St Helena, Cape Town, and South African Winelands

Duration
19 Days
Price from
$4,725 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
Cape Town longshot South Africa min

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the remote island of St Helena
  • Spot endemic wildlife
  • Hike dramatic volcanic landscapes

What's Included

  • Guided tours of St Helena
  • Wildlife excursions
  • Scenic hikes across St Helena

Our specialists say:

This is a trip for the curious — for travellers who want to get far off the beaten track, walk through history, and explore landscapes few others ever reach.

At its heart of this trip is the remarkable island of St Helena — one of the most remote places on Earth, now accessible by a single weekly flight. St Helena’s rich history is brought to life as you trace the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled here in 1815 and spent his final years on the island. You’ll also visit the infamous Longwood House, Napoleon’s residence, and his tomb. But the island isn’t just about history. The adventure side is equally captivating. You can snorkel with whale sharks, hike volcanic ridges, and meet locals known as “Saints” who are proud to share stories of their unique way of life. As Far and Wild specialist Tamara put it after her recent visit:“I was blown away not just by the island’s history, but by the sense of adventure — snorkelling with whale sharks was unforgettable. And of course, meeting Jonathan, the world’s oldest giant tortoise, was a real highlight.”

Before and after your island adventure, enjoy time in South Africa. Explore Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, including the historical Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and take a scenic drive through the Cape Peninsula. Then head to the Winelands to experience some of the world’s best vineyards on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, blending history, nature and a wine lover’s paradise.

It’s a journey full of contrast — combining history, nature, city life and wine.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Cape Town

Ridgemore villa cape town south africa swimming pool

Land in Cape Town this morning where a local representative will be waiting to help you through immigration and baggage collection before passing you on to a driver for the trip into the city where you will be spending the night at the Ridgemor Villa Guest House. The day is yours to do as you please, but if you would like then we can help to arrange a guide to take you around Cape Town or the nearby winelands and tell you more about the area.

Day 2 To St Helena

Staying at Mantis St Helena

You will be collected early this morning and transferred back to the airport to catch the weekly service to St Helena, which includes a refuelling stop in Walvis Bay along the way. Land in the afternoon and complete immigration formalities before being met and transferred in to Jamestown where you will be spending the next 7 nights at Mantis St Helena.

Day 3 St Helena

Day 4 St Helena

Day 5 St Helena

Day 6 St Helena

Day 7 St Helena

Day 8 St Helena

Day 9 Back to Cape Town

Day 10 The attractions of Cape Town

Day 11 Exploring the Cape Peninsula

Day 12 Cape Town free day

Day 13 Off to Franschhoek

Day 14 The Franschhoek Wine Tram

Day 15 Franschhoek free day

Day 16 Driving to Hermanus

Day 17 Whale watching opportunities

Day 18 South African countryside

Day 19 Heading home

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When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.