ESSENTIAL SOUTH AFRICA

Day 1 Arrival in Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town, collect your hire car and self-drive to The Cellars Hohenhort. Located in the pretty suburb of Constantia, overlooking a vineyard, and with views of Table Mountain, the beautifully restored house offers 51 individually decorated rooms and suites, most opening out onto the gardens or featuring peninsula views. Guests can choose from two award-winning restaurants as well as having access to the spa, pool, gardens and tennis court.

Overnight: The Cellars Hohenhort

Day 2 Cape Town

This morning, make your way to the Table Mountain Cableway and take a glorious ride to the top of South Africa's most iconic landmark. Take your time as you stroll around the plateau, admiring the views over the city and seaboard as well as Signal Hill. Do not miss the friendly rock hyraxes, who like to bask on the rocks on a sunny day. Spend the afternoon exploring Cape Town at leisure or relaxing at your hotel, where easels and paint are available if you are feeling creative or bicycles if you need to work up an appetite before dinner.

Option: Spend the afternoon with expert foodie guide and storyteller, Rupesh. His stops include specially devised tastings and menus and include the colourful Malay Quarter of Bo-Kaap. Expect much more than your average 'pap and wors' with food traditions linked back to local culture.

Overnight: The Cellars Hohenhort

Day 3 Cape Town

Head down to the clocktower on the V&A Waterfront for your appointed time and board a scheduled ferry to Robben Island. After a brief voyage you will land on the infamous prison island that was 'home' to Nelson Mandela for almost two decades. You will be guided in a group around the island's key sights including the Lime Quarry and Maximum Security Prison, where many of South Africa's freedom fighters were incarcerated for years, and finally Nelson Mandela's own cell. Take the ferry back to the V&A Waterfront where there are plenty of options for lunch and perhaps an afternoon's shopping as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Overnight: The Cellars Hohenhort

Day 4 Cape Town

A day of pure indulgence awaits as you set out for a fully-guided tour of the Western Cape's beautiful winelands. You will be spoilt for choice in buzzing Stellenbosch and French-style Franschhoek, surrounded by world-class wineries and restaurants. The region's Cape Dutch-style farms produce all the noble and classic cultivars including superlative whites such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc, to intense Syrah, complex Pinot Noir and the famed Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. Your guide will take you on a tailored day of tastings and pairings before leaving you some free time to roam in the exquisitely pretty village of Franschhoek, its main street dotted with exclusive boutiques, gourmet restaurants and art galleries.

Overnight: The Cellars Hohenhort

Day 5 Cape Town - Sabi Sands

Self-drive to Cape Town Airport and drop-off your hire car before flying straight into the heart of the Sabi Sands. Here you will be met and transferred to Kirkman's Kamp. As you bump along the park's unmade roads, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, you will know you have arrived in the home of the Big 5. Colonial-style Kirkman's Kamp offers a cosy welcome in the wilderness, with just 12 cottages with private verandahs and nostalgic clawfoot baths. The historic 1920s homestead features an open fireplace and fascinating library as well as a spacious verandah where meals are often taken.

Overnight: Kirkman's Kamp

Day 6 - 7 Sabi Sands

Spend two full days enjoying scheduled game viewing activities with experienced safari guides from the camp. As well as game drives and bush walks, guests can cool off in the pool or enjoy a massage (at additional cost).

Option: For a truly exclusive safari experience you could consider hiring a private guide and vehicle, who can tailor game viewing to suit you. Alternatively, the included shared game drives are excellent, with a maximum of six people per vehicle.

Overnight: Kirkman's Kamp

Day 8 Departure

Transfer to Skukuza Airstrip and fly to Johannesburg for your onward arrangements.

Option: Extend your African adventure by flying on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for a couple of nights at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, overlooking the falls' spray.