South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful art in the world. It is the scene of a host of diverse and challenging contemporary artists producing important work. This tour includes the wonderful art of many South African artists as well as Mother Nature's wonderful artwork.

Click on the small thumbnails below to view the larger image:

Day 1        Cape Town to Grootbos Nature Reserve

We depart the beautiful city of Cape Town and head for the Grootbos Nature Reserve via the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. This beautiful, secluded garden is set between mountain and sea, in the heart of the Cape fynbos region and encompasses 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos garden and 190.5 hectares of pristine natural fynbos.  Situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest, the garden encompasses mountain slopes with their wind-clipped heathlands, deep gorges with relict forests, flats and marshes with restios, sedges and bulbs, as well as dunes adjacent to the beach with their specialised salt-adapted plants. 

Continue to the Grootbos Nature Reserve.

Overnight:    Grootbos Nature Reserve                Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 2        Grootbos Nature Reserve

Experience nature like never before. Let our expert guides introduce you to the wonders of the fynbos. Discover the fascinating relationship between the insects, birds, mammals and flowering plants of this diverse ecosystem. Smell the aromatic wild herbs, watch exquisite birds and be awed by the scenery that surrounds you.

Take a meandering path through an ancient Milkwood forest, where thousand-year-old trees send exploratory branches in search of sunlight, or visit one of the remnant Afromontane forests on the reserve. Young and old can explore this natural wonderland on foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle, or take a horse ride to enjoy views from the elevation of a comfortable saddle on a well-schooled horse or pony.

Overnight:    Grootbos Nature Reserve                Full Board & Nature Activities

Day 3        Grootbos Nature Reserve to Cape Town

In the morning after you have enjoyed breakfast, you are colleted at your hotel as transferred to Cape Town.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be taken to the Michaelis Art Collection - Situated in the hub of Cape Town on Greenmarket Square, this collection is housed in the former City Hall (the Old Town House) built in 1755 in Cape Rococo style. Donated by Sir Max Michaelis in 1914, it consists of a world-renowned selection of Nederlandish art from the seventeenth-century Golden Age. There are works by Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob Ruisdal, Anthony van Dyck and numerous others.

At the same time, view and buy some of the local textiles, arts and crafts exhibited on the square by local craftspeople.  Then we visit the SA National Art Gallery.  South Africa's premier art museum houses outstanding collections of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. Selections from the Permanent Collection change regularly to enable the museum to have a full programme of temporary exhibitions of paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture, beadwork, textiles and architecture. They provide insight into the extraordinary range of aesthetic production in this country, the African continent and further afield. This program is complemented by a range of temporary visiting exhibitions.

You are then taken to the lower cableway station on the slopes of Table Mountain. Weather permitting, ascend the mountain by aerial cable car (entrance fee included), and from a height of 1067 metres, view the city and Table Bay below, Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard as well as most of the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

Check in at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner.

Overnight:    The Vineyard Hotel                    Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 4        Cape Town

Today we spend time admiring Mother Nature’s Art when we follow one of the most scenic routes in the country to Cape Point through the Cape Point Nature Reserve.  On the way we visit the Natale Labia Art Gallery.  Muizenberg was once a seaside resort for the rich and famous and the “Millionaire’s Mile” of large stone houses along Main Road now forms part of a seaside museum walk incorporating the Natale Labia, which houses temporary and permanent collections of art works. 

The Kalk Bay Gallery, also on the Main Road, has original limited edition graphics, engravings, prints, African art and artefacts, encompassing the rituals and beliefs so prominent in African culture.

Simon’s Town is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa and home to some superb galleries with the Bronze Age Sculpture House hosting one of the finest exhibitions of bronze sculptures in South Africa as well as a complete working forge. Incorporating Albertyn's Stables Art Gallery and a bronze foundry which services many of the city's artists, this wharf-side institution is housed in a 200-year-old building originally used by a cartage company to stable horses and store carts.

Continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve where you will be taken to the best vantage point to view what is erroneously said to be the meeting place of two mighty oceans.  Lunch is included at the Two Oceans Restaurant. 

On the way back to the hotel, visit picturesque village of Hout Bay and the Sembach Gallery, which is housed in one (if not the) oldest restored cottages in the Cape.  The gallery maintains close working relationships with local artists such that work can be commissioned to fit with a particular décor. In the meantime, it overflows with an eclectic collection of all types of paintings, sculptures in bronze and stone, and artifacts in steel. It is guarded by a fearsome-looking dog fashioned from welded-together automotive components: everyone loves it!

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

This evening you will be collected at your hotel and taken to Pigalle Restaurant.  Pigalle owes its name to a vibrant square in Paris, which is famed for its night life, and its name is certainly appropriate, as the restaurant overlooks the nightly hustle and bustle of Somerset Road where a huge revival has put Greenpoint firmly on the map as the trendy area of town. Owners Victor and Naldo Goncalves have many successful years in the restaurant industry, and embraced the challenge of converting a huge old ice-rink into a stunning 300 seater restaurant which simply oozes glamour from every pore.  Much of the décor was shipped down from Johannesburg including the spectacular chandeliers which contrast superbly with the stark tubular pipes criss-crossing the enormous ceiling. Dramatic red and black upholstery and luxurious carpeting create an opulent décor, that is off-set by the simple white walls with eye-catching light displays. Certain feature walls have been painted a warm ruby red to create the perfect backdrop for the larger than life 30’s style prints, which add the finishing touches to the exciting interior. An impressive bar, handcrafted in rich dark wood, has plenty of seating for those enjoying a pre dinner drink, and offers a selection of speciality cocktails such as the Pigalle Petal (gin, rose syrup and litchi juice) as well as a variety of flavoured martinis.

Overnight:    The Vineyard Hotel                    Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 5        Cape Town & Winelands

As we leave Cape Town, we visit the Carmel Art Gallery situated in Claremont.  Carmel Art stocks a wide range of paintings by leading South African artists in a large variety of media and subjects. Contemporary Art is viewed in the Claremont Gallery, which has recently been expanded to become the largest contemporary art gallery in Cape Town.

We depart for Stellenbosch, the heart of the winelands of South Africa.  On the way we stop at Hazendal Wine Estate.  A visit to the Marvol Museum of Russian Art and Culture at Hazendal offers fascinating insight into our cosmopolitan roots.  A rate combination of Russian realist paintings, religious icons and Faberge eggs has found an unusual home beside the wine cellar in a chic gallery and jewellery showroom.  Enjoy a wine tasting at this wine estate.

Once in Stellenbosch, visit the SASOL Art Museum.  The SASOL Art Museum opened in 1991 after the Dutch Neo-classicist building of 1907 (previously the Bloemhof School) was restored and restructured with the aid of a substantial grant from Sasol.  This museum is run by the University of Stellenbosch and houses a collection of historical works by Cape artists as well as temporary curated and solo exhibitions.

Lunch is included at Volkskombuis - De Volkskombuis Restaurant in Stellenbosch, specialises in traditional Cape cuisine, in authentic Cape Dutch surroundings. Established in 1977, this restaurant became well known for their excellent cuisine with a comprehensive selection of fine wines from an award-winning winelist.

Check in at The Lanzerac Hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:    Lanzerac Hotel & Spa                    Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 6        Stellenbosch

We spend the day viewing spectacular art-pieces and tasting great wine!  After being collected from your hotel we travel to Glen Carlou.  Glen Carlou’s custom-designed cellar features an open-plan inner arena where visitors have the opportunity to gain insight into the vintner’s art. To delight the eye, our attractive, wood-beamed tasting room offers panoramic views of the Paarl Valley and the Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. To reward the palate, a variety of memorable wines can be savoured. 

Also visit the Hess Art Collection at Glen Carlou.  Building on the considerable success of his art gallery at the Hess Collection in Napa, California, Donald M. Hess, renowned New World wine producer and art collector, has also established a magnificent exhibition space at Glen Carlou. Our maiden exhibition has featured the impressive works of Andy Goldsworthy and the South African-born Deryck Healey. Representative works from Healey’s portfolio will be on permanent display.  Art lovers will also have the opportunity to view, and get acquainted with the works of another world-famous artist: Ouattara Watts.

Thereafter, visit the Eaglevlei Estate and Art Foundation.  With breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Stellenbosch range, the Stellenbosch wine estate has been transformed from a mere shell into a thriving tourist destination! The estate's art gallery houses works by famous artists including Steve Kaufman, Andy Warhol's understudy. The Arts Foundation, an art school for township children from the surrounding area, also finds its base at Eaglevlei. Art created by the students will be showcased and sold there. One hundred per cent of the money raised will be ploughed back into the education of the children.

The final stop for today, where we will enjoy a late lunch, is the Seidelberg Wine Estate.  Award-winning wines, hearty meals in our relaxed restaurant, spectacular views and live Venetian-style glass blowing at  Red Hot Glass, where visitors can watch owners David Jackson and Liz Lacey and their staff make gorgeous Venetian bowls and vases in bright, swirling colors.

Seidelberg Estate has been preparing a welcome for you for over 300 years, so take a step back in time - come and pamper your senses with one of the Winelands` most memorable experiences. 

Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon and the evening is spent at leisure.

Overnight:     Lanzerac Hotel & Spa                    Lunch, Bed & Breakfast

Day 7        Stellenbosch to Franschhoek

We depart Stellenbosch for Franschhoek and visit the French Huguenot Museum - the theme of the Huguenot Museum in Franschhoek is the history of the Huguenots before and after their arrival at the Cape of Good Hope. The museum contains a large variety of furniture, bibles, silver ware, kitchen utensils, documents, relics and artifacts, which illustrate the life of the Huguenots in the area.

Thereafter visit the African Art Gallery - For the African Art Collector a big selection of authentic pieces also a wide variety of clothing, curios and giftware, ethnic and African jewellery.

Lunch is included at Monneaux Restaurant. Situated at the famous Franschhoek Country House, the Monneaux Restaurant serves an inspired fusion of Western & Eastern Influences.  Lunches are served under a spreading pepper tree on the magnificent fountain terrace.

In the afternoon we visit the David Walters Studio.  Roubaix House Gallery is the home, studio and gallery of distinguished South African potter, David Walters. Starting his career with a Fine Arts Degree in 1974, David's first studio was in Hilton, Natal. This was followed in the 1980's by a bigger stdio at Caversham Mill where he and his wife Michelle were the founders and driving force behind the Midlands Meander. In 1987 the family moved to England and set up studio in a restored Baptist Chapel in Kenninghall, Norfolk. Returning to South Africa in 1998, David and Michelle bought and renovated Roubaix House situated in the historic heart of the village of Franschhoek.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight:    Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa                Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 8        Franschhoek to Bushmanskloof

After you have enjoyed breakfast, we depart the beautiful village of Franschhoek we head for Bushmanskloof. 

Check in at the lodge and enjoy lodge activities.

Overnight:    Bushmanskloof                    Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 9        Bushmanskloof

Enjoy lodge activities:

SUNSET NATURE DRIVE

Ride in a game viewing vehicle with your ranger to explore the wilderness reserve in all its diversity. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes, the wonderful plant life and get close to some of the Cape’s rarest and most endangered species. Sundowner drinks and snacks are served at a scenic spot during the drive.

EARLY MORNING ROCK ART EXCURSION

With over 130 rock art sites, Bushmans Kloof represents one of the most densely painted rock art areas in South Africa. A glorious morning drive and a short hike through the aromatic fynbos leads you to secret caves where your ranger will provide insight into the ancient lost culture of the San and their fascinating spirit world.

Enjoy a scrumptious Bush Breakfast next to a cascading waterfall and drink in the sight of a myriad wildlife together with your cup of delicious steaming hot chocolate.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

·    Satisfy your adventurous side with a nature hike, mountain biking, canoeing, or swimming in crystal clear rock pools.

·    Fly-fishing at the main dam, or opt for a day excursion to the Biedouw River to challenge the famous Clanwilliam Yellow Fish on a catch-and-release basis.

·    Try your hand at archery or the genteel pastime of croquet on the lawns.

·    In the Heritage Centre, there is a collection of San artefacts, and this is where the rangers hold specialised talks on interesting aspects of the reserve and the Cederberg Wilderness Area.

Overnight:    Bushmanskloof                    Full Board & Activities

Day 10        Cape Town to Madikwe Game Reserve via Johannesburg

Early this morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.  Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, connect to a flight to the Madikwe Game Reserve.

The Mateya Safari Lodge is situated in the spectacular 75,000 hectare Malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

The reserve is characterized by extensive plains which slope in a north-easterly and easterly direction towards the Marico River. The Dwarsberg Mountain Range forms the reserve’s southern boundary, and the Tweedepoort Escarpment forms the dividing line between the reserve’s northern and southern sections, rising to 1328m at Tshwene-Tshwene.   The Madikwe Reserve is located in a Malaria-free area of the North West Province.

Lingering flavours of the palate may be sampled from the extensive assortment of wines housed in the cool atmosphere of the Mateya Cellar.  An impressive collection of both esteemed local and rare French wines and champagnes make up the cellar’s 8 000 bottles of indulgence that lie chaste, waiting to be hand picked by Mateya guests as an accompaniment to their dining. Our brandy and cigar corner is the perfect conclusion to a pristine Mateya dining experience.

Overnight:     Mateya Safari Lodge                    Full Board & Game Activity

Day 11        Madikwe Game Reserve

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast.

It was Simonides who said, "Painting is silent poetry.” Today, taking a stroll through the lodge, guests can marvel at one of the world’s finest collections of African art, embodying the spirit of the continent and reflecting a plethora of cultures and artistic traditions.

Exhibiting a range of techniques, from majestic oils to life-size bronze sculptures, each piece in the Mateya collection has been individually selected for its unique and enduring appeal.

An artist experiences the world through emotions and thoughts that once rendered inspire others to feel and think in new ways. Sitting in the plush comfort of the lounge, recounting the day’s wildlife excursion, glinting in the corner of your eye the sculpture of a lioness taking a leaping impala might hint at tomorrow’s promise, and suddenly a twinkle of excitement dances in your smile.

Enjoy all the activities that the lodge has to offer.

Overnight:    Mateya Safari Lodge                    Full Board & 2 Game Activities

Day 12         Madikwe Game Reserve

Guests to the lodge are assured the thrill of encountering the Super 7 – Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Rhino (Black and White) and Wild Dog, in addition to which, the Madikwe Reserve boasts among the best array of plains game on the continent and over 350 species of birds.

Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you can venture on game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles, or track on guided walking safaris through the reserve. Each excursion will be planned around guests’ specific interests, thereby ensuring you enjoy the full value of fulfilling your ideal safari experience.

Game Drive

Tackling the African bush in custom-built 4x4 game drive vehicles offers guests the thrill of getting close to game and tracking over vast distances. With a maximum of four guests per drive each guest is assured the personal care and attention of our rangers who will introduce you to the intricate and wonderful features of the reserve.

Bush Walks

The Xoi San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari were considered to be masters in the art of tracking. Specialist rangers and trackers at Mateya offer you a similar experience, opening the door onto a unique wildlife encounter. You will have the pleasure and thrill of viewing animals close up, as well as have a better understanding of how nature works in perfect harmony to sustain the delicate ecosystem that continues to thrive at Mateya. Coupled with the physical journey, our rangers will also enlighten you with the cultural heritage of tracking, as passed down over the centuries through the rich aural tradition of African Folk Lore.

Overnight:     Mateya Safari Lodge                    Full Board & 2 Game Activities

Day 13        A fond farewell…

Today we wish you a fond farewell as you are collected from your lodge and transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg.  We hope you take many memories of a great visit to South Africa as you board your homeward flight…

*** End of Services ***

Please contact us for detailed pricing on info@ikapa.co.za

Includes

Accommodation in standard rooms or similar.

Meals as stated in itinerary

Transfers as stated in itinerary

Sightseeing and excursions as stated

Welcome Pack

Excludes

All flights & taxes

All visas and passport documentation

All other meals

All other sightseeing

All other items other then stated in the above

The Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in a malaria-free area.