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Ultimate South Africa

This 12-night trip offers the very best accommodation in ‘must see’ regions of South Africa. Be in awe of the natural beauty of South Africa’s scenic landscapes – from the breathtaking views at Cape Point, the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands to seeing wildlife in their natural habitat amid the unspoiled African bushveld.

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Your adventure starts here

Days

1-4

Days 1-4

Mother city’s natural wonder

Cape Town, South Africa

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.

During your stay, we will visit the working fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, with its bohemian arts and crafts shops, quirky boutiques, and antiques stores. Go in search of our own splinter colony of rogue penguins near the naval town of Simon’s Town. Take a gentle hike through the Cape Point nature reserve, enjoying a visit to a food artisan hub or gorgeous Constantia wine estate, a well-known wine-producing area, one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere.

We will also celebrate African art with a fully customised tour, curated to fit your individual interests and under the expert guidance of a specialist art guide. We’ll visit the very best galleries in the City Centre, V&A Waterfront and Southern Suburbs, with consideration to the current exhibitions. Visit Zeitz MOCAA and galleries in the Waterfront precinct such The Guild, Everard Read or Circa Gallery. We may enjoy a studio visit to an internationally acclaimed South African artist and perhaps check out the edgier fringe art areas around Woodstock.

We also get to climb under the skin of the city during our foodie walking tour – getting an understanding of the history, the people, their cultures, their cuisines, as well as contemporary Cape Town and its artisanal trends.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Experience the very best of Cape Town with our Cape Peninsula Explore, Arts in the City and Cape Town Eats Walking Tour.

4 Nights

Ellerman House

  • Luxury 5-star hotel, dramatically poised on the slopes of Table Mountain, in Bantry Bay
  • 13 sumptuously decorated rooms & suites boast rich textures & flawless finishes
  • Timeless elegance, exquisite taste & artistic flair abound: an appealing getaway for discerning travellers
  • Exquisite sea vistas, beautiful gardens & a renowned contemporary art gallery
  • Quality service, superb hospitality standards & well-maintained cellars
Private Transfer
Private Transfer

Cape Town International Airport to Ellerman House

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Days

5-6

Days 5-6

The Tranquil Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands, South Africa

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.

We’ll explore the fascinating town of Stellenbosch, browsing through appealing shops and museums, and sipping coffee in one of the tempting street-side cafes. We awaken our senses with a wine tasting experience at an iconic property. Soak up the scenery of this wonderful region, admire a contemporary art collection, see the highest-growing vines and take in breath-taking vistas from an elevated vantage point.

We’ll also discover the town of Franschhoek, established by the French Huguenots in 1688, where historic charm blends with a contemporary ambiance. The town boasts a host of boutiques, gourmet restaurants and galleries. We’ll  continue to some family-owned, off-the-beaten-track estates for a more intimate, boutique wine tasting experience, before returning to Cape Town.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Explore the fascinating town of Stellenbosch, browsing through appealing shops and museums, and sipping coffee in one of the tempting street-side cafes.

2 Nights

Delaire Graff

  • Just outside Stellenbosch on the Wineland’s scenic Helshoogte Pass
  • 10 sumptuous lodges with spacious light interiors, private decks & plunge pools
  • Striking Cape Dutch architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens & a contemporary African flair
  • A tranquil haven with an exquisite ambiance & sweeping mountain & vineyard views
  • Fresh, seasonal meals creatively presented in the estate’s outstanding restaurants
  • State-of-the-art winery, destination spa & a techno gym
Private Transfer
Private Transfer

Ellerman House to Delaire Graaf

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Days

7-8

Days 7-8

The Whale Route

Hermanus, South Africa

Beyond the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, to the East of Cape Town, lies the Overberg, an area of fruit and grain farms, verdant wine-growing valleys and a coastal Riviera known for its charming towns and whale viewing. During the calving season, Hermanus is arguably the best destination to view the Southern Right Humpback Whales. From June to December these migratory animals make their presence known in Walker Bay, with pods of up to 50 creatures frolicking close to land.

Recently established, The Hemel en Aarde wine route extends back from Hermanus. This successful wine-growing region boasts highly-acclaimed Pinot Noirs cultivated from its vineyards and wine estates. Translated as “Heaven on Earth” the valley lives up to its name, a feast for all the senses. Overberg highlights include Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Have the option to explore the area on your own or to simply relax, enjoying the facilities available at your accommodation.

2 Nights

The Thatch House

  • Boutique hotel in the seaside resort of Hermanus, overlooking the lagoon
  • 6 luxury suites offering contemporary comfort & space
  • Gracious living in this elegant, child-friendly family home
  • Private terrace with views over rolling lawns & lagoon
  • An escape with exceptional cuisine & professional service
  • Pools, floodlit tennis & cliff paths
Private Transfer
Private Transfer

Delaire Graff to The Thatch House

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Days

9-13

Days 9-13

Big 5 Territory

Sabi Sands, South Africa

The Sabi Sands is a private 65,000-hectare reserve known as one of the few places that you can see the Big 5 in one day. It has a diverse habitat with the Sand and Sabi Rivers running through it, a huge range of wildlife and a reputation for big cat sightings. Head out for an early morning game drive in open vehicles, stopping for a refreshing coffee break and a chance to listen to the sounds of the bush whilst admiring the landscape.

After some down-time and a siesta back at camp, set off again in the late afternoon when the bush comes alive. Sundowners as night falls, then spotlights come out in search of a new range of creatures.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Choose to spend the night under the African skies, in a purposefully designed treehouse, while enjoying the sounds and sights of the bushveld as it comes alive under the darkness of the night sky

4 Nights

Lion Sands Sabi Sand

Intimate and family-owned Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, nestled along the banks of the Sabie River. 8 luxurious suites feature contemporary interiors with neutral colours, clean lines and strikingly sophisticated appointments. Glass sliding doors and massive windows let in the natural light, allowing uninterrupted private bush views to be appreciated throughout the suite. 

  • A contemporary bush retreat set along the banks of the perennial Sabie River
  • 8 one-bedroom villas invite easy relaxation, each with their own private lounge, patio, deck & pool
  • Breathtaking river vistas & stunning natural setting
  • Simple luxury, open-plan & built of natural materials – designed as a lodge ‘of the earth’
  • Décor is rich yet minimal, with ambient lighting & subtle accents
Transfers
Transfers

Hermanus to Cape Town Airport: Private Transfer

Flights
Flights

Flight from Cape Town to Skukuza (excluded)

Transfers
Transfers

Skukuza to Lion Sands: Shared Road Transfer

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Walking safari
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Your Adventure Ends

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12 nights accommodation with selected meals

From $9,900 per person

Trip Summary

Days 1-4
Mother city’s natural wonder

Cape Town, South Africa

Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance.

Days 5-6
The Tranquil Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands, South Africa

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.

Days 7-8
The Whale Route

Hermanus, South Africa

Beyond the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, to the East of Cape Town, lies the Overberg, an area of fruit and grain farms, verdant wine-growing valleys and a coastal Riviera known for its charming towns and whale viewing.

Days 9-13
Big 5 Territory

Sabi Sands, South Africa

The Sabi Sands is a private 65,000-hectare reserve known as one of the few places that you can see the Big 5 in one day.

Cuan

Widely travelled and vastly experienced, our expert travel consultants will help you plan your dream trip to Southern Africa.

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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