Cape Town 2026

Some journeys feel special from the very first step, and this South African adventure was undoubtedly one of them. As guests gathered at London Heathrow Airport, anticipation quietly built for a journey that would combine world-class racing, fine wine, dramatic coastlines, and unforgettable wildlife.

Arriving in Cape Town on a warm January afternoon, the first Franschhoek extension group made their way through the airport before meeting their tour host and beginning the short but scenic transfer to Franschhoek. Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the charming Mont d’Or Franschhoek provided a perfect introduction to South Africa, offering boutique comfort within walking distance of galleries, cafés, and renowned restaurants. That evening, welcome drinks set the tone for the journey ahead, with an optional dinner at the much-loved French Connection offering a relaxed first taste of the region’s celebrated cuisine.

The following day embraced one of Franschhoek’s most iconic experiences: The Wine Tram. Moving at a leisurely pace through vineyards and mountain backdrops, guests enjoyed a hop-on, hop-off journey between estates, sampling exceptional wines and enjoying a lunch along the way. It was a day designed for indulgence, perfectly capturing the essence of the Winelands.

Tuesday brought a deeper exploration of the region, travelling over the scenic Helshoogte Pass to Stellenbosch. A guided walk revealed oak-lined streets, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and a rich cultural heritage, before the group continued to the beautiful Waterford Estate. Set against the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, the estate delivered not only outstanding wines but also panoramic views that made for an unforgettable lunch setting.

Midweek saw a seamless transition back to Cape Town, where the rest of the group began to arrive at the stylish Pepperclub Hotel, home for the next six nights. Perfectly located in the city centre, it provided both comfort and convenience, with its rooftop pool offering views towards the iconic Table Mountain. That evening, the group gathered for drinks, welcoming the new arrivals, followed by dinner, building excitement for the experiences ahead.

An early start the next morning took guests to the Milnerton Training Centre, where racehorses were put through their paces against the backdrop of the rising sun. Meeting trainers, including local expert Piet Botha, offered a fascinating insight into South Africa’s racing scene. Later that day, the pace shifted with a private yacht cruise along the Atlantic Seaboard, gliding past Sea Point and Camps Bay in the golden afternoon light.

Friday was supposed to deliver one of the most unique moments of the tour. On the shores near Cape Town, guests could watch racehorses stretch their legs along the beach, guided by leading trainer Justin Snaith. However, the deadly blue sea dragons took over the beach, and it's safe to say, you do not want to be standing on one of those! So, we skipped the potential poisoning and made our way to Boulders Bay, home to a famous colony of African penguins, offering a charming and distinctly South African wildlife encounter. That evening, a hosted dinner brought the group together in anticipation of the following day’s highlights.

Saturday was all about racing. At Kenilworth Racecourse, guests enjoyed one of Africa’s premier race days from an exclusive private box overlooking the finishing line. With hospitality flowing throughout the day and a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the track, it was a spectacular celebration of sport.

Sunday offered a more relaxed pace, giving guests the freedom to explore Cape Town at leisure. Some chose to take the cable car up Table Mountain, others wandered the lively V&A Waterfront, while many simply enjoyed the beaches of Camps Bay or a quiet afternoon by the pool.

On Monday, the journey returned to its wine-focused roots with a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak to the historic Constantia Winelands. Here, guests enjoyed further tastings at two estates, followed by a farewell lunch overlooking the valley, a fitting way to toast an exceptional week in Cape Town.

Even as the Cape Town chapter drew to a close, there was still more to come. A final morning included a visit to the Prestigious Drakenstein Stud, offering rare insight into South Africa’s thoroughbred breeding world. For some, the trip had come to an end, but for others, they continued to the airport for their Flight to Port Elizabeth. An overnight stay at The Beach Hotel provided a moment to pause by the ocean.

The final chapter unfolded at the stunning Pumba Game Reserve. Over two days, guests immersed themselves in the rhythms of the African bush, setting out on morning and evening drives in search of wildlife. From close encounters with iconic species to the tranquillity of the landscape itself, it was a deeply memorable and fitting finale. Evenings were spent sharing stories over dinner, reflecting on a journey that had delivered far more than expected.

Remember to hold onto your croissant, the monkeys will have them!

Too soon, it was time to return to Johannesburg and onward to London. As the aircraft touched down once more at Heathrow, guests departed with lasting memories of a journey that had seamlessly combined racing, wine, culture, and wilderness.

An experience that will live long in the memory.