3-Day Cape Winelands, Aquila Safari & Robben Island Private Tour

Discover Wine, Wildlife, and South African History

Experience the very best of Cape Town’s world-renowned wine regions, an unforgettable Big Five safari, and the historically significant Robben Island on this private 3-day guided tour.

Designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of what the Cape has to offer, this carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the award-winning wine estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek to the breathtaking Karoo landscapes of Aquila Private Game Reserve and the powerful history of South Africa’s apartheid era.

Travel in comfort with your own private driver-guide throughout, enjoying personalized experiences, flexible scheduling, and the local knowledge that makes a Paul Polano tour truly exceptional.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek
  • Wine tastings at award-winning Cape estates
  • Famous Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off experience
  • Big Five safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve
  • Open 4×4 safari game drive
  • Robben Island – Nelson Mandela’s former prison
  • Scenic Cape countryside and vineyard landscapes
  • Private vehicle and guide throughout
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off daily

What’s Included

  • Private tour guide and driver (English & French)
  • Private vehicle and fuel
  • Daily pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
  • Bottled water onboard
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off ticket
  • Entry to Franschhoek
  • Aquila Game Reserve entrance fees
  • Open 4×4 safari game drive at Aquila
  • Welcome drinks and buffet meal at Aquila
  • Robben Island return ferry ticket and museum entry

Exclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Meals (except Aquila buffet)
  • Wine tasting fees at estates
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Personal expenses

Tour Itinerary

Your Cape Winelands adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town before traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Western Cape into South Africa's most celebrated wine country. Along the route, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and winemaking traditions of the region.

Arrive in Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town and one of the country's premier wine-producing regions, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and a rich Cape Dutch architectural heritage. Enjoy a premium wine tasting experience at one of Stellenbosch's renowned estates, sampling expertly crafted wines while taking in panoramic vineyard views.

Continue to Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa, nestled in a breathtaking mountain valley. Enjoy free time for lunch in the charming village before boarding the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram for a unique hop-on hop-off wine adventure through the valley's celebrated estates.

End the day with an optional visit to Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate in Paarl for an artisanal wine and cheese pairing experience.

Highlights

  • Stellenbosch wine tasting experience
  • Cape Dutch architecture and vineyard scenery
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off
  • Franschhoek village lunch and exploration
  • Fairview wine and cheese pairing in Paarl

Today's adventure takes you from Cape Town through the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape and Karoo region to Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier Big Five game reserves located less than two hours from the city.

Upon arrival at Aquila, guests are welcomed with drinks and enjoy a delicious buffet meal at the lodge before preparing for the safari experience. Board a traditional open 4x4 safari vehicle and embark on a guided game drive through Aquila's 10,000-hectare wildlife reserve led by experienced field guides.

Search for Africa's famous Big Five, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, while also encountering giraffes, zebras, antelope species, ostriches, and a diverse range of birdlife throughout the reserve. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the animals, their behavior, and the conservation efforts of the reserve throughout the experience.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the Western Cape and Karoo
  • Welcome drinks and buffet meal at Aquila Lodge
  • Open 4x4 Big Five safari game drive
  • Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards
  • Giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife
  • Wildlife photography opportunities

Your final day begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where you will board the ferry to Robben Island for one of South Africa's most significant and moving historical experiences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site held Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners during the apartheid era and stands today as a powerful symbol of South Africa's struggle for freedom and democracy.

Explore the island with experienced Robben Island guides, including former political prisoners who provide deeply personal insights into the history of this remarkable place. Visit the maximum security prison, Nelson Mandela's former cell, and learn about the courage and resilience of those who were imprisoned here.

After returning from Robben Island, enjoy time at the vibrant V&A Waterfront before your guide returns you to your accommodation, concluding an exceptional 3-day Cape Town experience.

Highlights

  • Ferry crossing to Robben Island
  • Guided Robben Island Museum experience
  • Visit Nelson Mandela's former prison cell
  • Learn about South Africa's path to democracy
  • V&A Waterfront exploration

Important Information

  • A valid passport is required
  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for strollers or pets
  • Infant seats available on request
  • Infants may not sit on laps
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with heart or back conditions
  • Robben Island tours are weather-dependent
  • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
  • Pickup details will be confirmed prior to departure

Why Choose Paul Polano Tours

  • Personalized private multi-day touring experience
  • Professional multilingual guides (English & French)
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests
  • Comfortable private transport throughout
  • Authentic wine, wildlife, and history experiences
  • Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
From
$479.00
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Guests

2

Adults

Children

Total:

Guests

2

Adults

Children

Paul Polano Tours

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