Few cities on earth sit in a setting like this — Table Mountain rising straight out of the Atlantic, beaches on one side, vineyards on the other. After the early mornings and dust of the bush, Cape Town is where a South Africa journey exhales: long lunches, sea air and some of the best food and wine anywhere.
An hour east lie the Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — where 300-year-old estates pour world-class vintages beneath the mountains. Most of our South Africa journeys pair three or four nights here with the Sabi Sand: Big Five in the morning, fine dining by the weekend.
Highlights of Cape Town & the Winelands
Table Mountain
Ride the cableway or hike up — the view over the city and both oceans is unmatched.
The Cape Peninsula
A day’s drive past Camps Bay and Chapman’s Peak to the penguins at Boulders Beach and Cape Point.
The Winelands
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — historic estates, tastings and celebrated restaurants.
Robben Island & history
The ferry to Nelson Mandela’s former prison, guided by former inmates.
Recommended lodges & camps in Cape Town & the Winelands
Where you stay shapes your whole safari. These are properties we know personally and return to again and again — chosen for their location, their guiding and the way they make you feel. Tell us which appeal and we'll build your journey around them.
These are a few of our favorites — we work with many more across every price point. Have a specific lodge in mind? Tell us in your enquiry and we'll secure it.
Know before you go
The practical details we handle for you — flights, entry, health and money — summarized here so nothing surprises you. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.
Getting there from the USA
United and Delta fly nonstop from Newark and Atlanta to Cape Town (about 15 hours), or connect through Johannesburg. From the Sabi Sand reserves it is a two-hour scheduled flight.
Visas & entry
US citizens visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days; passport valid six months beyond travel with at least two blank pages. New from July 2026: all travelers entering or leaving South Africa must submit a free online SARS traveler declaration (sars.gov.za or the SATMS app) within 24 hours before their final flight — we send you the link and walk you through it.
Complete the SARS declaration ↗Health
Cape Town and the Winelands are malaria-free — no prophylaxis needed for this leg. Tap water is safe to drink.
Money & tipping
The US dollar goes far against the rand. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; tipping is at your discretion — around 10–15% in restaurants.
Best time to visit
Cape summer — warm, dry beach and vineyard weather. December–January is peak season.
Shoulder months — mild, quieter and beautiful light. Whales appear from July to November.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Fly into Cape Town International (CPT). The city pairs naturally with the Sabi Sand — a two-hour direct flight — and with a beach finish in Mauritius or Mozambique.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
South Africa
A South Africa safari pairs Big Five private reserves with Cape Town and the Winelands.
Explore → South AfricaKruger & the Sabi Sand
Kruger & Sabi Sand — arguably the world’s finest leopard viewing, in some of Africa’s most polished lodges.
Explore → Beaches & IslandsMauritius
A Mauritius holiday means turquoise lagoons, luxury resorts and championship golf.
Explore → RegionSouthern Africa
The desert, the delta and the falls — Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Explore →Cape Town & the Winelands FAQs
Getting to South Africa — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Cape Town & the Winelands journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now