The Call of the Wild
Cape Town reigns beneath Table Mountain, vineyards of Franschhoek and turquoise lagoons of the west coast, land of the San with their 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 South Africa.
You begin your stay in Cape Town, the most beautiful city in the world, as named by visitors from around the globe. 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. Langebaan Lagoon, the jewel of this treasure thanks to its beauty and azure lagoon, is the perfect spot for swimming, kitesurfing, windsurfing. Don't miss the many hikes possible 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 ethnic group, the first people to have inhabited southern Africa, 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 our arrival in Cape Town, we are welcomed by our English-speaking local representative. They provide us with our travel documents and assist us in collecting our rental car.
We then head towards the city center (approximately 30 minutes drive) and settle in for 4 nights at our accommodation in a beautiful historic house in Cape Dutch style, located at the edge of the Bo-Kaap Quarter and De Waterkant, 5 minutes from the city center.
We can relax on our accommodation's terrace, from which we have a stunning view of the Table Mountain. Just a short walk away lies the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, unique with its colorful houses, and the city center where the atmosphere, historic buildings, gardens and markets will inevitably charm us.
Cape Town is full of must-see sights and activities.
For guided tours with professional local guides, we would be happy to advise you.
Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
For hiking enthusiasts, today is the opportunity to take on the ascent of Table Mountain. This mountain that you can't miss, which dominates the city in an omnipresent and magnificent way, with its flat shape at the summit, is classified among the 7 wonders of nature! From its summit, it offers breathtaking views over the city, its different neighborhoods, the ocean and also the Cape of Good Hope peninsula. It would therefore be a shame not to climb 1000 meters above sea level to enjoy this incredible panorama!
Several path options are possible and the hiking ascent will reward us greatly with superb and constantly changing viewpoints. One of the most beautiful starts from the abundantKirstenbosch Botanical Garden up to the summit, from where we can then descend by cable car.
Walking time: approximately 4 hours
Visit to the botanical garden: approximately 2 hours
For a slightly shorter hike, we will find several other paths from the cable car departure to reach the summit (2 to 3 hours of walking).
(Free hiking - English-speaking guide available as an option)
After our hike, we will discover the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape harbor on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most visited destinations in Africa, which welcomes shops, cafés, numerous restaurants, a craft market, an open-space of small local craft shops and also a large Ferris wheel offering panoramic views over the city.
The setting of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, in the oldest active port in the southern hemisphere, is simply spectacular: it has as its backdrop Table Mountain as well as an extended view over the ocean, the city and the peaks of the Hottentots Mountains in the distance.
Other activity suggestions:
a visit to the Zeitz Museum, on the waterfront
Cape Peninsula, discoveries and nature
Free day to discover the Cape Peninsula and its legendary Cape of Good Hope. From Cape Town, many sites of interest deserve stops and discoveries.
Return to Cape Town at the end of the day. A stop in Camps Bay is recommended for a drink on a terrace or on a rooftop while admiring the sunset.
Robben Island & Cape Township
After yesterday's nature day, today is a day focused on History and social experiences that awaits us. On the program, we start with an excursion to Robben Island, the mythical prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.
Then, in the company of a local guide and an English-speaking guide, we continue with thevisit of a Township, a wonderful experience of meeting and sharing with the South African people. This immersion of approximately 3 hours will take place, at your choice, in the township of Langa, Masiphumelele or Khayelitsha.
Lunch suggestion: whether it's in Langa, Masiphumelele or Kayelitsha our guides will advise us of good addresses of small local restaurants to enjoy delicious African cuisine and meet the Mama chef who will prepare good local dishes for us.
Wine Route and arrival in Franschhoek
Cape Town → Franschhoek
Today we discover the Wine Route at our own pace. We head towards the village of Franschhoek, nestled in the heart of the wine region.
The Cape wine region is the source of many legendary Cape wines, the product of successive rows of vines, many of which were first planted hundreds of years ago. Most of the Cape's wine estates are characterized by Cape Dutch style buildings and massive vineyards with picturesque mountains as a backdrop.
There is also a distinct European influence in a number of regions, thanks to the arrival of French, Dutch and German Huguenot settlers during the 18th century. The Stellenbosch Wine Route, the oldest in Afrique du Sud, was founded in 1971. Paarl, Afrique du Sud's third city, is home to the internationally renowned Nederburg wine estate, as well as many other leading brands.
Franschhoek Wine Valley is also famous for its gastronomy and is recognized as the "gastronomic capital of Afrique du Sud".
Accommodation for 2 nights in an old farm with Cape Dutch style in Bed & Breakfast.
Wine Route - Stellenbosch
A quick tour of Stellenbosch is a must, which is only half an hour's drive from Franschhoek.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest city in Afrique du Sud and the most inspiring destination for wine, gastronomy, art and culture. The picturesque Route des Jardins is the oldest in the country. We discover unforgettable experiences immersed in wine cellars and vineyards, renowned restaurants and a unique and enviable lifestyle.
The historic city centre is a living museum with a very strong street culture. Friendly residents, a host of events, art, music, history and superb landscapes, that's what awaits us in Stellenbosch!
A few suggestions for visits to Stellenbosch:
Dorp Street is a particularly charming street rich in history of the "old town", with its period buildings.
Oom Samie se Winkel (Uncle Samie's shop) is an institution. Following the good old tradition, Oom Samie stocks everything: straw brooms, craft objects, clothing and countless traditional items... Let's relax on the bench of their veranda and watch the world go by as it did in the old days.
The Village Museum comprises four houses of historical interest representing four different periods in the architectural development of Stellenbosch. The houses, their interiors and gardens have been wonderfully restored, furnished, planted and decorated to illustrate the particular style and taste of the era.
Return to Franschhoek.
Route to the West Coast
Franschhoek → Churchhaven
The Call of Nature… Today we join the exceptional West Coast and its national park which are located just an hour and a half drive from Cape Town.
For all lovers of the raw, authentic, nature side, this vast reserve is the ideal place. Infinite natural beauty, a series of secret beaches, rarely frequented picnic areas, plenty of exhilarating outdoor adventures.
The blue and clear waters of the vast lagoon meet the perfect white sand. The colorful wildflowers each spring as well as the wildlife that lives there, from antelope to magnificent fish, mammals and sharks of the Atlantic Ocean, complete this enchanting picture.
Wonderful experiences that make this magnificently preserved earthly paradise the ultimate escape.
Accommodation for 1 night in an exclusive self-catering cottage, located within walking distance of a magnificent lagoon.
San Culture Discovery at !Khwa ttu
Churchhaven → !Khwa ttu
"The San, the first people to have inhabited Southern Africa, represent a culture 100,000 years old that must be considered one of the treasures of the world". (Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu)
In 2018, !Khwa ttu opened the world's only heritage centre dedicated to the San. !Khwa ttu is located in a recognised biosphere reserve, with unique biodiversity. It is also part of the Cape Floral Region, recognised as a World Heritage Site. !Khwa ttu is also situated in a historic and archaeological landscape of exceptional importance. Archaeological sites near !Khwa ttu play a key role in the history of human origins and the place of the San in this history.
We will be accompanied by one of the San guides for an insight into traditional ways of life, culture and heritage, and ancient survival techniques. We take a drive in an open vehicle, passing zebras, springboks and other wild animals, through intact fynbos, to a replica of a San village.
The nature project at !Khwa ttu:
Through this project !Khwa ttu has enabled and will continue to remove foreign vegetation which poses a huge fire risk and threat to biodiversity, and to reintroduce indigenous fauna (eland, zebra, springbok). By developing and maintaining their natural and built infrastructure, !Khwa ttu attempts to imitate the traditional culture of the San, by living and working with nature, conserving energy and water and transforming its infrastructure and activities towards green energy solutions.
Accommodation for one night in a Bush House on a Bed & Breakfast basis: cosy style, comfortable double bedroom, spacious private bathroom, dining room, fireplace and wooden terrace with panoramic views.
On-site restaurant.
Return to Cape Town
!Khwa ttu → Cape Town
Today, we join Cape Town, approximately 1h30 of driving. Depending on our flight time, we still have time for our last shopping before our departure.
Then, we take the road to the international airport where we return our rental vehicle and take our 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
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything not listed in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking reception at the airport on day 1, with delivery of travel documents and assistance in collecting the rental car
- A rental car SUV, 4x2, Toyota Rush type or similar, for the duration of your stay, including: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited kilometers, GPS
- Accommodation
- The entrance fee for Robben Island and the return ticket for Table Mountain
- The township visit with English-speaking local guide and English-speaking guide
- Guided San Tour
- I need the actual text containing the meals mentioned in the day-by-day description to translate it. Could you provide the specific content you'd like me to translate?
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
