11-Day South Africa | Big Five, Wine And Conservation Safari

A 11-Day South African safari combining the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), wine tasting, and conservation offers diverse experiences, often starting near Cape Town in reserves like Aquila or Inverdoorn for Big Five viewing and conservation focus, then moving to the Franschhoek winelands for gourmet food and wine, with options for luxury lodges or volunteer projects, blending wildlife adventure, luxury, and responsible tourism seamlessly.

This Trip with a Purpose visits locations that are committed to protecting endangered species and improving the quality of life for local residents. Definitely a good choice if you want your vacation money to go towards something meaningful.

On this 11-Day South Africa: Big Five, Wine And Conservation Safari, you will stay at two of the best lodges in the country: Marataba Mountain Lodge in Marakele National Park and Great Fish River Lodge in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Every spot that has never had a case of malaria displays its own distinct flora and fauna. Exciting wildlife watching and breathtaking vistas of the reserves’ beautiful surroundings are available on walking safaris and game drives. Guests at both locations have the rare chance to get involved in a variety of conservation projects spearheaded by dedicated groups of people. Their attempts to protect rhinos stand out.

Spend some time in the picturesque town of Franschhoek between your two safaris. The ‘gourmet capital’ of South Africa is famous for its charming architecture, stunning scenery, and world-class cuisine, wine, and art. You will have La Clé Lodge as your home base while exploring the Cape Winelands. No matter what your desires are—romance, adventure, quality family time, etc.—this 11-Day South Africa Big Five, Wine And Conservation Safari journey will fulfil them all. Indulge in the opulence of a safari vacation without sacrificing your ability to make a positive impact.

Why Is This a Trip with a Purpose?

Come to Marataba to help in the identification, tracking, and monitoring of megafauna, including cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and more. Help restore habitats by wire-barking certain trees to keep elephants from destroying them. You can get a sneak peek at what goes on all day and night long by helping us put up a camera trap.
The Kusasa Project has long-term backing from La Clé, who is also a foundation supporter. Their mission in the Franschhoek area is to help low-income children succeed in school by involving them in the formative years of their education. Having a delicious supper at La Clé, where the manager and chef, Mel Shepherd, uses ingredients from local farms within a 30-kilometer radius.
Experience flora rehabilitation firsthand at Kwandwe as you re-plant spekboom, a miraculous plant native to the Eastern Cape, during game drives and walking safaris. Help out at the vegetable garden, lead an afternoon homework club, read aloud to the pre-schoolers, or teach the teachers and staff how to use basic computer programs as a volunteer.

A Detailed 11-Day South Africa | Big Five, Wine And Conservation Safari

Day 1-5: Embark on Your First Safari Adventure | 4 Nights

South Africa, you are quite welcome! You will begin your tour in South Africa with a road transfer to your first safari destination when you meet your driver in Johannesburg.

Marataba Mountain Lodge is a stunning safari destination, situated only three and a half hours outside of Johannesburg. Your first four days on your educational, conservation-focused safari will be set against the breathtaking background of the Waterberg mountain range. Beyond the typical daily game drives, Marataba provides a distinct array of activities. Walk safaris are exhilarating, while river cruises are relaxing, perfect for birdwatchers.

Enjoy the lodge’s varied activities, but don’t forget to take a moment to relax in a shady area and take in the breathtaking scenery and wandering animals. Indulge in your meals while being pampered by the warm hospitality of the staff, all while basking in the shade provided by the famous Acacia trees of the bushveld. You would have gained a deeper appreciation for this reserve and its priceless animals after spending the day at Marataba. As night falls, gather around the fire and share tales of the day as you look up at the stars.

Stop by the remote village of Obakeng on one of your safari days to see the locals in action. Find out how the More Community Trust collaborates with locals to address a range of issues. Along with meeting the Induna (Village Chief), the tour stops at the Motshabaesi Primary School and the Itekeng Basha Crèche.
Continuing on to the diminutive Heuningvley Primary School, situated on Honingvlei Farm, the sole educational institution in the vicinity, which draws students from neighbouring farms up to fifty kilometres distant.

Day 5-7: Sojourn in the Cape Winelands! | 3 Nights

Visit the picturesque town of Franschhoek, a haven for foodies and wine enthusiasts, after an instructive safari at Marataba. La Clé Lodge, conveniently located within a short walk of the town core, provides an ideal home base from which to explore this stunning region of the country. Your visit will be one to remember thanks to the fantastic staff, especially the chef.

Franschhoek and its picturesque surroundings offer a wealth of activities. Visit prominent wineries to taste exquisite vintages. Indulge in a variety of restaurants that have won awards. Shop till you drop or peruse the many galleries housing priceless art collections. The Franschhoek Motor Museum has an impressive collection that car aficionados will love. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the numerous mountain paths, gardens, and the indigenous fynbos, which is unique to the Cape.

Your enjoyment of the town and its many attractions goes a long way towards helping the local residents rely on tourism for their livelihood. Spending at La Clé while on vacation will also help the Kusasa Project, which is a fantastic organisation. To make sure that local children have the chance to go to school, our program helps them raise money for school fees.

Day 8-10: End Off With a Luxurious Eastern Cape Safari | 3 Nights

Even after a fantastic time in the Winelands, you will long for the exotic safari atmosphere — the thrill of getting up before the sun comes up and going on a game drive in the cool morning. And finishing off your days in the bushveld with a sundowner while listening to the cicadas sing into the night sky and taking in the changing colours of the horizon. Returning to the wilderness is your last stop.

Your driver will be waiting for you in Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth), where you will take a short flight from Cape Town. The trip to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve will take about two hours. For the duration of your journey, Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge will serve as your temporary residence.

The lodge’s plush accommodations have everything you need for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy a refreshing dip in your own private plunge pool while gazing out over the Great Fish River from your spacious deck. Cosy up in the main lodge room on cold nights with a glass of wine from the extensive cellar and a blazing fire.

You can become involved with Kwandwe, a conservation pillar in the Eastern Cape. Keeping the rhino population safe from poaching and other dangers is Kwandwe’s top priority because the park is home to rhinos. Help keep them safe by taking part in monitoring, tracking, and other related activities. For an additional fee, guests can partake in a rhino conservation safari that delves further into larger-scale initiatives including micro-chipping, ear notching, and DNA gathering.

Kwandwe is a people who are really concerned about their neighbours and fellow citizens. The Kwandwe Reserve is home to the Mgcamabele Centre and the Ubunye pre-school, where you can find out more about the community’s support.

Day 11: Bid Farewell!

Before your driver returns you to Port Elizabeth International Airport for your flight home or the next stage of your safari trip, take a moment to enjoy your final morning in the peaceful Kwandwe. This experience will be one you will remember forever.

End of the 11-Day South Africa Safari

What’s Included?

10 nights accommodation
Meals:
Marataba Mountain Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
La Cle : Bed & Breakfast
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
Transfers as specified in the itinerary
Flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town
Flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
All transfers during your itinerary
24/7 assistance and support during your trip