Wine and Wildlife - Exploring South Africa's Bountiful Terroir

Wine and Wildlife - Exploring South Africa's Bountiful Terroir

Immerse yourself in the wonders of South Africa, a country embraced by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, where a tapestry of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and exceptional winemaking converge. Embark on a thrilling safari adventure at Kruger National Park, seeking encounters with the majestic Big Five. Indulge in the rich flavors of the renowned pinotage wine in the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch. Discover the vibrant city of Cape Town, where the allure of beachside living intertwines with the awe-inspiring Table Mountain, accessible via a thrilling cable car ride. And amidst the deep-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, witness the grace of magnificent migratory whales.

Why Into The Vineyard

Why Into The Vineyard

Commitment to Service

We believe life is most enriched when time is spent meaningfully, and the people around us are well cared for. We offer tailored travel that is effortless and designed to inspire discovery, foster connections, and build community.

Private & Customizable Journeys

Travel preferences are as unique as an individual’s fingerprint. Our expertise lies in designing bespoke journeys to the wine regions of the world. Using our global networks, we craft your trip to suit your own style.

Regional Expertise

Discover the world alongside passionate locals who bring each destination to life. Garner authentic insights and connection. Our Sales and Planning teams have explored at length the destinations they specialize in. We continuously revisit regions, inspect accommodations, and experience wineries, so we can deliver the quality and service you expect.

Extraordinary Experiences

We design immersive experiences with excellence. Whatever your request - a private Mendoza vineyard lunch, truffle hunting in Piedmont, or a First Growth in Bordeaux - you will enjoy exclusive access to unparalleled encounters.

Trusted Support

Plan and travel at ease with the support of expert travel professionals. Headquartered in Canada and with staff around the world, we ensure you are supported from initial planning discussions to full on-trip coverage.

Responsible Travel

Our aim is to provide travel that inspires both the traveler and the communities we visit. We prioritize privately-operated accommodations, locally-owned restaurants and generational wineries, and encourage low-carbon private transportation where viable.

Quick Summary

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arrival into South Africa

Daily Summary

Welcome to South Africa! On arrival, make your own way to your accommodation to check in.

Day 2: Day at Leisure

Daily Summary

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Or simply relax and make use of the facilities at your accommodation

Day 3: Day at Leisure

Daily Summary

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Or simply relax and make use of the facilities at your accommodation

Day 4: Cape Town to Cederberg

Cape Town to Cederberg
Daily Summary

Today, you will be picked up at your accommodation in Cape Town and transferred approximately 3 hours to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the spectacular Cederberg. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure settling in to your new surroundings.

Day 5: Bushman Kloof Discovery

Bushman Kloof Discovery
Daily Summary

Day at Leisure

Enjoy your days at leisure with a variety of enriching and exhilarating lodge activities including nature drives, guided rock art excursions, botanical walks, canoeing, archery, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, special interest presentations (birding, stargazing, entomology, and rock art) or merely relaxing.

Day 6: Further Exploration of Bushman Kloof

Further Exploration of Bushman Kloof
Daily Summary

Day at Leisure

Enjoy another day at leisure to explore at your own pace and try some more of the activities and experiences that the lodge has to offer

Day 7: Cederberg to Cape Town

Cederberg to Cape Town
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Hotel Transfer
  • Tour: Cape Town Afternoon Tour
  • Accommodation: Blackheath Lodge
  • Meals: B, L

Check out of your hotel this morning and meet your driver guide who will transfer you to Cape Town. En route, enjoy an afternoon of touring.

Cape Town

Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, there is nowhere like Cape Town. Cape Town, the “Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and popular for its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and thriving art community. A melting pot of cultures, rich historical and cultural heritage and the pristine white beaches that sweep along its coastline, the Western Cape has much to offer anyone visiting the city.

Local attractions include Table Mountain, the historic Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away.

Cape Town Afternoon Tour

Enjoy an afternoon of exploring or sightseeing in the city, the choice is yours. Perhaps take the Aerial Cableway to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views across Cape town. Alternatively you may wish to visit the delightful botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch.

Day 8: A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula

A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
Daily Summary
  • Tour: A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula
  • Accommodation: Blackheath Lodge
  • Meals: B, L

A Day Out to the Cape Peninsula

Meet your private guide at your accommodation this morning and set out for a day on the Cape Peninsula. Your stops include a visit to the Kalk Bay Harbour with its resident Cape fur seals, and time at the penguin colony at Boulders Beach where you come close to Africa's only penguin.

Continue to the Cape Point Reserve where you may be lucky to spot endemic species such as the Cape mountain zebra and the bontebok. You may also have the opportunity to see baboons, ostrich and eland, the largest of the antelopes.

Enjoy some of the best views in Cape Town as you continue around the coast and back to the city.

Day 9: Cape Town to Kruger National Park

Cape Town to Kruger National Park
Cape Town to Kruger National Park
Greater Kruger National Park
Greater Kruger National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Hotel to Airport
  • Transfer: Airport to Hotel
  • Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Tanda Tula
  • Meals: B, L, D

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to Cape Town airport for your flight to Kruger National Park.

On arrival in Hoedspruit Airport, you will be met by a representative of Tanda Tula and transferred to your camp to check in.

Greater Kruger National Park

The world-famous Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) is South Africa’s largest complex of game reserves, and one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The GKNP has nearly four million hectares of unfenced African wilderness where one of the largest varieties of African mammal species on the continent roam freely. Within the GKNP are the renowned Timbavati, Klaserie and Sabi Sand reserves.

Afternoon Game Drive

Enjoy a late lunch at Camp before departing on your afternoon game drive.

You'll stay out until after sunset, returning to the camp in the dark and looking out for nocturnal creatures on the way. Enjoy dinner at the lodge before retiring to the sounds of the bush.

Day 10: Safari in Kruger National Park

Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Daily Summary
  • Activity: Morning Game Drive
  • Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Tanda Tula
  • Meals: B, L, D

Morning Game Drive

Nothing quite beats the cool, crisp air of a savanna morning blowing through your hair as your naturalist guide steers the open top 4×4 through wild areas to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife.
Enjoy a morning game drive today searching out the the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo as well as other intriguing wildlife. Afterwards enjoy breakfast back at camp.

Afternoon Game Drive

As the day starts to cool, set out with your naturalist guide aboard an open top 4×4 this afternoon. Travel through grasslands and open plains with your camera at the ready to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. As the African sun sets for the day, return to camp.

Day 11: Safari in Kruger National Park

Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Daily Summary
  • Activity: Morning Game Drive
  • Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Tanda Tula
  • Meals: B, L, D

Morning Game Drive

Nothing quite beats the cool, crisp air of a savanna morning blowing through your hair as your naturalist guide steers the open top 4×4 through wild areas to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife.
Enjoy a morning game drive today searching out the the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo as well as other intriguing wildlife. Afterwards enjoy breakfast back at camp.

Afternoon Game Drive

As the day starts to cool, set out with your naturalist guide aboard an open top 4×4 this afternoon. Travel through grasslands and open plains with your camera at the ready to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. As the African sun sets for the day, return to camp.

Day 12: Safari in Kruger National Park

Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Safari in Kruger National Park
Daily Summary
  • Activity: Morning Game Drive
  • Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Accommodation: Tanda Tula
  • Meals: B, L, D

Morning Game Drive

Nothing quite beats the cool, crisp air of a savanna morning blowing through your hair as your naturalist guide steers the open top 4×4 through wild areas to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife.
Enjoy a morning game drive today searching out the the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo as well as other intriguing wildlife. Afterwards enjoy breakfast back at camp.

Afternoon Game Drive

As the day starts to cool, set out with your naturalist guide aboard an open top 4×4 this afternoon. Travel through grasslands and open plains with your camera at the ready to find some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. As the African sun sets for the day, return to camp.

Day 13: Departure

Departure
Daily Summary
  • Activity: Morning Game Drive
  • Transfer: Hotel to Airport
  • Dinner: Dinner Reservation with transfers in Cape Town
  • Meals: B

Morning Game Drive

You'll have one last game drive this morning, before returning to camp for breakfast.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to Hoedspruit airport for your departing flight to Cape Town.

Dinner Reservation with transfers in Cape Town

You will be met on arrival in Cape Town and transferred to the city or V&A Waterfront for dinner. We will gladly make a reservation for you if you wish. After dinner, the driver will return you to the airport for your departing flight home.

Accommodation

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel

The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa is situated in what is known as “Cape Town’s Vineyard” – the historical Constantia Valley, a short drive from Cape Town’s city center and Waterfront. This proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World boasts elegant guest rooms and suites with breath-taking views of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain range and the property’s extraordinary gardens. The on-site restaurant, The Conservatory, takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey. To ensure the most comfortable of stays, the hotel also features a ‘Fresh Wellness Spa’, two pools, gym and tennis court.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

An oasis in the wilderness. Cradled by the rugged Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof offers an utterly unique wilderness escape in South Africa. This family-owned lodge and ecological oasis is set within a 7500-hectare private reserve. Offering five-star luxury accommodation and inspired South African cuisine, memorable days at Bushmans Kloof are spent discovering the wide-open plains, awe-inspiring wildlife and pristine mountain landscapes. Discover more than 130 ancient rock art sites, some dating back as far as 10,000 years, and the opportunity to discover the region’s ancient San culture in the company of an experienced local guide. Bushmans Kloof offers 14 spacious rooms, two suites and two villas set amid lush indigenous gardens. Each is individually decorated with a beautiful collection of handpicked art, décor, antiques and heritage furniture pieces that together celebrate the history and culture of the region. 

Blackheath Lodge
Blackheath Lodge
Blackheath Lodge
Blackheath Lodge

Blackheath Lodge

Blackheath Lodge Boutique Hotel is situated in Sea Point on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, right under the iconic Signal Hill. It is close to the centre of Cape Town, as well as the popular V&A Waterfront and Green Point Stadium. Blackheath Lodge has a rich history dating back to the 1880s. Its Victorian design, spacious interiors, high ceilings and wooden floors are combined with eclectic touches of African style and charm. A host of world-class restaurants is within easy reach of the lodge, and the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are just around the corner.

Tanda Tula
Tanda Tula
Tanda Tula
Tanda Tula

Tanda Tula

In celebration of the colours, flavours and tempo of modern-day Africa, Tanda Tula, meaning to love the quiet, is inspired by the people and wildlife-rich region of the Greater Kruger National Park. Connect to one of South Africa’s most authentic and immersive safari experiences at Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Plains Camp, Field Camp or private Nkarhi Homestead. The Tanda Tula Plains Camp is a spacious and welcoming homestead complemented by light-filled interiors and views in all directions. The interiors have been filled with Tanda Tula pieces and the central area offers a beautiful lounge, dining area and library all opening onto the deep verandah overlooking the rolling plains of the Timbavati and the mountains beyond.

Details

Details

Price Includes

Bespoke organization of the trip

Bilingual guide with expert regional knowledge

Regional restaurant recommendations

Accommodation as per the daily summary

Meals as per the daily summary

All transfers on private basis as per the daily summary

All tours on private basis as per the daily summary (unless otherwise stated)

Wine tasting fees

Price Excludes

International and domestic airfares

Any entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary

All meals and beverages not included in the daily summary

Dinner restaurant reservations (available for a supplement)

Gratuity (at your discretion)

Travel insurance

Items of a personal nature

Rental vehicle hire (if applicable)

Your Dedicated Into the Vineyard Team

PAOLO BIRON

Director 

Paolo is the founder and director of Into the Vineyard, and has dedicated himself to create unforgettable wine-focused experiences. He is passionate about understanding the traveler's needs and building upon them to create personalized trips.

He has a deep connection to his Italian heritage, stemming from his parents' immigrations and numerous trips to Italy. Paolo has over 15 years of experience as a destination travel guide, leading cycling and walking trips in 18 countries around the world. He is fluent in five languages, a testament to his dedication to traveling and understanding different cultures.

Paolo's love for sports, including sailing, water polo, and cycling keep him youthful along with spending time with his family of four.

Jason Greenwood

Project Manager

Jason set out to discover the world over a decade ago and has developed a knack for organising trips to unique and remote destinations. Originally from Australia, his love of adventure and photography has taken him across the globe, from the dense jungles of Borneo to the northern reaches of Scandinavia.


Drawing on his personal experience in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe and knowledge designing trips for clients travelling to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Jason joins the team to ensure adventures run smoothly and safely.