VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Our tours are designed
with flexible itineraries to accommodate
seasonality and desired dates of travel.
•7 Nights Premium Accommodations
•7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
•Arrival Airport Transfers in Cape Town
•Departure Airport Transfers in Johannesburg
•English Speaking Guides Each Day
•Bo-Kaap Guided Tour
•Cape Malay Cooking Safari Class
•Table Mountain Visit
•Tour of the Cape Winelands
•Olive and Wine Tasting Tour
•Stellenbosch Wine Safari
•Hands-On Bread Making Course
•Afternoon Tea and Game Drive
•Early Morning & Early Evening Safaris
•Second Early Morning Game Drive
•A Taste of Africa Food & Culture Tour
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Two departures in 2020 are available: Arrival on May 27th, 2020 or Arrival on September 15, 2020. Please Note that this tour begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
(click item for details)
Day 1
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Cape Town Airport Transfers | Arrival and Check-In
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, guests will be met by a representative who will assist them to their touring vehicle. A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain National Park defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the park's extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Company's Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Green Point Urban Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure.
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Three-Course, Wine-Pairing Dinner
La Mouette offers seasonally inspired menus which change regularly. They pride themselves on showcasing only the best of local producers and Chef Henry along with head chef Andre Hill take great pride in sourcing these ingredients – respecting the seasons as they go. La Mouette not only offers ever changing menus but prides itself on the meticulous selection of complimentary wines carefully selected by their in-house wine list consultant. Henry Vigar, the chef patron of La Mouette, spent several years making a name for himself as an up-and-coming young chef in fine cuisine in London. After also working in Australia and France, and a few other UK based top-ranked and Michelin starred establishments, Henry settled as head chef at Kensington Place in London’s affluent Notting Hill before arriving at La Mouette.
Day 2
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Breakfast
Breakfast this morning will be in the OUIBar + KTCHN, where Cape Town’s craft food and drink scene is celebrated. Their motto is fresh food, simply served and sustainably sourced. From their dawn bakery and barista coffee, to their made-to-order selections, you’ll get a taste of the city’s street food revolution.
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Bo-Kaap Guided Tour
Arrive the Bo-Kaap- “upper town”, on the slopes of Signal Hill. This is where the Freed-Slave population were confined to in the 1830’s, when Slavery was abolished. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the area, and to get a real feel for this very cultural community, you will visit a local butcher and spice shop, where the proprietors will explain their role over many generations, serving the local people. Proceed to the Museum and the earliest Mosque in South Africa. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the mosque and its roles and functions in the community, both contemporary and historical.
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Cape Malay Cooking Safari | Cooking Class | Three-Course Lunch
Cape Malay cuisine originates from a colorful history of intermingling cultures brought together by the 17th-century slave trade. Malay cuisine is characterized by the liberal intermingling of spices and the influence of Indian, Dutch and French traditional food as well as the predominance of the Islamic religion. The history of Cape Malay cuisine in South Africa begins with the involuntary migration of Africans, Asians and Indonesians around the world, and with it their diverse origins and culinary techniques. The name 'Cape Malay' refers to followers of the Islamic faith and encompasses a rich culture of Eastern juxtaposed by Western heritage. Your guide will take you on a short walk to the home of a local resident, where she will welcome you with a refreshing glass of Falooda- flavored milk, and show you how to fold and fry Samoosas, make a roti (Indian flat bread) from scratch and a Cape Malay Curry. Thereafter lunch will be served consisting of a three-course meal.
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Visit to Table Mountain | Free Evening
Around 600 million years old, and a canvas painted with the rich diversity of the Cape floral kingdom, Table Mountain is truly iconic. You can admire the showstopper of Table Mountain National Park and one of the 'New 7 Wonders of Nature' from multiple angles, but you really can't say you've visited Cape Town until you've stood on top of it. Enjoy all of the incredible views as you ascend via the Table Mountain Cable Way. Your evening is free to enjoy the huge variety of restaurants nearby your accommodations, not to mention shopping for souvenirs!
Day 3
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Breakfast
Breakfast this morning will be in the OUIBar + KTCHN, where Cape Town’s craft food and drink scene is celebrated. Their motto is fresh food, simply served and sustainably sourced. From their dawn bakery and barista coffee, to their made-to-order selections, you’ll get a taste of the city’s street food revolution.
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Tour the Cape Winelands
Venturing inland and upwards from Cape Town you’ll find the Boland, meaning ‘upland’. It’s a superb wine-producing area, and indeed the best known in South Africa. The magnificent mountain ranges around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide ideal microclimates for the vines. There’s been colonial settlement here since the latter half of the 17th century, when the Dutch first founded Stellenbosch and the French Huguenots settled in Franschhoek. Both towns pride themselves on their innovative young chefs, many based at wine estates, and the region has become the mainspring of South African cuisine. Along with Paarl, these towns make up the core of the Winelands, but there are many more wine-producing places to explore. Pretty Tulbagh, with its many historical buildings, is known for MCC (Méthode Cap Classique – the local version of Champagne), and Robertson's scattered wineries offer unpretentious, family friendly places to taste.
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Olive and Wine Tasting
On arrival in Somerset West, guests will enjoy a tasting of five olive oils, balsamic vinegar, olive pastes and olives paired with wine. Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate in Somerset West, 35 minutes from Cape Town, is at the gateway to the Western Cape wine-growing region. It is a thriving olive and wine farm dating back to 1711, producing internationally acclaimed Bordeaux-style wines and extra virgin olive oil of astounding quality. Visitors can also enjoy Giulio Bertrand's three Italian Collection wines from his small sangiovese and nebbiolo vineyards and be guided through an olive oil tasting of intriguing complexity.
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Lunch at Overgaauw
The kitchen at Overgaauw Restaurant is owned and run by chef Jason Comins, one of the original cooks from The Table at De Meye which won Eat Out’s Award for best Country Style Restaurant in 2011. Trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School by Darina Allen, his cooking is simple and straightforward, relying on the quality of seasonal ingredients sourced as locally as possible, from small producers and farmers. Every week, Jason looks around and phones suppliers to see what’s in season or what’s available from his little network. He then constructs a 3-course set menu based on a protein like beef, lamb or chicken, coming up with accompaniments based on the seasonal produce. There are always products like cheese or charcuterie from local artisans featured as well.
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Stellenbosch Wine Safari
After lunch, the guests will continue to Stellenbosch for the Waterford Estate Wine Drive Safari. The Wine Drive Safari is a unique 3-hour trip on their safari-type vehicles, through the 120-hectare Estate on the beautiful slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. This experience allows the chance to taste award-winning Estate wines amongst the vineyards of their origin, and you will be expertly guided through all the aspects of what makes this area so biologically diverse and viticulturally unique. The wine tasting will be accompanied by various light snacks, which are well suited to pair with the individual wines. The experience will culminate with a Wine and Chocolate Tasting back at the winery.
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Franschhoek Hotel Check-In
After the wine safari in Stellenbosch, guests will be transferred to their hotel in Franschhoek, where dinner this evening will be on your own, and at your leisure.
Day 4
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Wine Country Breakfast
Ease into the day with the delicious breakfast buffet and luscious views of the iconic Franschhoek scenery at La Pavillion Restaurant at the hotel. Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa’s La Pavillion restaurant offers a hearty start to a day in the winelands. The wonderful buffet boasts a wide selection of breakfast delights, from cereals and toasted mueslis, to beautifully crafted hot meals and freshly baked breads.
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Bread Making Course | Lunch
After a hearty breakfast, guests will transfer to the Moreson Farm for a Bread Making Course followed by lunch. Upon arrival, each participant will receive their very own apron, recipe book and ingredients. This course is hands-on, and with a bit of guidance, you will make 4 different types of dough; focaccia, soda bread, sour dough and olive oil brown. While your bread is rising (and baking) you’ll enjoy bit of wine tasting. Once you have worked up a good appetite, you’ll enjoy a full lunch with some of your very own baked breads…with more wine of course!
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Afternoon and Evening at Leisure
After your bread making extravaganza, enjoy a little leisure time back at the hotel before heading out to explore more of the Cape Winelands on your own. Franschhoek is known as the food and wine capital of the country, and is also one of the oldest towns in the Republic of South Africa. Taking a stroll down main street, you will find art galleries, eclectic shops and award-winning restaurants.
Day 5
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Wine Country Breakfast
Ease into the day with the delicious breakfast buffet and luscious views of the iconic Franschhoek scenery at La Pavillion Restaurant at the hotel. Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa’s La Pavillion restaurant offers a hearty start to a day in the winelands. The wonderful buffet boasts a wide selection of breakfast delights, from cereals and toasted mueslis, to beautifully crafted hot meals and freshly baked breads.
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Airport Transfers | Arrival and Check-In
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred back to Cape Town International Airport for the onward flight to Hoedspruit (please note that flight is not included in pricing). On arrival, guests will be met by a Makalali River Lodge representative who will assist you to their touring vehicle for transfers to the lodge and check-in.
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Afternoon Tea and Game Drive
The excitement of the safari begins after tea when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. This game drive coincides with the close of business for daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as pursuing the hunt of the big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail.
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Dinner at Makalali Lodge
Makalali’s range of dishes features a combination of regional African cuisine to represent the ‘melting pot’ of cooking styles left behind by centuries of exploration on this great continent. From dinner in the bushveld to the legendary ‘boma dinner’ under the stars, the talented chefs provide an array of dining experiences. While the dining is relaxed, the friendly waiting staff are called Muchindas, meaning “a servant to the king”, and guests may expect to be treated accordingly!
Day 6
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Safari Breakfast
In keeping with traditional African cuisine, the Makalali Lodge chefs prepare an eclectic array of breakfast treats that include both hot and cold selections, along with local fruits, juices and accompaniments. Hot tea and coffee are generously poured as you take in the grand views that surround the game reserve.
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A Full Day at Makalali Game Reserve with Morning & Evening Safaris
Rise at sunrise to head into the wild on your private African safari with your Field Guide and Tracker and discover a world usually only reserved for your screen during ‘Animal Planet’. You’ll find yourself in an environment that is as old as time, where the rhythm of nature is the only Governor. Two safaris take place each day – in the morning and late afternoon (moving into the early evening). This is when the wildlife is most active, and the temperature more moderate. The 26 000 hectares private reserve offer an exclusive experience and is home to the famous Big 5. All rangers are educated in astronomy and will unveil the secrets of the African night sky in star gazing sessions. Makalali Private Game Lodge is unfenced, allowing animals to move freely through the camp. During the day rangers are always on guard to ensure guest safety. At night rangers will escort you to the communal and dining areas.
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Dinner and Lunch at Makalali Lodge
Makalali’s range of dishes features a combination of regional African cuisine to represent the ‘melting pot’ of cooking styles left behind by centuries of exploration on this great continent. From dinner in the bushveld to the legendary ‘boma dinner’ under the stars, the talented chefs provide an array of dining experiences. While the dining is relaxed, the friendly waiting staff are called Muchindas, meaning “a servant to the king”, and guests may expect to be treated accordingly!
Day 7
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Early Morning Game Drive & Safari Breakfast
An early morning game drive will be enjoyed by the guests before a lavish breakfast back at camp. In keeping with traditional African cuisine, the Makalali Lodge chefs prepare an eclectic array of breakfast treats that include both hot and cold selections, along with local fruits, juices and accompaniments. Hot tea and coffee are generously poured as you take in the grand views that surround the game reserve.
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Check-Out | Transfers to Hoedspruit Airport | Arrival Johannesburg
After checking out, guests will transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg. (Flight Not Included). On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, guests will be met by a tour representative who will assist you to their touring vehicle. Commonly known as Jo’burg or Jozi, this rapidly changing city is the vibrant heart of South Africa. After almost 20 years of decline and decay, Johannesburg is now looking optimistically towards the future. Its centre is smartening up and new loft apartments and office developments are being constructed at a rapid pace. The hipster-friendly neighborhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. Jo’burg is an incredibly friendly, unstuffy city and there’s a lot to see and do here.
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Check-In | Moyo Melrose Arch Dinner
Tonight, the guests will enjoy either an Usafiri Menu Dinner or a Communcal Feasting Dinner at Moyo Melrose Arch (depending upon the season). Welcome to moyo – the destination for a unique African dining experience. Inspired by the traditions and values of our ancestors, moyo is a celebration of, and commitment to, the beauty of Africa, and the industry of her people. Our famously warm hospitality and modern African ambience make the moyo experience an unforgettable one. In the heart of Johannesburg, the 350-seater, multi-level modern restaurant – clad in copper with pressed pebble walls – embodies Africa’s finest music and urban cuisine offerings. Live stage bands provide soulful vibes and dining options are diverse – from relaxed meals enjoyed on the outdoor square, to romantic dinners in Gigi’s cozy alcoves.
Day 8
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Breakfast Buffet | Check-Out and Departure
Star your day with a bountiful breakfast buffet in the hotel’s stylish restaurant, which has established itself as the place to see and be seen in Melrose Arch. Guests will enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out. After checking out, guests will transfer to Yeoville for a delicious conclusion to this extraordinary South African tour.
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A Taste of Africa Food & Cultural Tour | Lunch
Experience modern day Yeoville by sampling Ghanaian, Nigerian, Cameroonian and Ethiopian delicacies. First stop, Zara Afrika Food, a Ghanaian restaurant on Raleigh Street. The chef generously discusses the overall characteristics of Ghanaian cooking and how the dishes he’s served are prepared, but ironically his handiwork splits your attention and all you can think about is how much you can’t wait to dig in. Your route to the next eatery leads through the Yeoville street market where a microcosm of West and Southern Africa will greet you. Stalls selling everything from yams, fresh and dried fish, plantains, cassava, coconuts and an assortment of many other items flank you on either side as you make your way through the very place where a lot of the restaurants in the area source their ingredients. Outside on the street your guide explains the city's plans to refurbish parts of Yeoville, particularly the recreational facilities like the Yeoville Park, where the Pan-African composition of the neighborhood has finally been highlighted with a newly produced mosaic mural of different African flags. No more than a block from the park you arrive at an unnamed Nigerian bar and restaurant known to locals simply as Mamma Esther’s, after the owner and cook. Your host greets you with a menu of yams, breadfruit, beans, goat stew, her take on a spaghetti bolognese, and succulent fish prepared by a Cameroonian cook. Some Naija tunes play in the background and add that little-something-extra-nyana as you feast. Then you’ll be taken out of Yeoville to Kensington to Abyssinia for a taste of Ethiopia. A variety of meats and vegetables prepared in a unique blend of spices are served on Injera, the Ethiopian sourdough flatbread. The food is traditionally served from a single large platter to be enjoyed amongst friends and family. The meal is followed by some Ethiopian coffee that flows generously with aromatic flavor confirming its place amongst the world’s best coffees.
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Johannesburg Airport Transfers
After your foodie tour (if you can still walk from all the food consumed), you will be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your flight back home (as a reminder, while arrival is into Cape Town, departure is from Johannesburg. Flights are not included in the tour price).
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