Where the Wilds of Africa Meets the Spice of Life...


9 Nights/10 Days from: $6,995 (double occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $1,815
Seasonal rates apply.


BRIEF ITINERARY
[B]- Bed & breakfast basis
[L]- Lunch
[D]- Dinner



DAY 1
Upon arrival into Cape Town, group will be met by a Safari Ventures Representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of your day at leisure. Overnight : VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL [BB]

DAY 2
After breakfast, you will depart for a full day City and Cape of Good Hope Tour. The group will stop at the Black Marlin Restaurant (alternative: Two Oceans Restaurant). The Black Marlin offers an extensive menu with the main emphasis on seafood, complimented by other choices of fine contemporary cuisine. House specialities include Cape Rock lobster, Seafood platters, oysters and mussels.

This historical building, once a whaling station, ensures the perfect setting for an idyllic lunch or evening experience. During "whale season", the guests often enjoy their meal whilst watching whales sidling along the coastline. Established as a restaurant since the mid 1960's, the Black Marlin has earned a reputation for its stunning seafood, award-winning wine list, attentive service and incredible views. Website: www.blackmarlin.co.za

After the tour the group will return to their hotel for rest and relaxation before dinner at Ginja Restaurant. Award-winning super-chef Mike Bassett is one of the reasons Cape Town is now regarded as a serious culinary capital and once you’ve sampled his fusion food, you’ll understand why. Book a table well ahead of time, dress up a little and get set to enjoy this all-round dining experience. Choose between one- and four-course options and then settle into starters like the popular ‘tasting spoons from around the world’ – a kaleidoscope of tastes – from lamb rogan josh to lime and chillied crayfish and gremolata octopus.

The Foie Gras Variety (including foie gras ice cream, custard and parfait) is wicked and absolutely worth it too. For mains, things are a little less showy but no less tasty. Duck served two ways is always a good Bassett bet while interesting plays such as springbok Wellington bring admiration for the man’s ability to really work with what he’s got. Desserts are a must and the wine list excellent – the servers are well equipped to make food-friendly recommendations

Overnight : VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL [B,L,D]


DAY 3

After breakfast the group will depart for a full day private wine lands tour in the Constantia region of the Western Cape followed by lunch at the famous Groot Constantia Wine Estate known for its Cape Malay cuisines.

Return to Cape Town for rest and relaxation before dinner at Aubergine Restaurant.

The characteristic old buildings were once the fashionable 19th century home of Sir John Wylde, first Chief Justice of the Cape. In those days the estate - near the Dutch East India Company’s gardens - extended over several hectares. By virtue of his office, Wylde was one of the most prominent figures in the colony. For more than a quarter of a century he not only ruled the Cape’s Supreme Court and Legislative Council, but also presided over its flamboyant social life. His elegant table, fine wines and scintillating company were renowned.

Aubergine has been innovatively renovated with dash of personality and splash of character, in contemporary style in keeping with the elegance and charm of the old building. Website: www.aubergine.co.za/heritage.asp

Overnight : VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL [B,L,D]


DAY 4

Morning will be at leisure to enjoy the City of Cape Town.

After check out in the afternoon, the group will travel to Stellenbosch with a wine tasting stop along the way.

Dinner will be at the hotel.

Overnight: Lanzerac Manor [B,D]


DAY 5

Full day of wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area visiting various farms followed by lunch at the Spier Hotel.

More wine tasting to follow after lunch. Return to your hotel for rest and relaxation before a hearty dinner at 96 Winery Road.

From the start, in May 1996 it has been their goal to delight each guest with a superb dining experience in our warm, relaxing venue set in the heart of the glorious Helderberg countryside. They use only fresh, often organic and where possible local ingredients to prepare dishes. They are inspired by SOUTH AFRICAN favorites and flavors from around the world. The fresh seasonal and inspirational menu changes almost every day, the main menu four times a year.

Founded by ex-Johannesburg restaurateur Ken Forrester, Devon Valley wine maker Martin Meinert and Chef Kathy Romer- Lee, the opening was preceded by lengthy debates in Ken's kitchen about the butternut color of the interior and the name - Butternut? Wine plays a major role in the partners' lives and many of the local winegrowers are regular patrons. And so situated on Winery Road, it remained only to put a prefix in front of the name. No erf number, no twisted Freudian logic, just the abbreviation of the founding year designating the beginning of good fortune.

Website: www.96wineryroad.co.za

Overnight: Lanzerac Manor [B,L, D]


DAY 6

After breakfast and checkout, the group will proceed to Franschoek making various stops at vineyards along the way. The group will stop for lunch at Boschendal Wine Estate- founded in 1685- one of the oldest in South Africa.

The group will check into Le Quartier Francais- an elegant B&B located in the heart of Franschoek.

Rest and relaxation for the rest of the afternoon followed by dinner at Le Quartier Francais’ famous Tasting Room.

Overnight: LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS (B, L, D]

Tucked away in secluded gardens it offers a delightful haven of peace and tranquility. A total gastronomic experience can be enjoyed here. Sticky buns for breakfast, bistro lunches on the terrace and award-winning cutting edge cuisine by Margot Janse and her team in the Tasting Room. The true secret of this Relais & Chateaux Auberge is the warm welcome from the extraordinary staff - the comfort of the rooms and the small unexpected luxuries.

The serious business of fine dining at Le Quartier has been set apart and defined by The Tasting Room. Course after course of exquisitely presented culinary delights showcase chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent.


DAY 7

Full day touring in the Paarl area visiting various vineyards followed by lunch at the Laborie Wine Estate.

Situated amid magnificent scenery in the fertile Paarl Valley, Laborie Restaurant on the beautiful Laborie Estate, provides elegant, relaxed dining.

The spacious, stylish restaurant and terrace, shaded by old oak trees, offers an eclectic menu compiled from South Africa’s cultural mosaic. Perfectly prepared dishes, containing the freshest ingredients, are presented in a modern idiom. This à la carte menu caters for all tastes with chicken, fish, pasta, summer salads and succulent fillet steaks. It is complemented by a Daily Specials menu.

The wine list comprises wines selected from KWV and a few premier wineries in the Paarl district to add enjoyment to the meal. Website: www.laborie.co.za

Dinner at Topsie & Friends (alternative: Haute Cabriere)

Overnight: LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS (B, L, D]


DAY 8

Early morning transfer to Cape Town Airport for flight to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. Transfer to Lion Sands Private Game Reserve followed by lunch at lodge (time permitting).

Enjoy an afternoon game drive in an open land rover accompanied by a trained ranger and tracker. At sunset, stop off in the bush, and while sipping your “sundowner”, watch the sun as it sinks into the dusky horizon. As darkness approaches, the trackers will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and will point out the elusive nocturnal wildlife.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight: LION SANDS RIVER LODGE (FB)

Lion Sands and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park. Hosted by a family of staff that make it feel like home away from home, the lodge is about spirit, warmth and nature. Here you are invited to relax and experience African hospitality at its finest.

The public areas at River Lodge offers guests the following: a private lounge and bar with fireplace, an outdoor safari lounge, 2 swimming pools (heated in winter), wooden viewing decks, a secluded bird hide, a magnificent River Island Deck built on the river, a conference room, Lalamuka Health Spa & gymnasium, curio shop & both an indoor and open-air (Boma) dining area.


DAY 9

Early morning open vehicle game drive

Breakfast & lunch at lodge with afternoons to relax or participate in some of the additional activities the lodge offers.

Late afternoon / early evening open vehicle game drive

Dinner at lodge

O/N : LION SANDS RIVER LODGE (FB)


DAY 10

Early morning open vehicle game drive

Breakfast at lodge.

Depart for the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg and onward.



Call Rumit Mehta at 1-888-341-7771 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


INCLUDES

• Transportation
• Guide services on all transfers and sightseeing excursions
• 3 Overnights at Victoria & Alfred Hotel on a BB basis (Mountain Facing Rooms)
• 2 Overnights at Lanzerac Manor on a BB basis (Classic Rooms)
• 2 Overnights at Le Quartier Francais on a BB basis (Luxury Rooms)
• 2 Overnights at Lion Sands River Lodge on FB basis standard rooms)
• 5 Lunches (beverages excluded)
• 7 Dinners (beverage excluded)
• Entrance fees to all sightseeing excursions as mentioned above
• Wine tasting excursions as mentioned above
• Porterage for one standard suitcase per person at airports and hotels
• Domestic Airfare (Cape Town- Kruger Mpumalanga Airport-Johannesburg)

EXCLUDES

• All international airfares, air reservations and airport taxes
• All other meals
• All other accommodation
• All other transport
• Personal expenses such as tips for meals, gratuities for guides/game rangers, all alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
• Any other services not mentioned above

Tour Extensions Available. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Safari Ventures Terms & Conditions Apply.