You will be met by our representative,  and transferred by road from Cape Town to your Winelands hotel. If you are coming into Cape Town airport, look out for this representative as you come into the Arrivals Hall. They will be holding a name-board with your surname on it. They will hand over your documents and will transfer you from the airport to your hotel. This transfer will take approx 1 hour Franschhoek, depending on traffic.

Rusthof Country House

The Winelands

The Winelands region is an area of exquisite beauty only 40 minutes from Cape Town with rocky mountains overlooking green vineyards, oak avenues leading to elegant Cape Dutch wine estates as well as some of the most charming towns and villages in South Africa. The main pleasure of this region is the enjoyment of the good life: appreciating the wine and architecture, enjoying long lazy meals in one of the many excellent restaurants, browsing in shops and galleries or taking scenic drives or walks in the surrounding mountains.

Franschhoek

The origins of this charming and beautifully situated village date back to 1688 when some of the French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution settled in the valley, then known as Elephants Corner.  As the settlers increased the elephants ceased their annual migration to the valley, which later became known as French Corner, or 'Franschhoek' in Afrikaans.  The French influence is evident today in the ancient wine estates with their French names and in the number of excellent restaurants. It is a small place and can be visited for an afternoon or treated as a base for exploring the rest of the region.

·        There are a number of interesting shops, art galleries, antique dealers and craft shops in Franschhoek, and it is an especially good place to stock up on 'foodie' delights for later picnics or to take home. 

·        You may like to visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum, which serves as an information and education centre on the Huguenots. 

·        Turn left at the top of the Main Road to take the R45 over the Franschhoek pass to Villiersdorp.  We recommend that you drive at least part of the way up the pass because it is one of the prettiest passes in the country, with beautiful views down the Franschhoek valley.

Cape Dutch Houses

Many of the wine estates have beautiful old Cape Dutch homesteads (eg. Bellingham and L'Omarins) but most are not open to the public.  Two of the finest homesteads are open and provide a superb introduction to the history of the early wine-makers. Cape Dutch architecture is highly vernacular and took the Dutch fashion and adapted it to the Cape climate - the thick white washed walls and small-paned shuttered windows are designed to keep out the summer heat whilst the thatched roofs with their elegant gables kept the houses cool in summer and warm in the cold winters.

·        Vergelegen - A visit to Vergelegen is essential if you are interested in the history of the Cape, as it was the country house of governor Willem Adrian van der Stel and partly the cause of his fall from grace.  This elegant and tranquil estate offers much for the visitor: the Cape homestead, the lovely garden, an excellent restaurant for lunch as well as wine-tasting and cellar tours. Take the R44 to Somerset West. Turn left into Main Road.  Turn left at the second set of traffic lights into Lourensford Road.  Drive for 3.2 km and turn right at the Vergelegen sign.  Open daily from 0930 to 1600.  Sunday wine-tasting from 1030 to 1130 and Cellar tours are at 1030, 1130 and 1500 (Mon to Sat).  Reservations essential for cellar tours and the restaurant on 021 847 1334.

·        Boschendal Manor House and wine tasting - This farm was granted to Jean Le Long in 1685.  A fellow Huguenot, Abraham de Villiers bought it in 1715 and his family lived here until 1879 creating all the existing buildings.  As with Velgelegen, the 1815 manor house can be visited; there's excellent wine-tasting at the cellars and a choice of a traditional Cape restaurant or lighter lunches and picnics.  Boschendal is on the R310 from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek.  The manor house and wine/gift shop are open daily from 0930 to 1700.  Wine-tasting is from 0830 to 1630 (Mon to Sat).  It closes at 1230 on winter Saturdays (May to Oct). Tours of the vineyard are at 1030 and must be booked ahead on 021 870 4211.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town, and probably the most beautiful.  Governor Simon van der Stel visited the Eerste river valley in 1679 and decided the area was suitable for colonization. The charming town was established in 1685 and still contains a number of well-preserved Cape Dutch streets. Stellenbosch's architecture is of simple style and character with white limestone walls, oak-lined avenues and a well-ordered layout.

·        Walk up Dorp Street - one of the longest rows of old Cape Dutch buildings in South Africa.  Ask the Publicity office for their leaflet 'Discover Stellenbosch on foot'. As well as Dorp Street, explore the nearby streets of Kerk Street, Ryneveld Street, Drostdy Street and Die Braak.  Or you could join one of the Publicity Office's walking tours, which depart daily. Perhaps pop in at Oom Samie Se Winkel at 82 Dorp Street, a Victorian-style general store and gift shop or visit the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum. Open 0900 to 1245, 1400 to 1700 (Mon to Sat).

·        The Village Museum - is a collection of preserved houses that give insight into the lives of the early settlers in Stellenbosch. 18 Ryneveld Street. Open 0930 to 1700 (Mon to Sat) and 1400 to 1700 on Sundays.

·        Stellenryk Wine Museum - offers an insight into old methods of winemaking, massive wine vats and other wine curios. 31 Dorp Street on corner of Old Strand Road and Dorp street. Open from 0900 to 1245 and 1400 to 1700 (Mon to Sat).

·        Van Ryn Brandy Cellar - has a tour of the brandy distillery, maturation cellar and working cooperage followed by informal brandy tasting. Tours at 1000, 1130 and 1500 Monday to Thursday and 1000 and 1530 on Friday. Tel 021 8813875.

Paarl

Paarl is a bustling old town with a beautiful central oak lined street lined with Cape Dutch houses.  Wine growing in the area began in the 1680s as French Huguenots brought viticulture to South Africa.  The town was established in 1720 and rapidly became the centre for wagon building due to its proximity to the towering Boland mountains.  However, it is for its role in the development and promoting of Afrikaans that it is now famous. The Afrikaans Language (Taal) monument on Paarl Mountain and the its museum pay testament to this fact.

·        Paarl Mountain Reserve - The granite domes, which dominate Paarl, are the largest in the world after the Rock of Gibraltar.  The town's name comes from the granite rock glistening in the sunlight after rain, like a pearl.  The nature reserve, which covers the mountain, has a large number of proteas and the Mill Water Wild Flower Garden is a lovely place for a picnic or sunset drinks.  The Publicity Office has a map showing all the walking trails in the reserve.  An 11 km gravel road, Jan Phillips Drive, gives lovely valley views and runs up from the KWV building in Main Street to the Taal Monument where you have a panoramic view of the valley.

·        KWV Wine Cellars - this huge co-operative winery controlled the whole of the South African wine industry until recently.  It is still the largest exporter of wine to Europe and the tours of the vast cellars (covering 22ha) are fascinating. More than 100 different wines and brandies are produced for export. The famous Cathedral Cellar with its barrel-vaulted roofs features carved red wine vats depicting the Cape's winemaking history.  Booking is recommended on 021 807 3007.  English speaking tours are at 1000, 1030 and 1415 (Mon to Sat). Take the Main Road into Paarl (from the N1) and turn right into the Bergrivier Boulevard, right again into Cecilia Street and right again into Kohler Street.

You are collected by your private guide at 9am for your private Winelands tour. A combination of the favourable effects of the two major ocean currents meeting off the Cape makes the climate in the area perfect for the acres of vineyards. The stunning backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the tree-lined streets and the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads all blend in tranquil harmony.

You first visit a wine estate for a fascinating tour of the winemaking process. Here is the perfect opportunity to sample and buy Cape wine and experience the rich historical and architectural traditions of the region. You continue to Stellenbosch, which must be one of the finest towns in South Africa.  It is easy to see why Simon Van Der Stel decided to build a village in such a charming spot.  The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch Homesteads and the oak-lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. Walk up Dorp street, one of the longest row of old Cape Dutch buildings in South Africa and then visit the Village Museum, a collection of preserved houses which gives an insight into the lives of the early settlers in Stellenbosch through to the Victorian era.

Afterwards you enjoy a scenic drive over the majestic Helshoogte Pass to the charming village of Franschhoek for lunch.  The origins of this charming and beautifully situated village date back to 1688 when some of the French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution settled in the valley, then known as Elephants Corner.   As the settlers increased the elephants ceased their annual migration to the valley, which later became known as French Corner or 'Franschhoek' in Afrikaans.  The French influence is much in evidence today in the ancient wine estates with their French names and in the excellent restaurants of the village. After lunch you visit the magnificent homestead of Boschendal before continuing to Paarl where you visit the "Taal Monument", a symbolic gesture to the Afrikaans language, which was established and fostered here.  Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas from Paarl Rock before being dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon at approx 5.30pm.

Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse

Cape Town

Cape Town is famous throughout the world for its majestic mountain and ocean setting. Over the centuries, visitors have marvelled not only at the peninsula's natural splendour but also at the cultural diversity of the Mother City - the blending of Eastern, African and Western ways of life, which is constantly evident in architecture, dress and local customs. There is so much to do and see in Cape Town. We have outlined some of the main pastimes below. 

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Visit the Waterfront with its array of craft shops, restaurants and entertainment. For more than 80 years the Waterfront was a thriving harbour however after the Second World War, decline and dilapidation set in until 988 when it was decided to redevelop the area. Now visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and browse through the craft markets, watch an open-air concert, enjoy a meal, or simply to sit and admire the spectacular view of Table Mountain and the activities of a working harbour. Also at the Waterfront are the following:

·        The Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront - an enjoyable place to go if the South-Easter is blowing or if Cape Town is having a cloudy day.  The Aquarium shop offers a wide selection of aquatic souvenirs, gifts, books and videos. The Bay front Blue Restaurant is open daily. Open 0930 to 1800 - last tickets sold at 1700.

·        The Art and Craft Market - here you can buy anything from lampshades to belts, fabrics and T-shirts, or you can simply spend time browsing among the stalls admiring the crafts.

·        The BMW Pavilion houses the IMAX cinema, with its cinema screen showing images up to seven storeys high. Excellent for children. Shows daily from 0900 to 2300 during summer and 1100 to 2100 during winter. Tel - 021 419 7364.

·        Cruises around the harbour and to Robben Island - see below under Boat Trips.

·        Victoria Wharf shopping - over 200 speciality and designer shops. Open Monday to Saturday from 0900 to 2100, Sunday 1000 to 2100.

Central city sights

·        Greenmarket Square - is a colourful African craft market selling a range of goods.  It's great fun to browse around the market but be aware that pickpockets find this a paradise!

·        The Company Gardens - The establishment of a garden was the main reason for the existence of the European settlement at the Cape. Now the vegetable garden for scurvy-stricken sailors has become a botanical garden for indigenous and exotic trees and a rose garden with outdoor cafes. When strolling down Government Avenue in the Gardens you will be able to see the Houses of Parliament, the Cultural History Museum, the South African Museum, the South African National Art Gallery and the South African Library.

·        The Castle of Good Hope - houses the Military museum and the excellent William Fehr Collection of antiques, artefacts and paintings of early Cape Town. The Castle was built by the Dutch between 1666 and 1679 to replace their original mud-walled fortress. Open daily from 0900 to 1600 with tours of the castle at 1100, 1200 and 1400.

·        Malay Quarter - spend some time walking the narrow cobbled streets of the picturesque Malay Quarter with its colourful flat roofed houses dating from the 17th and 18th century. This area was originally settled by former slaves who came to the Cape from Indonesia, India as well as Malaysia. The area is still predominantly Muslim. Located on the slopes of Signal Hill above Buitengragt Street (e.g. Wale Street, Rose Street, Dorp Street). The Bo-Kaap museum gives a glimpse into the life of the Cape Malay family in the 19th century. 71 Wale Street. Open Tuesday to Saturday 0930 to 1630.

Museums

·        South African Museum - top of the Company Gardens. It has an exhibit on the different African people of South Africa, their history and culture, as well as a natural history section, (secondary interest) and a Planetarium. 25 Queen Victoria Street.  Open daily 1000 to 1700. The South African National Gallery, also in the Company Gardens, has a growing display of contemporary South African Art and Craftwork. Open daily 1000 to 1700 except Mondays when it opens at 1300.

·        Koopmans-De Wet house - is a something different, showing the typical colonial interior of a Cape Town House in the late 18th and early 19th century, and houses a superb collection of antiques, carpets, paintings and porcelain. 35 Strand Street between Long and Burg Streets. Open Tuesday to Saturday 0930 to 1630.

·        The Gold of Africa Museum - comprises a workshop, design library, wine cellar, sculpture garden, museum shop and a gold boutique. It houses a collection of over 350 African gold artefacts from the 19^th and 20^th centuries from West Africa. Martin Melck House, 96 Strand Street. Open daily 1000 to 1700.

·        The District Six museum - is a small museum depicting the history of the 'District Six' area, which was a vibrant multi-cultural area in the '60s. The people of the area were forcibly removed by the Apartheid government under the Group Areas Act and this museum brings alive the former residents of this area.

Table Mountain

The revolving cable car to the top of Table Mountain gives stunning, vertiginous views over Cape Town and its surroundings. Once on top, viewing decks that literally 'hang' visitors over the edge of the mountain offer wonderful photographic opportunities. Although queues have improved it is still best to avoid the peak times (mid morning to mid afternoon). The cable car can be reached by taking Kloof Nek Road to the roundabout and then taking the cable car approach road at the top. It does not operate in very poor visibility or in high winds. Please take a sweater with you even if it is a hot day as the weather can be changeable on the mountain. In winter you should take a warm jacket. Open daily. First cable car is at 0800 and last cable car varies according to season with early evening rides in summer.

If you are energetic and fit, you can also climb the mountain. There are some excellent walks at the top ranging from 10-minute strolls to several hours. Please buy a Table Mountain walking map, available from newsagents such as CNA, which also gives maps and walking routes.

Boat Trips

We recommend a boat cruise into the bay. Sunset cruises are extremely popular, particularly in summer, with many including dinner and drinks. The Waterfront Boat Company has a selection of boats, different cruises and times.

Robben Island - daily tours to the most symbolically significant site in South Africa. The island is reached by a 25-minute catamaran boat trip from the harbour. Please book ahead for tickets, especially in summer, as it's very popular (Tel 021 419 1300). Tickets can be purchased from 0730 to 1700 at the Terminal at Jetty One or from 0730 to 1800 at the Clock tower Terminal, adjacent to Bertie's Landing. Currently, tours depart daily at 0900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400 and 1500. There is also a 1600 departure on weekends/public holidays. However please check timings as these are subject to change.  The whole trip will take approx. 3½ hours.

At Hout Bay Drumbeat Charters take a boat out to Duiker Island to view the thousands of Cape Fur Seals and sea birds. This is a great trip but please remember that lots of seals congregated together do produce quite a pungent smell!

Beaches

The beaches on the Atlantic (western) side and False Bay (eastern) side of the peninsula have very different characters.  Atlantic beaches have spectacular sunsets, cold, cold waters for swimming, surfing waves and trendy people, whereas the False Bay beaches have spectacular sunrises, warmer water and calmer seas and the people wear more clothing.

Cape Town Shopping

We are often asked about shopping in Cape Town and indeed there are many excellent shops for arts and crafts, jewellery and African curios. We give some suggestions below but look out for the Cape Town Tourism 'Arts and Crafts' map for a more comprehensive list.

Jewellery

The main jewellery shops are to be found in Adderley Street and St George's Mall. Other reputable jewellers 

·        Uwe Koetter (Alfred Mall. Waterfront Tel - 021 421 1039)

·        Frank Huppertz, corner of Shortmarket Street and St George's Mall. Tel - 021 424 6344

·        Franz Hirner, 2c Park Road, Gardens Tel - 021 423 5255

·        101 Jewellery Emporium, 101 Kloof Street, Gardens

·        Gold Museum Shop, Martin Melck House, 96 Strand Street Tel - 021 405 1540

Arts and Crafts

·        Molweni Afrika - 73 Buitengragt Street

·        African Image - corner of Burg and Church Street (also Table Bay Hotel Mall)

·        The Cape Heritage Shop - corner of Burg and Church Street

·        Indaba Curios - Pier head, Waterfront

·        Feather Gallery - Upper level, Victoria Wharf, Waterfront

·        African Heritage - Kiosk No. 8, Victoria Wharf, Waterfront

·        Afrika Nova - Main Road, Hout Bay

·        Yellow Door - Upper Level Gardens Centre, Mill Street, Gardens

·        Church Street - a pedestrian mall filled with art galleries, antiques dealers and small cafes. There is an antiques/flea market every Friday.

Inexpensive African art, jewellery, clothing and curios

·        Red Craft Shed - Victoria Wharf, Waterfront. Open daily until 2100.

·        Arts and Crafts Market - Waterfront. Open daily 0930 to 1800.

Scheduled flight (Purchased and ticketed by you and NOT included in these ground arrangements.)

On arrival you have a road transfer from Kruger Park Airport (KMIA) to your private game lodge in the southern part of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve with our representative from Eastgate Safaris.

Varty Camp, Londolozi

Londolozi, Sabi Sand has a justified reputation as one of the finest private game reserves in Africa and is most famous for its leopards. Spanning the verdant banks of the Sand River, Londolozi offers four exclusive camps where the raw splendour of the bush perfectly blends with luxurious accommodation. Londolozi, meaning "protector of all living things" in Zulu, is known for its far-sighted methods of bush clearing as a means of restoring the area to its original mosaic pattern of woodland and open grassland. The impact on the wildlife has been dramatic and today Londolozi has some of the best game viewing in Africa. Londolozi has also recognised that ecotourism is only viable if it involves the inclusion of the communities living in and around the Reserve.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The pattern of Game-viewing

The pattern for safaris is to take game drives with your ranger in the late afternoon and early morning. This is the time when animals are most likely to be seen. After lunch you can relax in your room or by the pool until tea and coffee are served at approximately 1530 (in winter) or 1600 (in summer).  The game drive will start immediately after tea and will continue into the early evening.

Your vehicle is manned by a qualified ranger and a highly skilled tracker. Their combined resources of sound bush knowledge, practical skills and love of nature promise you informative, exciting and rewarding encounters with the abundance of wildlife.  The Ranger drives the vehicle and converses with guests, and, by means of two-way radio, also communicates with other vehicles on game drive in order to keep in touch with sightings in other areas.  The tracker, seated in a vantage point on the front of the vehicle, tunes into every nuance or clue offered by the bush - a fresh scent mark on a shrub, a muddy patch on a tree left by an itchy rhino, or a tell-tale sign where a kill has been dragged into the bush, and informs the ranger and guests accordingly. Your game ranger is not only your guide for the game drives but also on hand to assist you throughout your stay.

I won't go into detail as to what game you will see as your ranger can give you a deeper overview of the animals in the region. Major scene stealers are probably the elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino (the so-called 'Big Five'), but some visitors get just as much of a kick out of spotting a kudu, a comical warthog or tiny steenbok.

Half way through the drive, you enjoy sundowner drinks and then the drive continues using lights to spot the nocturnal animals. Your dinner will be served back at the lodge. During your stay, the evening meal is often enjoyed in an open enclosure or 'boma', around an open fire, which many guests feel is a particularly evocative treat.

Please note: As the lodge is not fenced, it is possible for wild animals to wander through the camp at night, though not common.  After your evening meal, please ask one of the rangers to escort you back to your room with a torch!  They will be only too happy to do so.

Clothing and equipment on open vehicle game vehicles

Casual bush clothes are the order of the day at the private game reserves and you are not expected to dress for dinner. Please ensure that you have a lightweight shirt and trousers to cover yourself in summer evenings when there are mosquitoes about. Neutral colours are most suitable.  Bright colours or white are to be avoided if you are planning to take a bush walk with a ranger as the animals will be scared off by strong colours. A hat with a brim and sunblock is also essential in Summer. 

In Winter and Spring, it can be very chilly in the early morning and late evening, no matter how warm it has been during the day - please believe us! Bring a warm jacket for the 0600 starts! It is best to dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off as the sun comes up.  By 0900 it could be quite hot again!

Binoculars are necessary to really appreciate the animals and good mammal and bird books will aid in identification and will boost your own enjoyment and recollection of your safari.

Photography on Safari

For close-up photographs of animals, it is essential to have a 300mm or telephoto lens. However much of our bushveld is characterised by wide open spaces, so a 28mm wide angle lens could also be invaluable, especially if you want to emphasize something in the foreground.

100-200 ASA film will be appropriate for most conditions, but some 400 ASA film can be useful for the light conditions at dusk or if you are lucky enough to come across a cheetah in a high speed chase. Make sure you bring some spare batteries, as these may not be readily available and an ultra-violet filter is also useful for reducing glare. A lens hood will prevent light from diffusing an image if you have to shoot towards the sun.

If you are not a regular photographer, the following tips may be useful:

·        The bright sunlight in South Africa means that early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times for photography.

·        Avoid static pictures of animals - a giraffe drinking is a much better photo than one just calmly looking at you.

·        Think about your background - if you are at a water hole you can select a spot to wait, which gives you a good background and the right light.

·        If you don't have a good tele-photo lens, don't be tempted into taking numerous shots of animals in the medium ground. You'll end up with lots of photos of green or brown bush! Instead concentrate on taking landscape or scene shots, for example, zebras playing or animals congregated at a water hole.

Today at 11h30 you board your charter flight with Nelair Charters & Travel to Kings Camp situated in the Timbavati Game Reserve.

The Timbavati Game Reserve

The superb Timbavati Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the north.  You are also likely to see large elephant herds and you have an good chance of spotting many members of the so-called 'Big 5' - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino as well a variety of smaller mammals.

After a final morning game drive, Eastgate Safaris will collect you from the lodge and transfer you by road to Hoedspruit Airport where you board your scheduled flight to Johannesburg. At Johannesburg you board your scheduled flight back home.