Luxury South Africa safari

Whale watching, wine tasting, and the Big Five on a luxury South Africa safari

One of the greatest joys of safari in South Africa, is combining wildlife and wilderness with the country's fabulous, beyond-the-bush experiences. From Cape Town's urban beauty and whales caravanning down the coast to wine tasting in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Valleys, there's a lot to do here that goes beyond a game vehicle. Wine, Whales, and Safari threads it all together while staying in luxurious and memorable accommodations. Return home knowing you’ve seen South Africa at its best.

South Africa: Wine, Whales, and Safari: 11 days/10 nights

DAYS 1, 2 & 3:

Arrive in Cape Town, One & Only

DAYS 4 & 5:

Drive to the Whale Coast, Grootbos Private Reserve

DAYS 6 & 7:

Drive to Franschhoek, Leeu Estates

DAYS 8, 9 & 10:

Fly to Timbavati, Tanda Tula

DAY 11:

Fly to Johannesburg, depart

One&Only Cape Town resort has marina frontage and Table Mountain views

One&Only enjoys a prime walkable location in Cape Town

sommelier luvo ntezo with a glass of wine in a vineyard

Dine at the One & Only with expertly paired wines by award-winning Sommelier Luvo Ntezo

view over the fynbos and ocean from Grootbos seen on this luxury South Africa safari

Soak in the views at Grootbos, South Africa

lantern lit grove with dining tables set up

Milkwood forest dinner, Grootbos Forest Lodge

luxury South Africa food and wine safari offers a beautiful sunny day looking out from franschhoek country house over the golden vineyards

Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

Tanda Tula main lounge

aerial photo over Leeu Estates featuring the white Cape Dutch architecture and lush green hillsides

Leeu Estate, tucked in the hillsides of Franschhoek.

Elephants at Tanda Tula

South Africa: Wine, Whales, and Safari trip highlights

This 11-day luxury South Africa itinerary begins with three nights at the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town. Explore the off-beat side of the city with your private guide, meeting artisans at the trendy East City Precinct and the folks behind uplifting township art projects. Take the cable car up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, and explore the renowned Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

Take a scenic drive to Grootbos Private Reserve. The Whale Coast has the best land-based whale watching in the world from June to November when southern right whales give birth to their calves. Head out on a marine safari, enjoy guided walks through the reserve, wine tasting in the nearby Hemel en Aarde, or horseback riding along the beach.

Meet your guide for a day of wine tasting in the Elgin Valley, where you’ll enjoy expertly crafted ciders, wine, and gourmet deli treats. Depending on the time of year, meet the wine-makers or experience a barrel tasting. Stay at Leeu Estate in Franschhoek and taste the wines of the Franschhoek Valley aboard the a hop-on/hop-off wine tram. Alternatively, arrange for another day of private guiding to dig deeper into the vineyards of the valley.

Return to Cape Town Airport for your flight to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Stay at the elegant Tanda Tula Safari Camp. Embark on off-road game drives to spot impala, giraffe, buffalo, lion, and leopard, as well as hippo, buffalo, and elephant. Enjoy bush walks, boma dinners, and stargaze during an evening dip in your private plunge pool.

Return to Johannesburg for your flight home, or the next leg of your luxury Africa safari.

Price

$13,000 - $14,000 per person sharing in 2025.

South Africa: Wine, Whales, and Safari on a map

Easy extensions

Hop on a direct flight from Kruger National Park to Livingstone (Zambia) to explore Victoria Falls. Or head to Vilanculos, Mozambique, for some rest and relaxation in the Bazaruto Archipelago.