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The Cape Adventure
An Exclusive Journey of Action, Exploration & Luxury
12 Days | Cape & West Coast | Cederberg | Winelands | Whale Coast | Sabi Sabi  Safari

Elite Inspection Tour — Cape to Safari

An Exclusive Journey For Platinum Travel Agents
9 Days | Cape Town | Grootbos | Franschhoek | Johannesburg | Safari
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Elite Inspection Tour — South Africa: Cape to Safari

See it. Sell it. Close it. Nine Days to Master South Africa for your  Top Clients.

This is an invitation‑only, 8‑night, 9 day inspection tour for Russian Express's top agents. Over nine focused days you will see, compare and evaluate the exact premium products your wealthiest clients will buy: Cape Town’s ocean‑front boutique hotels and Cape Peninsula; coastal conservation and luxury at Grootbos; two contrasting Winelands estates (Stellenbosch – Lanzerac, and Franschhoek); a night in Johannesburg to assess transit/business product at Four Seasons The Westcliff; and a practical, malaria‑free 4+* safari lodge for real game‑viewing and sales training.

 

This trip is practical, efficient and uncompromising: no fluff, no sightseeing for its own sake — only firsthand experience, clear selling points, direct contacts and workable itinerary modules you can sell immediately to UHNW, family and corporate clients.

Journey  Outline

Inspection Tour: Russian Express & Visitors to Africa – Cape Town, Grootbos, Franschhoek, Johannesburg, Safari

 

This is not a standard promotional trip.

It is an 9-day inspection tour designed for Russian Express partners who work with affluent and VIP clients.

 

The goal is clear:
to show you the core South African products for the premium segment, so you can recommend the country with confidence to demanding clients.

 

The program includes:

  • Cape Town – stay at one of the most impressive boutique hotels on the ocean.

  • Grootbos (Hermanus area) – nature, ocean, “sustainable luxury” concept, villas and lodge product.

  • Franschhoek – wine valley, high‑end wine estates, gastronomy.

  • Johannesburg – stay at Four Seasons The Westcliff, giving you a clear idea of the city for short transit stays and business clients.

  • Private Safari Lodge – a malaria‑free, 4+ star lodge, one of Visitors to Africa’s preferred properties, selected for this trip because of logistical ease and time constraints. It gives you a practical understanding of how a quality safari product works in a short itinerary.

 

During the trip you will:

  • See different types of premium accommodation: boutique, wine estates, city hotel, resort, safari lodge.

  • Understand how to combine Cape Town, Coast, Wine Region, Johannesburg, Sun City and Safari in one itinerary.

  • Get a clear view of which client types each module suits best:
    – wealthy families,
    – couples,
    – corporate groups,
    – UHNW clients,
    – transit and mixed itineraries.

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Please note:
For this inspection tour we use one of our favourite, reliable, malaria‑free 4+ star lodges for maximum efficiency and comfort. Visitors to Africa also works with many other safari lodges and camps across Southern Africa, from 4* to top‑tier ultra‑luxury, which we can offer your clients depending on their budget and preferences.

 

After the tour you will:

  • Be able to confidently sell South Africa to your key clients;

  • Rely on your own first‑hand experience, not only brochures;

  • Have working contacts with Visitors To Africa

Key Highlights of the Inspection Tour

  • Duration: 9 days on the ground (core program below is 8 nights; one extra night can be added in Franschhoek or on safari if required).

  • Target: Russian Express partners working with affluent / VIP / UHNW clients.

  • Format: Small, invitation‑only inspection trip.

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What participants will see:

  1. Cape Town (3 nights)

    • Ocean‑front boutique hotel at top level.

    • City overview and full Cape Peninsula route.

  2. Grootbos, Hermanus area (1 night)

    • Coastal nature reserve, ocean views, “sustainable luxury” lodge.

    • Good example of a nature product for families and couples.

    • Whale Coast

  3. Franschhoek – Winelands (1 night)

    • High‑end wine estate accommodation.

    • Cellar Tours, Wine Tasting and History.

  4. Johannesburg (1 night)

    • Stay at Four Seasons The Westcliff.

    • Clear understanding of Johannesburg as a transit / business / short‑stay option.

  5. Private Safari Lodge (2 nights)

    • Malaria‑free, 4+ star lodge, one of Visitors to Africa’s preferred and tested properties.

    • Multiple game drives, product briefing on how to sell safari.

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What participants gain:

  • Personal experience of boutique, wine estate, city hotel and safari lodge formats.

  • A clear model of how to combine Cape, Coast, Wine, Johannesburg and Safari in one trip.

  • Understanding of which client profiles each element suits best (families, couples, corporate, UHNW, transit).

  • Direct contacts and working schemes with Visitors to Africa for future bookings.

Hotel Choice Return

Saturday: Day 1
Arrival in Cape Town & First Orientation

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met airside by John Sparks, Oksana and your Russian‑speaking personal guide. After assistance with formalities, you’ll transfer in a private vehicle to your chosen hotel and check in.

 

The first part of the day is left free to rest after the long flight. For those who wish, we can arrange an optional boat trip to Seal Island, home to thousands of Cape fur seals, to give a first impression of the Atlantic coast and marine life.

 

In the evening, we gather for a private dinner at the hotel. John & Oksana will give a short, practical briefing on the week ahead: key locations, logistics, and what to focus on from a sales and product point of view.

 

Sunday: Day 2

Cape Peninsula: From Two Oceans to Penguins

Morning

​​After breakfast, your Russian‑speaking guide will meet you at the hotel for a full‑day Cape Peninsula Tour.

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  • Chapman’s Peak & Noordhoek
    Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak (weather permitting), with a stop in Noordhoek, known for its long beach and relaxed village atmosphere.

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  • Scarborough & Misty Cliffs
    Continue along the Atlantic coastline through Scarborough and Misty Cliffs. When tides and conditions allow, there is an opportunity to harvest fresh mussels from the rocks – a simple, authentic experience you can later reference to your clients.

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  • Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point
    Enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Take the funicular up to the Cape Point lighthouse and walk short view‑points. Photo stops at the Cape of Good Hope sign and surrounding viewpoints.

 

Lunch

Lunch at a restaurant inside or near the reserve, with time to discuss how to position the Peninsula day for different client types (families, couples, groups).

 

Afternoon

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  • Boulders Beach 
    Visit Boulders Beach to see the African Penguin colony from boardwalk view‑points. For those who wish and if time/conditions allow, there is the option to swim in the Indian Ocean near the penguins – often after seeing the Atlantic in the morning.

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  • Muizenberg & Kalk Bay
    Drive through Muizenberg, known for its surf beach and colourful huts, then continue to Kalk Bay, a small working harbour and popular local dining area.

 

Evening

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  • Dinner at Harbour House, Kalk Bay – one of Cape Town’s most popular seafood restaurants with strong local following.

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  • After dinner, private transfer back to your hotel.

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Monday: Day 3

Exploring Cape Town: Foot, Land & Air

Return to Table Mountain

Morning

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from the hotel.

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  • Atlantic Seaboard Drive
    Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard, passing through Hout Bay and over Suikerbossie, with viewpoints over Llandudno, Camps Bay, Clifton and the Twelve Apostles – one of the most scenic urban coastlines in the world.

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  • Table Mountain
    Take the aerial cable car up Table Mountain (weather permitting). Short walk on top and time for photos with 360‑degree views over the city, harbour and both oceans.

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Lunch
Lunch at one of the iconic beachfront restaurants on the Camps Bay Boulevard, with views over the palm‑lined beach.

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Afternoon
After lunch, a short walk on Camps Bay beach for those who wish.

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Then transfer to the V&A Waterfront for a Two Oceans helicopter flight:

  • Scenic flight along Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay and Clifton,

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Return to the hotel in the late afternoon / early evening.

 

Tuesday: Day 4

Cape Town → Whale Coast → Grootbos

Morning


After breakfast, check‑out and depart Cape Town along the False Bay coastline.

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  • Constantia - Muizenberg
    Short drive through Muizenberg, known for its surf culture and colourful beach huts, then along the bay past Fish Hoek and other coastal suburbs.

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  • Somerset West – Cheetah Encounter
    Continue to the Somerset West area for a cheetah encounter at a recognised facility, giving an up‑close view of these animals and the conservation work around them.

 

Late Morning / Midday 
From Somerset West, join the coastal road towards Hermanus – one of the most scenic routes in the region, with:

  • Panoramic views over False Bay and back towards the Cape Peninsula,

  • A short stop in the Cape Hangklip area for the story of the “other side” of the bay.

 

On the way, time‑permitting, we can visit a second, lesser‑known penguin colony – rarely included in standard tourist routes.

 

Afternoon – Arrival in Hermanus & Grootbos

Continue past Hermanus and on to Grootbos, set in the fynbos above Walker Bay.

  • Check‑in and lodge orientation.

  • Introduction to the fynbos ecosystem and coastal landscape.

If time and weather allow, late afternoon 4x4 excursion to “Sopies Klip” or a similar viewpoint in the reserve for sundowners on pristine white dunes and beach.

 

Evening – Dinner at Grootbos

Dinner at the lodge is a full experience in itself, showcasing local products, wines and the Grootbos approach to sustainable luxury.

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Wednesday: Day 5

Grootbos / Hermanus → Franschhoek: Wine & Farmland Heritage

Morning – Walker Bay & Departure
Leisurely breakfast overlooking Walker Bay, home to Southern Right whales in season (June–September). Outside these months the bay is calm, but it remains one of the most beautiful coastal vistas in South Africa.

 

Check‑out and depart towards the Winelands.

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Scenic Drive via Farmlands & Passes
Drive through some of the most productive farmlands in the Western Cape – orchards, vineyards and grain fields between mountain ranges – before ascending into the Franschhoek Pass, with panoramic views over the valley.

Short photo stops en route to show how easily coast and wine country can be combined in one itinerary.

 

Lunch – Wine Estate in Franschhoek
Arrive in Franschhoek, the historic French Huguenot valley.

 

Lunch at a selected wine estate, with:

  • Estate orientation and short cellar visit,

  • Tasting of key wines,

  • Practical notes on how to position Franschhoek for gourmet, honeymoon and UHNW clients.

 

Afternoon – Estate Visit & Check‑In
Afternoon visit to a renowned Franschhoek estate (e.g. Haute Cabrière) to experience a second style of winery and tasting.

 

Afterwards, check‑in at your Franschhoek accommodation (e.g. La Residence or chosen estate), followed by some time at leisure to explore the village or relax on the property.

 

Dinner either on the estate or at a recommended Franschhoek restaurant.

 

Thursday: Day 6

Franschhoek → Stellenbosch (Lanzerac) → Johannesburg (Four Seasons)

Morning – Franschhoek to Boschendal
After breakfast, check‑out and depart Franschhoek towards Stellenbosch.

 

First stop is Boschendal, one of the Cape’s oldest wine farms:

  • Short estate orientation: historic werf (farmyard), gardens, and cottage product,

  • Focus on how to use Boschendal in programmes for families and guests looking

       for space, nature and farm activities.

 

Late Morning – Rustenberg Wine Estate
Continue to Rustenberg, a classic Stellenbosch wine estate:

  • Introduction to the property and its history,

  • Full cellar tour and tasting of a selection of key wines,

  • Discussion on how to differentiate Stellenbosch from Franschhoek in your client offers (history, university town, classic vs boutique feel).

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Lunch & Site Inspection – Lanzerac
Arrive at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, one of South Africa’s most iconic wine‑estate hotels.

  • Guided property tour (rooms, suites, spa, restaurants),

  • Lunch at Lanzerac, with a focus on:

    • typical client profiles for this estate,

    • length of stay,

    • seasonal patterns.

 

This visit gives a clear, practical view of a full‑service, historic 5‑star wine estate product.

 

Late Afternoon – Flight to Johannesburg
After lunch, transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg (approx. 2 hours).

On arrival in Johannesburg, private transfer to Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff:

  • Check‑in and short orientation of the property,

  • Time to take in the views over the green suburbs and city skyline.

 

Evening – Four Seasons Experience
Dinner at the hotel, with a short discussion on:

  • How to use Johannesburg as a transit stop (1 night),

  • When a 2–3 night Johannesburg stay makes sense for business, culture

        or shopping clients.

 

Overnight at Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg.

 

Friday: Day 7

Johannesburg → Safari Lodge (via Sun City option)

Morning – Transfer to Safari Region
After breakfast, check‑out from Four Seasons The Westcliff and depart Johannesburg by private vehicle for your approx. 5‑hour transfer to the safari area.

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This overland leg is intentional: it gives a real sense of South Africa’s interior landscape – open farmland, changing vegetation and rural settlements – which you cannot see from the air.

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Optional En‑Route Stop – The Palace of the Lost City
Depending on timing, make a 90‑minute stop at Sun City for:

  • Site inspection of The Palace of the Lost City,

  • Short orientation of the resort facilities,

  • Light lunch or coffee break on property.

 

This allows you to understand how Sun City fits into family programmes, and how it can be combined with safari.

 

Note: For time‑sensitive or higher‑budget clients, this leg can also be operated by private aircraft directly to the safari airstrip. On this trip we use the road option for training and landscape exposure.

Late Afternoon – Arrival at Safari Lodge & First Game Drive
Arrive at Jacqui’s Lodge (or chosen malaria‑free 4+* private lodge) in the late afternoon.

  • Check‑in and orientation,

  • High tea, followed by your first evening game drive with professional ranger and tracker,

  • Sundowners in the bush, returning to camp after dark with spotlights.

Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Jacqui’s Lodge.

 

Saturday: Day 8   

Full Safari Day: Wildlife, Wellness & Product Training

Early Morning – Game Drive
Coffee/tea and a light snack, then depart on an early‑morning game drive in Madikwe Game Reserve.

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  • Focus on the Big Five and Madikwe “Top 10” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, hippo, giraffe).

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  • Discussion with ranger on how to brief clients realistically about sightings, seasons and photography.

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Return to camp for breakfast.

 

Late Morning – Lodge & Product Inspection
 

After breakfast, a structured inspection of Jaci’s Lodge:

  • Safari Suites & Safari Suite Expeditions – main lodge product and layout.

  • Kubu Villa, Nare Villa, Jaci’s Madikwe House – villa options for families, small groups, UHNW clients.

  • Main lodge spaces: pool, boma, decks, bar and dining areas.

  • Discussion on: ideal length of stay, best room types for different client profiles, and realistic pricing bands.

 

Short visit to the photographic hide / bird hide to demonstrate how to sell photographic safaris and birding to enthusiasts.

 

Midday – Spa & River Path
Time at leisure to experience the Finfoot spa treatment room (pre‑booked 30–60 minute massage or treatment; additional cost) and/or a gentle River Path Walk along the Marico River:

  • Spa: example of in‑camp wellness offer clients can book between drives.

  • River walk: slow, low‑impact way to experience birdlife and smaller details of the bush.

 

This is also a good window for a short stargazing / night‑sky briefing later, weather permitting.

 

Afternoon – Second Game Drive
Afternoon tea, then depart on the second game drive.

  • Focus on complementing the morning sightings: plains game, smaller mammals, birds, tracking techniques.

  • Practical tips from ranger: how to structure a 2‑night vs 3‑night stay, when to recommend bush walks, when to suggest conservation/photographic add‑ons.

Stop for sundowners in the bush before returning to camp after dark.

 

Evening – Conservation & Closing Briefing
Dinner at the lodge, followed by a short, informal session on:

  • Madikwe as a conservation success story (Operation Phoenix, reintroduction of wildlife, anti‑poaching),

  • The Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC) and how to communicate it to clients,

  • Q&A: how to position Madikwe / Jaci’s Lodge versus other Southern African safari options in terms of malaria‑free status, access, budget and client type.

 

Overnight at Jaci’s Lodge.

 

Sunday – Day 9
Final Game Drive & Departure to Johannesburg

Early Morning – Last Game Drive
 

Early coffee/tea, followed by an optional final game drive for those who wish to maximise time in the bush.
 

Return to the lodge for breakfast and check‑out.

 

Transfer to Johannesburg
After breakfast, depart Jaci’s Lodge for Johannesburg.

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There are two main options (to be agreed in advance):

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  1. Road Transfer (Included in Standard Program)

    • Approximate travel time: about 5 hours by private vehicle.

    • Drop‑off at O.R. Tambo International Airport in time for evening international departures.

  2. Charter Flight (Optional, at Extra Cost)

    • Approximate flying time: about 1 hour from the lodge airstrip to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo.

    • This option saves around 4 hours of travel time compared with the road transfer.

    • Estimated cost: around USD 500 per person, depending on final aircraft type, number of passengers and operator quote.

 

End of program at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, with onward international flights to Russia or other destinations.

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Alternative: Overnight in Johannesburg (Optional)

 

For those who prefer a more relaxed end to the trip, there is an option to:

  • Travel by road or charter to Johannesburg,

  • Spend an additional night at a premium city hotel (e.g. Four Seasons The Westcliff), and

  • Depart on international flights the following day.

 

This option reduces travel fatigue after safari and mirrors the pattern many of your future clients will choose. Pricing for the extra night will be provided separately.

Important Notes (Site Inspection / FAM Conditions)

All activities and excursions are subject to weather, safety and operational conditions. Routes, timings and specific experiences (e.g. helicopter flights, Seal Island, Table Mountain cable car, dune sundowners) cannot be guaranteed and may be amended or cancelled at short notice.

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All room, suite, villa and lodge inspections are subject to availability. Occupied units cannot be entered; in such cases only public areas or any available show‑rooms will be viewed.

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The outline above is a draft inspection programme. Sequence, timings, properties and activities may be adjusted in consultation with partners and according to operational requirements.

Pricing & Hosted/FAM Basis

Once final dates and the exact number of participants are confirmed, the final cost of the inspection tour will be issued.


This cost will be based on a combination of hosted arrangements and FAM rates negotiated with hotels, lodges and service providers specifically for this inspection program.

What Is Normally Included in This Inspection Tour

Subject to the final agreement with partners, the program is expected to include:

  • Accommodation as per itinerary on a hosted / FAM‑rate basis, mainly in shared (twin/double) rooms.

  • Breakfast daily. On Safari - Full Board

  • All scheduled game drives and standard lodge activities at the safari lodge.

  • Private road transfers and touring as per itinerary, shared within the group.

  • Listed estate visits, tastings and site inspections (where access is possible).

  • Russian‑ and English‑speaking guiding / coordination throughout.

Normally Not Included

  • International flights to/from South Africa.

  • Optional extras such as: spa treatments, special conservation activities, premium wines, minibar, laundry, room service, and any activities not listed in the final program.

  • Gratuities, personal insurance and visa costs (if applicable).

  • Optional charter flights can be offered at a supplementary FAM rate, to be advised once routing and aircraft type are confirmed.

Next Steps

  • Confirm proposed travel window and target number of participants.

  • Based on this, Visitors to Africa will:

  • Finalise the routing,

  • Lock in hosted / FAM‑rate support with each property and key suppliers,

  • Issue a final detailed program and confirmed FAM price per person.

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The confirmed offer will clearly state:

  • Exact inclusions and exclusions,

  • Final per‑person FAM rate,

  • Any optional supplements (e.g. charter flight instead of road transfer).

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