1 day Wine and Wildlife - Cape Safari Escape - Join Small Group - 1day Aquila Safari Franschhoek Wine Tram - Wine + Wildlife Tour | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
Medium pace
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Group Savings

Wine + Wildlife Cape Safari

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$193
$181

Duration of tour
1 day
Join Group

Transport Type

4x4 Jeep & Van
Departs when minimum requirements met
Group Savings

Book 5-or-more adults on the same date for this tour to claim R200 (± 6%) discount pp. Terms apply.

Overview

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Cape Town is a wonderful introduction to South Africa; but there is so much more to explore just beyond the city's border... Surrounded by natural beauty, nature, and don't forget the region's wine! - this full day trip perfectly pairs the top two bucket list items on any Cape visitor's radar: wine & wildlife!

Wine- and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this tasting exploration of the Cape Winelands and semi-arid Southern Karoo Highlands region. Not only do you get to explore the Franschhoek wine valley by rail on an unique one-way tram journey - tasting some of the region's finest wines; you'll also have the opportunity to spot most of the Big 5 animals and other wildlife at the famed Aquila Game Reserve. This is one of the closest reserves to Cape Town - just about a 2,5 hour drive away! 

Escape the urban jungle of Cape Town for a vine-hopping journey through the fertile Cape winelands that end the day with a sunset 4x4 safari amidst wild animals on this full-day excursion. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

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

Why You'll Love It

  • Hop aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a scenic journey through the valley's rolling vineyards to taste fine wines at Rickety Bridge winery.

  • 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.

Itinerary guideline

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

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

After a scenic 90 minute drive, arrive at the quaint town of Franschhoek to uncover the beauty of this region onboard a vintage style railway tram while sipping on a glass of world-renowned wine from the surrounding vineyards. Departing from the central village ticket office, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a short one-way journey through the rolling vineyards of the valley to reach Rickety Bridge winery for a standard wine tasting and sample a selected choice of their wines. From the station platform, you'll be transported past rows of vines and the historic Cape Dutch Manor to the tasting centre by an open-air wagon pulled by the farm's tractor, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a working winery. Summer weather calls for alfresco wine tasting overlooking vineyards and the majestic Wemmershoek Mountains, while on cooler days tastings will be around cosy wood-burning fireplaces.

As lunch time nears, the journey continues an hour's drive inland to a winery en route. After this rest-stop continue to reach your safari destination at Aquila Game Reserve just before golden hour for a magical 2 to 3-hour sunset game drive led by a game ranger. 

Sit back and enjoy the spectacle of diverse wildlife and natural Karoo beauty with the opportunity to capture the wildlife reintroduced to this natural habitat. The 10 000 hectare conservancy is situated between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape and home to most of the majestic Big 5 legends: elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino*. 

Listen to insider stories and facts about the surroundings and the animals you encounter along the way as the sky gets painted in yellow, orange, and red hues. This is also the ideal time to easier spot more animals, as they come out from the shade and become more active at night fall as the heat of the Karoo cools down.   

Aquila Game Reserve delivers a taste-of-a-safari feeling for Western Cape locals and visitors. This easily accesible 4x4 game drive experience is ideal if you don't have the time (or budget) to travel up north for an authentic Kruger National Park, Garden Route or African safari. 

After the safari drive, head back and stop at a roadside stop along the way if you feel the need for a snack, as you'll only be back in Cape Town long after sunset.

*Leopards are highly elusive, nocturnal and notoriously difficult to spot. Fences don't keep them in and they usually live and hide in the mountains. In smaller game reserves like this, the lions are enclosed in a separate camp while the other big game and smaller wildlife roam freely. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
± 7hr

End with an evening drop-off at about 8:30 to 9pm to your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

 
 

Included

Small Group

Maximum 13 guests per vehicle or 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.

Lunch

1x Lunch - Roosterkoek burger ( or any other menu item. eg. pizza at similar value )

 

Game Drive
  • Sunset Safari 
Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Aquila 4x4 Safari
  • Tram Ride with Wine Tasting

Excluded

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Some 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.

Searching Availability...

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 14 days prior.
*Buy Refund Protector policy for full refund

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 14 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking if made lass than 14 days before.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
14+ days notice: 100% refund
13 to 8 days notice: 50%*
7 days or less notice: 0%*
 

Full payment is due at least 14 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.

  • 14+ days notice before departure = free cancellation 100% refund 
  • 13 to 8 days notice before departure = 50% refund*
  • Up to 7 days notice prior, no shows or early checkout = no refund*  

*Exception:  Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

 

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 7 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.

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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Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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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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