African Safari and Winelands 2021
Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for this experience, from packing tips and FAQs to a timeline of post-booking communications.
African Safari and Winelands at a glance
- Multiple dates from June - August
- Group size of 18 travelers
- Experience South Africa’s premier wine region
Pre-Trip Planning Timeline
Traveler Information Form
About six months prior to departure, you'll receive an email from the Inspirato Only Experiences team with the Traveler Information Form. In this form, we'll ask you to provide details such as contact information for each traveler, flight and travel information, etc. We will also include details on passport, visa, and any vaccination requirements.
We'll take this information and begin planning your trip and building your personal itinerary. We'll be in touch with you after receiving the completed form should any follow-up or confirmation be necessary.
Bon Voyage! Itinerary and Final Trip Details
About three weeks prior to departure, you'll receive an email from the Inspirato Only Experiences team with your personal itinerary, suggested packing list, contact information for your on-site Inspirato hosts, pre-trip Zoom call details, etc.
What you need to know
Airport and Transportation Information
You will need to fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and you may arrive at any time on the day the safari begins.
On the last day of your safari, you will need to fly out of O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) Please do not book your flight any earlier than 5 p.m.
Airport transfers in Cape Town are included as part of your package price. The Inspirato Only Experiences team will coordinate any transfers based on the flight details you provide in your form. The safari will end at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg so there is no departure transfer required.
Packing List
What to bring? Your curiosity and sense of adventure, an open mind, and enough memory cards for the camera!
As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colors are best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold. Please keep in mind that you will be travelling during the African winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
While you are in the Cape Winelands, we recommend packing casual clothes for the day, but evenings smart casual is recommended. Smart casual wear normally refers to polo or Oxford-style shirts, khaki pants, and skirts, button-up tops, and dresses.
The most practical items to pack for your South African Safari are:
- Clothes in khaki, green, beige, and neutral colours
- Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
- T-shirts
- Shorts or a light skirt
- Smart casual clothing for Cape Town and the Winelands
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
- A warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
- Bathing suit (please note that safari camp pools are NOT heated)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturizer, and lip balm
- Binoculars and camera equipment
- A small day backpack to bring in the safari vehicle and shed layers
- Insect repellant
- Universal power adapter, converter (220/240 volts AC compatible)
Note: The luggage allowance on small flights is limited to a maximum of 44 pounds in a soft-sided bag, so please bear this in mind when packing. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for your clothes.
- A U.S. passport valid for six months after your return date from South Africa. We recommend having four consecutive blank pages in your passport.
- Refer to the South African Embassy with any further questions regarding visas, especially if you are traveling with a passport that is not from the U.S.
- Certain vaccines and medications may be required when traveling to Africa. We recommend contacting your local physician or visiting the CDC South Africa website for more information.
- Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but it is highly recommended that you purchase it. Please contact our preferred partners at Travelex for a quote.
- Travel and medical insurance information
- Credit and debit cards (Be sure that you have contacted your bank about your upcoming travel plans!)
- All gratuities are included in your package. If you would like to leave any additional gratuity that is at your own discretion.
Note: The currency in South Africa is South African Rand and can be ordered through most U.S. banks. There are ATMs available to withdraw cash, but we suggest that you first speak with your bank about your intentions to travel in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to coordinate your flights. Please reach out to the Inspirato Air Desk here.
- International flights into Cape Town and out of Johannesburg
- Meals, drinks, and laundry not specified in the itinerary and items of a personal nature
- Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars, and cigarettes
- Sightseeing, excursions, flights, and transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
There will be 18 members and guests per departure date.
The minimum age requirement for this experience is 18 years old.
Within three business days of booking, cancel for a full refund. After three business days, reservations are non-refundable unless Inspirato is able to rebook the package. If Inspirato is able to rebook, the Inspirato member will receive 90% back in Travel Credits. If applicable, this would be refunded one day after the package is rebooked.
Yes, there is a limit to the amount of luggage you can bring with you on the South Africa Experience. Due to the use of small, chartered aircraft, your luggage must stay under the 20 kilograms (44 pounds) weight limit. This includes any handbags or carry-on luggage that you are carrying with you on your journey.
Yes, it is essential that you only carry soft-sided bags with you on your journey (one hard-side on your luggage is fine). The cargo holds on the chartered planes are small, and hard-shelled suitcases will not fit or fill up the hold very quickly.
If you hold a valid U.S. passport, you do not need a visa for your visit to South Africa, so long as your stay is less than 90 days. If you hold a passport from a country outside of the U.S., contact your Care team to gather the proper resources for visa application.
If you are extending your stay to other countries in Africa, it is important to look at the U.S. Department of State’s website for other visa requirements. Contact your Care team if you have any questions.
The accommodations included in this itinerary use filtered water and we believe it is safe to consume food in these locations. In many parts of South Africa, the tap water may be unsafe to drink, so please drink bottled water whenever possible. While on the safari portion of the trip, all meals will be provided.
You will have the chance to fill out a Traveler Information Form. Please fill out this form as soon as possible. The earlier we have your dietary requests, the more we can do to facilitate them. Gluten-free, most allergies, and vegan and vegetarian diets are easily accommodated.
Due to the increase in tourism, South Africa’s general safety has steadily inclined over the years. Your tour operator’s number one responsibility is to keep you safe while you enjoy this incredible experience in South Africa. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, feel free to inform your guide or hotel concierge.
As general advice, avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you are on a self-drive adventure, please ensure your car is locked at all times and park in well-lit, busy areas.
Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewelry) when exploring Cape Town. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
South Africa is a very warm and hospitable nation, so please do not hesitate in asking for assistance at any time.
During this time of year the weather can fluctuate quite a bit. In the mornings and late evenings, you may want a warm winter jacket or heavy fleece jacket with you, especially as you will be moving quickly in open-air Jeeps. By mid-day, the weather is a little warmer, and shorts and skirts may be appropriate. Be sure to bring a few options for both cooler and warmer weather. (You will need both!)
June and July are South Africa’s winter season. The average low temperature in Cape Town is 45 degrees Fahrenheit during the month of June and the average high temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect the mornings to be cold and the afternoons to be warm.
Yes, all of your accommodations feature a pool; however, they all might not be heated. andBeyond Tengile River Lodge is the only accommodation that offers a fitness center.
La Residence offers a full-service spa, while only massages are offered at andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp and andBeyond Tengile River Lodge. Please contact your Inspirato Only Experiences team if you would like to make any advance reservations.
Yes, complimentary laundry service is available at all of your accommodations. Please note that due to cultural practices, undergarments may not be washed by safari camp or hotel staff.
Questions? We're here to help.
Please contact the experiences team at experiences@inspirato.com