Tastes of South Africa, 14 Day Gastronomy Tour

Hotels & restaurants

Tree House Boutique Hotel – Cape Town

Located in vibrant and trendy Green Point, within easy walking distance of many of the great attractions of Cape Town, the individually designed14 guest rooms are superbly equipped, some having sitting areas or private patios and balconies. With panoramic views, an outdoor pool, spa and a restaurant and bar that’s open all day, it a relaxing haven from where you can discover this exciting city.

One & Only Resort – Cape Town

Set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s waterfront, surrounded by restaurants, shopping, art and entertainment this upmarket resort has views of Table Mountain and is within easy reach of spectacular beaches, national parks, and winelands. All rooms are luxuriously equipped and have private balconies and there is an acclaimed Japanese restaurant, a modern bistro and a stylish lobby bar. Other amenities include an outdoor infinity pool, a posh spa, a fitness centre and free Wi-Fi this is a superb base for your holiday.

Gold Restaurant – Cape Town

This vibrant pan-African experience offers a set Cape Malay and African menu, together with live entertainment and djembe drumming 7 nights a week. Here you can enjoy an award-winning,14-dish tasting menu inspired by ingredients and textures from all over the African continent.

La Clé des Montagnes – Franschhoek

Spread over two working farms and a short walk from the village, this French-accented retreat has a working vineyard, orchards and lavender-flecked gardens and offers relaxed luxury in the heart of Franschhoek village with five distinctly styled suites and four exclusive-use villas. The Lodge has a pool, terrace, expansive views, tennis court, putt and chip lawn, swimming dams and helipad while the villas have their own pools and butler service.

Pierneef a La Motte Restaurant – Cape Winelands

Blending Cape Dutch with French Huguenot fare, this delightful restaurant attracts diners with home-style winelands cuisine. Traditional breads, dried fruits and cured meats are part of the dining experience here, flavoured by a mouth-watering collection of spices. The cellar is packed with world-class wine, ensuring rare vintages and current releases are available to enjoy along with your meal.

Hermanus Boutique Guest House – Whale Coast

This delightful residence provides superior accommodation in individually themed and well equipped rooms and suites, some of which overlook the pool or the sea. Situated right across the sea & close to town, there are two lovely lounge areas for you to relax in and marvellous breakfasts are included as the perfect start to your day.

The Peech Hotel – Johannesburg

Set amid two acres of lush landscaped gardens, close to the centre of Johannesburg, this purposefully designed boutique hotel is the epitome of understated “Afri-chic”, infused with locally inspired design and craftsmanship. The stylish rooms are split between the main house and an annexe are all superbly appointed and many come with balconies or private patios.  The full-service Bistro offers fresh, light, seasonal menus throughout the day using locally sourced, sustainable and organic ingredients wherever possible. The Basalt Restaurant is a casual fine-dining space with a dinner menu featuring dishes with global influence.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff – Johannesburg

This stunning property is more like a hillside village than a hotel with rooms and public spaces spread out over series of  buildings built on terraces to offer stunning views of the city and surrounding area. Rooms are well equipped with all modern facilities and most include balconies or terraces. There is a choice of drinking and dining options including the stunning Flame outdoor terrace bar and the fine-dining View restaurant, both with fabulous panoramic views.

Chaf Pozi – Soweto

Chaf Pozi is a lively restaurant and bar located at the base of the iconic Orlando Towers in the lively city of Soweto. The robust menu offers braaied local specialities like beef, chicken, mutton, pork and wors, a traditional home-made sausage, which can be enjoyed with a range of delicious side dishes, relaxing drinks from the premium bar, and vibrant local South African music.

Kapama Southern Camp – Kapama Private Game Reserve

Located in the extreme south of the reserve, the spectacular Kapama Southern Camp offers luxury-thatched suites. All suites are discreetly hidden in the surrounding indigenous forest that’s alive with birdsong and come fully equipped for a relaxing stay, some even having their own private pools. Relax in the amazing lounge, chill out with a drink around the pool where the local wildlife often make an appearance or pamper yourself in the award-winning spa. Dining has a distinctly al-fresco feel and remember, all food and local brands of spirits, wine and beers are included.

Places & attractions

Cape Town

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, situated between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is fortunate to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Bo Kaap – Cape Town

The colourful suburb of Bo Kaap was exclusively for coloured Muslims during the Colonial and Apartheid times and today, this group still makes up the majority of residents. The quaint cobbled streets, the museum, the authentic purveyors of Cape cuisine and Cape Town’s oldest spice emporium are all worth a visit.

Bo Kaap Cooking Tour – Cape Town

This educational, fun experience encompassing inspiring insights into the Cape Malay culture in Bo-Kaap from a culinary perspective. In the cooking class, guests will discover the secrets of mixing Masala, making Dhaltjies (Chilli Bites), preparing and folding Samoosas, making and frying Rootis and learning the traditional way to cook a mouth-watering Cape Malay Curry which you will enjoy in a sit down lunch You get treated to refreshments and tasters along the way and leave with a recipe booklet together with bag of special Masala Mix for your first curry meal.

Boulders Beach – Cape Town

Taking its name from the immense boulders that shelter the cove from currents and large waves it is well known for the penguins that swim in the coastal waters, but don’t touch or feed them as although they might look cute and cuddly their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose.

Cape Point – Cape Town

Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic shrubland and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys It just 60km outside of Cape Town. It is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora and is a must-see on any visit to the area.

Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town

Part of the Table Mountain National Park that extends from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south, the Cape of Good Hope and although it is not the southern tip of Africa, it does however remains a significant headland. It is not hard to imagine that rounding of ‘The Cape’, as is still widely referred to by sea farers, as far back as 1488 was a major achievement.

Coffee Appreciation – Cape Town

This is a must for any lover of coffee and takes place at Truth, which was awarded Best Coffee Shop in the World in 2016. You’ll learn first-hand how to tell your just-plain-average brew from one that steals the show with demonstrations of how the humble coffee bean is turned into the perfect cup.

Lion’s Head – Cape Town

The most accessible part of Table Mountain, the hike to the summit takes about an hour but it’s worth it as you get different views of the city and the Atlantic shoreline as the track spirals up the mountain. It is also where paragliders launch into the air before slowly descending to Camps Bay Beach.

Simon’s Town – Cape Town

Nestled on False Bay within easy distance of Cape Town, this popular destination is rich in history, character, atmosphere and warmth. The neighbours are whales, penguins and seals with world heritage status bird life and the town is renowned for stunning views in the most beautiful environment of the Cape Peninsula.

Table Mountain – Cape Town

Without a doubt this is what makes Cape Town the unique city it is. Rising up over 1000m above sea level, it is the icon that makes Cape Town instantly recognizable. It is a symbol, a playground, a spiritual retreat and a big draw card for tourists. So intertwined with the identity of Cape Town is Table Mountain that a visit to the city isn’t complete without having walked or taken the cable car to the top.

V&A Waterfront – Cape Town

Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, this has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, the exciting shopping, dining and entertainment venues makes it a go to destination for any visitor.

Franschhoek – Cape Winelands

This once sleepy little village was named Franschhoek, meaning ‘French Corner’, was founded by French Huguenots and makes an ideal base for exploring the area’s many world-class wine estates. Take time to visit the fascinating Huguenot Memorial Museum, dine in the impressive range of excellent restaurants or simply browse the quaint, upmarket boutiques strewn along the town’s lovely tree-lined avenues.

La Motte Wine Estate – Cape Winelands

Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognised internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, traditional cuisine and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate – Cape Winelands

This thriving olive and wine farm dating back to 1711, just 35 minutes from Cape Town produces internationally acclaimed Bordeaux-style wines and extra virgin olive oil of astounding quality. Visitors to the Estate’s stylish Revel Fox designed tasting room, can enjoy a wine tasting experience unique in South Africa with Morgenster and Lourens River Valley labels as well as three Italian Collection wines from his small sangiovese and nebbiolo vineyards. No visit would be complete without being guided through an olive oil tasting of intriguing complexity.

Waterford Wine Estate – Cape Winelands

Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120-hectare property boasts ancient citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender beds. The winery was styled along the engaging terracotta design of the classic Bordeaux chateaux with the centre piece of the magnificent courtyard being the Waterford fountain.

Paarl – Cape Winelands

Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Paarl boasts an array of cultural and historical attractions and is surrounded by some spectacular nature reserves. Named after the huge granite dome of rock, which overlooks the town founded in 1690.the famous 11 kilometre long Main Street features the Strooidak Church, Die Oude Pastorie Museum and the Patriot Building. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: wine tasting, scenic fynbos hikes, cycling, sampling local cuisine and much more.

Babylonstoren Wine Estate & Farm – Paarl

Babylonstoren is a 250-hectare working wine and fruit farm that dates back over 300 years and is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. Your visit includes a garden tour to discover the special collections and a walk through the Healing Garden. You will also get the opportunity to visit the cheese shop learn how they make some of their cheeses, then visit the Meat Room learning about their cattle pigs and chickens, the meat quality and various cuts and unique dishes. A trip to the Cellar is always a treat where the floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards and a range of tantalising snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer in the Tasting Room while you sample the Babylonstoren range of wines.

Bread Baking – Babylonstoren Estate

Here’s your chance to see up close how the fantastic bread is made that accompanies your meals. The Bakery produces a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat made from the grain produced on the farm. It also houses a renowned restaurant., which if only for the mouth-watering aroma should not be missed.

Stellenbosch – Cape Winelands

A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. A walking tour of the town centre allows you to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or buzzing bistros.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi P a g e | 19 ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

Fordsburgh Square – Johannesburg

This flea market in Johannesburg’s historic Indian suburb Fordsburg is where you may come across anything from spiced chai tea, to costume jewellery, exotic spices, basmati rice and Bollywood DVDs. An evening shopping mecca for Fordsburg locals, it is famous for the delicious aromas of spicy Indian kebabs and tandoori chicken being grilled by the side of the street. A must visit destination for foodies and bargain hunters alike.

Kruger National Park

Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.

Kapama Private Game Reserve – Kruger area

Stretching across 13 000 hectares, this provides an authentic African safari experience. The reserve provides a range of stylish accommodation across four refined lodges and bush camps. Offering a wide range of options, from a traditional African safari camp to top-notch luxury suites. Kapama is home to the Big Five and is known for its diverse wildlife experiences which can be enjoyed on one of many game drives offering fascinating encounters with plentiful wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities including excellent game viewing, enjoying a relaxing spa experience and stargazing after a lamp-lit dinner under the African night sky.

Game Drives – Kapama Private Game Reserve

Two daily game drives are included in your stay and take place at the beginning and end of the day. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species with seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo always a possibility. The evening drive is particularly spectacular as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg mountains. Each drive finishes either with a hearty breakfast or a sumptuous dinner.

Bush Walks – Kapama Private Game Reserve

Feel Africa underfoot with a highly trained game Ranger on an experience that offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, and medicinal and other plants are identified en route. Rangers also teach walkers to track wildlife in the traditional way, using animal footprints and scat. Expert trackers are able to tell the gender of many animals just from their footprints. Large and dangerous animals are avoided on walks but many other species can be viewed from a safe distance at ground level. A bush walk through Kapama Private Game Reserve is a truly memorable and authentic encounter.

Elephant Interaction – Kapama Private Game Reserve

This 90 minute experience is a unique opportunity for you to get extremely close to the world’s largest land animals and learn about African elephants, both wild and habituated, as you interact and feed these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This early morning experience starts at around 06:20 when the Elephant Manager introduces you to the 14 elephants in the herd, each with their own quirks and antics. For some, this up-close interaction is a life-changing one, but for everyone it is a truly unforgettable encounter.

Soweto

Bordering Johannesburg’s mining belt, Soweto is a township  developed for black South African’s during the apartheid system. Today, it has evolved into a place of pride and social prestige, filled to the brim with vibrant culture and incredible history. Must-see sites include: Kliptown, the Hector Petersen Memorial and Museum, and the former home of President Nelson Mandela. Visitors can explore the bustling Vilakazi Street, sample local cuisine one of the many traditional restaurants and enjoy a South African beer at a local shebeen.

Hector Pieterson Museum – Soweto

On 16 June 1976 in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, what began as a peaceful march in the name of educational reforms turned to chaos when police troops responded to the demonstrating students with a barrage of live bullets and teargas. One of the most tragic casualties of this debacle was 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was killed when he was caught in the cross fire. The Hector Museum, located close to the site of his death, was built to commemorate his untimely passing and the events that ultimately caused it.

Kliptown – Soweto

The oldest residential district of Soweto, it was first laid out in 1891 on land which formed part of Klipspruit farm. The farm was named after the klipspruit (rocky stream) that runs nearby. From 1903 the area was home to informal settlements (squatter camps), and the area now contains a mixture of purpose-built housing and many shacks and other informal homes.

Mandela Family Museum – Soweto

The Mandela Family Museum is where Nelson Mandela, as a lawyer and political activist, lived with his family from 1946 to 1961 – initially with his first wife, Evelyn Mandela, until their divorce and later with his second wife, Winnie Madikazela Mandela – before going on the run from the law. While he was in jail his family continued to live here. The small “matchbox” house has been converted into a Museum displaying an array of multimedia displays, photographs and the great man’s memorabilia.

Regina Mundi Church – Soweto

Built in 1961 it is located in Rockville and is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the country. The enormous interior can accommodate up to 5000 people. Regina Mundi is well renowned for its pivotal role during in the anti-apartheid struggle when the church provided a refuge to activists. It also served as the site of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings from 1995 to 1998, the church is now a major historic attraction.

Vilakazi Street – Soweto

Soweto’s version of the star-studded mile, Vilakazi Street has become famous for its history of high profile residents, including Nelson Mandela himself, who lived there between 1946 and 1961, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who still lives there with his wife Leah today. Two restaurants serving traditional African cuisine – Nambitha and Sakhumzi – are located here and are popular with tourists visiting Vilakazi Street on day tours to Soweto.

Whale Coast

Encompassing the towns of Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai, the Whale Coast is an area of incredible natural beauty and diversity. This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent fynbos-blanketed mountains rising up from the interior. The spectacular scenery is made up of charming seaside villages, farms, rivers, coves and valleys, and during the right season, the region’s namesake – whales – can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters. Visitors can enjoy visiting the little villages dotting the area, bird watching, whale watching, wine tasting, paragliding, river rafting, game viewing, mountain biking, and golfing. Don’t miss a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai.

Whale Watching – Whale Coast

No visit to this area would be complete with viewing its most famous inhabitants. There is ample opportunity on organised shore based expeditions but, for the best experience take a trip on a boat charter where get to see Southern Right, Humpback & Bryde’s whales. Dolphins, Seals, and a large variety of marine birds including the African penguin.

Benguela Cove Wine Estate – Hermanus

This 200-hectare estate and winery has become renowned for producing elegant cool climate wines, delivering on the expectation of elegance, character, and longevity. You can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants or go wine tasting at the Cellar Door but the highlight of any visit would be the Wine Blending experience where you get a hands-on opportunity to create and bottle your very own wine!

Creation Wine Estate – Hemel-en Aarde

The highlight of any visit to this winery, which takes advantage of the exceptional wine growing conditions of the area, is having their superb Lunch. This exciting and truly unique taste adventure is artfully paired with award-winning Creation wines and each of the dishes serve to highlight the food-friendly, versatile nature of a specific variety or blend of wine.

General tour information

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches of Cape Town; enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Wine Estate Visits & Tastings

We have featured several of the tours and tastings above, but there are opportunities to sample wines and other produce on the many estates and farms that abound in the areas you visit. These extra visits will be determined by the dates of your trip and local availability which your guide will advise you of during your tour.

Itinerary

Whilst every effort is made to include all elements of the planned itinerary, changes may need to be made for reasons outside of our control. Should this happen, every effort will be made to substitute the planned activity with one of a comparable standard

If you would like to add any of the above to your trip, please don’t hesitate to ask. Call us on 020 7118 2110 or send us an enquiry via our contact page and one of our experts will arrange it for you.