Day 1-4: Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is built around Table Mountain, and is flanked by exquisite coastal shores, making it one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the world. Rich with a multiplicity of cultures, it offers travellers a colourful and vibrant backdrop for an endless range of activities.

Explore all that Cape Town has to offer - from beautiful beaches and botanical gardens to fine dining and flea markets. Cape Town is South Africa’s art capital, teeming with local talent, exhibitions and markets. The V&A Waterfront is a magnificent tourist attraction offering first class restaurants and local art and craft markets. Travel southward on the coastline to the extreme south western tip of Africa, Cape Point, and discover quaint villages, café’s and galleries along the way.

Day 4-5: Cape Winelands

South Africa has had a long history of wine production beginning as far back as the 17^th century. Today, the Cape Winelands produce some of the best wine in the world. Set in the Western Cape, the region is made up of many estates some of the most popular being located in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington.

As some of the oldest settlements in South Africa, these wine estates sport beautiful Cape Dutch colonial farmhouses, and are surrounded by lush mountainous terrain, most notably the beautiful Cederberg Mountain Range.

The Cape Winelands offers not only top-class wine tasting tours, but also some of South Africa’s finest dining, beautiful hotels and luxurious health spas. The region also offers hiking trails, horse trails, fruit picking, and wildlife sanctuaries. Numerous events and festivals also occur frequently throughout the year.  

Day 5-7: Knysna

Knysna is small town set on a wide lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River, and is surrounded by the foothills of the great Outeniqua Mountains. What is known as the Knysna National Lake Area forms part of the Garden Route National Park – one of South Africa’s most diverse National Parks – home to forests, fynbos, mountains, rugged cliffs, beaches, rivers and lakes.

This picturesque sea-side destination and its neighbouring town, George, are well known for having the best golf estates in the country namely Fancourt, Pezula and Simola – all located within 100km of each other. These estates are blessed with lush vegetation including the rare and beautiful Cape Fynbos.

The Knysna Lagoon offers a range of water sport activities and bay-side restaurants promise fresh, traditionally prepared sea-food. Knysna is teeming with local art, galleries and craftsmanship and during July this quaint town holds its annual Oyster Festival. 

Day 7-10: Eastern Cape Safari

The Eastern Cape is blessed with the richest biodiversity in South Africa and has the fastest growing conservation areas in the country. It is home to all 7 of South Africa’s ecological zones including succulent karoo, nama karoo, fynbos, grassland, savannah, forest, and thicket. This unique wealth of life makes for thrilling Big 5 game viewing and spectacular landscapes. The Eastern Cape is also a malaria free zone offering travellers a hassle-free Big 5 African safari experience.

Open Africa offers two prime safari destinations to choose from, both promising spectacular game viewing and luxurious safari lodge accommodation. Kariega Game Reserve and Shamwari Game Reserve are both positioned close to Port Elizabeth, making either destination perfect for a relaxing bush experience at the end of a busy tour. 

Images courtesy of eGuide Travel, stringer_bel, smagdali, prasad.om.