South Africa - Featured Trips

This trip is designed to showcase the success of biodiversity initiatives in the Western Cape and is an excellent example of an eco-tourism experience in South Africa. All participants in our Biodiversity & Wine Route are committed to conservation, sustainability and social upliftment. Discover the beautiful city of Cape Town and surrounds with visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens and Cape Point National Park. Explore an off-the-beaten track eco-wine route and visit boutique wine estates, who are all members of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative. A guided tour of the natural vegetation communicates the wine producers' stories and the role of biodiversity conservation in sustainable wine production. The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest yet richest plant kingdom on earth, and has earned international recognition as a global biodiversity hotspot. Visit a luxurious nature retreat located on the Fynbos Route in the unspoilt Overberg region.

This itinerary is ideal for second time visitors to South Africa and those who want to avoid main tourist centres. The tour is designed for nature lovers with an interest in learning more about the diverse Cape Floral Kingdom and other biomes in the Western Cape. Wine lovers with an interest in sustainable wine production will have the opportunity to get to know a community of wine growers and grape producers with a common interest in conservation, sustainability and social upliftment.

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will collect your rental car (Group B - Toyota Yaris or similar) and make your way to the beautiful Vineyard Hotel, situated in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town with views of Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at Vineyard Hotel on BB basis.

On your second day you will meet up with a botanical expert and qualified hop-on guide, who will accompany you for the day during a drive out to Cape Point National Park and a walking tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Your guide will provide you with information about the Cape Floral Kingdom and indigenous flora of the Western Cape.

On your third day you can explore the Cape Town, surrounding beaches and attractions at your own pace. Visit Table Mountain, Robben Island, Museums and other historical attractions. Overnight at Vineyard Hotel on BB basis.

Make your way over Sir Lowry's pass to the region of Elgin and Grabouw. Visit one of the many farmstalls along the way to sample some of the region's home-made preserves, breads, cheeses, olive oils and a variety of herbal teas and coffees. From your base at a guesthouse in the area you can explore the wineries along the region's eco-wine route.

On day 5 you will go off-the-beaten track during a 4x4 guided Biodiversity Wine tour. The route meanders through beautiful Elgin Valley and the Van Der Stel Pass. Learn about sustainable wine production, meet eccentric locals and colourful wine farmers and visit the oldest winery in Bot Rivier.

Your accommodation will have self-catering facilities if you wish to prepare your own meals, or enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the onsite restaurant, headed up by Chef Gordon Manual. As expected, the wine list includes a fine selection of local wines. Overnight at South Hill Guesthouse or similar on BB basis.

After breakfast continue to Stanford and the Fynbos Road, a 100 km stretch between Stanford and Cape Agulhas. Your next destination is Farm 215, a private nature reserve surrounded by farmland, flower-orchards and unspoilt ancient vegetation. Farm 215 is a pioneer in sustainable tourism in South Africa and accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. The reserve boasts various hiking trails, guided botanical fynbos walks, medicinal walks, horseback riding and a variety of other excursions can be arranged on the reserve and nearby Overberg conservancies.

Relax by the pool or on your deck enjoying the panoramic views over the Agulhas plains towards the ocean. The onsite restaurant offers delicious meals prepared with local and organic ingredients and all wines come from local Stanford and Hermanus wineries that form part of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. Overnight at Farm 215 - Fynbos Suite on BB basis.

After breakfast you will slowly make your way back to Cape Town along the beautiful coastal road through Hermanus and Betty's Bay. During whale season (July - November) this route offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the Western Cape. Return your rental car at the airport in time for your onward travel arrangements.

As with all our itineraries, this trip can be fully tailored to suit your own unique requirements and interests. We can add and/or change destinations and activities to include for example a couple of days in the picturesque & more well known wine-producing valley of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

However if you would like to get to know the real Western Cape and enjoy some more off-the-beaten track experiences, please check out our Stay Another Day suggestions below. All of our Stay Another Day options create jobs & social upliftment and are as environmentally friendly as possible. They are also carefully chosen for their sustainability and many are FTTSA accredited.

Stay Another Day - Cape Town
Stay Another Day - Western Cape

£1,185 (£1,905*) per person sharing all year round (Jan-Aug)
Prices based on min of 2 people travelling and Peak Season supplements may apply.
* Includes international flight on British Airways

Rates for the 2010 World Cup period may vary from the above prices - rates on request.

Terms and Conditions apply. Price is subject to availability and subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

8 nights accommodation on B&B basis
9 days car hire Group B (Toyota Yaris 1.4 or similar) with Super Cover (nil excess)
Full day guided Cape Point & Kirstenbosch Tour
Full day guided Biodiversity & Wine Tour, incl. lunch
* International British Airways flight incl. airport taxes and fuel surcharges

Meals and activities not stated in itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Visa cost