14 Day Cape & Wildlife

Winelands

On the first day of your stay in the Winelands, you will enjoy a guided tour with one of African Sky's guides. The guide will meet you at 9 am in your hotel lobby. From here, a drive of about 45 minutes leads to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town. We devote an hour to exploring the town, which features fine examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, and Georgian architecture beautifully displayed under ancient oak trees.

You will then visit two wineries on the Stellenbosch Wine Route. A local expert will provide insight into the winemaking process in South Africa, and you will also have the opportunity to sample some of the country's finest wines. One of the wine estates we visit is L'Ormarins, one of the largest and most beautiful in the area, set at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein Mountain. The wine tasting here is focused on the Cap Classique Range, South African sparkling wines created in the traditional French method. A visit is also made to the Franschhoek Motor Museum on the estate, where 220 vehicles are displayed in four dehumidified halls, showcasing over a century of automotive history.

The tour then makes its way to the overnight destination in Franschhoek. The quaint town set amongst imposing mountains offers a host of entertainment activities. These include many award-winning restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and outdoor activities like hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. The vineyards and cellars in the region offer some of the finest wine tasting in South Africa.

Note

Three nights are spent at Leeu House on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Private Kruger Park Concession

Transfers

• Highgrove House to Jock Safari Lodge (2 hrs 10 min)

Guests are met at 10 am for a transfer to Jock Safari Lodge on a 6000-hectare private concession in the southwestern Kruger National Park at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamithi Rivers. It is one of the finest game viewing areas in Kruger. Each room features a private deck and plunge pool, ideal for sharing special moments in the heart of the wilderness.

While staying at the lodge, you will on each day enjoy an early morning and late afternoon open 4x4 safari excursion in the company of a skilled ranger. These safaris will immerse you in the bush and bring you near the diverse wildlife and birdlife that inhabit this corner of Africa. During the late afternoon drive, you stop at a carefully selected spot for sundowners while relishing an African sunset. From here, the night drive continues, using spotlights to search for nocturnal animals like lions, leopards, hyenas, and others. After the drive, guests return to the lodge for a superb dinner under African skies.

Note

Guests spend three nights at Jock Safari Lodge on a full-board basis.