Wine & Wildlife
South Africa | May-June 2026
Discover the Soul of South Africa
Join us on this incredible sojourn through South Africa from laidback, old-world wineland charm to cosmopolitan living in Cape Town and a ‘Big Five’ safari in the Eastern Cape. This 11-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of rest, indulgence and wilderness.
We begin with three nights at Coot Club, tucked between mountain and lagoon in the heart of the Overberg, just two hours from Cape Town. Here, our days unfold gently with wild swims, coastal walks and culinary exploration of the surrounding winelands and the quaint village of Stanford. Coot Club is all about good food, good wine and slowing down before shifting to the vibrant pulse of Cape Town – our base for delving into the cultural heart of the cosmopolitan city, from its colourful neighbourhoods and art-filled streets to its world-class cuisine and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula.
Our journey concludes with three unforgettable nights at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, where conservation and luxury intertwine, offering intimate wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to witness firsthand the work being done to protect this pristine wilderness for future generations.
This itinerary is ideal for those seeking a true sense of place — stylish yet grounded, immersive yet relaxed. From coastal calm to cosmopolitan Cape Town and onto wild savannah, it captures South Africa’s soulful beauty in one seamless journey.
You will love
- An itinerary full of creativity, cuisine & wildlife
- Explore unique coastal fynbos forests
- Wine & gourmet indulgence
- Cape Malay Cooking Class
- Exploring from Kalk Bay to Camps Bay
- Big Five conservation-focused safari
- Stylish, small-scale luxury throughout
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
12 WILD & WONDERFUL DAYS
TUE | 26 MAY | JOHANNESBURG | 1 NIGHT
After being fast tracked through Immigration you will collect your luggage and be escorted to the City Lodge for an evening at leisure. Time for a tipple or a cuppa tea before bed.
Accommodation: City Lodge – 1 night
WED | 27 MAY | STANFORD | 3 NIGHTS
Return to the airport to fly to Cape Town and drive to the Overburg. On arrival at Coot Club, settle into your boathouse before taking a paddle on the lagoon, or simply enjoying the stillness of the reserve from your veranda. As the sun dips we will gather for a welcome dinner in the Clubhouse, savouring farm-to-table dishes and good company.
Accommodation: Coot Club – 3 nights
THU | 28 MAY | STANFORD
After a wholesome breakfast we will join a guided morning walk through the milkwood forest and coastal fynbos – a haven for birdlife from fish eagles to flamingos. Return to the Club for a light lunch before heading out for a private wine tasting in the Stanford wine region, visiting a nearby estate for a tasting that may include award-winning Pinot Noir or a regional MCC paired with local cheeses. Dinner will be enjoyed back at Coot Club.
FRI | 29 MAY | STANFORD
Today we will sip, savour and stroll around the quaint village of Stanford, following a route that showcases local artisans, farmers, and artists. Our intimate tour includes lunch at Madré and dessert at Go Slow Bakery & Deli – a perfect introduction to Stanford’s culinary and creative community. Return home for dinner this evening by the lake.
SAT | 30 MAY | CAPE TOWN | 4 NIGHTS
You may choose to enjoy a walk or paddle on the lake before we head to the Mother City for a change of pace. After checking in, we will stretch our legs with a relaxed walk around the famous V&A Waterfront before enjoying a chilled glass of wine overlooking the harbour, followed by a fresh seafood dinner with Table Mountain as our backdrop.
Accommodation: Gorgeous George – 4 nights
SUN | 31 MAY | CAPE TOWN
After breakfast we will ascend Table Mountain by cable car, taking in panoramic views from the city to the ocean. Back at sea level, we will explore the colourful cobbled streets of Bo Kaap on a walking tour, uncovering stories of heritage, spice routes and resilience. A Cape Malay cooking class will result in us dining on our culinary creations before the afternoon is yours to unwind with a rooftop cocktail or indulge in a bit of shopping along the vibrant streets around our hotel. We will rendezvous for dinner early this evening.
MON | 01 JUN | CAPE TOWN
Today is a beautifully curated journey along the Cape Peninsula, starting with a stop in Kalk Bay to visit a women-run collective, before continuing to the historic naval town of Simon’s Town. We will cross the peninsula to wind our way through quiet coastal villages to reach Camps Bay via the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. As the sun begins to dip, we will enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the beach before returning to the city for an evening at leisure.
TUE | 02 JUN | CAPE TOWN
Pursue your passion today. You might tee off on one of Cape Town’s leading golf courses, dive into contemporary African art at the Zeitz MOCAA, or indulge in Cape Town’s vibrant food scene – from stylish wine bars to hole-in-the-wall gems. Browse boutiques and local markets for design, textiles and treasures, or trace the city’s layered history with a visit to Robben Island. However you choose to spend your day, we will rendezvous for dinner this evening to share our tales of adventure.
WED | 03 JUN | KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | 3 NIGHTS
We begin with an early start as we fly via Jo’burg to reach Port Elizabeth, then drive north through the heart of the Eastern Cape to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. After a light lunch and time to settle in, we head out on your first afternoon game drive and sundowners before returning for a delicious dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Kwandwe Ekka Lodge – 3 nights
THU | 04 JUN | KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
We set off at first light on a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active. Kwandwe is known for its excellent Big Five sightings, and we will search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – alongside cheetah, giraffe and kudu. After lunch and a siesta, we hit repeat to see what we can find out in the wild.
FRI | 05 JUN | KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
This morning we might try our hand at tracking wildlife on foot, learning from our guide and tracker. Alternatively, enjoy a slower start with breakfast and birdwatching from your deck. In the afternoon we follow the Great Fish River in search of elephants cooling off in the shallows, with an obligatory sundowner as we watch another epic sunset.
SAT | 06 JUN | KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | DEPARTURE
After a final early morning game drive or coffee on the deck with the sounds of the bush all around us, it’s time to say farewell to Kwandwe. We will depart by road around midday for PE Airport to check in for our flight to Jo’burg and onward connection to home – carrying with you unforgettable memories of fabulous experiences across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape.
If you are returning home you will be inflight overnight, arriving in Australia on 07 JUNE.
JOIN US ON OUR SOUTH AFRICAN SOJOURN
To request the whole adventure brought to life in a vibrant, full-colour itinerary please click here
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
AUD 12,865 per person Twin Share | AUD 16,530 per person Single
Start: JOHANNESBURG
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Finish: JOHANNESBURG
HOSTED BY ‘JOURNEYS FOR WOMEN’ FOUNDER, SARAH HOYLAND
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- Experience South Africa’s landscapes, creativity, cuisine & wildlife
- Discover Stanford – a hidden gem in the Western Cape
- Explore Stanford’s creative heart with local artisans & makers
- Sip cool-climate wines paired with regional cheeses
- Follow a delicious trail through delis, bakeries & kitchen gardens
- Walk through unique coastal fynbos & milkwood forests
- Paddle across the tranquil lagoon in the Overberg wilderness
- Stroll Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront & backstreet gems
- Enjoy a fresh seafood feast with a Table Mountain backdrop
- Ride the cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views
- Trace Cape Malay culture on foot through the streets of Bo Kaap
- Cook, taste & share the flavours of a Cape Malay kitchen
- Drive the whole arc of the Cape Peninsula – Kalk Bay to Camps Bay
- Visit SOUL Designs – a women-led artisans seaside collective & create your own bespoke piece of jewellery
- Soak up one of the world’s great drives along Chapman’s Peak
- Choose your own Cape Town day – golf, galleries, food or fashion
- Fly to a private reserve in the Eastern Cape for your Big Five safari
- Set out on twice-daily game drives with expert guides & trackers
- Tracking wildlife on foot to discover the Small Five
- Stay in a handpicked mix of boutique hotels & wilderness lodges
- Travel with a small group of curious, like-minded women
- Hosted by Sarah Hoyland ex Cape Town
- Create a lifetime of memories!
Inclusions
- VIP arrival in Johannesburg
- 1 night in Johannesburg Airport Hotel
- 7 nights in Boutique Hotels & 3 nights in a Luxury Lodge
- Breakfast daily, 9 lunches & 9 dinners
- All drinks whilst at Kwandwe – days 9 through 12
- Arrival and departure transfers on dates specified
- Wine tasting with cheese pairing in Stanford at a winery
- Walking tour of Stanford Village including lunch
- Milkwood & fynbos guided walkling trail
- Coot Club complimentary group yoga sessions
- Coot Club water activities including paddle boarding (SUPs) & kayaking
- Fat bike riding & lawn games @ Coot Club
- Victoria & Albert Waterfront orientation
- Ascent of Table Mountain & BoKaap Walking Tour
- Cape Malay Cooking Class
- Jewellery workshop @ Soul Design in Kalk Bay
- Full day tour from Cape Town to Camps Bay incl. lunch
- Game viewing in customized 4WD vehicles at Kwandwe
- Qualified guides on all game viewing activities
- All game reserve, community & conservation fees
- Potential for hands on conservation work with rhinos at Kwandwe*
Exclusions
- International air arrangements
- Regional & domestic flights (often less expensive when bought in conjunction with international tickets)
- Personal gratuities lodge attendants & guides
- Travel insurance & health requirements
- Additional meals & drinks (other than specified)
- ‘Top shelf’ drinks whilst on safari
- Experience of your choice on free day in Cape Town
- Laundry & personal purchases
- Any item not specified
Minimum – 8 travellers
Maximum – 12
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 12 people (plus host).
A single-room supplement of AUD 3,665 applies if you are travelling solo and wish to secure your own room.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
Any conservation activity on Kwandwe Game Reserve will be subject to the needs of the wildlife & instruction from the Kwandwe veterinary team.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time before or at the time of ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa for a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of return home and you need THREE blank pages to enter South Africa.
YOUR HOST
Sarah Hoyland
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
