Inspiration Itinerary

Whales, wine & wilderness

South Africa

Coastal calm to wild savannah

iscover a handpicked journey through South Africa’s distinct biomes, from wildlife-rich lagoons and laidback coastal living, to old world wineland charm and ‘Big 5’ safaris. This 10-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of rest, indulgence and wilderness.

Begin with three nights at Coot Club, tucked between mountain and lagoon in the heart of the Overberg just two hours from Cape Town. Here, days unfold gently with wild swims, coastal walks and barefoot picnics and you are invited to slow down, step away from the treadmill of expectations and rekindle a sense of adventure through the simple pleasures of life. Coot Club is all about hitting the reset button and spending time with family and friends. From July to November, watch the Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales straight from the beach!

Then head to the Cape Winelands for a three-night stay at La Clé, a refined farmhouse retreat in Franschhoek. The essence of this magical spot lies not only within the exceptional attention to detail, exquisite finishes, and superb location but also in the breadth of experience. With a team of chefs, the cuisine is dynamic and fresh, from local-style ‘braais’ to laden breakfast tables, personalised picnics, private dining and select Shared Table evenings. Unwind with long, lazy lunches, wine tastings, and views over orchards and vines.

Your journey concludes with four unforgettable nights at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, where conservation and comfort go hand in hand. Set in 30,000 hectares of private wilderness, Kwandwe is one of the largest private Big 5 game viewing areas in South Africa and it is renowned for quality guiding, understated luxury aswell as its top notch wildlife experiences – hudnreds of species call the reserve home! Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, birding and conservation programs.

This itinerary is ideal for those seeking a true sense of place — stylish yet grounded, immersive yet relaxed. From coastal calm to Winelands elegance and wild savannah, it captures South Africa’s soulful beauty in one seamless journey.

10 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 - 4 | WALKER BAY NR HERMANUS | 3 NIGHTS

Just two hours’ drive from Cape Town, arrive at a 464-hectare private nature reserve on the south bank of the Klein River Lagoon, kick off your shoes and settle in to Coot Club. Spend the next few days rediscovering the simple pleasures of play – sailing boats, enjoying warmth of the sun after a bracing swim, SUPing and laughing, floating lazily across the lagoon in a kayak, walking in the fynbos, enjoying lazy braais with friends, ice-cold drinks and crackling campfires.

The closest village is Stanford, a quaint community where life is simple and gentle.

DAY 5 -7 | FRANSCHHOEK | 3 NIGHTS

Head a couple of hours inland to the Cape Winelands, where La Clé will be your home for the next three nights. Spend your time soaking up the valley, visiting the art galleries, shopping at the market, and of course visiting vineyards and winderies to sample the local tipples! We will furnish you with a list of our favourite fine dining spots and restaurant recommendations, both in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

DAY 8 -10 | KWANDWE, EASTERN CAPE | 4 NIGHTS

A quick flight (or 30 min helicopter ride) delivers you to Kwandwe’s private airstrip, where a remarkable safari awaits. Head into the bush on game drives and walking safaris to discover the thousands of animal and bird species that call the reserve home, including black and white rhino, and cheetah.

You’ll witness conservation in motion as you traverse the diverse and undulating landscape, where 7 of South Africa’s 8 biomes meet.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of the finest safari camps

Coot Club – Walker Bay

Welcoming children of all ages to a malaria-free coastal haven, Coot Club is heaven for families and private groups looking to disconnect from the world and re-connect with one another. South Africa’s most important estuaries, rich in birdlife and endemic plant diversity, it is a serene spot for a little escapism. Read More

La Clé – Franschhoek

Nestled among picturesque vineyards and plum orchards in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, just a gentle four-minute stroll from the historic village of Franschhoek. La Clé is both a working wine estate and a stylish retreat. With discreet family-friendly options, it's well suited to travellers of all ages. Read More

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge – Eastern Cape

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's pristine Eastern Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, flanking the Great Fish River which meanders through this malaria-free pristine private wilderness. It is renowned for understated luxury, exquisite scenery and the thousands of animals and wildlife that call the Reserve home. Read More

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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