Enquiries and bookings for this itinerary are handled exclusively by TravelHouse Africa. Their team will tailor every detail to your preferences.
Cape Town
4 Nights
Labotessa
Winelands
3 Nights
Leeu Estates
Madikwe
3 Nights
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
Itinerary overview
From the charm of Cape Town’s streets to the vineyards of the Winelands, and finally into the wild heart of Madikwe, this journey traces the full spectrum of South Africa’s magic.
Ten nights unfold across three worlds: the elegance of Labotessa, the quiet indulgence of Leeu Estates in the Winelands, and the raw beauty of Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, where the a breathtaking safari awaits. A journey built to experience South Africa’s highlights, and combine them with culinary delights in each destination.
Your journey begins
Day 1 - 5
Cape town
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Cape Town’s fine dining scene rivals the world’s best, with tasting menus that showcase the Cape’s abundance through a distinctly refined lens.
Expect intimate rooms with harbour or mountain views, sommelier-led wine pairings drawn from the Constantia valley and beyond, and chefs reinterpreting Cape Malay heritage and Atlantic seafood into elegant, multi-course experiences. Labotessa’s boutique setting offers the perfect quiet retreat between evenings spent at the city’s most celebrated tables.
Day 5 - 8
winelands
Leeu Estates
The Winelands are as much a culinary destination as a wine one, with Franschhoek’s fine dining scene drawing chefs and gourmands from across the country. Leeu Estates sits at the heart of it, its own acclaimed restaurant pairing refined, ingredient-driven menus with the estate’s celebrated cellar.
Days here are built around the table: long, unhurried lunches on vine-shaded terraces, private tastings paired with seasonal tasting menus, and evenings spent at the village’s most sought-after restaurants, all within an easy stroll of one of South Africa’s most beautiful wine estates.
Why we recommend
- Michelin Key destination and ranked 3rd Best Hotel in Southern and Eastern Africa in the 2025 Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards.
- Set within 78 hectares of working vineyards, landscaped gardens, and indigenous fynbos in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, the estate is centred around a meticulously restored 19th-century Manor House.
- Home to La Petite Colombe, the Franschhoek sister restaurant of the world-renowned La Colombe, one of South Africa’s most celebrated fine dining experiences.
- Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary cellar tour and tasting of Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines, one of South Africa’s most highly regarded boutique wine producers, available directly on the estate.
- A complimentary shuttle service is provided into the village of Franschhoek, widely regarded as South Africa’s culinary capital, and located just a few minutes from the estate’s gates.
Day 8 - 11
madikwe
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
Jamala created their signature “Sofa Safari” which lets you watch elephants and lions at the waterhole from the comfort of the lodge deck, drink in hand. Dinners are served beneath the stars, with cuisine that blends modern technique and colonial grace, while leisurely brunches and high teas fill the hours between drives. Thrilling encounters, unhurried indulgence, an intimate safari in the South African Wilderness.
Why we recommend
- Madikwe is South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destination.
- Small, intimate and owner-managed and run!
- Chef and General Manager Nico Verster has played a pivotal role in establishing Jamala’s reputation for exceptional cuisine. His innovative culinary creations have earned the property numerous accolades, while his expertise has also been showcased through the publication of two highly successful cookbooks.
- Sofa safari! Experience exceptional game viewing from the comfort of your couch. Jamala has a very active waterhole that’s situated mere meters in front of the lodge.
End of your journey
cape town
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Day 1 - 5
winelands
Leeu Estates
Day 5 - 8
madikwe
Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge
Day 8 - 11
Labotessa’s enquiries are expertly managed by TravelHouse Africa, a boutique inbound tour operator based in Cape Town. For years they have specialised in crafting bespoke journeys across Southern and East Africa, from private safaris and honeymoons to tailor-made stays in Cape Town’s most distinctive properties like Labotessa.
Their close, personal relationships with lodge owners, general managers and guides mean they can secure the right suite, often the best rate, and the small touches that make a stay memorable.
Handling your enquiry through TravelHouse Africa means it lands with a team who lives and breathes Southern and East Africa, from the Cape winelands to the safari lodges of the Kruger, the Okavango and beyond, and who can weave your stay at Labotessa into a wider journey across the continent, should you wish to explore further afield.
Enquire below and their team will be in touch within 24 hours. Their services are without addidonal costs to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
A visit can be enjoyed throughout the year, as the two destinations experience opposite rainy seasons. However, the period from March until the end of October is generally regarded as the optimum time to experience Madikwe at its best.
Only South Africa included here. For details on entry requirements check here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas
In South Africa, payments are generally made either in South African Rand (ZAR) or by credit card. It is advisable to exchange a small amount of currency into Rand upon arrival, to cover any immediate expenses and avoid inconvenience at the airport or shortly thereafter. Alternatively, Rand can be withdrawn easily from ATMs throughout the country.
Credit cards are widely accepted and can be used securely in most establishments. However, as American Express is not universally accepted, travelling with a Visa or Mastercard is recommended for greater convenience.
This itinerary can be tailored with ease to extend or shorten stays, substitute properties with suitable alternatives, or accommodate specific preferences. The sequence of destinations may also be reversed, offering additional flexibility to suit individual travel plans.
Safari accommodation is typically booked much further in advance than conventional city or beach holidays. As such, we recommend securing reservations at least six to eight months ahead of travel. This is particularly important as the properties featured are intimate in scale, and offer limited availability.
Payment is required in advance, and may be made by either credit card or bank transfer. A deposit is required to confirm and secure all reservations, with the remaining balance payable no later than 60 days prior to travel.
Transport arrangements can be tailored to your preferences, ranging from private chauffeur-driven transfers for a seamless travel experience, to self-drive rental cars for greater flexibility and independence. Within the cities, Uber is widely available, reliable, and cost-effective. Most private safari lodges are accessed either by road transfer or by light aircraft to a nearby bush airstrip, with the latter often proving both the most efficient option and a memorable highlight of the journey. All transport arrangements are seamlessly incorporated into your itinerary, and managed on your behalf.
In Partnership With TravelHouse Africa
Ready to Start Planning?
You will be redirected to TravelHouse Africa to complete your enquiry