SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is simply stunning. From the mountaintop views above Cape Town to the untamed landscapes and wildlife of the Amakhala Game Reserve; from the lush vineyards and farmlands of the winelands to the incredible cuisine throughout the country, you’ll quickly fall in love with these special regions.
In cosmopolitan Cape Town, there’s easy access to great hiking, a unique and interesting culture, sandy white beaches, exciting, bustling outdoor markets and excellent restaurants. A short drive from Cape Town, discover Cape Point where you can spot a colony of African penguins.
The Amakhala Game Reserve is a malaria-free hidden gem for safari and more off-the-beaten path than well-known Kruger (and just a short 1-hour flight from Cape Town). Based at a luxurious and nestled-away safari lodge, you’ll enjoy guided game drives where you’ll look out for the Big Five and other unique fauna & flora.
In the heart of the Winelands lies the charming town of Franschoek. The Winelands are a combination of thousands of acres of vineyards and jagged, picturesque mountains. This region was settled by Europeans and it's a hub for all things food and drink. Here, you’ll hike, visit wineries via bike or wine tram, you’ll taste some of the best wine in the world, enjoy incredible food and relax at your special lodging.
You’ll be thinking about your trip in South Africa - the people, the scenery, the wildlife, the food and the wine - long after you’ve left.
“It’s going to be hard to travel any other way!! It’s wonderful that the hikes, restaurants, hotels and experiences have all been personally vetted and curated. With all the logistics taken care of you can truly be in the moment and immerse yourself in the experience.”
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
When to go: Best time September - April
Start/End Airport: Cape Town
Recommended length: 13 days / 12 nights
Average Mileage: 3 - 8 miles/day (options to shorten or lengthen)
Pre- or post-trip ideas: Kruger, Johannesburg
Explore the various, vibrant & unique neighborhoods and bustling markets of Cape Town - from Bo-Kapp and Woodstock to the Gardens and the waterfront.
Hike Lion’s Head and be rewarded with views of Cape Town, Camps Bay, Signal Hill, Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and the whole Cape coastline.
Meander through Kirstenbosch Gardens before hiking up Skeleton Gorge to the summit of Table Mountain.
Visit Boulders Beach (home to the African penguin), Hout Bay and Cape Point, the most southwestern point of Africa.
Discover the Amakhala Game Reserve - a malaria-free private reserve that’s an off-the-beaten path home to the big-five and many more (you’re likely to see lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, monkeys, tortoise and plenty of antelope species)
While in Franschhoek, a charming village in the heart of the Winelands, visit some of the best vineyards in the world.
Enjoy a private tour of our favorite local ceramics studio.
Walk along trails above dramatic coastline, past endemic fynbos.
Incredible local & international cuisine throughout your stay.
Enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your preferred activity level, interests and schedule.
how it works
All of our itineraries are handcrafted and completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level.
From the initial proposal, we’ll work with you to refine your itinerary until it’s just right. On your trip, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace.
To request a personalized proposal, please complete the form below
and we’ll contact you to chat about next steps.
“We like that you are a small company, really dwelling on a few areas that you know well. We didn’t feel like a number but rather a special client!! ”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Where you stay on your Pathways trips will only enhance your experience. We'll work with you to select beautiful, authentic boutique lodging that will allow you to even more deeply connect with the local culture and cuisine of the place you're visiting.
The lodgings we choose are locally or family owned, making your stay welcoming, unique and personal - the best spots to end an active day with relaxation, delicious food & wine, gracious hospitality and fun.
Some of our favorite accommodations:
La Clé des Montagnes in Franschhoek
Kensington Place in Cape Town
Bukela Game Lodge in Amakhala Reserve
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