The Call of Nature
Cape Town stands beneath Table Mountain, vineyards of Franschhoek and turquoise lagoons of the west coast, land of the San with thousand-year-old traditions.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
A rich trip combining authentic nature and a touch of culture and history, taking you to such a captivating Afrique du Sud.
You begin your stay in Cape Town, the most beautiful city in the world, so named by visitors from all over the world. A singular, colorful city crowned by the unique Table Mountain, offering a blend of cultures, arts, cuisines and breathtaking landscapes.
You then exchange urban landscapes for charming small towns, discover villages and bucolic estates in the heart of the Winelands, in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Then your journey invites you to discover the West Coast, wild and authentic, located within Saldanha Bay. The Langebaan Lagoon, jewel of this treasure thanks to its beauty and azure lagoon, is the perfect spot for swimming, kitesurfing, windsurfing. Don't miss the many possible hikes in the heart of this national park.
After this immersion in nature, you will take a leap into the history of humanity and discover a culture 100,000 years old, that of the San people, the first people to inhabit southern Afrique du Sud, in the heart of a biosphere recognized for its unique diversity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Cape Town!
Upon your arrival at Cape Town, your local English-speaking representative welcomes you and hands over your travel documents. They accompany you in collecting your rental car.
You then head towards the city center, approximately 30 minutes' drive away. You settle in for four nights in an old Cape Dutch style house, on the border of Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant, five minutes from the city center.
You can relax on your accommodation's terrace, with an unobstructed view of Table Mountain. Just steps away, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood invites you to discover its colorful houses. The city center also offers walking opportunities between historic buildings, gardens and markets.
Cape Town offers many visits and activities. To organize guided tours with local professionals, your agency advises you according to your preferences.
Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
This day gives you the opportunity to climb Table Mountaintable-mountain. With its characteristic flat summit, this mountain dominates Cape Town and ranks among the seven wonders of nature. At approximately 1,000 meters altitude, you enjoy a panoramic view of the city, its neighborhoods, the ocean and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.
Several routes allow you to reach the summit on foot, with viewpoints that change as you climb. One of them starts from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and passes through its abundant vegetation. Once at the summit, you can descend by cable car.
Walking time: approximately 4 hours.
Botanical garden visit: approximately 2 hours.
For a shorter hike, other trails start from the cable car departure station. Allow two to three hours of walking to reach the summit.
Self-guided hike, with optional guide.
After your hike, you discover the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town's harbor on the Atlantic Ocean. This popular destination brings together shops, cafés, restaurants, craft market and an open space dedicated to local craft boutiques. A giant wheel also allows you to admire the city.
In this historic and still-active harbor, Table Mountain forms the backdrop. Views extend over the ocean, the city and the peaks of the Hottentots Mountains, in the distance.
Other activity suggestions:
Visit to the Zeitz Museum, on the Waterfront.
Hike to Lion's Head.
Cape Peninsula, discoveries and nature
You have a free day to discover the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope. Departing from the Cape, the many points of interest allow you to punctuate your journey with stops and discoveries, according to your preferences.
At the end of the day, you head back towards Cape Town. A stop at Camps Bay is recommended to have a drink on a terrace or rooftop, while admiring the sunset.
Robben Island & Cape Town Township
After the nature day of the previous day, you dedicate this stage to history and meetings with local inhabitants. You begin with an excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years.
You continue with the visit of a township, accompanied by a local guide and an English-speaking guide. This immersion of approximately three hours privileges exchanges and sharing with the inhabitants. According to your choice, it takes place in Langa, Masiphumelele or Khayelitsha.
Lunch suggestion: in the chosen township, your guides can advise you of small local restaurants to taste African cuisine. You can also meet the "Mama" cook who prepares the dishes.
Wine Route
Cape Town → Franschhoek
You discover today the Wine Route at your own pace, heading towards Franschhoek, a village nestled in the heart of the wine region.
Cape wines come from a winemaking tradition dating back several centuries. Rows of vines extend around estates with Cape Dutch style buildings, with mountains as a backdrop.
European influence also marks the region, through the heritage of French, Dutch and German Huguenot settlers. Founded in 1971, the Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest in South Africa. Paarl is home to the Nederburg estate, of international renown, as well as several other great names in wine.
The Franschhoek valley is also renowned for its gastronomy, which earned it the nickname of "gastronomic capital of South Africa".
You stay for two nights in an old Cape Dutch style farm, on a Bed & Breakfast basis, with breakfast included.
Stellenbosch: Vineyards and Heritage
Cape Town → Stellenbosch
You join Stellenbosch, approximately half an hour from Franschhoek. The second oldest city in South Africa, it combines wine, gastronomy, art and culture. Its wine route, the oldest in the country, invites you to discover cellars, wine estates and renowned restaurants, while enjoying the local art of living.
The historic center unfolds like a living museum, with its lively streets and ancient buildings. The hospitality of the inhabitants, the events, the art, the music and the landscapes all contribute to the atmosphere of this stop.
Suggested visits in Stellenbosch:
Dorp Street: stroll down this historic street in the old town, lined with period buildings.
Oom Samie se Winkel, "Uncle Samie's store": this institution preserves the spirit of shops from bygone days. You'll find straw brooms, handcrafted items, clothing and many traditional articles. Take time to sit on the veranda bench and watch the life of the street.
Village Museum: discover four historic houses representing four periods of Stellenbosch's architectural development. The buildings, their interiors and gardens have been restored, arranged and decorated to recreate the styles and tastes of each era.
You then continue on the road to Franschhoek.
Route to the West Coast
You are joining today the west coast and its national park, located approximately one and a half hours' drive from Cape Town. This stage immerses you in a preserved natural environment.
The reserve lends itself to outdoor discoveries, between secluded beaches, rarely frequented picnic areas and wild landscapes. You enjoy a setting where the blue and clear waters of the lagoon meet white sand.
In spring, wildflowers bring their colors to the landscape. The fauna also contributes to the richness of the region, from antelopes to fish, marine mammals and sharks from the Atlantic Ocean.
You settle in for one night in a private cottage with self-catering formula, located just a few steps from the lagoon.
!Khwa ttu: meeting with San culture!
Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu presented the San as the first people of Southern Africa, bearers of a culture 100,000 years old and a precious heritage for humanity.
In 2018, !Khwa ttu opened a heritage centre dedicated to the San. The site is located in a biosphere reserve recognized for its biodiversity. It also belongs to the Cape Floral Region, inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Its historical and archaeological environment allows exploration of human origins and the place of the San in this history.
You are accompanied by a San guide to discover traditional ways of life, culture, heritage and ancient survival techniques. An open vehicle excursion takes you through preserved fynbos, to a replica San village. Along the way, you observe zebras, springboks and other wildlife.
!Khwa ttu's nature project
The site runs a programme to eliminate invasive plants, which threaten biodiversity and increase fire risk. It also works on the reintroduction of indigenous fauna, including elands, zebras and springboks.
Inspired by the traditional practices of the San, this approach seeks to live and work with nature. It combines the maintenance of natural spaces and buildings, water and energy savings, and the gradual transition to green energy.
You stay for one night in a Bush House, on a Bed & Breakfast basis. This accommodation with a warm atmosphere includes a comfortable double bedroom, a spacious private bathroom, a dining room and a fireplace. Its wooden terrace offers panoramic views.
Return to Cape Town
!Khwa ttu → Cape Town
Today, you're heading back to Cape Town. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have some time to do your last shopping in Cape Town before departure.
You then head to Cape Town International Airport, where you return your rental vehicle before taking your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Airport taxes & visas
- Travel insurance & assistance
- The following entrance fees: Zeitz MOCAA, Boulders Beach Reserve, Cape Peninsula, West Coast National Park, !Khwa ttu
- The meals not mentioned
- Everything that is not indicated in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking welcome at the airport on day 1, with handover of travel documents and assistance in retrieving the rental car
- A rental car SUV, 4X2, Toyota Rush or similar type, for the duration of your stay, including: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited kilometers, GPS
- Accommodations
- The entry fee to Robben Island and the return ticket from Table Mountain
- The township tour with English-speaking local guide and English-speaking guide
- San Guided Tour
- The meals mentioned in the day-by-day description
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to South Africa for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Africa, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after your planned end date of stay and must have at least two consecutive blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in South Africa.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. This stay cannot be extended beyond this period without specific administrative procedures with the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a private individual).
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter South Africa, except if you are arriving from a country at risk for yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at entry.
It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
malaria prophylaxis, recommended for certain regions (Kruger, areas in the north-east and north of the country),
updating your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, etc.).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
South Africa applies strict rules concerning travel by minors. Any child traveling with both parents or alone with one of them must present their full birth certificate (original or certified copy). When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization letter accompanied by the identity documents of the absent parents is generally required.
In certain European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of South Africa in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim notification procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
It is possible to stay in South Africa without a visa, provided you present a valid passport that remains valid for at least 30 days after your return and has at least two blank pages. Specific conditions may apply to children, particularly regarding required documents. We recommend that you verify with the South African consular authorities the entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €180 and €320 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, car rental and activities. International flights (€800–1,300 return) are additional. High-end lodge safaris will significantly increase your budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Western Cape
South African Faces Explorer, based in Cape Town
South Africa constantly transforms as you travel through it. It's a country where you can move from a safari to the stillness of a vineyard or the energy of a bustling city all in the same day.
— Patricia
