From Cape Town: Cape Winelands with a Game drive

Traveling from Cape Town into the Western Cape’s renowned wine country often promises scenic views, delicious wines, and a touch of wildlife adventure. The Cape Winelands with a Game Drive tour from And Untamed Travel offers just that — a blend of viniculture, nature, and charming towns, tailored for those eager to enjoy South Africa’s vibrant countryside.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its versatility: you get a chance to indulge in wine tastings, enjoy a wildlife game drive, and explore the picturesque towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Plus, at an affordable price of just $66 per person, it’s a budget-conscious way to experience some of the most iconic spots in the region.

One thing to keep in mind is that some experiences — like the game drive and wine tram — are optional extras, which means additional costs. For travelers who prefer all-inclusive packages, this might be a consideration. Still, the tour strikes a good balance between guided experiences and flexible choices, making it ideal for those who want a taste of everything without feeling tied to rigid schedules.

This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious explorers eager to combine scenic beauty with wildlife spotting. If you’re after a full day that mixes culture, scenery, and light adventure, this trip offers plenty of value.

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Key Points

Affordable price point with a variety of experiences included
Flexible options for wine tastings and the tram ride
Wildlife sightings including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests during the game drive
Exploration of historic towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Highlights include wine tastings at Villiera Wine Estate and a scenic tram through Franschhoek
Duration around 8 hours, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

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Pickup and Departure from Cape Town

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups in Cape Town, which means less hassle for you and more time to enjoy the day. A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle whisks you out of the city, roughly 30 minutes to your first stop — Villiera Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Villiera Wine Estate: A Wine Lover’s First Stop

Arriving by 8:45 AM, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and the chance to sample four different glasses of wine. Reviewers often mention how the estate’s wine offerings are well-curated, with some noting the “excellent wine selection” as a highlight. The estate’s knowledgeable staff give insights into the wine-making process, making tasting both educational and enjoyable.

The Wildlife Game Drive

Post tasting, you can opt for a 2-hour game drive — at your own expense — which is a major selling point for this tour. Guests consistently mention the thrill of spotting animals like giraffes, zebras, kudu, and wildebeests. It’s a chance to connect with the wild side of South Africa, even if just for a brief period.

The drive is conducted via truck, offering open views perfect for wildlife photography. Expect to see quite a variety, including springboks, black wildebeests, waterbucks, and even a few elusive bush pigs. Reviewers note that guides are well-informed and enthusiastic, often pointing out interesting facts about the animals — a bonus if you’re into nature and photography.

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Lunch and Town Exploration in Stellenbosch

After the game drive, the tour proceeds through the vibrant town of Stellenbosch, famous for its oak-lined streets and historic Cape Dutch architecture. While lunch isn’t included, guides are happy to recommend nearby eateries, and it’s worth budgeting extra for a meal in this charming university town.

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Franschhoek and the Wine Tram Experience

The afternoon features a trip to Franschhoek, known as South Africa’s food and wine capital. Here, you may choose to hop onto the Franschhoek Wine Tram — an optional experience at your own expense — which offers a unique way to visit multiple wineries without the hassle of driving.

The tram is a popular way to explore, with reviews suggesting it’s a fun, relaxed way to enjoy the scenery and wine. The tour’s timing at around 1 PM allows for some flexibility — you can discuss with your guide about the best wineries to visit and where to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Final Stops and Return

The tour wraps up in the late afternoon, heading back to Cape Town with plenty of memories (and hopefully some wine bottles). The entire experience offers a mix of guided commentary, free time, and optional activities, making it adaptable to different preferences.

Transport, Flexibility, and Group Size

Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which adds to the day’s enjoyment and keeps travel fatigue at bay. The tour’s group sizes tend to be moderate, fostering a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, according to reviews.

The flexible booking includes a “Reserve & Pay Later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment — handy for planning your Cape Town itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and 1 bottled water per person. However, wine tasting fees and the tram tickets are extra, as well as lunch, which you’ll want to budget for separately.

Reviewers emphasize the importance of bringing cash, a credit card, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. The latter is most appreciated on those sunny South African days.

The Experience from the Reviews

Guests consistently appreciate the friendly guides and the smooth flow of the day. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was super knowledgeable and made the experience so much more enjoyable.” Others note that the wine tastings were excellent, with some comments about the varied wine selection and the quality of the estate visits.

The wildlife portion gets special mention — “Seeing giraffes and zebras in their natural habitat was a highlight,” one guest shared. The game drive’s value is enhanced by its authentic wildlife sightings, making the experience more than just a wine tour.

Some travelers wished the game drive were longer, but most agree that the mix of activities offers good value, especially given the price point. The flexibility to choose optional add-ons like the tram is also appreciated, allowing for a personalized day.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of wine, wildlife, and cultural exploration. It’s especially good for those keen on sampling quality wines, discovering historic towns, and experiencing South Africa’s rich natural scenery without committing to a multi-day or more expensive package.

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want a comprehensive taste of the Cape Winelands, this tour is an accessible option. It’s also ideal for first-timers who want an overview without the hassle of planning each element.

The Sum Up

The Cape Winelands with a Game Drive tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into South Africa’s famed wine region. By combining wine tastings, a wildlife adventure, and visits to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, it provides a memorable day that balances relaxation and discovery.

The affordability makes it attractive to many, especially those wanting to sample excellent wines without overspending. The wildlife sightings, particularly in the game drive, add a unique dimension that sets this tour apart from more typical wine-only excursions.

While optional extras like the tram and additional tastings cost extra, the overall experience is flexible and fulfilling. It’s best suited for curious, adventurous travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and are eager to explore South Africa’s scenic landscapes and lively towns.

If you’re after a day that mixes scenic beauty, wildlife, and wine at a reasonable price, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
This tour is great for most travelers but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, as the game drive and walking in towns require some mobility.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, cash, and a credit card are recommended to stay comfortable and prepared.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
No, wine tasting fees are not included and will be an additional cost, along with tram tickets if you choose to participate.

Can I participate in the tram experience?
Yes, the Franschhoek Wine Tram is an optional activity you can pay for separately, and guides can help you plan your visit.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour takes approximately 8 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is the wildlife drive at my own expense?
Yes, the 2-hour game drive is optional and paid separately, but it’s highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.

What animals could I see on the game drive?
Expect to see giraffes, zebras, kudu, wildebeests, springboks, and more, depending on the day’s sightings.

Can I customize my experience?
While the schedule is set, guides are happy to offer suggestions and help you tailor parts of the day, especially regarding winery visits and lunch options.

This tour provides an excellent way to get a taste of the Cape Winelands without breaking the bank. It blends wine, wildlife, and scenic town visits into a manageable, enjoyable day — perfect for curious travelers wanting to maximize their South African adventure.