Curator’s statement
South Africa and Cape Town are often in the top 10 travel best countries/cities to visit destination winners and this year it’s no surprise that The UK Telegraph has voted it number one country/city to visit again! It is the most accessible African country with direct flights from New York, Atlanta, and Washington. Cape Town, a stunning destination situated at the base of Table Mountain, is a true beauty. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more. The piece de resistance is its renowned wildlife. No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari, with many lodges to suit all budgets. There is like the thrill of close encounters with lions, while staying in a luxury all-inclusive lodge.
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Where to stay
The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
A hotel at the very tip of Africa, poised above the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain range and Table Mountain National Park.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
One&Only Cape Town
A tranquil enclave surrounded by mesmerizing waterways and a traditional harbor featuring top-notch service well-known to the One&Only brand.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Table Bay Hotel
Elegant hotel along the Cape Town V&A Waterfront with refined rooms and suites.
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
Where luxury and wilderness harmonize: andBeyond Tengile River Lodge, your safari sanctuary.
andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp
Embark on a safari adventure in luxury at andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp, nestled in the heart of South Africa's Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Unlock perks by contacting Geraldine to book your trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town
Your South Africa tour begins with your arrival in the spectacular mother city of Cape Town. A place of awe-inspiring natural beauty, creative talent and a melting pot of cultures and traditions, Cape Town’s dazzling sense of spirit and character is almost tangible.
On your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, your tour guide will meet you and help you through customs to your luxury vehicle. Transfer to the Twelve Apostles Hotel.
Indulge in a sensational five-star experience, positioned majestically above the Atlantic Ocean with the magnificent Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain as its backdrop. Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the city at our luxurious boutique hotel, where you will find exquisite accommodations, stunning ocean vistas, tantalizing dining experiences and an award-winning spa, all complemented by the warm hospitality for which Red Carnation Hotels are renowned.
Lunch at Camps Bay - Lunch at Mantra Bay Cafe.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Cape Town - The view, the food, the ambiance, the gift shop are all 10/10. I loved the local West Coast crayfish (cold water lobster) with fresh lemon and herb garlic butter. Pair it Raka Sauvignon Blanc. The exchange rate makes eating lobster affordable.
In afternoon, enjoy a visit up Table Mountain and a city orientation drive. Table Mountain is Cape Town's most famous landmark. This gives you an aerial view of all sides of the city, Table Bay, Atlantic seaboard, all the way to its most southern Indian Ocean tip, Cape Point nature reserve.
Day 2: Cape Town tour
Cape of Good Hope Tour
Cape of Good Hope is located near the southernmost tip of the African continent in South Africa. Beaches, coves and cliffs surround the cape, making it a popular location for sightseeing. The Cape of Good Hope is well known for its rich history. It was an important stop on the early trade routes between Europe and Asia. Today, the location is a popular tourist attraction. It provides visitors with stunning views and is also home to a variety of wildlife.
Cape Point
Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see. See where the warm Indian Benguela current meets the cold Atlantic Ocean current.
Lunch: The Two Oceans restaurant at Cape Point overlooks False Bay. I love calamari and this did not disappoint with a curried mayo and garlic parsley remolata giving this dish a local spin.
Boulders Penguin Colony
Boulders Penguin Colony is located near Cape Town, South Africa. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to observe African penguins at close range and learn more about them. The section also includes three boardwalks that provide easy access to the beach area, and sheltered areas for viewing the birds. The birds are protected and no touching, feeding or walking off the cordoned boardwalk is allowed.
Kalk Bay
Drive back through the quaint town of Kalk Bay and over Boyes Drive for antiquing and fresh fish markets where you will meet the local fisherman and sundowners (cocktails while the sun goes down). You will be rewarded with spectacular views over False Bay.
Dinner - Fyn - Top 100 Restaurant in the World.
Freshen up and head to Fyn Restaurent in the city center. South Africa is culinary/foodie destination with several top 100 restaurants. Fyn was voted 93 on the World's Best Restaurant List 2021. I had the Lambert’s Bay abalone, truffle kaeshi as an appetizer (was amazing) and the Poached Kingklip, rack seaweed, crayfish espuma and black caviar. Fish was fresh and tender.
Day 3: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch/Franschoek
Resting at the feet of the Boland Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, the Cape Winelands area is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The enthralling mountainous landscape boasts an impressive list of luxury wine farms, stretching across lush fertile valleys. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities suited to all types of travelers.
Explore a collection of historic little hamlets and towns dotting the countryside. Sample a wide selection of world-class wine at historic Cape Dutch farmsteads and other wine estates and make your way through a sublime network of hiking and biking trails. The culinary scene here is world-class and constantly improving; visitors who don’t drink alcohol will also enjoy discovering this destination as part of a ‘food tour’ - numerous superb restaurants are on offer.
Stop 1: Babylonstoren Vineyards
Discover the historical allure of Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms nestled at the base of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley.
Boasting a magnificent fruit and vegetable garden teeming with botanical marvels, this one-of-a-kind destination offers unique accommodations, delectable cuisine and exquisite wines that promote a sense of wellbeing.
Embracing the ever-changing landscape of the garden, every facet of Babylonstoren, from the modern Farm Hotel & Spa to the Farm Shop and Restaurants, is influenced by its rich heritage while embracing innovative ideas.
I love Babylonstoren farm shop. I treated myself to their delicious olive oil and a great portable cooler shopping bag.
Reflecting the farm's unhurried contemporary lifestyle, the Babylonstoren Farm Shop showcases a wide range of products that can be enjoyed in our restaurants or purchased in-store or online by visitors to Babylonstoren.
Stop 2 - La Colombe Lunch
“A meal at La Petite Colombe restaurant is like doing the tango with a stranger. You enter the dance floor uncertain of what to expect, and when the music stops at the end, you are left breathless and speechless. And when words are not enough, only a hearty applause will do. I am clapping loudly right now..” — Nidha Narrandes, Cape Town Etc.
I highly recommend the fresh caught local yellow fin tuna!
Stop 3 - Boschendal Vineyards
Experience the enchantment of our genuine, operational farm, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, taste the acclaimed wines and extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine and explore the captivating indigenous gardens.
Take pleasure in perusing their artisan Farm Shop & Butchery, as well as our Homeware Shop, offering products that are meticulously crafted on-site or sourced from sustainable local suppliers. Whether you prefer to handpick your favorites or have them delivered right to your doorstep, the choice is yours to enjoy the best that our farm has to offer.
Sundowners (Happy Hour at Sunset)
Head back towards the hotel to freshen up and enjoy Sundowners at the west facing Twelve Apostles Hotel overlooking the Atlantic seaboard to enjoy sunset.
Dinner: Pier Restaurent V&A Waterfront
Situated on the Pierhead, with the iconic views that have made this attraction so famous worldwide, PIER Restaurant offers an intimate, multi-course fine-dining experience to one of the world’s most-loved destinations. Recently named the second best restaurant in Africa at the recent TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Best of the Best Awards.
Day 4: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Constantia & Chapmans Peak
Constantia
Chapmans Peak
Day 5: Kirstenbosch Gardens and more
Stop 1: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Renowned as one of the world's premier botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden stands out for its stunning location nestled against the majestic eastern slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town. Few gardens can rival the awe-inspiring grandeur that surrounds Kirstenbosch, making it a truly exceptional destination.
Tree Canopy Walk
'The Boomslang', is an exquisite curved steel and timber bridge spanning 130 meters. Designed to mimic the shape of a snake skeleton, this unique walkway immerses visitors in the forest, guiding them through the treetops and offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With discreet touchpoints on the forest floor and reaching a height of 12 meters above ground; The Boomslang seamlessly winds and dips, blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Situated near various iconic gardens within the Arboretum, this remarkable walkway is an architectural marvel that invites visitors to experience the beauty of Kirstenbosch from a new perspective.
Coffee KIRSTENBOSCH TEA ROOM - Grab high tea. I love the scones - my fave.
Overlooks the gardens and Table Mountain.
Stop 2 Lunch - Beyond Constantia - Buitenverwachting Vineyards
This gorgeous restaurant brings back many lovely memories of family lunches. With expansive lawns, plenty of room for kids to run around.
Situated on the eastern slopes of the majestic Constantiaberg and just 12km from False Bay, this stunning farm was once a part of the historic Constantia Estate. The estate, established by Simon van der Stel, the inaugural Governor of the Dutch colony in South Africa, holds great historical significance. The farm's picturesque location and ties to the colonial era make it a truly remarkable destination. Nestled in the beauty of its surroundings, this farm serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of the region.
Stop 3 - Scenic Chapmans Peak to Noordhoek Village & Foodbarn
This is one of the most picturesque drives in the world. The road is set right on the edge of the mountain. Many car commercials have been filmed here, including BMW’s. At the bottom of Chapman's Peak drive is Noordhoek Village.
Top up your caffeine and pastry needs at The Foodbarn and deli. Try Koeksusters (A fried crispy dough filled with a syrup and a hint of ginger). Meander around the Cape Dutch Architecture, shops, galleries and gift stores.
Stop 4 - Head Home over picturesque Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road)
Enjoy scenic views of the Cape Town valley and flats as you head back to the hotel.
Azure Restaurant: Enjoy sundowners at hotel restaurant for your last night in Cape Town.
Indulge in a Journey through the Cape while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Day 6 - 10: Lion Sands to check out and a good bye to South Africa
A Typical Day at Lion Sands
Morning Game Drive - Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open safari vehicle in the company of your guide. Your guide will break for a hot drink and a snack during your morning drive.
Breakfast - Return to the Camp for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes.
Lunch - There's time for a quick siesta in your luxurious suite.
Afternoon Tea - Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.
Afternoon Game Drive / Bush Walk - Head off in search of the wildlife once again in the late afternoon.
Dinner - Return to the lodge for a mouth-watering dinner served under African skies.
From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all the guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. The chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favorite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.
Day 10: Check out and say goodbye to South Africa
Morning activities
Breakfast, game Drive
Check Out
Transfer to Skukuza Airport
Scheduled flight to Johannesburg
Departure assistance
After your morning activities and breakfast at the lodge, check out and transfer to the Skukuza Airport of your scheduled domestic flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johhanesburg, your guide will help you with check-in for your international flight.
![Advisor - Geraldine Whyte](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711129833/contentful-migration/advisors/image/geraldine-whyte.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Geraldine Whyte
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For more travel tips, check out Fora's Advisor Alexandra Farrington's guide, Uncharted Africa: A Luxurious Safari Adventure Through Zimbabwe and South Africa.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Africa.