DAY 1

• CAPE TOWN

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• Get In and Get Some Rest
• Upon arrival to Cape Town, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before being directed to your onward flight, airport hotel, or to your awaiting driver and vehicle.
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Cape Town airport.
• Extraordinary attention to detail defines the dining experience at Ellerman House. Integral to its philosophy of sharing the best of South Africa is Ellerman’s cuisine, which showcases the country’s rich local food heritage with international flair. Every plate is bursting with flavor, beauty and creativity. Talented Executive Chef Rudolph Blaauw is guided by Culinary Director Peter Tempelhoff, a celebrated member of Relais & Châteaux’s World Culinary Council and a chef with over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred Relais & Châteaux restaurants across the culinary capitals of the world.

DAY 2

• CAPE TOWN

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• City Streets and Tasty Treats
• Learn the fascinating and complicated history of Cape Town in a slightly unorthodox, though delicious, way - through food. Featuring a mixture of traditional food, South African street food and visits to artisanal foodie and coffee shops, this walking tour includes samples of soul food staples including pap, samp and beans, stew and vetkoek, exotic flavors like a Muslim rose milkshake (called falooda), as well as bunny chow which is highly popular in South Africa's Indian communities. Coffee from a micro artisan coffee roaster is next on the menu, followed by bobotie pies - a modern take on the traditional bobotie dish which both the Cape Malay group and white Afrikaners refer to as the quintessential traditional Cape Town dish. After the food tour, your guide will drive you to the base of the Table Mountian cable car. Ascend by cable car as the mist from the clouds open up to the main plateau while striking views of Cape Town come into crystal-clear focus.
• Please note: as this is a walking tour and involves a variety of food and beverage tastings, please have only a light (or no) breakfast prior to the tour.

DAY 3

• CAPE TOWN

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• When most people think about Mandela and Cape Town, they don't truly see beyond Robben Island. However, Cape Town has a captivating Mandela story to tell as it provided the setting for the unfolding of a series of significant and secretive meetings that led to the surprise release of Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC in February 1990. Today’s walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles of the historic and cultural heart of Cape Town, and it is rich in elements of human drama with key players being a president, a chief of prison, a spy and a prisoner.
• To fully understand and appreciate the history of Cape Town – and more broadly, of South Africa – one must visit Robben Island, the infamous island prison off the coast of the city. For centuries the island was used to isolate prisoners, mainly those with alternative political leanings, from the mainland and therefore from political discourse. Notoriously, former South African President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated on the island for 18 of the 27 years he spent in prison. After boarding a ferry to reach the island, you will be met by a local guide – usually a former inmate of the island during the apartheid era – to participate on a shared outing where you will learn deeply moving and at times personal accounts of times past. Please note: Ferries depart at 9am & 1pm, weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway along the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The standard tour to Robben Island is three hours and 30 minutes long, including the two, half-hour ferry transfers.
• Sophisticated fine dining, Japanese-Peruvian modern fusion, fresh-caught south Atlantic seafood, and farm-to-table organic delights complimented by incredible views and award-winning, locally-sourced wines; Cape Town has it all. Tonight, discover this buzzing gastronomic scene firsthand. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Among many options for high-end dining in Cape Town, the most highly recommended by our Destination Experts are: Aubergine, Nobu, La Colombe, Signal, Roundhouse, Greenhouse, FYN and La Moutte. Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

DAY 4

• CAPE TOWN

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• Hit the Streets
• Bo Kaap is the oldest suburb in South Africa with its origins dating back to the Dutch colonists who brought with them the enslaved from Indonesia, Batavia, Malaysia, India and Africa. It is this mix of cultures that culminates in the unique and incomparable Bo Kaap traditions, custom and cuisines. Today, you will hear about the story of Bo-Kaap from a local resident, Bilqees Baker. She was born in Johannesburg and has lived in Cape Town for over 25 years. She was actively involved in the struggle against apartheid while at school. Her career as a qualified and registered tour guide was inspired by the history of the old slave quarter and her involvement in community matters to this day. Bilqees will walk you through the authentic history of this neighborhood as you stroll along brightly colored homes and cobble stoned streets. Your tour begins in front of the Bo Kaap Museum, which is also the oldest house in the Bo Kaap. The house is still in its original condition, complete with sash windows, front door, and parapet. Your walk will then take you to the Auwal Mosque, which is the oldest Mosque in South Africa, dating back to 1794, when it was started by the enslaved in defiance of Dutch law. Inside the Mosque you will see a Quran handwritten from memory, by Tuan Guru, an exiled political prisoner from the Island of Tidore. Your tour concludes with an authentic Cape-Malay cooking class where you will participate in the making of the meal before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• Blessed with spectacular coastline, Cape Town is a dream destination for those who wish to kick back and relax on one of its beautiful beaches. You may wish to take advantage of a bit of time on your own and head to Camps Bay – one of the best stretches of powder-soft, sugar-colored sand around. A short drive away from the V&A Waterfront and the City Center, Camps Bay is a well-known ocean-front community boasting a hip village vibe and a spectacular backdrop of the famous Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. Find your spot, get comfortable, tune in to the sounds of the South Atlantic, and enjoy watching locals have fun in the sand.      

DAY 5

• CAPE TOWN

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• Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
• After meeting your expert local guide in Cape Town, begin the day with a visit to one of the more popular leisure hubs for locals – the glorious beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, where impressive white sand beaches hug the shoreline with the Twelve Apostles as a stunning backdrop. Learn about the fascinating history of this breathtaking land from your Capetonian guide as you begin the spectacular sea-side drive to the quaint village of Hout Bay. After a stop in the village, you will track along the extraordinary Chapman’s Peak Drive, known as one of the most picturesque roadways world-wide. With the flexibility to spend as little or as long as you would like in this region crammed with incredible panoramic lookouts, the benefits of having a private vehicle and guide truly come into play. Further along you will reach the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where, at Cape Point, you will board a funicular or walk up the stairway that leads to the Cape Point Lighthouse; it is here that you will observe the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans while enjoying fantastic views of False Bay. Departing from Cape Point, head northward to Simon’s Town to enjoy lunch (included). Although the city is host to a number of tasty dining options, consider indulging in fresh-caught fish & chips, the town’s specialty. After a refreshing lunch and a bit of time to learn about Simon’s Town, set off with your camera ready to visit Boulders Beach, a nearby nature preserve that is home to a colony of African penguins. Wrapping up your day’s adventure, tour the idyllic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a sprawling park brimming with rare and exotic plant-life that is surely one the finest examples of botany the world over, before being returned to your hotel.

DAY 6

• CAPE TOWN TO FRANSCHHOEK

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• The Journey Continues…
• Enjoy a private transfer between Cape Town and Franschhoek by way of what is considered by many to be among the most scenic and picturesque routes in Africa. The drive begins as you depart the chic cityscape of Cape Town, winding through the heart of the Cape Winelands and onward around superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch-style homesteads. Along the popular N2 roadway you will drive to the heart of South Africa’s wine land, Stellenbosch. World renowned for its rich wine culture, beautifully rugged mountain backdrops and ever-changing, colorful vineyards, stroll through canal-lined avenues, shaded by ancient oak trees that surround the historic structures and buildings. Here you will enjoy a range of both award-winning and innovative wines before carrying onward to the gorgeous Helshoogte Pass en route to the town of Franschhoek. This dainty town dates back to the 17th century and was founded by the French Huguenots who settled here. Also billed as the "Gourmet Capital of South Africa," this charming community still boasts its French heritage through cuisine, culture, and architecture. Here you'll enjoy further wine tastings, as well as a tasty lunch, before being delivered to your hotel. Please note: not all wine tastings are included, additional tastings will require payment on-site.
• Rolling vineyards dominate the landscape around Franschhoek, and its superb collection of historic wine estates make this charming Cape Winelands town into one of South Africa’s leading destinations for all wine enthusiasts. Excellent whites, full-bodied reds and bubbly Methode Cap Classiques can all be enjoyed in a mix of cutting-edge, contemporary tasting rooms and enchanting Cape Dutch farmsteads with a breathtaking background of the ancient Groot Drakenstein Mountains. Bespoke tastings, sustainable guided hikes, romantic picnics and themed workshops are all on offer and can be easily arranged. The outstanding array of Franschhoek’s restaurants allow all visitors to explore the world of wines in a culinary context. While choices are plentiful, Anthonij Rupert, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte and Babylonstoren are among the best wineries in the Franschhoek area. Your Destination Expert can help you select the best estates and experiences to make your Franschhoek getaway truly unforgettable.  

DAY 7

• FRANSCHHOEK

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• Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit
• Explore one of the most scenic and beautiful areas in South Africa, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten-track farms which celebrate and honor their old-world roots and influences. Today is about so much more than just sipping fine wines. Depending on the timing of your trip, stroll through seasonal vines and learn about local farming methods and techniques with the help of your expert private guide. Take an intimate wine-tasting and cellar tour and possibly meet the driving force behind the estate. If lucky, your behind-the-scenes experience may include grape picking or barrel tastings. Explore striking Stellenbosch, browsing through its wealth of appealing stores and museums, and sip local coffee blends in tempting cafes. Let the pairing of wine and olives awaken your senses before meandering through lush gardens bursting with life. Admire a collection of contemporary art, see the highest-growing vines and, from an elevated point, take in the stunning vistas over an old-world estate. In the afternoon, discover Franschhoek. Established by the French Huguenots in 1688, this town retains its historic while fusing it with a contemporary vibe. It boasts gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques and art galleries that you will visit based on your personal

DAY 8

• FRANSCHHOEK

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• A Bit of Time on Your Own
• One may argue that there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the magic of the Cape Winelands than to slow down and take advantage of all the perks that come with a stay at Babylonstoren. Guests can enjoy the following activities:
• The Garden
• In season, you may be able take part in the harvesting of fruit in the orchards or the pruning of the vines. Whatever the season, the garden is an ever-changing tapestry of fruit and vegetable plantings. There are maps for five different walks on the farm (available from reception) and if you’re interested to learn more about the provenance of the garden, please inquire about a guided tour of the grounds at the reception.
• Wine cellar
• Please join one of the daily guided cellar tours, which will take you through the whole winemaking process, past the vineyards, through the olive press, production cellar and maturation cellar. The tour starts at the Tasting Room, where Babylonstoren’s entire wine range is also available for tasting.
• Out and about on the farm
• A guided walk around the farm is available for guests of the hotel. Venture out up to the koppie (hill), through the fynbos area and the vlei (wetland), on to the citrus orchards and back past the dam. Or at sunset you could go for a run up to the Babylonstoren Hill yourself, or walk up to the dam to row in one of the canoes. In the heat of summer, lounge in a hammock in the cool of the trees and read a book from the well-stocked library, or if you’re visiting in winter, curl up in front of a fire with a glass of red in hand.
• Parent & kid friendly
• The farm is a paradise for children with the resident geese, chickens (where they can collect eggs) and the beloved donkeys. They live near the Farm Shop and love nothing better than a snack of bread. There are also complimentary mountain bikes for all hotel guests. They are located in the old pigsty near the entrance to the guest cottages. Helmets are recommended and available at reception.
• Whether you’re looking for sophistication or a laid back fine dining experience, Franschhoek has something to satisfy your taste. Aspiring young chefs flock to this postcard perfect village in the heart of the Cape Winelands to work alongside industry veterans in a collection of renowned restaurants and wine estates that make Franschhoek a true gastronomic gem. Expect refined, yet uncomplicated menus, fresh ingredients foraged in the surrounding hills, local produce grown in Franschhoek’s fertile backyard, excellent wine lists and edgy venues. Tonight, discover this buzzing gastronomic scene firsthand. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Some of the best choices in town are La Petite Colombe, Protégé, Foliage, Babel and Reuben's. Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

DAY 9

• FRANSCHHOEK TO CAPE TOWN TO SKUKUZA TO SABI SANDS

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• A Change of Scenery
• Transfer between Franschhoek and Cape Town Airport with a private driver and vehicle.
• Board a flight in Cape Town with service to Skukuza. Approximate flight duration is two hours and 30 minutes.
• Transfer from Skukuza Airport en route to  Londolozi Camp in spectacular Sabi Sands. Approximate travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.
• Spectacular, untamed and coveted by outdoor enthusiasts, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is revered for good reason; it is one of the best locations in the world to spot game, including the Big 5. On the Sabi, massive elephants roam as families, black and white Rhinoceros graze the grasslands, Cape buffalo cautiously track along riverbeds, leopard’s prowl, and lions roar. Discover this unbound land for yourself as you head out on your first afternoon game drive alongside your ranger, tracker and other guests of the lodge. Explore this incredible land for a few hours with a camera in hand, gaining insights into the region as the sun sets. Before long you will find yourself back at the lodge, just in time to prepare for an outstanding safari dinner under the stars.  
• Superb African cuisine is an essential part of the Londolozi experience as well as a vital component of its philosophy. Fresh ingredients, sourced locally and served uncontrived, underpin the Londolozi food ethos of ‘Simply Sophisticated’.  The Chef team of local Shangaan sous-chefs, bakers and bush banqueters produce a remarkable variety of meals with the dedication, passion and flair that epitomizes Londolozi hospitality. The lowveld region of South Africa is renowned for some of the country’s best fruit and vegetables, which are further supplemented by the lodge’s very own Londolozi Village Gardens. Within the Londolozi family, there are over 30 independent gardeners who provide – fresh from the ground – rocket (arugula), spinach, mint, basil, lettuce and parsley.  The meat dishes are sourced from South Africa’s leading beef suppliers whilst the seafood selection is sustainably sourced. In line with the light-footprint approach – where practical – imported food is avoided.

DAY 10

• SABI SANDS

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• The Mane Attraction
• Much of the day revolves around specifically crafted culinary delights along your safari experience. Start your morning off with home-made morsels on the game drive as you go in search of Africa’s finest wildlife. Before heading back to your camp to enjoy a fortifying breakfast followed by a lazy, al fresco lunch. To bring the day to a close you can enjoy an indulgent high tea, as an appetizer before the evening game drive that includes sundowner treats. After the game drive you will then sit down for a traditional fireside banquet or you could choose a private dinner to enjoy the tranquility of Londolozi. Safari cuisine is a key component to your experience.
• With the afternoon in full-swing, it is time to head out on an open 4x4 vehicle for another afternoon of game viewing. With the sweltering sun on the decline, nocturnal animals begin their nightly routines. Along well-marked roads or entirely off the beaten path, your tracker will bring you into the heart of the Sabi in search of both predator and prey. On the trail of the king of jungle, perhaps you will be fortunate enough to witness a pride on the hunt. Sit back and relax, always with a hand ready to snap photos of your favorite animals, as you explore the land for a few hours before returning to camp to freshen up ahead of another incredible dinner.

DAY 11

• SABI SANDS

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• Safari Sightings
• Before first light, gear up and head out to further explore Sabi Sands. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active; in particular, herds of elephants roam the expanses of the Sabi in the morning hours as the glow of dawn radiates. Although the largest living mammal is well-known to most, there is nothing quite like seeing a herd of up to a hundred elephants freely wandering through the open plains; it is sight few people will get to enjoy and that none will forget. After a few hours out in the reserve you will be returned to your lodge to enjoy a satisfying and well-earned breakfast.
• Following lunch, venture back into the bush. Both the rare Black (hook-lipped) and White (square-lipped) rhinos wander the reserve and the afternoon is fantastic time to spot these powerful, beautiful and endangered creatures. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a crash of rhinos grazing as the sun dips below the horizon. After a few hours, you will return to the lodge to refresh before a freshly-prepared dinner.

DAY 12

• SABI SANDS TO SKUKUZA TO JOHANNESBURG
• Bon Voyage
• Transfer from Londolozi Camps in Sabi Sands to Skukuza Airport. Approximate travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.
• Board a flight in Skukuza with service to Johannesburg. Approximate flight duration is one hour and 5 minutes.

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Ellerman House

Babylonstoren

Londolozi Founders Camp