South Africa

Cape Town, The Winelands & KwaZulu-Natal: Untamed South Africa

When

November - May

Price

From $9,638pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

11 nights ideal length

One of our favorite destinations, we thought it was about time we put together our very own highlights reel of South Africa; all with a signature Black Tomato twist. Naturally, you’ll begin your ultimate South African adventure in style at the Royal Malewane, situated on a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This luxurious hotel offers personalized game drives, so you can choose exactly which of your favorite animals you want to be searching for. For a more intimate experience, explore on foot with a guide and come eye to eye with an elusive leopard or the awe-inspiring elephant. We told you this was no ordinary safari. Continuing on through Johannesburg, you’ll jump on the Blue Train down to Cape Town before hitting the Winelands and ending up amid the untouched lands of KwaZulu-Natal, this is South Africa in its wildest glory.

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Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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The Blue Train

In Johannesburg, you’ll have the chance to explore the rhino and lion park nearby before diving into the buzz of the city where you can visit the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, on the site of the Old Fort prison complex that’s now part courtroom, part museum and part art gallery. Next, we’ll have you hopping on the Blue Train down to Cape Town, where you’ll have a beautiful suite to yourselves from which to enjoy the stunning landscapes that pass by as you meander through dramatic mountains and past spectacular beaches. Before you know it you’ll be in Cape Town – and wishing the daily commute back home was just as good.  Take a half day city tour and explore sights such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Auwal Mosque. End the day scaling the iconic Table Mountain and enjoying the panoramic views from the top.

Whale Watching

From Cape Town, we’re whisking you off to Birkenhead House, in the seaside town of Hermanus. The cliffside location gives the hotel a unique, refreshing vibe as you relax with a massage whilst overlooking the ocean. After all, where better to whale watch from than the comfort of your own beautiful hotel? You’ll be able to view the majestic Southern Right Whales up close from the hotel’s spectacularly positioned swimming pool as they frolic in the waves nearby.

Close Encounters

We’ve got quite the adrenaline-pumping experience for you after you’ve settled in at Birkenhead House. Cage diving with Great White Sharks is a thrill, and we promise you, not at all life-threatening. Kept in a secure cage, you’ll anchor in Shark Alley, just off Dyer Island and dive in. The thrilling part of this encounter is that you’ll see the Great White in a different light as it swims past gracefully without a care in the world; not always the dangerous killer.

Wander the Winelands

After all that adrenaline; you’ll be in need of some serious relaxation. So, we’re taking you to La Residence in Franschhoek with its abundant vineyards and orchards. In this serene environment, we’ve organized for you to truly get back to nature as you embark on a wine tasting tour on horseback. Ride over the striking mountain scenery, forests and vineyards, pausing only to enjoy some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. This tour includes stop-offs at our favorite estates, the Rickety Bridge Winery and Mont Rochelle, where the friendly staff will talk you through the brewing process and you’ll get a taster, too.

The Big Five

Your trip will finish at Thanda Private Game Reserve in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, a destination brimming with a diverse range of animal species and authentic African culture. The lodge offers luxury African safaris at dawn and late afternoon with the aim of getting you a sight of the Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. On the private reserve, there’s even the remarkable chance of glimpsing the endangered black rhino, as well as cheetahs and hyenas. The sight of any of these animals will be the perfect way to end this ultimate South African adventure.

Where to rest your head

Royal Malewane, Thornybush Game Reserve

Royal Malewane is one of our top exclusive South Africa getaways. Buried deep in the bush of Kruger National Park, this luxury camp plants you…
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The Saxon, Johannesburg

It’s time to think again about Johannesburg. Home to an internationally-recognised art scene, a vibrant collection of regenerated neighbourhoods and some of the friendliest locals…
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The Blue Train

Travel like royalty (yes, kings and presidents have taken this route) on South Africa’s Blue Train. This amazing five star hotel on wheels is the…
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Birkenhead House, Hermanus

Nestled between the stunning Kleinrivier Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Birkenhead House is stylish, laid back and simply stunning. This is luxury beachside living at…
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La Residence, Franschhoek

Nestled in the Franschhoek Valley, La Residence offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of green mountains and organic orchards. This miniature modern ‘Versailles’ estate overlooking the Winelands…
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Thanda Safari, KwaZulu Natal

Set in Thanda’s Private Game Reserve, visitors are treated to game drives free from the crowds of mass tourists where humans and nature harmoniously co-exist.…
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