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Itinerary Highlights
Honeymooners* or travelers simply seeking the trip of a lifetime will find in Southern Africa a luxurious respite filled with equal parts excitement and relaxation. This two-week journey strikes the perfect balance of the region’s most compelling elements: wine, cosmopolitan culture, safari and beach. The experiences in each unique destination are enhanced by stays in renowned properties throughout your journey.
Beginning in winelands of the Western Cape you’ll explore the vineyards of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, enjoying restaurants of Michellin-star quality for a fraction of the price as you walk out your door from the picturesque Leeu House. Next head to nearby Cape Town for a continuation of a fantastic culinary scene, along with iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island. Here you’ll stay at the one-of-a-kind Ellerman House with coastal views surpassed only by the unique property’s impeccable level of service. You’ll then fly to Sabi Sands, South Africa’s premiere private game reserve, for an unforgettable Big Five safari in what is now perhaps the reserve’s most deluxe lodge, andBeyond Tengile River. Unwind in your final destination of Benguerra Island off the coast of Mozambique, within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Azura Benguerra Island is the ultimate barefoot luxury property, reached only by private helicopter and boasting romantic beachfront villas with private pools.
*Pricing for this particular itinerary is based on a honeymoon promotional rate and requires proof of marriage certificate within a specific period of time relative to the trip. We can happily provide adjusted pricing for non-honeymooners as well.
Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival to the Western Cape
Welcome to South Africa! Upon your arrival into Cape Town International Airport, you'll be met by your driver who will escort you to your hotel in the nearby Cape Winelands for check-in.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure strolling through the charming streets of Franschhoek.
Overnight at Leeu House (no meals included)
Day 2: Exploration of Franscchoek - Wine Tram
Today enjoy one of the best and most fun ways to enjoy the Cape Winelands. The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines, and a 300-year history.
Passengers aboard the hop-on hop-off tour will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in an open-sided tram and open-air tram-bus, stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.
A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour.
The tour takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley, complimentary wine tastings and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards.
After your day on the tram, enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight at Leeu House (Breakfast)
Day 3: Exploration of Franschhoek - Private Vineyard Touring
Enjoy a day-long privately guided tour with a local wine expert throughout the stunning vineyards of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. A program can be customized per your tastes or an itinerary can be suggested.
Overnight at Leeu House (Breakfast)
Day 4: Departure to Cape Town
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, a driver will escort you from your hotel in Franschhoek to the heart of Cape Town, approximately one hour's drive. Check into your hotel and relaxing on the beautiful grounds and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. The hotel’s Concierge will be happy to assist you with dinner reservations and vehicle arrangements; all of Cape Town’s best restaurants are no more than ten minutes away!
Overnight at Ellerman House (Breakfast)
Day 5: Exploration of Cape Town - Table Mountain
This morning you’ll head out early with your guide to hike the legendary Table Mountain. With your guide you can customize the difficulty and duration of your Table Mountain experience from a round trip cable car journey to a full-day hike. Enjoy water and snacks along the way, plus a beautiful picnic lunch at the summit. Your tour will also include a panoramic tour of Cape Town where you’ll get to know more about the city’s rich history and various neighborhoods. Please note that Table Mountain Cable Car departures are dependent upon weather conditions.
Overnight at Ellerman House (Breakfast)
Day 6: Exploration of Cape Town - Exploration of Cape Point, Hout Bay & Cape of Good Hope
You will be met by your guide at your hotel and taken on a private full day tour of the very best of the Cape Peninsula. Today you'll explore Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Funicular, Boulders Penguin Colony, Chapmans Peak Drive and Seal Island cruise.
Overnight at Ellerman House (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 7: Departure to Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
At the scheduled time, your driver will escort you from the hotel to the airport where you'll board your flight to Skukuza Airport, sandwiched between the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park.
Your guide will meet you upon arrival and escort you to the lodge for a brief orientation. Enjoy afternoon tea and a game drive, followed by traditional African sundowners and dinner.
Overnight at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Days 8 - 9: Safari in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Enjoy full days of safari inside one of South Africa’s best private wildlife reserves with morning and afternoon game drives. Take advantage of the lodge’s spa and your room’s private plunge pool.
Overnight at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 10: Departure to Mozambique
At the scheduled time, a driver from the lodge will escort you to the Kruger Mpumulanga Airport where you will board your nonstop flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique.
You'll then be met by a representative from Azura Benguerra Island who will assist you in boarding a helicopter that takes you to Benguerra Island in under 10 minutes.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by your butler who will assist with check-in. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure in this island paradise.
Overnight at Azura Benguerra Island (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Days 11 - 14: Exploration of Benguerra Island
Relax on the stunning island of Benguerra from the oasis of your beachfront villa with its own private pool.
Azura Benguerra Island (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 12: Return to Vilanculos for Departing Flight
Enjoy a final morning at leisure, with complimentary late check-out available subject to availability. At the scheduled time, you will head back to Vilanculos via helicopter for your departing flight.
(Breakfast)
What's Included
14 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)
Daily breakfast
All meals and local spirits at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge and Azura Benguerra Island
Additional meals as specified
Twice daily game drives with English speaking naturalist ranger at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
Specified activities at Azura Benguerra Island (boat tours, scuba diving, PADI certification and other services available at an additional cost)
Scheduled guided touring as specified
All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)
All entrance fees as mentioned on tour
*Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature
Expert Notes & Customization
We love the dynamic yet complementary mix of styles in the properties suggested below but for those looking for the ultimate deluxe accommodations would suggest an upgrade to La Residence in Franschhoek and potentially andBeyond Benguerra Island. For non-honeymooners who won’t qualify for the significant reduction in rates offered by andBeyond Tengile River Lodge to brides we’d suggest Dulini River Lodge, also in Sabi Sands Private Reserve. We love the idea of adding a pre-trip extension to Victoria Falls, with a stay at Thorntree River Lodge.