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The Safari Experience

We arrange the ultimate safari experience in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia

 

 

 

Luxury Train Travel

Rovos Rail or the Blue Train. Be instantly transported to a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury

The Gourmet Treat

South Africa is celebrated for its high-quality food. Treat yourself to a wide range of award-winning cuisine

Hiking Trips

We work with the most established local hiking guides to maximize your experience and safety

Golf Travel

Enjoy the country’s fabulous links, seaside, park and championship golf courses

 

Unique Wine Tours

Meet highly regarded award-winning winemakers and be captivated by their expertise and professionalism

 

Anniversary Trips

Whatever the occasion, for yourself or your company, we can design and curate a memorable celebration

 

The Ultimate Treat

Private jet or helicopter? Spoil yourself and include an award-winning chef and butler to boot

Yoga Travel

Extraordinary yoga experiences that combine spectacular settings with nurturing and healing cuisine

 

Experience Paradise

Enjoy our meticulously selected paradise-like gems in South Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique

 

Properties To Rent

We can offer a wide variety of quality accommodation. Enjoy your own villa, house or apartment

 

Family Travel

We take every family member into consideration to ensure an all-around fabulous family experience

 

Child-free Travel

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we’ll guide you to the top child-free accommodation and restaurants

 

Wedding Experience

Ensure a memorable day by allowing us to curate an unforgettable experience to celebrate your union

 

Exploring Tours

Our bespoke itineraries deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences

 

Conference Travel

Substitute jetlag for state-of-the-art conference venues combined with great wine tasting and superb safari

 

Tailor-made Trips

Our enthusiasm and professionalism are the hallmark of our tailor-made service offering

 

You As a Cicerone

All our trips are individually tailored. Unfamiliar guests aren’t part of what we offer. Your journey is about you

 

Special Offers

RIGHT NOW: Receive a 10 % discount when booking shark cage diving for five or more people

 

Safari Theme

South Africa

Outstanding diversity combined with superb comfort makes South Africa a magnificent destination

 

Zambia

A nation with some of the best, most pristine and animal-dense national parks. A superb safari destination

 

Zimbabwe

Diversity and magnificently varied nature make this classic safari destination one of the absolute best

 

Botswana

A safari destination bar none! Be amazed by the abundance and outstanding quality of every safari

Namibia

Unique flora and exceptional fauna – one of the most beautiful countries in the world

Special offer

RIGHT NOW: Stay six nights at the amazing Jamala Madikwe and you receive the seventh night free

 

 

Destinations

Big 5 Safari

Keen to experience the Big 5? Our intimate knowledge of the many national parks makes it possible

 

 

Family Safari

Our knowledge of safari and safety is unique. Allow us to arrange your once-in-a-lifetime family safari

 

Walking Safari

We work with the most skilled safari guides to maximize your experience and safety

 

Shark Cage Diving

We work exclusively with  top local specialists in safe, eco-diving to maximize your experience and safety

 

Whale Watching

We work exclusively with the best local specialists to maximize your experience and safety

 

Enjoy the peacefulness of endless deserted beaches with nearby access to top-class safari experiences

 

South Africa

Enjoy miles of deserted sun-drenched beaches and 30-degree seas

 

 

Mozambique

Paradise imagined. Enjoy the magnificent surroundings populated by the very likeable Lemurs

Madagascar

Start planning your trip ...

 

Read about the complex and fascinating history of the Republic of South Africa

 

About South Africa

 

Please find information about Covid-19 in South Africa as well as basic yet essential information to consider before your departure

 

Travel guidance

 

Southern Africa in general, and South Africa, offer an impressive variety of world-class, once-in-a-lifetime activities and experiences

 

Activities

 

Be inspired by our gallery of beautiful, colourful South Africa and Southern Africa

 

Gallery

About us, what we can assist with and what people think of us ...

Keen to know more about us? Please find information about us and why we consider ourselves experts in South Africa and Southern Africa

About The Company

After 20 years on location, our service is not only to tailor the best holiday for you but to look after you every step of the way until you have returned home safely

Our Services

What our guests are saying: about us, our efforts, our partners, South Africa and southern Africa as destinations

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12 DAYS HIKING TRIP
Beyond beautiful hiking

Hike among fynbos and vineyards with spectacular views in the beautiful Overberg. Enjoy fantastic wine experiences from the nearby wineries

2 nignts
Franschhoek
 
Franschhoek

Franschhoek – which in Afrikaans means the French hook – is well known for three quality things, excellent: food, wine and accommodation. The town definitely lives up to its reputation, located in one of the world’s most beautiful wine valleys. More than 300 years ago, the French Huguenots settled in the area, and brought their winemaking and food knowledge, which today has resulted in the gastronomic capital of South Africa. It was only when the French Huguenots arrived in South Africa, that the wine culture took off and with their knowledge laid the foundation for today’s South African wine industry.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE THE WINELANDS FROM ABOVE
EXPERINECE WINE TRAM
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES
 
Franschhoek

Franschhoek – which in Afrikaans means the French hook – is well known for three quality things, excellent: food, wine and accommodation. The town definitely lives up to its reputation, located in one of the world’s most beautiful wine valleys. More than 300 years ago, the French Huguenots settled in the area, and brought their winemaking and food knowledge, which today has resulted in the gastronomic capital of South Africa. It was only when the French Huguenots arrived in South Africa, that the wine culture took off and with their knowledge laid the foundation for today’s South African wine industry.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE THE WINELANDS FROM ABOVE
EXPERINECE WINE TRAM
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES
4 nights
Elgin
 
Elgin

Elgin Valley in the Western Cape, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is an exceptionally beautiful area with endemic flora and fauna, optimal for hiking. Elgin is known primarily for its apple and pear orchards and is considered one of the province’s most beautiful orchard areas. In Overberg, from the Elgin valley, the Green Mountain Trail starts, a 4-day slack packing hiking tour through fynbos and vineyards. The hike is a total of 60 km, divided into four days. The accommodation is of a high standard as well as the food and the locally produced wines.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
GREAT FOOD
GREAT NATURE EXPERIENCES
 
Elgin

Elgin Valley in the Western Cape, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is an exceptionally beautiful area with endemic flora and fauna, optimal for hiking. Elgin is known primarily for its apple and pear orchards and is considered one of the province’s most beautiful orchard areas. In Overberg, from the Elgin valley, the Green Mountain Trail starts, a 4-day slack packing hiking tour through fynbos and vineyards. The hike is a total of 60 km, divided into four days. The accommodation is of a high standard as well as the food and the locally produced wines.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
GREAT FOOD
GREAT NATURE EXPERIENCES
2 nights
Hermanus
 
Hermanus

Hermanus is located in the unique and attractive area along Walker Bay which is surrounded by sea, mountains and miles of white beaches. Hermanus with its magnificent nature is known as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching. To the east of the town you find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there are many nice restaurants and it is crowded with small fascinating galleries, shops and markets, all within walking distance. Hermanus also have its own attractive “wine route” in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
WHALE WATCHING
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
SHARK CAGE DIVING
PARAGLIDING
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
 
Hermanus

Hermanus is located in the unique and attractive area along Walker Bay which is surrounded by sea, mountains and miles of white beaches. Hermanus with its magnificent nature is known as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching. To the east of the town you find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there are many nice restaurants and it is crowded with small fascinating galleries, shops and markets, all within walking distance. Hermanus also have its own attractive “wine route” in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
WHALE WATCHING
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
SHARK CAGE DIVING
PARAGLIDING
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
3 nights
Cape Town
 
Cape Town

Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its magnificent nature, beautiful coasts, white beaches and cloud-covered mountains. Cape Town is the mecca of attractions that offers a great variety of fantastic experiences – something that suits everyone! The city is beautifully situated at the foot of Table Mountain, its most famous landmark. There are plenty of nice restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping etc. In Cape Town, you will find green and lush Constantia Winelands with some of the oldest and magnificent wineries in the country.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
LOTS OF ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE CAPE TOWN FROM ABOVE
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES
PARAGLIDING
 
Cape Town

Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its magnificent nature, beautiful coasts, white beaches and cloud-covered mountains. Cape Town is the mecca of attractions that offers a great variety of fantastic experiences – something that suits everyone! The city is beautifully situated at the foot of Table Mountain, its most famous landmark. There are plenty of nice restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping etc. In Cape Town, you will find green and lush Constantia Winelands with some of the oldest and magnificent wineries in the country.

IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
LOTS OF ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM
FANTASTIC VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE CAPE TOWN FROM ABOVE
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES
PARAGLIDING
2 nights
Greater Kruger National Park
 
Greater Kruger National Park

Experience an unforgettable safari in Greater Kruger National Park, the world’s oldest and largest national park and one of the world’s wildlife-rich parks, located in northeastern South Africa. Imagine the most exciting safari experience in one of the private game reserves and together this area form the Greater Kruger. Experience the Big 5; rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, African buffalo, but also a variety of other exciting animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes etc.

IS KNOWN FOR:
THE BIG 5
WALKING SAFARI
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES
 
Greater Kruger National Park

Experience an unforgettable safari in Greater Kruger National Park, the world’s oldest and largest national park and one of the world’s wildlife-rich parks, located in northeastern South Africa. Imagine the most exciting safari experience in one of the private game reserves and together this area form the Greater Kruger. Experience the Big 5; rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, African buffalo, but also a variety of other exciting animals such as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes etc.

IS KNOWN FOR:
THE BIG 5
WALKING SAFARI
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
EXCELLENT SPA FACILITIES

HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a hike among fynbos (local beautiful bushes) in very spectacular and beautiful environments

Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many renowned vineyards in Elgin Valley

Be captivated by the beautiful views at Green Mountain Trail

The round trip begins in the capital of gastronomy, Franschhoek, followed by wine tasting in the wine capital, Stellenbosch (2 nights Franschhoek). We continue to the Elgin Valley for the Green Mountain Trail among fynbos and vines, hiking for 4 days/nights. To the scenic coastal town of Hermanus for 2 nights and ending the trip in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town 3 nights. During the trip you will experience Upplev Sydafrika’s best chosen restaurants and vineyards – some of South Africa’s absolute best!

Dates: The trip can be booked on any preferred day of the week, and the duration of the stay can be adjusted according to your wishes. Green Mountain Trail starts on Mondays.

Length of trip: 11 nights / 12 days in Western Cape Peninsula + 2 travel days (flight).

This trip can be booked with private transport + driver/guide.

 
 
 
 
 

Preliminary itinerary

 
DAY BY DAY – READ MORE

Day 1. Franschhoek.
After arriving Cape Town Airport, transfer to the gastronomic town of Franschhoek. Check-in at a nice pre-choosen Guesthouse. Lunch at a beautiful located vineyard just outside Franschhoek. Afternoon at your own in the picturesque town. Dinner booked at award-winning restaurant in central Franschhoek.

Day 2. Franschhoek/Stellenbosch.
After breakfast, wine- and chocolate tasting at a vineyard in Stellenbosch. Lunch at beautiful vineyard with stunning views. In the afternoon, join a hop-on hop off tour with the Wine tram in Franschhoek’s fantastic wine valley and try the exquisite wine at several of the famous vineyards around the wine valley. Alternatively, a guided wine tour with transport is recommended.

Day 3. Vergelegen Estate/Green Mountain Trail.
After breakfast transfer to Vergelegen Estate for winetasting and some hiking among roses and vines in the beautiful garden. Picnic lunch at the Camphor Forest. Transfer to Porcupine Hills in Groenlandberg/Overberg, wine tasting, dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Green Mountain Trail/Kogelberg Conservancy Core.
Breakfast at Porcupine Hills. Transfer to Kogelberg Biosphere fringe. Hike along the top of the Groenlandberg through the Biosphere Core to Nuweberg, lunch on the mountain. Transfer to Porcupine Hills. Dinner & overnight (approximately 18 km hiking).

Day 5. Green Mountain Trail/Through Fynbos & Vines.
Transfer to Nuweberg (luggage transferd to Wildekrans Country House). Hike through vineyards and fynbos along the foot of the Groenlandberg. Picnic lunch on Oak Valley Wine Estate. Continue to Paul Cluver Wine Estate for wine tasting & afternoon tea. Transfer to Wildekrans Country House, Houw Hoek Village. Dinner & overnight (approximately 15 km hiking).

Day 6. Green Mountain Trail/Game & forests.
After breakfast at Wildekrans, transfer to Paul Cluver Wine Estate. Hiking begins through Paul Cluver Amphitheatre forest. Lunch under the trees at Wildekrans Country House. Afternoon at leisure, option to do 7 km Houw Hoek Trail. Wine tasting, dinner & overnight at Wildekrans Country House (approximately 13 km hiking).

Day 7. Green Mountain Trail end/Leopard & Ox Wagon Route.
Breakfast at Wildekrans Country House. Head towards Botriver through Biosphere fynbos. Rest stop at Stony Beach and ledge rock. Climb up Pincushion ridge and discover Hawston view. Walk into Botriver and experience Beaumont Wines and lunch in Botriver village. Transfer to the charming coastal town of Hermanus and check-in at a nice pre-choosen Guesthosue with beautiful views over Walker Bay. You can often spot some whales, dolphins and seals in the ocean. Afternoon, evening and dinner at your own in Hermanus (approximately 11 km hiking).

Day 8. Hermanus.
A whole day at your own. Choose between different activities in and around Hermanus: horseback riding among wild horses, whale watching (July to beginning December), Shark cage diving, hiking, kayaking, wine tasting at Hemel-en-Aarde etc.

Day 9. Hermanus/Cape Town.
After breakfast, transfer to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. Check-in at pre-choosen hotel or Guesthouse. We recommend a city tour with the hop-on hop-off bus. Afternoon and evening at your own in Cape Town. Choose between different activities: Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill, Camps Bay etc.

Day 10. Cape Town/Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
After breakfast transfer to Kirstenbosch Botancal Garden. Hiking Table Mountain – Skeleton Gorge – one of the most beautiful tour up to the top and then hike the Nursery Ravine back to Kirstenbosch (approximately 4-5 hours). Lunch at your own in the beautiful surrondings of the garden. Afternoon, evening and dinner at your own.

Day 11. Cape Peninsula/Cape of Good Hope.
A whole day excursion to Cape Point nature reserve and Cape of Good Hope with hiking and stop i Simonstown, Boulders Beach with penguins. The tour takes you along the coast via Hout Bay, the beautiful 10 km long Chapman’s Peaks Drive towards. Lunch is pre-booked at a nice restaurant. Include an excursion to beautiful, lush Constantia Winelands with the oldest and most magnificent vineyards in the country. Dinner at your own in Cape Town.

Day 12. Cape Town.
A whole day at your own. Visit V&A Waterfront with exciting streetlife, shopping and restaurants or relax by the pool. Afternoon transfer to Cape Town Airport.

3 DAYS ADD ON SAFARI AT GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

ADD-ON SAFARI: 2 nights at MalaMala Game Reserve

Day 12. Cape Town/MalaMala Game Reserve.
After breakfast transfer to Cape Town Airport for domestic flights to the Kruger Park. At the airport you will be picked up and transported to the MalaMala Game Reserve. Afternoon check-in at MalaMala with game drive/safari.

Day 13. MalaMala Game Reserve.
Safari program at MalaMala Game Reserve.

Day 14. MalaMala Game Reserve/Departue.
After morning game drive transfer to the airport. Flights to Johannesburg Airport for return home.

Read more about safari at Greater Kruger National Park

 
GREEN MOUNTAIN TRAIL GUEST REVIEW

“…Something that I fully appreciated was the four nights spent in both grandiose and comfortably furnished farms during our hike on Green Mountain Trail. Tony and his wife with their three lovely dogs; the two black embellishments with a total of three green eyes (one had lost one) well matching the slight tiger trimmed giant who constantly demanded attention. Yes, and so of course the charming and articulate Lady with her artistic chair-fixed husband. They had turned their barn to an original cha(i)rming dining room.”

– OLLE CARAPI

 
 
 

Activities

South Africa has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Upplev Sydafrika have put together activities to do in regions or hubs you will pass during your trip. Contact us for more information.

 
ADD-ON TRIPS

Upplev Sydafrika recommends these carefully
chosen add-on trips of 2-4 days

Utmost safari experience

Experience an unforgettable safari in mighty Greater Kruger National Park.

READ MORE

The Paradise Experience

Enjoy the delightful comfort of barefoot luxury in the ultimate paradise.

READ MORE

Luxury Train Travel

Be captivated by the spectacular landscape of South Africa from the most luxury train in the world, Rovos Rail!

READ MORE

You can travel to South Africa all year round, but we recommend going September to May

Healthcare is good in South Africa. Even so we suggest obtaining a sound travel insurance before departure

As a EU and UK citizen, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in South Africa

To ponder before travelling:

The so-called “peak season” in December / January is very popular indeed and requires booking of accommodation, safaris, activities and restaurants well in advance.