South Africa in 11 Days
From city kitchens that rewrite the rules to vineyard tastings where the soil tells the story, this 11-day itinerary through Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Kruger National Park is a flavour-filled expedition.
Think Michelin moments, wild riverbed feasts, and every plate and pour curated for travellers who chase culture through cuisine.
There is no better way to get under the skin of a place than through its food. South Africa invites you to pull up a chair and savour every bite.
This journey is a love letter to flavour. It starts with artisanal coffee and craft gin in Cape Town then flows through the vine-covered valleys of Franschhoek, and ends with fire-cooked feasts deep in the wild.
Begin in the Mother City. Explore its roasteries and gin distilleries, where local makers are changing the flavour landscape. Your day starts with a tasting at Truth Coffee and ends with a reservation at The Pot Luck Club. The food is bold. The presentation is pure theatre.
In the Cape Winelands, the pace slows. Taste your way through iconic estates and dine under ancient oaks. Every meal tells a story of place and season. Franschhoek, South Africa’s culinary capital, is home to celebrated restaurants like La Petite Colombe, Babel, and Le Coin Français.
Then comes Kruger. A short flight takes you to Lion Sands River Lodge, where the wild surrounds you. Game drives fill your days. Nights bring boma dinners, firelight and one unforgettable riverbed dining experience.
Whether you are a foodie, a wine lover or a curious traveller, this journey invites you to taste South Africa at its most refined and real.
DID YOU KNOW!
The Michelin Star originated in France in 1926 as part of the Michelin Guide, a publication created by the Michelin tire company to encourage road travel and, naturally, tire sales. What began as a practical motoring guide soon evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious culinary rating systems. By 1931, the guide introduced the now-famous three-star ranking. A single star signifies a very good restaurant, two stars denote excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars mean exceptional cuisine worth a special journey. Today, earning a Michelin Star is considered one of the highest honors in the culinary world.
DOES SOUTH AFRICAN RESTAURANTS HOLD MITCHELIN STARS?
No, South African restaurants do not currently hold Michelin Stars, but not because they aren’t worthy.
The Michelin Guide has a limited geographic reach and has never officially covered South Africa. It only awards stars in countries and regions where it has an active presence and inspection team. As of now, Michelin has focused primarily on parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and more recently a few locations in the Middle East and South America.
That said, South Africa is home to world-class fine dining. Restaurants like La Colombe, FYN, Wolfgat, and La Petite Colombe regularly feature on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Eat Out Awards. These establishments would very likely earn Michelin recognition if the guide were to expand to the region.
So while there are no official Michelin Stars in South Africa, the culinary scene is vibrant, innovative, and internationally acclaimed. It’s only a matter of time before the Michelin Guide takes notice.
