TRIP ITINERARY The "Wilds and Wines" of South Africa
A fabulous luxury experience at a fabulous price!
May 19-28, 2024
10 days, 9 nights
Includes:
Cape Town ° Stellenbosch ° Franschhoek ° Sanbona Private Game Reserve
• 3 Nights in Cape Town
• 2 Nights in the Winelands
• 4 Nights Safari at Gondwana Family Lodge / Tilney Manor in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Why this experience is unique and fun?
Many game reserves are open to the public for day trippers. Not ours!!! Only those who stay in the reserve are able to observe the sensational BIG Five! Immerse yourself in thousands of acres of the “wilds” while enjoying high-end lodging. Stay in the village of Franschhoek situated in a spectacular valley offering ease of access to wine estates and be awed by the landscape of the winelands while savouring some of the best wines in the world. You will fall in love with Cape Town, its botanical gardens and the surrounding areas while staying in quality. And we will have fun surprises!!!!
Come a day or 2 early with our Optional “add a day” program and Cape Town food, art and shopping guided tours.
ITINERARY
| Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will transfer through to your hotel. | |
| Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. For the well-heeled the finest in opera, ballet, drama and music can be appreciated in style. | |
| The rest of the day will be spent at leisure or you could do your own explorations of the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become one of South Africa's most visited destinations. Since 1988, the harbour is continually undergoing changes, with the redevelopment of land and the restoration of buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins, creating a mix of shopping and entertainment venues, intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. | |
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Aside from the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there is a more cultural side to the Waterfront, focused around the historic Clock Tower, which was the original Port Captain's Office in 1882 and part of a collection of well-preserved turn of the century buildings. It is near here that the ferries depart for Robben Island (from the Nelson Mandela Gateway), while the Two Oceans Aquarium is a short walk from here. With ferries and boats continuously on the go, Cape Fur Seals playing in the harbour water, and a mix of both locals and international visitors, the Waterfront is a wonderful place to soak up some typical Cape Town vibe. |
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| Night at the Pepper Club in a Superior Deluxe Studio Transfer to hotel from CPT No meals are included |
| You start the day with a drive through Bo-Kaap to discover how the Malay slaves influenced the culture, food and aesthetics of this beautiful city and its people. Proceed to the Company Gardens located in the heart of the central business district. Enjoy a walk through the garden followed by a visit to the Castle of Good Hope – the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. Proceed to City Hall. The building is located on the Grand Parade, the scene of many military and political gatherings. Its balcony became notably famous when Nelson Mandela addressed 100 000 jubilant people just hours after his release from prison, on 11 February 1990. | |
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| After the city tour, we’ll head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, just 13km from the city centre. It is one of the most acclaimed botanical gardens in the world and includes a fragrance garden, a medicinal garden, 2,500 species of plants found on the Cape Peninsula, a Protea garden (best seen in spring!), a braille trail, and a cycad amphitheatre. There is also the Botanical Society Conservatory, which houses plants from the continent’s more arid regions. | |
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| You have lunch at Kirstenbosch, and a guided tour through the garden, followed by some time of your own to explore the magnificent gardens. An exciting feature of the gardens is the The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway which is a new curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum. Inspired by a snake skeleton, and informally called ‘The Boomslang‘ (meaning tree snake), it is a low-maintenance, low-impact sculptural raised walkway. | |
| The Walkway takes the visitor from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, Garden and Cape Flats. | |
| This walkway is 130 m long, narrow and slender, with a few wider view-point areas, and lightly snakes its way through the canopy, in a discreet, almost invisible way. The walkway is crescent-shaped and takes advantage of the sloping ground; it touches the forest floor in two places, and raises visitors to 12 m above ground. It is more than just a traditional boardwalk – like a snake, it winds and dips. | |
| In the late afternoon, the group will transfer back to the hotel. | |
| Night at the Pepper Club in a Superior Deluxe Studio Breakfast & Lunch is included |
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| Today you will begin your explorations of the extremely scenic Cape Peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point which is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. | |
| You will also visit the large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information center. | |
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A lunch stop will be made at a Harbour House Kalk Bay. Situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque harbour of Kalk Bay, this branch boasts exquisite views of the working harbour, False Bay and the Hottentots Mountain Range. |
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You end your day with a jaunt up Table Mountain; where we’ll enjoy panoramic views over the city and the Atlantic Seaboard with Robben Island in the distance lying sleepily in Table Bay harbor. Be ready for a lovely surprise waiting for you. |
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| Night at the Pepper Club in a Superior Deluxe Studio Breakfast & Lunch is included |
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| This morning say farewell to our city hotel as we take a scenic drive to the Cape Winelands. Your tour today includes a wine tasting and cellar tour at Simonsig, chocolate & wine tasting at Blaauwklippen and lunch at a local restaurant (excluding beverages). |
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| An easy drive from Cape Town, the Winelands dramatic mountains stand guard over a quilt of working vineyards, elegant Cape Dutch estates and quaint towns boasting top restaurants, hotels and spas. Sample some of the regions award-winning wine offerings, stroll through exquisitely maintained gardens or explore art galleries and antique shops in the oak-lined streets of the local towns. The buzzing university village of Stellenbosch was named after the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel and, as the historic hub of the Winelands it is surrounded by around 200 wineries. | |
| Franschhoek, a charming town with French Hugenot heritage is arguably the culinary headquarters of the country and home to the creative genius of a number of resident chefs. Framed by a majestic backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains, Paarl lies peacefully nestled amongst vineyards laden with the harvest's finest offerings. | |
| Enjoy gourmet meals lovingly prepared by experienced chefs and served in lush gardens, or stylish restaurants. Sample local wines and explore the cellars of well-established wine farms. The Winelands is all about stepping back from the hectic pace of modern living, and appreciating the finer things in life in some of the most gorgeous and tranquil locations this country has to offer. | |
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| The tour ends at an exclusive four-star Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the hotel sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas. Ease into pure luxury and be treated to elegant finishes and careful attention to detail. Bordered by leafy vineyards in the small town of Franschhoek, Le Franschhoek Hotel offers a remarkable selection of inspiring venues, delectable restaurants, and indulgent spa treatments, to present luxurious hotel accommodation at its best. | |
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| This luxury Franschhoek hotel features 61 en-suite rooms and suites as well as some private villas, against a backdrop of towering mountains and manicured gardens. Experience the rich history of the area through the iconic Cape Dutch architecture, and relax with comfort into an unforgettable winelands experience that stands out from the rest. | |
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| Night at Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa, in Deluxe Rooms |
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| This day is filled with surprises in the wine country you won’t want to miss. If you aren’t a wine lover, you will fall in love with the incredible scenery, the fabulous food, and the incredible history. | |
| Night at Le Franschoek Hotel and Spa, in Deluxe Rooms |
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| Leisurely breakfast at the hotel, thereafter continue your journey to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Klein Karoo. Away from the big city lights, the Klein Karoo is a region of semi-arid desert, imposing mountain passes and surprisingly beautiful oases. It's about endless skies and natural wonders. Closer to the heart of the country, the Klein Karoo's farming communities, quirky towns and wide open spaces are as appealing as the warm hospitality of its people. Towns such as Montagu, Calitzdorp, De Rust and Oudtshoorn offer home-style meals, local arts and crafts, and historical treasures. | ||
| Route 62, the longest wine route in the country, extends past eccentric little villages, farming communities and established fruit and wine producers. The route is an off-the-beaten-path glimpse of life in the more remote regions of the Cape, and its charm lies in its tranquillity and unpretentiousness. Striking mountain passes such as the Swartberg, Mitchell's and Prince Alfred's Pass cut through the region affording panoramic views from winding roads. | ||
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| Situated in the malaria-free Sanbona Private Reserve, Gondwana is an exclusive retreat overlooking Bellair Dam and the limitless plains and mountains beyond. A typical thatched Karoo homestead, Gondwana consists of 12 luxury suites with private decks or balconies. Décor is attractive and contemporary making use of clean lines and natural colours. | ||
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| Gondwana is family-friendly, and the lodge has a playroom, playzone and a “kids on safari” program to keep the children entertained. Game drive through unique landscape, home to a fascinating diversity of inhabitants, and star gaze in the evenings, the endless Karoo skies alive with the glittering heavens. Enjoy rock art walks and bird-watch or simply doze beside the pool. | ||
| Tilney Manor is a refuge of peace and tranquillity. The Manor offers six spacious open-plan suites leading on to private verandas. Guest experiences include authentic Karoo cuisine, luxurious lounges and a rim flow pool. Indulge your senses at the Relaxation Retreat that boasts a steam room and sauna while witnessing a pure African spectacle – a Karoo sunset.. Game drive through unique landscape, home to a fascinating diversity of inhabitants. Star gaze in the evenings, the endless Karoo skies brought to life by the glittering heavens. Enjoy rock art walks and bird-watch or simply doze under the African sun. | ||
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| Sanbona Lodges are approximately 40 mins drive into the reserve; once you reach the welcome lounge the group will be transferred by Sanbona to your lodge. | ||
| Nights at Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge and Tilney Manor Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. |
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| Your allocated ranger will draw up a customised programme for you on the day of your arrival, which includes game drives and guided walks. Here with a guideline of the activities available |
| Birdwatching Flora & Fauna Game Drives Nature Walks Photography Rock Art Rock Formations & Features |
| April-September (Winter season Safari schedule) 06h30 Wakeup call 07h00 Breakfast is served 07h30 Depart for morning game drive 11h00 Depart lodge 13h00 Lunch is served 15h00 Depart for afternoon game drive 19h30 Dinner is served |
| Nights at Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge and Tilney Manor Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. |
| Enjoy a morning game drive and breakfast at Sanbona before departing the Karoo and heading to Cape Town International Airport to board your onward flight. |
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| Transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Breakfast is included. |
| Please complete and submit this trip registration form.
A Placeholder deposit of $500.00 is required to secure your reservation. Balance due in full by //2023 when all payments are non-refundable. Need cancellation policy here better defined. |
| All pricing is per person. There are limited rooms available. First to sign and pay a deposit, up-first to go. Checks or credit cards can be accepted for payments. A 3% convenience fee is added when paying by credit card. Make check out to TREE Institute, indicate "Wilds & Wine" in the memo and mail or drop it off at 1075 Duval St. Suite C-11, Key West, Florida 33040. Please include a color copy of the open front pages of your passport with your check payment or upload it in this form. For individuals paying separately but traveling as a double, each person will need to complete this application and indicate the name of the person(s) they are traveling with. Payments are refundable through, 2023 (less the $50 service fee per person). AFTER //2023 all payments are non-refundable. |
| All passports MUST be valid 6 months past the return date of the trip. Now is a good time to double-check the expiration date of your passport. |
| The itinerary is subject to change. |
| A reasonable degree of mobility is required for all passengers on this program. Most of the guided tours provided on this trip are walking tours. Many sites are located on hilltops, where it is necessary to walk up and down streets. To participate in tours travelers must be able to walk unaccompanied. Disabilities and Wheelchairs: Persons with a walking disability or an injury, or who require a wheelchair/scooter or another mobility device, must have another dedicated person traveling with them to assist/push, etc. TREE crew and other guests are not available to assist persons with limited mobility. On TREE programs, the TREE manager is authorized to remove or ask to leave from the tour, any traveler incapable of, unwilling to, or impeding the overall movement and progress of the tour group. |
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EXCLUDED: Meals not on the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, extras at the hotel, tips, taxis, and any entrance fees. |