Exploring South Africa:
An Insider’s Guide to Cape Town’s Adventure, Culture, and Gastronomy

South Africa beckons travelers with an intoxicating blend of exhilarating safaris, vibrant urban scenes, fine gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re seeking to witness the awe-inspiring Big Five in their natural habitat or immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of its cities, South Africa offers an experience like no other.

Explore Cape Town’s dynamic culinary landscape, delve into the world-renowned Cape Winelands, or take a transformative marine adventure along its stunning coastline.

Needless to say, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic, worldly locale. Below is a mere taste of all South Africa offers.

For a more tailored stay — and to narrow down your options — connect with me. I’ll design an itinerary crafted to fit your budget, travel style and bucket-list musts.

Safari Adventures:

A trip to South Africa would be remiss without a safari. With diverse ecosystems, from the sprawling savannas to lush forests, the country offers varied wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else.

Kruger National Park stands as a prime destination, famous for its thriving wildlife populations, while Sabi Sands Game Reserve provides exclusive luxury lodges. With all-inclusive options for lodging and meals, safaris cater to various tastes and budgets.

Safaris tend to be all-inclusive, so your lodging and meals will be taken care of in the upfront price. When you connect with me, I’ll get a feel for your preferences and budget, and work with one of our trusted on-the-ground partners to curate the safari experience that best aligns with what you’re after.

Together, we will customize your safari experience to align perfectly with your interests and expectations.

Cape Town:

Cultural and Culinary Hub Cape Town: the legislative heart of the nation, pulsates with cultural vibrancy and a food scene that delights even the most discerning palates. The stunning views of Table Mountain provide a picturesque backdrop for all of your adventures.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town: This luxurious retreat features private waterways, an opulent lagoon-style pool, and breathtaking views of Table Mountain. VIP partner perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
The Silo Hotel: Housed in a repurposed grain silo, this exceptional architectural wonder offers modern elegance. Partners' perks include $100 hotel credit (or a donation to the philanthropic conservation and sustainability projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation), breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out..
Cape Grace Hotel: Centrally located at V&A Waterfront, this serene hotel encapsulates South African luxury with its charming hospitality and prime accessibility. Our Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks include hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa: Overlooking the ocean and surrounded by Table Mountain National Park, this boutique hotel presents an ideal escape, offering complimentary transfers and unique welcome amenities. Book with me to snag perks including $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, complimentary transfers to select sites, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Taj Cape Town: Blending Indian elegance with South African hospitality, Taj is known for its refined aesthetics and warm service. Partner perks include a complimentary lunch or dinner for two, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel: Belmond’s timeless luxury and impeccable taste in the heart of Cape Town. Book with me to unlock our Belmond Bellini Club perks, including $90 hotel credit, welcome amenities and breakfast daily.
Ellerman House: A warm, 15-room stay filled with local art. Our partner perks include complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers, a chocolate-and-South-African-brandy tasting, a spa treatment discount, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

Each hotel partner provides unique VIP experiences to enhance your stay, ensuring it is as memorable as it is luxurious.

What to Do in Cape Town: Explore Cape Town's rich tapestry of experiences.

Art and Culture: Discover contemporary African art at theZeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) and don’t miss the Iziko Slave Lodge, a museum housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings. Exhibitions center on the history of slavery in South Africa, human rights awareness and an array of artwork and artifacts ranging from Chinese ceramics to an Egyptology collection. For additional African art you can take home, head to The Watershed, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Natural Wonders: Marvel at panoramic views from atop Table Mountain; you can either hike or take the tram up (Table Mountain is also great for rock climbing). Within Table Mountain National Park, you’ll find Boulders Penguin Colony, in Simons Town. The colony is home to over 3,000 endangered African penguins. A little over 30 miles south of Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, a windswept locale with wild ostriches running about. The Cape is actually not Africa’s southernmost point; it’s famous for its unsavory weather and strong currents, which prohibited many ships from being able to travel east via this route.
Cage Diving: For thrill-seekers, shark cage diving off the coast provides heart-pounding excitement, particularly for those looking to witness great white sharks up close. Aim for June and July if you want to encounter great whites. Make sure to book with a company that prioritizes ethical shark diving. You’ll want to find one that doesn’t chum (feed/bait) sharks, and small group sizes are typically better as well.
Robben Island: Take a ferry to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and gain insights into South Africa’s complex history. The island has a long and storied history. It ‌served as a penal colony for both the British and Dutch. It later served as a leper colony and as a sort of asylum. In the 1960s, the island became a maximum-security prison; Nelson Mandela was one of its inmates. Robben Island was designated a national monument in 1996, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (the ferry takes about three-and-a-half hours.)

Dining in Cape Town: Cape Town is a haven for food lovers.

La Colombe Restaurant: Renowned for its exquisite tasting menu this elegant, special-occassion restaurant is a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts. (albeit a little outside of Cape Town, it is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top restaurants)
Thali: Liam Tomlin’s multi-restaurant Chefs Warehouse, is the place to go for modern Indian that creatively blends spice and flavor.
FYN: African-Japanese fusion in a sleek, charcoal-hued space; NOBU, in the city’s One&Only hotellve into a unique African-Japanese fusion with a daring, contemporary perspective.
Hemelhuijs: Enjoy a well-sourced, elevated menu at the chic at this art-filled eatery. (don’t miss their all-day breakfast menu)
Belly of the Beast: Allow the chefs to take you for a ride at this hip, 30-seat restaurant. There are no options or predetermined number of courses on their tasting menu (but everything is excellent).

For every palate, a world of culinary delights awaits, ensuring every meal is an unforgettable experience.

Cape Winelands: A Journey Through Wine Country

The Cape Winelands, including towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, offer picturesque landscapes paired with world-class wines and gourmet dining experiences.

Activities in the Cape Winelands

Wander charming streets, explore artisan shops, and indulge in wine tastings at stunning vineyards. With art galleries and fine dining establishments dotting the countryside, there are endless opportunities for exploration.

Dining in the Cape Winelands

Delaire Graff Estate Restaurant: Sample seasonal fare at the estate that also boasts impressive art collections.
Babylonstoren: This boutique hotel and spa offers farm-fresh dining options in stunning surroundings, celebrating the farm-to-table movement.
Maison: Sustainability paired with elegance, this Chef’s Warehouse staple offers essential dining for food aficionados.
Werf Restaurant: Nestled amidst vineyards, the refreshing farm-to-table concept here provides hearty fare and breathtaking views.

Photo courtesy of Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

Where to Stay in the Cape Winelands

The Cellars-Hohenort: An idyllic 51-room estate set amid gardens and vineyards. Our SLH withIN partner perks include $50 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa: Artfully designed lodges perfect for relaxation post vineyard exploration.
La Residence: A serene, 30-acre Franschhoek retreat amid vineyards. Perks include $100 food / beverage or spa credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.

Going beyond wine tastings and scenic views, the Cape Winelands seduces with its luxurious accommodations and gourmet experiences.

Whale Watching in Hermanus

Although South Africa is prime for safaris, urban exploration and countryside luxury, consider getting off-the-beaten-track and exploring the country’s water-based offerings. The seaside town of Hermanus is prime whale-watching territory. Stay at the sophisticated, elegant Birkenhead House for a relaxing spot from which to enjoy the area’s natural splendor. The Marine, another cliff-top hotel overlooking Walker Bay, is an additional refined option.

Adventure at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Experience marine safaris and explore diverse ecosystems that include thrilling encounters with dolphins, seals, and whales. For land lovers, horseback riding and botanical tours weave together the rich experience of this biodiverse haven. The five-star, sustainably minded hotel consists of luxe lodges and villas, all of which were designed to complement their stunning natural environs. Think of Grootbos as a marine safari lodge. (Their marine safari experience involves close encounters with whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins.) Cage diving is big here, too. But if you’d prefer to stay on land, not to worry: there’s horseback riding, birdwatching, botanical tours and more.

Essential Travel Information

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR, R)
Language: A tapestry of twelve official languages includes Zulu, English, Xhosa, and Afrikaans.
- Key Zulu phrases: sawubona (hello), ngicela (please), ngiyabonga (thank you)
- Key Afrikaans phrases: hallo (hello), asseblief (please), dankie (thank you)
Airports: Major travel hubs include Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, JNB).
Transportation: For safari travel, scheduled charters are essential, while private transfers or car rentals serve well within urban settings.
Best Time to Visit: It depends on what you want to do. You can enjoy a South African safari year-round. Cape Town has its own Mediterranean-like microclimate, and can get windy in winter (its weather is similar to that of San Francisco). Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) tend to bring the mildest weather. For whale watching, aim to go between June and December.
Ideal Length of Stay: Staying at least 10 to 14 days is recommended to fully savor the experiences South Africa has to offer, with ample time designated for both safari and city exploration.
Dress code: safari chic — neutral colors and lots of layers (morning game drives can get chilly). Also throw in a fancier ensemble or two for elegant dinners and wine tastings.

Signature Dishes to Try

Biltong: A quintessential cured meat snack.
Braai: Experience traditional South African barbeque.
Vetkoek: Savor deep-fried dough served with various toppings.

Engage with the local culture through food, language, and experiences tailored to your interests.

Making It Happen

This guide is merely the starting point of your South African journey. For a customized itinerary that captures the essence of what you desire—be it luxurious lodges, culinary excursions, or culturally enriching experiences—connect with Novel Bookings. Let's turn your dream trip into reality, enriched with exclusive perks and priority access to the finest accommodations.

In South Africa, adventure, culture, and gastronomy await—let's embark on this journey together.