Escape to the Cape: A Seven-Day Journey to Seek Out the Spirit of Cape Town with Olivia

-Welcome to your South African adventure! Once you arrive in Cape Town at the airport, your driver will whisk you off to your hotel for check-in, to get settled into your home for the next week.

-Take some time for yourself to sleep off the jet lag and unwind before meeting up for a Cape Malay welcome buffet dinner with your new friends at the hotel. This feast will introduce you to the city’s unique culinary heritage—think aromatic curries, sweet-and-spicy bobotie, and vegan options, all inspired by the Cape’s multicultural roots. It’s the perfect kick off to a week filled with the South African sun, memorable adventures, and flavors of the Cape.

-Rise early for an unforgettable safari adventure through the Aquila Private Game Reserve, where you’ll start the day with welcome drinks and a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel. The exhilarating game drive will bring you up close and personal to Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes—plus giraffes, zebras, and more amidst the stunning Karoo landscape.

-Once you’ve hopefully spotted some wildlife grazing in the fields, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch surrounded by nature.

-Then, you’ll be presented with a choice to either embark on an afternoon horseback safari or quad bike adventure for a fresh perspective on the reserve. The thrill is real as you saddle up or zip through the reserve on bike.

-Afterwards, depart the reserve to head back to the hotel, where you’ll end the evening with a dinner at leisure at the V&A waterfront, enjoying South African classics as the sun sets over Table Bay.

-After breakfast, take a short walk over to Spyced at the V&A Waterfront for a hands-on cooking experience led by renowned chef Fayruza Abrahams to explore the rich traditions of Malay cuisine. You’ll learn the art of folding samoosas, blending spices, and pickling, all while discovering the health benefits of traditional ingredients.

-Afterwards, enjoy a welcome drink and savor a delicious Malay three-course lunch that you’ve helped prepare, that features the flavors of the Cape.

-To cap off the day, return to your hotel and the rest of the evening is yours—perhaps stroll the Waterfront, visit local galleries, or simply relax and celebrate your culinary triumph.

-Today is all about the culinary traditions and history of Cape Town’s delicacies. You’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring over to Bree Street for a “Eat Like a Local” food tour that will give you an ultimate taste of Cape Town’s best food spots. A food-focused guide will take you on a journey through Cape Town’s city center, Bo-Kaap, Company Gardens, and Greenmarket Square, as you stop for tastings and stories along the way. Expect everything from artisanal coffee to Cape Malay treats, all woven into a city orientation and history tour.

-Afterwards, return to the hotel, and free time in the evening allows you to perhaps return to the V&A Waterfront for even more culinary discoveries, a location which boasts over one hundred lively restaurants. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to try out some more Cape Town eats.

-Adventure calls for a day of hiking to new heights and exploring Cape Town’s treasures down below. Wake up early for breakfast at the hotel before leaving with your group for a guided sunrise hike up to Lion’s Head, with an expert guide. Here, be sure to take in the panoramic views of the city, ocean, and Table Mountain itself—plus have some snacks and water on hand to keep you fueled. After your descent, head back to the hotel before heading out on an afternoon city tour through Cape Town. You’ll pass by highlights such as the Castle of Good Hope, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the South African Museum, and the Company’s Garden. For those seeking even more breathtaking views, an optional Table Mountain Cable Car ride can be arranged.

-Once you return to the hotel, the evening is yours to go out and slip into Cape Town’s nightlife - which corners of the city will you uncover?

-After an early breakfast at the hotel, get excited for some kayaking adventures in Simon’s Town on the waters of False Bay. Here, paddle alongside African penguins and keep an eye out for playful seals and other marine life for a memorable time out on the water.

-Once you’re done with your kayaking adventure, enjoy lunch at leisure, before heading to Constantia for an epic time through the trees at Cape Extreme Zipline. You’ll soar above vineyards and indigenous forest for aerial views unlike any other, feeling on top of Cape Town and the world.

-Afterwards, return to the hotel for a short break to refresh. You’ll end your final night with a farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant. Indulge in the flavors of a 14-dish Pan-African food safari, live storytelling, singing, dancing, and even an optional djembe drumming session—this will be an immersive celebration of Africa’s flavors and rhythms.

-Savor a final indulgent breakfast and check out of your hotel, as today marks the end of your adventure in Cape Town. A group transfer will take you to the Cape Town airport where you’ll hop on your flight and carry with you memories of wild landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and good food. South Africa is truly unforgettable, and its beauty will stay with you always. Have a safe flight!