on the initiative of President Paul Kruger, after hunters had significantly depleted the originally rich wildlife population of the area. The land between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers was placed under protection, securing the survival of the remaining animals. Only in 1961 was the expanded Kruger National Park fenced in.

The area is generally flat with low hills, traversed by approximately 8046 km of gravel and tar roads. The vegetation varies from open bushveld to dense bush with mopane, acacia, marula, and baobab trees. Numerous differently equipped camps (called rest camps in English) are available for visitors, mostly in beautiful locations. Within the park grounds, visitors are only allowed to move from sunrise to sunset. In between, they must leave the park or enter the fenced camps.

The park is home to a stunning diversity of flora and fauna: 336 species of trees, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species, and 147 mammal species can be found in Kruger Park. Approximately 1,500 lions, over 8,000 elephants, 900 leopards, 1,500 rhinos, 30,000 buffalo, and 17 species of antelope live here among the larger wildlife.

Impressive archaeological sites, such as Masorini and Thulamela, show that this fascinating habitat has been shared with humans for centuries; they are protected just like the park's natural riches.

For wildlife observation, the dry South African winter, i.e., the months from June to September, is best suited. The grass is low, bushes and trees have few leaves, allowing for a clear view. Since it hardly ever rains in winter, most animals come to the waterholes to drink in the mornings and evenings and can be easily observed from the car. The distances in the park should not be underestimated, especially because you can only drive a maximum of 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads and, of course, observe animals en route.

Opening hours of park entrances:

Months       Gate Opening    Gate Closing

JAN+FEB           05:30 AM              06:30 PM
MAR+APR        06:00 AM              06:00 PM
MAY-JUL            06:00 AM              05:30 PM
AUG+SEP          06:00 AM              06:00 PM
OCT                      05:30 AM              06:00 PM
NOV+DEC        05:30 AM              06:30 PM

SAFARI LODGES

Stays at safari lodges typically follow a rough itinerary, which we'd like to describe for you in bullet points:

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the team, with possibly some time for a light lunch. Then, they meet their ranger for the upcoming days and receive a brief safety briefing. It's important that guests sign a liability waiver. Typically, around 4:00 PM, coffee and tea are served, followed by a safari drive with the ranger on an open Land Rover for approximately 2.5-3 hours. Upon return to the lodge, the team awaits with dinner, often enjoyed by a campfire.

The next morning starts early, with coffee and tea provided again, followed by the morning safari, which also lasts around 2.5-3 hours. Upon returning to the lodge, breakfast or brunch is served, and there's time to relax until the next safari drive.

ANIMALS IN THE NATIONAL PARK

The diversity of species is vast; here are the most important ones:

• Big Cats: Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Caracal, and Serval.
• Large Mammals: African Elephant, White and Black Rhinoceros, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Zebra, and South African Giraffe.
• African Wild Dog, Black-backed Jackal, and Spotted Hyena. Hoofed Animals and Antelopes: Wildebeest, Kudu, Impala, Nyala, Bushbuck, and the delicate little Klipspringer.
• Small and unmistakable: Rock Hyrax, Mongoose, and Honey Badger (known as the Meanest of the Mean).
• And the Strange and Unusual: Aardwolf, Aardvark, Pangolin, and Striped Polecat.