Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This elegant South African journey pairs the wildlife-rich Thornybush Private Nature Reserve with the vibrant energy of Cape Town and the timeless beauty of the Cape Winelands. It begins with an immersive Big Five safari experience in a private reserve renowned for exceptional game viewing and intimate encounters. From the bush, the journey flows seamlessly to the city and coastline of Cape Town before slowing into the vineyard-framed landscapes of Stellenbosch, offering a refined balance of wilderness, culture and indulgence.
An iconic luxury bush, beach, city & vineyards safari
Highlights
Private Big Five Safari - enjoy twice-daily game drives in a celebrated private reserve known for intimate wildlife encounters and expert guiding.
Experience luxury bush living - spacious accommodation, refined dining and relaxed downtime between safari activities.
Enjoy Cape Town at your leisure - time to explore South Africa’s most iconic city, from coastal scenery to vibrant neighbourhoods and world-class dining.
Visit the classic Cape Winelands - historic estates, mountain-backed vineyards and a slow-paced, indulgent country setting.
Locations
Thornybush Private Nature Reserve borders the Greater Kruger ecosystem and is an unfenced private reserve known for its excellent Big Five sightings and intimate safari experience. Open landscapes and riverine habitats support a wide diversity of wildlife, while limited vehicle numbers ensure a quiet, exclusive feel. Game drives here focus on quality encounters rather than crowds.
Cape Town is set between mountains and the ocean. Cape Town is defined by dramatic natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene. From its working harbour and historic neighbourhoods to nearby beaches and wine routes, the city offers endless variety. It serves as a relaxed yet dynamic contrast to the safari experience.
The Cape Winelands, centred around Stellenbosch, combine fertile valleys, Cape Dutch heritage and dramatic mountain backdrops. The Cape Winelands region is renowned for fine wine, exceptional cuisine and a slower, more indulgent pace of life. It is one of South Africa’s most scenic and historic regions.
Lodges and hotels
4 nights at Thornybush Game Lodge: a refined safari lodge offering spacious luxury suites, attentive service and excellent access to wildlife-rich areas of the reserve.
3 nights at Queen Victoria Manor House: an elegant manor-style property offering a tranquil retreat within easy reach of Cape Town’s key attractions.
3 nights at Lanzerac: a historic wine estate hotel set among vineyards and mountains, combining classic architecture with modern comfort and a strong sense of place.
Timing
The ideal time for this journey is from May to October, which marks the dry season in South Africa's Greater Kruger - when wildlife sightings are at their best due to less vegetation cover and the lack of surface water, which forces wildlife to congregate near permanent water sources.
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterised by cold, wet winter months (June to September) that transition into warm, dry summer months from October to March, offering ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and wine tasting.
You can enjoy this safari at any time of year, with careful planning. Our safari experts will help you make the best timing decision.
Price per person sharing
10 nights (11 days) | ||
Low season | May to Aug 2026 | from ZAR 128,770 |
High season | Mar & Oct to Nov 2026 | from ZAR 145,735 |
Includes: All scheduled flights between Johannesburg, the Greater Kruger region and Cape Town, all transfers, accommodation throughout, breakfasts in Cape Town and the Winelands, all meals and drinks while on safari, twice-daily game drives and conservation levies, and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes not specified, visas, gratuities, lunches, dinners & drinks in Cape Town and the Winelands, premium beverages on safari, optional activities not mentioned, and mandatory cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
Day 1 – Fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and transfer into the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve. Settle into your luxury suite before heading out on your first afternoon game drive, followed by dinner in camp.
Days 2 to 4 – Spend three full days on safari in the renowned Big Five Thornybush Private Nature Reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives deliver close wildlife encounters, while the time between is yours to relax, unwind and soak up the rhythms of the bush.
Day 5 – After a final morning game drive in Thornybush, return to Hoedspruit and fly to Cape Town. On arrival, transfer to the V&A Waterfront and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Days 6 to 7 – Spend two relaxing days exploring Cape Town at your own pace — from coastal scenery and neighbourhood cafés to iconic landmarks and world-class dining.
Day 8 – Transfer from Cape Town to the Cape Winelands and settle into your historic estate hotel in Stellenbosch. The afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings, perhaps with a first taste of the region’s wines.
Days 9 to10 – Enjoy unhurried days in the Cape Winelands, among vineyard-draped valleys and mountain backdrops. Enjoy wine tastings, fine food and the gentle pace that defines this classic wine region.
Day 11 – Depart Stellenbosch and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your onward journey.
"Safari gateway"
Ramona Rubach, AG luxury safari expert: "Cape Town is a vibrant fusion of mountains, ocean, cultures and cuisine. Spend your days exploring the Peninsula or Winelands, visiting penguins, hiking or chasing gorgeous sunsets! It’s the perfect gateway to various safari destinations."
"Purposeful safari"
Sarah Goodman, AG Community manager: "Your Thornybush stay directly supports conservation, local employment, and community upliftment. Responsible lodges fund education, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability, proving that meaningful safaris create lasting benefits for wildlife, people, and places alike."
"Fairytale stay"
Vicky Toms, AG safari concierge: "Visiting Lanzerac awakened my old-world princess dreams. Part castle, part charming farmhouse, it blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, making every moment of the scenic journey utterly unforgettable."
Safari planning
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From bush to beach: Kruger, Cape Town & Winelands
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!