Charlie and I spent September 2004 in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.  The majority of our stay was in the camps of Wilderness Safaris (http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/) (Mombo Camp and Little Vumbura Camp in Botswana, and the River Club in Zambia). The last part of our trip was spent in South Africa, with Charlie driving us down the Garden Route from George to Cape Town (and stopping along the way in Hermanus). While in Cape Town, we took a day trip to the Cape Winelands, and visited a few wineries in Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.  This trip is Charlie’s and my all time favorite vacation.

I don’t have any tasting notes from this far back, only some nice photos.

Rust en Vrede winery in Stellenbosch

overlooking the Rust en Vrede vineyards

Boschendal Manor House, Boschendal Winery, in Franschhoek

Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch (where the wine tasting was paired with chocolates!)

view from Waterford Estate

Rustenberg Winery in Stellenbosch

Rustenberg Wines in Stellenbosch

Practicalities:  We flew into Johannesburg, South Africa, and then flew in and out of Johannesburg several times (to Botswana, from Zambia, to/from Malelane, South Africa [to play golf at the Leopard Creek Golf Club and visit Kruger Park], and to George, South Africa).  We rented a car in George (and stayed at the Fancourt to play golf), and later drove down the Garden Route to Cape Town.  Our car was picked up at our hotel in Cape Town (the Cape Grace).  We flew back home from Cape Town.

A word of caution about the Johannesburg airport.  Upon arriving from Amsterdam, one of our checked bags was the last bag to come out.  We discovered why after we got to our hotel.  One or more of the baggage handlers had stolen several items, including Charlie’s brand new hiking boots. We were told by KLM and others that theft at the airport is a frequent occurrence.