Escape the winter chill and join us for a spectacular Solos golf and safari holiday of a lifetime in the South African sunshine! There is no finer venue for a combined golf and safari break than South Africa – beautiful scenery, wonderful climate and some truly stunning golf courses. Excursions include the world-renowned Table Mountain, Cape Point & Boulders Beach, all rounded off with top-notch safari game drives to spot the ‘big five’ in their natural environment.
What’s Extra
Today we depart the UK and take our overnight flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, we transfer to the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town, our home for the next five nights where we can relax after our journey before our evening welcome dinner.
Approx Transfer Time – 25mins
Dinner Included
Clovelly Country Club
18 holes 5893m Par72
The Clovelly Country Club lies surrounded by fynbos, in the pristine Silvermine Valley outside Fish Hoek and offers one of the finest and most tranquil golf courses in the country. A tight par 72 with a testing mix of interesting holes and elevated greens accompanied by beautiful views of Silvermine River and lakes. You will find natural water features and a wide variety of indigenous fauna and flora, notably the variety of trees lining the fairways.
Steenberg Golf Club
18 holes 6101m Par 72
The Steenberg Golf Club is rated as one of the top three courses to visit in South Africa. This championship course, designed by Peter Matkovich & Hayes, is consistently named one of the best conditioned courses in South Africa Golf Digest’s Annual Top 100 and attracts golfers seeking a premium golfing experience. The course offers traditionalists the opportunity to ‘bump and run’ (a rare shot in South Africa) in the rough around the greens and to meet the challenges of strategically placed bunkers and waterways. The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole, features the largest green in Africa at 76 meters in length. Indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind. This 18-hole golf course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character, with a backdrop of Table Mountain.
Approx Transfer time – 30 mins
Starting Tee Time – 12.30pm
Breakfast Included
Today we take our trip to Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. A visit to this world-famous spectacular mountain, voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011, is a must when visiting Cape Town. Flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Table Mountain makes up the northern end of the Cape Fold Mountain range. Amazingly, the mountain’s distinctive flat top – a three-kilometre level plateau was once the bottom of a valley! The mountain was given its name Taboa do Cabo (Table of the Cape) by Antonio de Saldahna after he climbed up Platteklip Gorge in 1503.Legend has it that the tablecloth of clouds that pours over the mountain when the south eastern wind blows is the result of a smoking contest between the devil and a retired sea captain called Jan van Hunks. We take the five minute aerial cableway up the mountain where the cars rotate through 360 degrees during the trip, giving spectacular views of the mountain below.
Breakfast Included
Royal Cape Golf Club
18 holes 6121m Par72
Established in 1885, the Royal Cape Golf Club proudly stands as South Africa’s oldest golf course. Known for its prestigious status, it has been the esteemed venue for the annual Cape Town Open since 2012. This classic parkland course provides a fine test of golf as well as a wonderful playing experience. Although the course is on flat terrain, the playing of Royal Cape is subject to three of nature’s beguiling offerings – a near constant wind to challenge you, sweeping mountain views to charm you and water features to ensnare you.
Today we say goodbye to Cape Town and take our bus to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before heading to Franschhoek. The pristine and unspoilt Cape Point Nature Reserve is home to dramatic cliffs, immaculate beaches, unique flora and fauna and spectacular views. It is certainly a treasure to discover. Our trip includes a ride on the ‘Flying Dutchman’ funicular which takes us up to the lighthouse that’s been in operation since 1857, situated on the edge of the cliffs, offering stunning views of the coastline.
From here, we continue to our next hotel Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, our base for the next four nights. Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone – nature, cuisine or culture – and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others).
The Cape Winelands, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, is a breathtaking region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history and world-class wines. As we venture into the Cape Winelands, you’ll be struck by the majestic scenery that unfolds before your eyes. Rolling hills, lush green valleys, and towering mountain ranges create a stunning backdrop for our journey. The landscape is dotted with charming towns, villages and historic estates, each with its own unique character and charm. The Cape Winelands is home to some of the world’s most exceptional wines, with regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl boasting a rich viticulture heritage. We’ll visit esteemed wine estates, where you can sample some of the finest vintages and learn about the art of winemaking from knowledgeable cellar masters.
De Zalze Golf Club
18 holes 6369m Par 72
Today’s round is set in the De Zalze Winelands. The De Zalze Golf Course was designed by Peter Matkovich, where he made the most of the stunning setting and created a course that places a premium on accuracy. This championship course has an excellent mix of parkland holes, with its main challenges presented in the form of the water features on several holes, as well as the Oak tree-lined Blaauwklippen River which winds its way through the Golf Estate and comes into play at various intervals.
Approx Transfer Time 50mins
Starting Tee Times – Midday
Breakfast Included
Pearl Valley Golf Estate
18 holes 6577m Par 72
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, who, upon the course’s opening in 2003, remarked, “Surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most spectacular settings in which I have designed a golf course.” One of six Jack Nicklaus’ signature courses in South Africa, Pearl Valley is ranked one of the highest to play and, with Nicklaus trademark expanses of sand, huge water hazards, wide fairways, well-maintained greens, it leads to a stunning round of golf.
Approx Transfer Time 20 mins
Starting Tee Times – 12.30
Breakfast Included
After breakfast, we check-out of our hotel and take our bus to the spectacular Gondwana Game Reserve for our safari.
Situated at the heart of South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve holds the distinction of being the only Fynbos private reserve in the world with free-roaming lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, as well as endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Rhinoceros, and Black Harrier and many others. The landscapes here are characterised by towering mountains, green rolling hills, and swathes of brightly-coloured fynbos – creating ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature photography. An idyllic climate – the second most moderate in the world – adds further appeal.
We begin the day early at 6.00am for the first of our game drives to see if we can spot the ‘Big Five’. Game Drives are conducted in open game viewers by Gondwana’s expert field guides. They will share their knowledge and passion for the beautiful reserve and reveal its beauty and secrets, offering you unforgettable experiences with nature. Each game drive includes a beverage and snack on the drive.
Following the drive, we return for breakfast. The morning is then free to relax or perhaps take part in a few activities. Lunch is served from 1.00pm. The afternoon is free, with afternoon tea served from 3.30pm before we depart at 4.30pm for our afternoon game drive. Dinner is then served from 7.00pm.
Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Times subject to change
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Included
After breakfast, we check-out and say goodbye to this fantastic reserve and transfer to George Airport for our flight to Johannesburg where we take our overnight flight back to London.
Approx transfer to George Airport: 45 mins
Breakfast Included
SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT | CAPE TOWN (Four-star)
Located in the heart of Cape Town’s most tourist-friendly precinct, the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel invites guests to experience the best of the city, great comfort, excellent amenities and a warm welcome.
FACILITIES
Facilities include restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre, Utopia Beauty Salon and Spa offering beauty treatments and massages (costs apply), free wi-fi throughout, free shuttle to V&A waterfront.
ROOM FACILITIES
Our comfortable standard rooms include air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, chair, desk, hair dryer, free wi-fi, safe, flat screen satellite TV, Tea / Coffee making facilities
LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA | FRANSCHHOEK (Four-star)
Located in the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa has become one of the ultimate getaways in its class. Capturing the essence of four-star luxury, the impeccably appointed hotel offers unparalleled views of the mountains and is the perfect setting for a taste of the legendary Cape Wine Routes.
FACILITIES
Facilities include restaurants, bar and lounge, Camelot Spa offering Spa offering beauty treatments and massages(costs apply) and free wi-fi throughout.
Room Facilities
Our Deluxe Rooms include ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, free wi-fi, tea & coffee facilities with Espresso machine, chairs, writing desk, satellite flat screen tv, hairdryer, safe, bathrobes and slippers.
KWENA LODGE VILLAS – GONDWANA GAME RESERVE
Our group will be accommodated in six deluxe three bedroom Kwena Lodge Villas. Each villa consists of an open plan double volume lounge, kitchen and dining area with thatch roof, all opening onto a wraparound deck with magnificent valley and mountain views, fireplace, and Smart TV . Each villa houses three standalone luxury en-suite bedrooms with king or twin beds, seating areas, fireplaces, tea station, hairdryer, mini fridge and private deck areas. The bathrooms have walk-in shower, deep bath, double sinks and bath robes.
The villas are a five minute drive from the main Kwena Lodge by courtesy transfer where you will find a large infinity pool surrounded by semi-private sun lounging decks, chic open-plan lounge and a bar area connected by expansive wooden decks and walkways, Tented Bush Spa. Our meals will be taken here in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings, including an elegant dining room set around two open fireplaces, and an outdoor thatched modern dining space overlooking two waterholes. Kwena Lodge’s unique layout, design and décor draws inspiration from the way of life of the nomadic Khoi-San people that lived in the area 1000s of years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Town International airport to the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel Cape Town – 25 mins approx.
Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel Cape Town to Cape Point 60 mins /Cape Point to Franschhoek 135mins
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa to Gondwana Game Reserve 4 hours approx.
Gondwana Game Resort to George Airport 45 mins approx..
Please Note – Baggage Weight Restriction – Travel Case
The maximum of 1 x piece of checked luggage (travel case) cannot exceed 20kg whichever cabin class has been booked. This is due to a maximum of 1 x 20kg baggage allowance (travel case) for the George Airport to Johannesburg Airport sector at the end of the tour.
Please call if further information is required.
For the golfing days – golf attire, golf shoes with soft spikes are required. We suggest smart casual for the evenings and comfortable shoes and clothes when on excursions and travelling days.
For game viewing, dress in layers, neutral-toned items will be useful such as colours of the African bush khaki, brown, beige. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is also advisable along with something warm, jacket, fleece etc to wear for the early morning game drive. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, camera and binoculars if you have a pair.
In general bring layers – cool, light and comfortable clothes because summer temperatures can get above 30 Celsius range in some areas. As our tour is the end of the summer a jumper maybe required for the cooler evenings and early mornings. Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).
Clients will most probably find that their golf clubs are covered on their household insurance policy. Most policies cover a single item such as golf clubs for a period out of the country. However, clients should make very sure that they do have adequate cover for their equipment.
World Handicap System (WHS )
Handicap Players Only – WHS Handicap 38 or lower
Handicap Index number is required at the time of booking Please advise our reservations team. Alternatively you can add this to the special requirements box on our booking page. If you have a certificate please ensure you take it with you on the trip, this enables the Tour Leader to assess everyone’s ability, so that rounds and competitions can be organised fairly. If you are uncertain about these requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to advise you.
https://www.randa.org/WorldHandicapSystem
Most golf clubs have these items available for hire, however this is not always the case, so clients would be advised to check with us beforehand if they have any specific requirements.
Prices per round subject to change and can be pre-booked and paid locally
Steenberg Golf Club: Shared golf carts – from R700; Rental club sets – from R850
Clovelly Country Club: Shared golf carts – from R390 ; Rental club sets – from R450
Royal Cape Golf Club: Shared golf carts – from R450; Rental club sets – from R550
De Zalze Golf Estate: Shared golf carts – from R530 ; Rental club sets – from R580
Pearl Valley Golf Club: Shared golf carts – Included ; Rental club sets – from R550
Guests are recommended to bring their own clubs as limited clubs are available for hire.
With British Airways on this holiday, clients have 1 piece of hold luggage with a total of 20kg baggage allowance to take into account the max 20kg hold luggage flying with Airlink from George Airport to Johannesburg. If you wish to take an additional checked bag for your golf clubs there will be an extra charge starting from £85 each way (subject to change) which is to booked and paid for when checking in for your flight. This also applies for your return journey from George Airport.
We advise you to use a light golf bag when packing your clubs. We suggest you wrap a towel round the neck of the clubs to protect them and stop them rattling around whilst in transit. It is also important to then place the bag and clubs in an outer carrying bag, which can be purchased from any good golf shop.
A full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after you arrive is required with two blank pages is required.
If you’re visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; South Africa Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information Travel Health South Africa
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £40 (or the equivalent amount in local currency). Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this chosen holiday. There is a lot of travelling and some early starts at the Game Reserve
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| March | 27 °C | 16 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
