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

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Dec 18 – 24, 2025
activity level
Moderate
group size
7
transportation
Van
Your TourHero
tourhero
Olivia Dimian
bio

Hi there! I’m Olivia, an adventurer at heart and the creator of One Life, One Bucket List. I curated this Cape Town trip because I believe life is meant to be lived fully, and there's no better way to do that than exploring the world one dream at a time. Cape Town has been on my list for its mix of wild beauty, vibrant culture, and soul-shaking experiences.

I’m all about bucket list-worthy experiences: hiking, beach sunsets, meaningful convos over local food, spontaneous detours, and laughing until it hurts. If you’re looking to check off a big adventure and connect with people who believe in making every moment count, I’d love to have you along for the ride!

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

Energy pulses through every moment of this seven-day South African journey, where untamed wildlife, hands-on culinary adventures, and adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures come together for the ultimate tour through South Africa’s best cuisine and windswept cityscapes. From sunrise hikes up Lion’s Head, to kayaking alongside penguins in False Bay, to sampling Cape Malay curries, each day is packed with stories waiting to be lived and shared. Immerse yourself fully into the flavors and soul that make Cape Town a global hotspot for foodies and adventurers alike. Seek out the thrill of the Mother City, where nature and culture bring you closer to the heart of South Africa. Book now to journey off to see Cape Town's jewels!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · December 18, 2025 · Cape Town
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Onomo Cape Town Foreshore (or similar according to availability)
Free time
6:00 pm: Buffet dinner at hotel
Day 2 · December 19, 2025 · Cape Town and Aquila Private Game Reserve
9:00 am: Welcome drinks & buffet breakfast at hotel
Depart for Aquila Private Game Reserve
Game drive, lunch, and leisure time
Horseback safari or quad bike adventure
Depart Aquila Private Game Reserve
Transfer to hotel
Dinner at leisure at the V&A Waterfront
Return to hotel
Day 3 · December 20, 2025 · Cape Town
Breakfast at hotel
Hands-on cooking class at the V&A Waterfront
Return to hotel
Free time
Day 4 · December 21, 2025 · Cape Town
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Bree Street
Private “Eat Like a Local” food tour
Return to hotel
Free evening
Day 5 · December 22, 2025 · Cape Town
Breakfast at hotel
6:30 am: Sunrise hike up to Lion's Head
Return to hotel
1:00 pm: Cape Town city tour & optional cable car ride (not included in price)
5:30 pm: Return to hotel
Free time
Day 6 · December 23, 2025 · Cape Town
Breakfast at hotel
7:00 am: Depart for Simons Town
8:30 am: Kayaking experience through the waters of False Bay
Transfer to Constantia
1:30 pm: Cape Extreme Zipline
Transfer back to hotel
6:00 pm: Farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant
Day 7 · December 24, 2025 · Departure
10:00 am: Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Group transfer from accommodation to airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · December 18, 2025
Cape Town welcomes you!

-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.

Day 2 · December 19, 2025
Safari thrills and waterfront cuisine

-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.

Day 3 · December 20, 2025
Malay cooking at the V&A Waterfront

-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.

Day 4 · December 21, 2025
Bree street bites

-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.

Day 5 · December 22, 2025
Lion’s Head sunrise

-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?

Day 6 · December 23, 2025
Coasting through the canopies of Cape Town

-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.

Day 7 · December 24, 2025
Saying goodbye to the Mother City

-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!

Tour Price
USD 2,678
per person
Flexible payment plans available
16 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Culture, sightseeing, nature, outdoor adventures, food tours
Your local guide
Gems of Africa Safari & Tours offers unforgettable, curated experiences that showcase the best of Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife. From exhilarating safaris in the heart of national parks to cultural tours that dive into the continent's rich heritage, every journey is designed for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. With expert guides and personalized itineraries, you’ll explore Africa’s hidden gems in comfort and style, making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're after thrilling wildlife encounters or serene landscapes, Gems of Africa provides the perfect backdrop for your next great adventure.
Accommodation
Onomo Cape Town Foreshore (or similar according to availability)

Onomo Cape Town Foreshore is a modern 3-star hotel located in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling city center, offering easy access to the V&A Waterfront and local attractions. The hotel features sleek, contemporary rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a rooftop bar with stunning views of Table Mountain, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving international cuisine. The hotel is well-positioned for both business and leisure travelers, with excellent transport links, making it an ideal base for exploring Cape Town’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Included
  • 6 nights at Onomo Cape Town Foreshore (or similar)

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • 3 lunches (Day 2, 3, 4)

  • Welcome & farewell dinners (Days 1 & 6)

  • Private transfers throughout the itinerary

  • All activities and transportation described in the itinerary

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional activities & add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

  • Camera equipment

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Sep 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +3), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Sep 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +3) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Sep 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +3), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 645
2 spots left