Compare Cape Town & Winelands by Intrepid Travel vs Spirit of Africa by Spirit Tours

Day 1 Cape Town

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. When you arrive in Cape Town, you’ll be met by your local operator who’ll transfer you to your hotel. With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. If you arrive early, maybe hop inside the revolving cable car and set off on one of hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit, stopping off the admire the views of Camps Bay below. You could also visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve to admire some local flora and fauna.

Day 2 Cape Town - Walking Tour & Cape Point Peninsula

Today, you'll drive along the peninsula and see the many natural highlights of the area before retracing 350 years of Cape Town’s history on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Starting on the Atlantic Seaboard, take in natural sights like Maiden's Cove, Sentinel Lookout and the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for local wildlife, walk up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point and see the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Carry on to Simonstown, the home of the South African Navy, and to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. See the prison where Nelson Mandela spent six years of his life then learn about the history of apartheid as you arrive into Cape Town's centre. Gain valuable insight into the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of modern-day South Africans. See historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites such as the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six Museum and the parliament buildings where apartheid laws were made and later repealed. End the day with a photo stop in Bo-Kaap.

Day 3 Cape Town - Winelands

Spend a full day travelling through Cape Winelands, visiting both old and new estates for a taste of the region’s best wines. You'll start off in the Fairview Estate for a wine and cheese tasting. On the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, this working farm is world-renowned for its wines, artisanal cheeses and the iconic goat tower. After, visit the Groot Drakenstein prison where Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990. Then, it's into the hills to Franschhoek. The view of the valley from here is lined with rows of manicured vineyards. Soak up the scenery and enjoy a glass of the region's finest from Rickety Bridge in the La Cabriere Estate. You can take the chance to lunch at the estate’s gourmet restaurant or visit one of the village’s many cafés instead. This afternoon you'll visit the college town of Stellenbosch to wander the boulevards and town centre before heading to your final activity – a cellar tour at Hidden Valley Estate, which sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. You'll indulge in a chocolate and wine pairing tasting experience to elevate your time here. Later, return to the city for a free evening.

Day 4 Cape Town

Today you have free time to discover everything that Cape Town has to offer. You can admire the view from the top of Table Mountain, go hiking if you're craving something more active or head off to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were imprisoned. Maybe take in the atmosphere of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, wine and dine your way through the city or take a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour around the city. Tonight, why not unwind with a group dinner and another few glasses of the region’s best vino.

Day 5 Cape Town

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time after check out. Additional accommodation can be booked if you’d like to extend your time in Cape Town, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Day 1: Depart USA

You choose your route via Europe, or via JFK or Washington DC. We can assist you in making travel plans to Cape Town

Day 2: Arrive Capetown

Transfer to the Radison Hotel Waterfront is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking its own marina , the hotel has a distinctly maritime feel. Located  a short walk away from the Victoria & Alfred shopping complex on the harbour, this large and spacious hotel is convenient and  comfort able, offering you high quality accommodation and service. A large pool terrace contain s a rim - flow swimming pool that overlooks the sea, a great place to relax.

Day 3: Cape Town Robbin Island Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am . At 1:00pm we catch the Ferry to Robben Island, previously used by the Dutch to house;convicts and late as a leprosy colony. The real historical significance however lies in the use of Robben Island as a political prison by a previous "apartheid" government where the leaders of  the struggle against "apartheid" were incarcerated. A guided tour on Robben Island will provide special insight to the conditions under which the political; prisoners were held as well as interesting insight into the struggle against "apartheid". During the tour, the highlight will be a visit to the prison cell of the icon Nelson Mandela, later to become the first democratically elected president of South Africa.That evening we will have our welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Cape Point Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am. We will then take the Cape Point Tour. This is an awe - inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point. Magnificent beaches, breathtaking 3 views, historic and picturesque coastal villages are to be seen along the way. The Cape tour is one of the world’s most scenic areas and stretches from the city centerto Cape Point. We will travel along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives. We will travel thru Camps Bay and Haut Bay. Our last leg of the tour takes us along the Atlantic Seaboard stopping at a Llandudno look - out point. We will travel thru Silver mine Nature Reserve area to Cape Point and the  Good Hope Nature Reserve , which has magnificent  fynbos vegetation, birdlife, endemic antelope species, zebra, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks. Cape Point is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We will visit the African penguin colony located at the beautiful Boulders Beach . These quaint flightless birds are one of the main eco- tourism attractions in Cape Town. You can view the penguins from elevated boardwalks. Here we will have lunch. We will continue thru historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base.The tour ends at 4:00pmat your hotel

Day 5: Table Mountain

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at  9:00am. After the group meeting we will have some free time to shop oneof Africa's most famous waterfront shopping & centres. We will be met in the hotel foyer at1:30pm by an Ilios Travel Representative to beginour tour of Table Mountain. We will take a 65 passenger cable car ride from Tafleberg Road to the top of TableMountain ,where we will enjoy spectacular views in all directions and a bird’s eye view of the city (weather permitting). Once on top you are free to follow paths tovarious look - outs, make use of the telescopes and enjoy a  light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. (Regardless of the weather at the base of the mountain, take a windbreaker as it can often be cool  on the mountain top. Wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes.) By the late 1870's, several of Cape Town's more prominent citizens hadsuggested the introduction of a railway line to the top of Table Mountain. Plans to implement a proposed rack railway got under way but the outbreak of the Anglo - BoerWar put a halt to these efforts. By 1912, with a strong desire to gain easyaccess to the t op of Table Mountain, the Cape Town City Council commissioned an engineer to investigate the various options for public transport to the top. Thenew cableway was officially opened on the 4th of October 1997, the anniversaryof the original launch, almost 70 years previously. To date the Cableway has transported more than 16 million passengers to thesummit. 800000 visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually. Even with so many visitors, queuing time is minimal due to the new upgraded system . 4 The cable car was imported from Switzerland and there are only 2 other in the world in Titlis in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland, and one in Palm Springs in  America.The cable car floor rotates giving everyone a 360 degree view on theway up. At its highest point Table Mountain is 1085m above sea level. The tourconcludes at approximately5:20pm when you will be dropped off at your hotel. That evening we will enjoy dinner on our own.

Day 6: Kirstenbosch Gardens 

The morning begins with stretching and yoga at 7:00 a.m. for those interested, followed by breakfast at 8:00 a.m. (included) and a group meeting for prayer and meditation at 9:00 am .You will be met in the hotel foyer at 9:30 am by an ILIOS Travel Representative to begin your tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden.The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants.Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well - laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll, a more strenuous walk the gardens are a must - see when visiting Cape Town. We will spend 3 hours at the Gardens and lunchcan be purchased at the restaurant.That eve we will have a Cape town farewell dinner at the African Café.

Day 7: Ngala Game Reserve

This morning following breakfast we will leave the hotel by 8: 0 0am for our 10:00am flight to KRUGER MPUMALANGA INT APTNELSPRUIT KRUGER ZA SOUTH AFRICA AIR8663K SU CAPE TOWN TO NELSPRUIT DEPART AT   1000A arrive1235P We then will be transported on a  3h our drive thrusome of the most beautiful country in South Africato Ngala Private Game Lodge in Kruger National Park.This gracious, colonial - style safari lodge, set in Ngala's extraordinary African wilderness, is renowned for its superb accommodation . It provides an unbeatable family safari experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park. The 20 thatched cottages are shaded by Mopane trees and overlook the riverine below.All cottages feature air conditioning, intimate verandas and green slate in suite; baths and showers. After settling into your room we will venture into the bush for our first game drive. 5 Ngala reserve will provide Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Ngala Game Reserve

Situated within the world -famous Kruger National Park, a safari at Ngala Private Game Reserve is an unsurpassed wildlife experience offering exceptional game viewing, an abundance of birdlife, numerous spectacularly scenic attractions and cultural experiences.

A typical day at a Game Lodge:

5:30a m

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at the main lodge for tea, coffee and light,; snacks in anticipation of the early morning  game drive .

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with us into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic inhabitants. One can sense the excitement.  Who knows what to expect? A  herd of ever – cautious impala  huddled together, a leopard in the  branches of a knobthorn tree with  a  kill from the last hours of darkness,  a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush  vegetation or a pride of lion in the  shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for Africa and its  many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back to  the lodge. Overlooking the Africa n plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by  a delectable hot  breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with Rangers at the Lodge.(For no  additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a medley of culinary delights, inspired by African  flavours yet guided by western cooking tradition.

2:00pm

the group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool and the shadows are forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's  entertainment be gins. Return to the lodge for dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky, or a  gourmet meal by candlelight in  the dining room. A fusion of venison dishes, fresh fish from the South African coast, pastas, soups and  vegetables, dinner at Ngala is a sumptuous affair, where you will be enchanted  by the rhythm and harmony of a local choir. Retire to your suite for a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the next exciting day

Day 9: Ngala Private Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at themain lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled gam e rangers and trackers  head out with  us  into the African bushveld to  discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in the branches of a  knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs you passion for Africa and its 7 many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a spectacular breakfast follows your  return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with  Rangers at the Lodge.(For no additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a  medley of culinary delights, inspired by African flavors yet guided by western cooking tradition .

2:00pm 

The group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool  and the shadows are  forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the  backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife  experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to  the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's entertainment begins. Return to the lodge for our farewell dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky

Day 10: Ngala Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests  congregate with the rangers at the main  lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the  early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with  us  into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the  African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows  8 what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in  the branches of a knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of  an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for  Africa and its many wonders

8:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of  seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot  breakfast

9:30am

We will check out of Ngala and be transported to a nearby airport HOEDSPRUIT.

About an hour from the game lodge.