From Safari to Shiraz: Pairing Kruger with the Winelands

Some holidays are about choices: beach or mountains, wine or wildlife, pinot or chardonnay. In South Africa, however, there’s no such thing… This is a country in which you can spend your mornings tracking lions across the Kruger’s iconic golden grasslands before settling down with a Chardonnay on a sun-drenched terrace in the heart of the Cape Winelands by the afternoon. A classic Kruger and Winelands itinerary is one of our favourite ways to explore the country with something a little wild and a little indulgent, all in one. In fact, it’s one of the easiest combinations to put together and this guide is all about how to combine both destinations (and a few others) into one seamless trip.

The best time to visit Kruger and the Winelands

The joy of a safari and wine South Africa trip is that it works in almost every season, you just need to know what to expect (and what to pack). From May to October, Kruger and the surrounding reserves are dry and game-rich, with waterholes teeming with wildlife and clear skies for beautiful photography. From November to March, however, the bush is lush and green, dotted with newborn animals and dazzling birdlife, and whilst there may be a few showers around, they are short, sharp and don’t tend to interfere with game drives or activities.

The Winelands are also wonderful in every guise. From November to March, summer is in full swing and it’s all about sun splattered landscapes and alfresco evenings that last forever. At the other end of the scale, winter brings roaring fires and hearty red wines by candlelight as well as cooler temperatures for outdoors-y activities. Spring and autumn, just outside the peak summer season, are also ideal for anyone who wants vineyard lunches without the crowds. 

If you’re threading a Cape Winelands and safari trip together with a serious focus on wine, March to May is a good sweet spot: the Winelands are mellow and deliciously warm and sunny, whilst the bush is sliding into its clear, game-rich dry season.

How long do you need for a Kruger and Winelands itinerary?

A Kruger and Winelands itinerary works beautifully in as little as a week, but if you can stretch to 10 to 12 days, you’ll really make the most of the destinations. We usually recommend four nights on safari and three in the Winelands as a minimum. This gives you time for multiple game drives (enough to look for the Big Five and anything else you would like to see without feeling rushed), plus long lunches and slow mornings amongst the vines.

If you’d like to add Cape Town into the mix, give yourself at least three nights in the city on top (and bookmark our companion guide to the Cape Town and Kruger trip for ideas), giving you a South Africa wine safari tour of 10 nights: three in Cape Town, three in the Winelands, and four on safari. If you’ve got more time, even better! How about a spot of R&R in Mauritius or Mozambique, or tacking on Victoria Falls for an extra wow moment?

How to travel from the Cape Winelands to Kruger

The logistics between the two destinations are refreshingly simple. Most travellers fly from Cape Town (the closest airport to the Cape Winelands) via Johannesburg to one of Kruger’s main airport gateways: Skukuza, Nelspruit, or Hoedspruit. Each airport serves different private reserves — Sabi Sand is close to Skukuza, while Hoedspruit is perfect for Timbavati and Thornybush (but don’t worry about the names – your Timbuktu travel specialist will advise which one is best for you). There are also seasonal direct flights from Cape Town straight to the Kruger airports, cutting out Johannesburg and saving time. Again, we’ll always let you know when these are available.

Once in the Kruger, you can either hop onto a light aircraft straight to your reserve’s own airstrip, or opt for a drive instead – most are relatively short and seamless. 

If you’re flying in the other direction and ending in the Cape Winelands, you’ll route back to Cape Town International Airport, before either collecting a hire car and driving to the Winelands (roughly a one hour drive) or meeting you driver for a pre-arranged transfer. If you choose not to self drive, there are plenty of options in the Winelands for transport between hotels and wine farms and getting around is smooth and easy. 

Franschhoek vs Stellenbosch: which Winelands base to choose

Although we talk about the Winelands as one, the two most popular towns are Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Both are definitely worthy of place on your South Africa wine safari tour, but each has a very distinct character. Franschhoek, a French-settler village, is small and impossibly pretty. Chic boutiques line the streets, the classic Wine Tram clatters between vineyards and it’s perfect for romance, foodies and anyone who wants Michelin stars alongside mountain views. Stellenbosch, by contrast, is a historic university town with oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, a buzzing café culture and some of the country’s most serious wine estates. It’s livelier and bigger, but just as beautiful. And luckily, the two are only 30 minutes apart, over the scenic Helshoogte pass, so if time allows, spend a couple of nights in each, or visit on a day trip.

The best places to stay in the Kruger and the Winelands

Safari sanctuaries

In the Kruger private reserves, we love Dulini River Lodge for the best leopard sightings in Sabi Sand, as well as elephants wandering below your deck and beautiful, Afro-chic styling. Monwana in Thornybush is decadent and lovely and has a reputation for thoughtful service and excellent guiding. For middle budgets, Notten’s Bush Camp is the classic, soulful, family-run option in Sabi Sand with serious game and warm hospitality while Garonga Safari Camp in the Makalali Conservancy offers six pretty tents, plenty of big game and vast horizons. And if you’ve always wanted to sleep above the plains, nThambo Tree Camp in the Klaserie fulfils the childhood tree-house dream with pared-back charm.

Vineyard retreats

On the vineyard side of things, La Residence in Franschhoek brings Versailles-meets-valley grandeur, peacocks and all, and it’s only a five-minute stroll into the village itself. On the Helshoogte pass, Delaire Graff is all sculptural art, cinematic views and gorgeous suites with private plunge pools. For something a little more low-key, La Clé Lodge is an elegant Cape-Dutch-inspired guesthouse on a working vineyard yet within strolling distance of theshops and restaurants, while Boschendal’s historic farm cottages offer the full wine estate experience. In the heart of Franschhoek, we also love La Fontaine and La Cotte’s Orchard Cottages in Franschhoek, both stylish and perfectly placed, whilst Coopmanhuijs in Stellenbosch is a pretty, well-kept hotel in a national-monument, right in the centre of town. And then there’s Babylonstoren—the design lover’s fantasy and an impeccably run ode to gardens, food and wine…

Top experiences: safari drives and wine tastings

Safari highlights in the Kruger private reserves

A typical day on safari usually begins with an early morning game drive, watching the bush wake up around you. In the private reserves, guides can explore off-road and you’ll often follow fresh lion tracks deep into the bushes or quietly approach a leopard resting in a tree. Back at the lodge, breakfast slides into siesta time, either at the pool or on your private deck, binoculars in hand.

In the afternoon, game drives end with sundowners, before returning to camp for hearty, home-cooked dinners under starlit skies. Add walking safaris, photographic hides or spa treatments (exact activities will depend on which lodge you choose), and every day feels different – and utterly blissful.

Wine, food and culture in the Cape Winelands

Life in the Winelands can be as slow or as active as you like! Wine tastings are always a highlight, usually turning into long, lazy lunches – and before you know it you’ve spent the afternoon debating which Chenin was your favourite. Franschhoek’s Wine Tram is the easiest way to hop between estates, or in Stellenbosch, book a driver and choose between chocolate-and-wine pairings, historic Cape Dutch estates and restaurants with panoramic views of the valley.

When you need a pause from the Pinot, both towns are brimming with galleries, boutiques and pretty street-side cafes to peruse. Near Stellenbosch, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a fabulous way to while away an afternoon, searching for the bronze artworks that hide between the fynbos and in Franschhoek, the weekend market is infamous! For the active, there are plenty of mountain trails to hike or bike on, too. For a deeper dive, check out our article on the best things to do in the Cape Winelands and take your pick!

Example itineraries that pair Kruger with the Winelands

South Africa in a Nutshell

The classic Kruger and Winelands itinerary: city sparkle in Cape Town, lazy days among the vines, and a big-five finale in the bush.

Classic Bush, Beach & City

A longer route that starts with Cape Town and the Winelands, adds a little Kruger safari magic and ends with lazy beach days on Mozambique’s pristine sands.

Vic Falls & Kruger with Wine and Waves

For a touch of variety, this route stitches together Victoria Falls with a Kruger safari, and time in both Franschhoek and Cape Town.

Add-ons: Victoria Falls, Mozambique and beyond

If time allows, consider Victoria Falls for big bucket list ticks! The flights are quick and easy from Johannesburg and before you know it, you’ll be walking alongside the thundering spray, cruising down the Zambezi River, or even soaring high above in a microlight. If beaches call, Mauritius is the classic fly-and-flop that never fails, but options can also include Mozambique or the Seychelles for turquoise seas and just-caught seafood and cocktails on the sand.

Planning your Cape Winelands and safari trip

The joy of this combination is its flexibility. Whether you want to splurge on five-star lodges, keep it boutique, or add another country to the mix, a Kruger and Winelands itinerary can be shaped exactly as you want it. If you’d like to start planning your own trip, please reach out to us today – we’d be delighted to help you create something special!