South Africa Hiking Wine Adventure & Safari

October 10-18, 2008

Price: $3200 per person

South Africa is one of the most amazing countries we at Zephyr Adventures have visited. It is inspirational for its recent history of a mostly nonviolent handover of power from whites to blacks. It is incredible for the game drives and game walks we do on safari. The wine country is beautfiul, Cape Town is wonderful, and the people are exotic. We simply can't use too many adjectives.

One of the best things about South Africa is that it combines the wonders of Africa with the efficiency of a modern economy. You don't have to forego safe air travel, efficient hotel receptionists, or high quality restaurants on this African trip.

Although this is a Wine Adventure, we couldn't resist adding three days in a very non-wine area, the bush of Kruger National Park. It's more than worth it. Sitting in an open Land Rover as your ranger and spotter track a pride of lions or a herd of elephants is an incredible event, something everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Perhaps more memorable is walking through the bush, open to the elements and animals, on a walking safari. We do both.

Most of our trip is spent in Cape Town and the surrounding wine area. Cape Town is a fantastic, modern city in an absolutely stunning setting. The wine area, centered on the town of Stellenbosch, is simply delightful. We do a variety of hikes on a fantastic network of signed paths in the wine area, on the Cape Peninsula, and up Table Mountain perched above Cape Town. It's amazing!

Itinerary

Day 1: Flights to Johannesburg airport arrive at all times of the day. You can fly in at any time and will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. If you arrive early enough, you might visit the Apartheid Museum or take a tour of the Soweto township. We will meet as a group in the evening for dinner and introductions.

Day 2: We return to the airport for our morning flight to Huidspruit airport near Kruger National Park and a transfer to the Chapungu Bush Lodge. This afternoon, if we have time we'll experience our first bush walk under the care of our professional (and armed) ranger. You'll be thrilled by the experience, guaranteed. (Note everything is optional and you can relax in the lodge if you wish to skip the bush walk.) Later in the afternoon, we'll take our first driving safari with a stop for "sundowners" (cocktails) as the sun sets over the bush. For dinner we have the first of the delicious meals cooked by the lodge's staff, perhaps accompanied by a South Africa wine.

Day 3: In the morning we again do a safari drive, which is scheduled at first light or in late afternoon for maximum animal activity. While not as personally exhilarating as the bush walks, we cover much more ground and see many more animals at what seems an amazingly close distance. After lunch and a rest, we repeat thecycle with an optional bush walk, late afternoon safari drive, and dinner.

Day 4: We have our final attempt to see all of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) before transferring back to the airport for our flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in the late afternoon we drive straight to our hotel in the Stellenbosch wine country for dinner and, if time permits, a short walk through the vineyards that surround our inn.

Day 5: Today we hike on the Vineyard Hiking Trail, starting directly from our hotel, and with the option to do one of two routes. We will have tours, tastings, and intimate conversations with winemakers at two local wineries. That evening, we enjoy a South Africa cultural show and ethnic foods buffet dinner.

Day 6: We drive to the Elgin Valley where we meet a local expert, Doctor Paul Cluver, who will take us on a Vineyard Walk through this wine area. The Elgin Valley is cooler than Stellenbosch, making for distinctly different wines, and is known for its environmental and biodiversity efforts. We return to Stellenbosch for dinner in the center of town, giving you time to explore this central wine town of the country.

Day 7: Today we leave the main wine area and return to lovely Cape Town. You can choose to either hike up Table Mountain, the looming hill above the city, or take the cable car up and hike on the top. Either way you will get spectacular views of the city. The afternoon is free for you to explore Cape Town.

Day 8: Today we visit the Cape Peninsula. We'll take a hike on the peninsula and visit the lighthouse on the point, possibly seeing baboons on the trail. On the way back to Cape Town, we'll stop at a winery in the Constantia area to get a taste of this wine area's flavors. We end the trip by saluting our adventures and South Africa with a farewell dinner.

Day 9: We have no morning activities scheduled. After breakfast, we will take you to the airport for your return flight home.

Email or call 845.485.7221 for more information and to reserve your space