Greater Cape Town: Safari, Wine Country, and the Atlantic Beaches

South Africa embodies diversity in every sense of the word. Though English is now South Africa's most widely spoken language, the government recognizes 11 official languages, and there are scores of additional dialects linked to sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia. In the course of a short drive, one might pass through wildly disparate landscapes reminiscent of Basque wine country, the Australian outback, and the Rocky Mountains. Great white sharks stalk prey near its shores and giraffes graze on its savannas. Nowhere is South Africa's diversity more discernible than in the region surrounding Cape Town, the setting for this eight-night adventure.

Day 1–4: The Bay Hotel – Camps Bay

Camps Bay overlooks the Atlantic, about 20 minutes from Cape Town's city center, on the other side of Table Mountain. This posh enclave suggestive of Malibu centers on a beachfront promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and nightclubs. The Bay Hotel sits directly on the main drag. Four swimming pools and a sprawling wood deck offer up top-notch tanning grounds and an ideal spot for sighting celebrities on the streets and beaches below. From the classic rooms’ patios, views of the ocean and Lion's Head Mountain rival any vistas on the peninsula.

Day 5–6: Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquila Private Game Reserve, about two hours from Cape town, encompasses 7 square miles of Southern Karoo Highlands covered with dramatic peaks, valleys, and a menagerie of big game. Guests will get to view lions, elephants, giraffes, and many more species on game drives as well as on horseback and four-by-four safaris. The standard luxury chalets reflect the landscape and local culture with thatched roofs, wood interiors, and natural stone accents. Chalets stand close to the main house, which incorporates two large swimming pools, a cigar bar and lounge, and a buffet-style dining area, where included meals are served.

Day 7–8: Spier Hotel

Spier Hotel sits in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa's famed wine region just outside Cape Town. Spier Winery produces an array of award-winning wines, including chardonnay, shiraz, and pinotage, South Africa's signature varietal. The hotel and winery hold sustainability in high regard, as is illustrated by the recycled-wood furniture in the tasting room and a magnificent chandelier made from 334 recycled Spier wine bottles. Contemporary South African art can hangs from the walls in the standard rooms and the farm-to-table fine-dining restaurant, moyo at Spier. An included segway tour allows guests to explore miles of lush vineyards.