Inspiration
From Coast to Safari: South Africa in Style
Start with a culture-rich city break in Cape Town, then slow the pace with fine dining and vineyard strolls in Franschhoek. Follow the scenic Garden Route through mountain passes and coastal towns before trading sea views for savannah sunsets in Madikwe Game Reserve.
Rhythms of the wild
Every stop has been carefully chosen to offer comfort, character and a true sense of place – no matter whether you’re sipping Cabernet in the Cape Winelands, ziplining through ancient forest or watching elephants gather at a waterhole from your private deck.
- Cape Town
- Cape Winelands
- Swellendam
- Oudtshoorn
- Plettenberg Bay
- Madikwe Game Reserve
Nici Davies
With over 30 years of expertise at Travelwise, Nici specialises in family adventures, luxury ski holidays and indulgent beach escapes. Her extensive knowledge of diverse destinations allows her to offer the perfect suggestion, even when you're not exactly sure what you're looking for.
Cape Town
After an overnight flight from the UK, begin your journey in Cape Town. With Table Mountain as your backdrop and two oceans meeting along its shores, this is where wild beauty, endless culture and urban energy come together. Settle in and ease into the rhythm of the city with your choice of relaxed dinners, seaside strolls or local markets.
Spend your first full day exploring Cape Town’s vibrant heart. Take the cable car up Table Mountain for sweeping views of the peninsula, then weave your way through the historic city centre. Trace South Africa’s journey to democracy at landmarks like the Grand Parade and City Hall and dive into the colourful stories of Bo-Kaap with its cobbled streets and bright facades. End your day with a visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens, for a blend of sculpted lawns and wild mountain forest.
Next, set off on a privately guided tour along the Cape Peninsula. Follow the Atlantic coastline past Camps Bay and Hout Bay, wind your way along Chapman’s Peak Drive and arrive at the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point. Keep an eye out for baboons and antelope in the nature reserve, or ride the funicular to the lighthouse for panoramic views. Stop by Boulders Beach to watch African penguins play in the surf, and end the day among the native flora of Kirstenbosch, as the sun sets behind the mountain.
Cape Winelands Charm
Just over an hour from Cape Town, the journey into the Cape Winelands brings a shift in pace. Rolling vineyards, whitewashed Cape Dutch estates and dramatic mountain backdrops welcome you to Franschhoek – South Africa’s food and wine capital.
This elegant town combines old-world charm with modern highlights. Spend your days exploring award-winning wineries, indulging in long lunches at farm-to-table restaurants and wandering between boutique galleries and artisanal shops. The popular hop-on, hop-off wine tram offers a scenic and flexible way to discover the surrounding estates, each with its own story, varietals and tasting experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’re after bold reds, crisp MCC sparkling wines or simply want to soak in the views, you’ll be spoiled for choice here.
Evenings are made for relaxing in style. Unwind at your boutique retreat, perhaps with a glass of something local in hand, as the sun dips behind the Franschhoek mountain.
Swellendam
Leaving the Winelands behind, you’ll drive east into the heart of the Overberg to reach Swellendam: South Africa’s third-oldest town and a place where time slows down. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, this heritage-rich town is all whitewashed cottages, oak-lined lanes and gentle country charm.
Swellendam is the kind of place that invites you to switch off. Wander through local farm stalls, stop for a coffee at a slow-paced café, or browse artisan shops filled with homemade preserves, small-batch liqueurs and freshly baked goods. History lovers can explore the fascinating Drostdy Museum, while nature enthusiasts might head out on nearby hiking trails or just enjoy the mountain views from a shaded veranda.
Your stay here is all about embracing a quieter rhythm – enjoying a glass of wine under the stars or waking up to birdsong and crisp country air.
Oudtshoorn
The journey continues into the semi-arid landscapes of the Klein Karoo, where the quirky town of Oudtshoorn offers a complete change of scene. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, this region is steeped in character, from grand old homesteads built during the ostrich feather boom and wide, sunbaked plains stretching toward the Swartberg Mountains.
Your time here is a chance to dive into something a little different. Discover the vast limestone chambers of the Cango Caves, one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders, or rise early for a wild meerkat encounter as the sun climbs above the dusty Karoo. This unique experience allows you to observe these fascinating creatures as they emerge from their burrows to start the day – playful, social and completely unfazed by your presence.
Oudtshoorn also has a culinary identity all its own, with opportunities to sample Karoo lamb, local wines and of course, the famous ostrich steak.
Plettenberg Bay
From desert plains to ocean breeze, your journey now leads you to the laid-back charm of Plettenberg Bay – one of the Garden Route’s most loved coastal retreats. With sweeping beaches, indigenous forests and a stylish seaside atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this spot draws visitors back time and again.
Spend your days exactly as you choose. Hike coastal trails with views that stretch for miles, unwind on golden sands, or head out to Robberg Peninsula for dolphin- and whale-spotting in season. Adventure-seekers might opt for a zipline through the treetops in nearby Tsitsikamma National Park – an unforgettable way to see the forest from above.
Looking for more thrills? Adventure seekers may also want to do the world’s highest bridge bungee jump which is at Bloukrans Bridge near Tsitsikamma – ask Kim for her first-hand experience doing this one!
Plett is also home to a vibrant food and wine scene, with excellent local produce and ocean-fresh seafood served in scenic spots across town. From exploring lagoons by kayak to enjoying a quiet moment with a glass of wine and a sea view, this is the perfect place to pause before your final adventure.
Witness the Wild at Dawn in Madikwe
There’s nothing quite like the hush of a South African sunrise, especially when it’s accompanied by the distant call of a lion or the flicker of a leopard moving through golden grass. In Madikwe, one of the country’s most exclusive (and malaria-free) reserves, your early morning game drives are intimate and awe-inspiring. With expert guides and no tourist crowds, you’ll track the Big Five, and rarer species like African wild dogs, in total peace. Back at camp, coffee by the fire and stories from the bush round out the experience, making this a safari to remember.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Round off your South African journey with an unforgettable safari in Madikwe – a vast, malaria-free reserve bordering Botswana and one of the country’s best-kept secrets. This remote wilderness offers the chance to spot the Big Five, alongside rarer species like cheetah, African wild dog, and brown hyena.
Settle into your intimate safari lodge and soak in the peace of the bush. Days begin with early morning game drives, when the landscape comes alive in the golden light, and close with sundowners overlooking the savannah as the wildlife stirs once more. Between drives, relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or simply listen to the call of birds from your private deck.
With fewer vehicles in the reserve and expert rangers leading each drive, you’ll enjoy a truly immersive, unhurried wildlife experience – perfect for photography, storytelling and moments of awe. It’s an incredible spot to round off your adventure before heading home.
Talk to our specialists to start planning your trip
