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Bespoke

South Africa Bespoke

Come for safari, stay for Ubuntu

Country

South Africa

Accommodation Options

Private villas, exclusive lodges & luxury hotels

Things to See & Do

Biking, hiking, kayaking, surfing, wine tastings & zip lining

Best Time To Go

Year-round

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Carbon Neutral Trip

Yes, it's a long flight—but there is (quite literally) no place on earth like South Africa. One moment you’re biking through fynbos hills, the next you’re tracking lions before toasting the sunset with a chilled Chenin. With wild coasts, big skies and even bigger wildlife, it’s a feast for the senses. Come for the views, stay for the vibes—and let us tailor every jaw-dropping detail.

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Land of Striking Contrasts
South Africa is like many worlds in one, offering stunning landscapes, unique biodiversity and rich culture. Nowhere else can you guarantee a close encounter with the Big 5 in their natural habitat, challenge yourself hiking breathtaking mountains and embrace cosmopolitan life in beautiful cities like Cape Town.

Local Connections
The spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because you are” or “humanity towards others”). You’ll leave South Africa not only enriched but also having made many new friends. The warmth and welcoming nature of the locals are felt everywhere you go.

Unique Gastronomy
You’ll be stunned by the culinary scene, which reflects a unique blend of diverse influences. Indulge in delicious meals at award-winning establishments, sip on fine wines and enjoy exceptional hospitality.

Experience Designer

Trip Inspiration

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Snapshot of a Day

As you ride from Chapman’s Peak, stunning ocean views and rugged cliffs stretch before you. You’ll pass charming coastal towns, all leading up to the dramatic beauty of Cape Point.

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Snapshot of a Day

At Boulders Beach in Simon's Town, penguins appear as little friends in tuxedos. Hop off your bike to watch them waddle along the sands and marvel at the stunning beach views.

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Inspiration

Explore the Western Cape on Two Wheels

The Western Cape’s long stretches along stunning landscapes make it the perfect region for biking—whether on gravel or road. You’ll cycle through the picturesque Cape Winelands, past Paarl's domed mountains, Franschhoek's bougainvillea-clad laneways and historic Cape Dutch-style farms. Discover traces of the Stone Age Khoi Bushmen in the ancient caves of the Whale Coast before enjoying an afternoon of fat biking on the expansive sand dunes. In Cape Town, bike along the stunning coastline of the Cape Peninsula and stop at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to admire the penguins. Biking in this pocket of South Africa is a cyclist's dream.
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Recommended Duration: 8-9 days

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Best Time To Go: Year-round. April, May, October and November are the best months for biking.

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Things to See and Do: Bike the famous Cape Peninsula, making stops at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Enjoy a loop ride out of Franschhoek, stopping at wine estates along the way.

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Don't Miss Out On: The ride from Chapman’s Peak along the Cape Peninsula all the way to Cape Point.

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Snapshot of a Day

Hike the cliffs of the Whale Coast, then get up close to whales and other marine life on a boat tour in Hermanus.

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Snapshot of a Day

Climb iconic trails like Lion's Head in Cape Town, where the breathtaking view of the city from the top is the ultimate reward.

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Inspiration

Multi-active adventures in South Africa

There is so much to do and explore on a multi-active trip in South Africa. You’ll experience the best of Cape Town, starting with a hike up iconic Table Mountain or Lion's Head, kayaking with penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town or encounter dolphins while kayaking at Three Anchor Bay. Then, step off the beaten track, jump into a 4x4, and explore Marakele National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve for an incredibly intimate safari experience in the remote northern reserves of South Africa. Here, the pace of life on safari will captivate you, with outstanding wildlife viewing—including the Big Five—and a compelling history behind the reserves. Top off your adventure with a hike through South Africa's unique fynbos flora alongside our passionate bee expert.
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Recommended Duration: 8-9 Days

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Best Time To Go: Year-round

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Things to See and Do: Hike Table Mountain, kayak with penguins at Boulders Beach, go shark cage diving in Gansbaai, and enjoy wildlife spotting on game drives on safari.

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Don't Miss Out On: A hike in the fynbos, uncovering that the little things do matter, like the honeybees that are essential to fynbos pollination and survival.

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Snapshot of a Day

Walk through the sprawling vineyards of the Western Cape, learning about the winemaking process from local vintners while tasting wines from the ‘new world’, including the signature blend, Pinotage.

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Snapshot of a Day

Pedal or stroll through the enchanting Cape Winelands, where vine-clad hills meet white-washed Cape Dutch architecture against a backdrop of stunning mountain ranges.

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Inspiration

Taste the Grapes of the Western Cape

Offset by white-washed, Cape Dutch architecture and a backdrop of striking mountain ranges, the vine-clad hills of the Cape Winelands are as picturesque as it comes. Here, the world’s oldest ‘new world’ wines were laid down by French Huguenots and Dutch centuries ago. Explore the charming towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, share a glass with our winemaker friends, dine with the region’s best chefs and bike, walk and taste your way through this unique part of Africa.
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Recommended Duration: 6-7 days

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Best Time To Go: Year-round

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Things to See and Do: Bike or walk through this unique region, sipping wine with the winemakers and dining with the region’s best chefs.

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Don't Miss Out On: A private, luxurious picnic just for you at our favourite local spot.

Featured stays

Itinerary

Londolozi Founders Camp

Location: Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

Itinerary

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Location: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Itinerary

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Villas

Location: De Kelders, South Africa

Itinerary

Tswalu The Motse

Location: Tswalu, South Africa

Itinerary

Babylonstoren Farm Hotel

Location: Franschhoek, South Africa

Itinerary

Camissa House

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is a country of magic, colours, beautiful energy but, most of all, ubuntu.

South Africa is a country of magic, colours, beautiful energy but, most of all, ubuntu. What a word! How much it has to teach societies in the world. Butterfield & Robinson made sure we captured the essence of the country, beyond the fine dinning and 5-star accommodations. The two guides were amazing, and we really felt like we left two friends in SA. We met amazing people, saw amazing animals and every place we stayed made us feel at home.

— Montserrat G; Puerto Rico, US

Process

Step 1

Let's connect

Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.

Step 2

Detailed Brief

After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.

Step 3

Customized Itinerary and Confirmation

Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure. 

Step 4

Support, Start to Finish

Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!

* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.

Good to know

Time of year
Time of year

South Africa is a year-round destination, but December is its peak tourism season as locals travel to Cape Town for the festive season. To fully experience what Cape Town has to offer during this busy time, we recommend spending at least five days in the city.

Weather
Weather

South Africa experiences winter in June to September and summer is December to March. For avid cyclists, April to May and October to November are the best months for biking.

Why choose a Bespoke trip?

An Effortless Journey

Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.


Lifelong Memories

Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.


Years of Local Friendships

We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.


Creativity and Spontaneity

From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.

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