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Join Group
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4x4 Jeep & Van
Van

Tempo
Easy going pace
Packed roadtrip pace

Group Deal

Cape Safari + Braai in the Winelands

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$314
$283

per person for group of 8
Duration of tour
1 day
Join Group

Transport Type

4x4 Jeep & Van
Guaranteed to depart
Everyday
Group Deal

Book 5-or-more group of adults for the scheduled tour day to confirm and claim the group rate. Terms apply.

Overview

  flyer

 

Escape the city for a day filled with good food, great scenery, and unforgettable wildlife. Stroll through the charming streets of Stellenbosch, where oak-lined avenues, historic buildings, and Winelands beauty create the perfect laid-back atmosphere.

Then experience one of South Africa's favourite traditions: a traditional boere-braai at Middelvlei Wine Estate. Enjoy delicious local flavours, warm hospitality, and a relaxed afternoon where food, wine, and good company come together around the fire.

After a leisurely afternoon of exploring, head off to spot most of the Big 5 and other wildlife at the famed Aquila Game Reserve, located approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town. Trade the city buzz for countryside calm as you journey from the Cape Winelands to the wild open landscapes of the Karoo. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery before climbing aboard a golden-hour 4x4 safari in search of wildlife roaming freely through the natural bush. One of the closest safari experiences to Cape Town, Aquila offers the chance to experience South Africa's iconic wildlife without venturing too far from the city.

From braai fires and Winelands flavours to safari sunsets and wildlife encounters, this small-group day tour offers a fun and authentic taste of South Africa's food, culture, and natural beauty, all in a single unforgettable day.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
450
km
Tempo
Packed roadtrip pace
Ideal For
Couple
Solo
Friends
8+years

Why You'll Love It

  • Wander your way through the historic streets of Stellenbosch on a unique foodie journey.

  • Spot most of South Africa’s Big Five animals on a 4x4 game drive at Aquila Private Game Reserve surrounded by the natural Karoo beauty.

  • Savour local flavours at a traditional South African braai lunch surrounded by vineyard views.

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline can run in reverse or a different order.
Day 1
Stellenbosch Region > Karoo Region
± 500 km

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch before heading into the Cape Winelands.

Your first stop is Stellenbosch, where you'll get a chance to wander through the historic streets as the infectious old-town charm takes hold. During this ±1hour stop, soak up the Cape Dutch heritage that influences almost every building, with distinctive gables, thatched roofs and wooden shutters lining the streets.

After a scenic drive of approximately 30 km (20 minutes), arrive at Middelvlei Wine Estate. South Africans are known for loving a "braai" (BBQ). Having a braai has evolved into a uniquely South African social occasion where family and friends gather to share stories, food and a special bottle of wine. Enjoy a farm-style feast of traditional South African barbecue favourites, homemade side dishes and local wines while taking in the relaxed atmosphere of this family-owned Stellenbosch wine estate.

After lunch, continue inland for approximately 160 km (2 hours) towards the Klein Karoo and Aquila Private Game Reserve. Arrive just before golden hour for a memorable 2 to 3-hour sunset game drive led by an experienced ranger. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle of diverse wildlife and vast Karoo landscapes, with the opportunity to spot animals reintroduced to this natural habitat. The 10,000-hectare conservancy lies between the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains and is home to most of the legendary Big 5* - elephant, lion, buffalo and rhino.

Listen to fascinating stories and insights about the animals and surroundings as the sky turns shades of gold, orange and red. This is one of the best times to spot wildlife as animals become more active while the Karoo cools at sunset. Aquila offers an accessible taste of safari for visitors who do not have the time or budget to travel north for a Kruger National Park or multi-day African safari.

After the safari, begin the return journey to Cape Town, travelling approximately 180 km (2.5 hours). There will be an opportunity to stop along the way should you wish to purchase a snack or refreshment, arriving back in Cape Town long after sunset.

*Leopards are highly elusive and rarely seen. In smaller reserves such as Aquila, lions are kept in a separate camp while other wildlife roams freely.

 
 
± 7hr

End with an evening drop-off at about 9:30pm to your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

 
 
 

Included

Small Group

Maximum 13 guests per transfer vehicle/guide. 

This scheduled group tour requires a minimum number of travellers to operate.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide during transfers and professional game ranger on game drives.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pickup + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.

Game Drive
  • Sunset Safari 
Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Aquila Sunset 4x4 Safari
  • Stellenbosch Historic Town Wander
  • Middelvlei 'Boere Braai' farm-style bbq

Excluded

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Meals and drinks not mentioned

You can purchase additional meals + drinks on tour.

Subject to availability

If some wines, farm or wine pairing options are unavailable during certain times of the week or season, we reserve the right to offer a similar type or value alternative.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 8 days prior.*Buy Refund Protector for 24hr free cancellation

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 8 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 1day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
24+ hour notice for 100% refund
any less notice no refund*
click for more info
 

Full payment is due at least 8 days before the tour departure.

If there’s no other option than to cancel or change your booking, fees may be involved depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.

  • 100% refund if selected Join Group Day Tours are cancelled more than 24 hours before departure date.
  • No refunds if cancelled within 24 hours*

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

Travel insurance is not included in tour fees, invest in good travel insurance to cover you if you need to cancel or change a tour date due to any reason.  

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Booking changes; including date changes within 2 days of the booking date is seen as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms will apply. 

Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to the customer.

* Minimum numbers apply to join group tours. If cancellations reduce the group per date below the required minimum, the tour date may be suspended and travellers asked to move to an alternative date or refunded.

Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



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Any questions?
Ask us and we'll get back to you with the answer.
Sisipho Coetzee
Reservations

Growing up, I loved family road trips for the weekend to explore the beautiful places around us. This instilled a love for travel and since then the travel and tourism industry has always interested me. As a true nature-lover, if i'm not hiking at Jonkershoek with friends, you'll probably find me spending quality time with family and freinds outdoors.

ask to plan your tour book guided transfer

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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