A new safari through the picturesque Durbanville valley swops sightings of the Big 5 for grape vines, green fields, cellar tours and wine tastings.

The launch of the new Durbanville Wine Safari offers a hop-on hop-off service in a safari vehicle, where visitors get to explore the northern suburbs vineyards.

The safari was the brainchild of two entrepreneurs, Joss Terry and Henri Nimb, born out of their experience as regular visitors to the area. “We’ve always loved going but needed a reliable form of transport to get around for safe wine tasting.”

After extensive consultation with stakeholders, including local wine producers, tourism operators, and tourism authorities, the safari vehicle gave guests a preview of the tour as it took its maiden trip to wine farms Maastricht, Klein Roosboom and then to Durbanville Hills for a cellar tour on Thursday October 3.

“The aim was to develop a service that not only enhances the wine tasting experience but also supports the region’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination,” said Mr Terry.

Maastricht wine tasting is also on the route.

Mr Nimb said the safari gives people a reliable form of transport for safe wine tasting in a fun way. “You get to enjoy the trip with other wine lovers too.”

The 22-seater safari vehicle departs from each point at 9.30am for the first tour of the day. There are two routes - The Southern Line and the Northern Line

The journey into the winelands starts at either the Burgundy Station at Viridian Street, Burgundy Estate, for the southern route, or from the Durbanville Station situated next to the Durbanville Town Hall for the northern route.

Two safari vehicles loop on each predetermined route through the area’s wine farms. The safari vehicle will stop at at least three wine estates, and visitors have the option of hopping on a vehicle to visit all the farms, or stay at one farm and hop on the last bus in their time slot to return to the station.

Kim Josias gives a tour of the cellar at Durbanville Hills.

The farms that visitors may visit on the Northern Line are Groot Phesantekraal, Diemersdal, Canto, Meerendal, Bloemendal and D'Aria.

The Southern Line visitors will stop at De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, Nitida Maastricht and Bloemendal.

The safari vehicles employ trained drivers and tour guides. This ensures not only safe passage between destinations but also enriches the overall experience with insights and stories that bring the valleys wine culture to life.

Durbanville Wine Route manager Natasha de Villiers said the Durbanville Wine Safari is a “fantastic way to discover and explore our stunning vineyards”.

“It’s arrival ahead of our 200th anniversary celebrations next year makes it not just a win for tourists but also for our wine producers, who will benefit from increased visibility and engagement.”

In welcoming the new Durbanville Wine Safari, mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos said the introduction of the wine safari tour is sure to massively increase the appeal of the Durbanville Wine Valley and will add to Cape Town's list of tourism offerings.

Mayoral committee member for corporate services, Theresa Uys, said the safari not only celebrates the region’s rich viticultural heritage but also promises to draw visitors from around the world, showcasing the “unparalleled beauty and unique experiences the Durbanville Wine Valley has to offer”.

“By investing in tourism, we are fostering economic growth and ensuring that our local community thrive.”

Tickets for the Durbanville Wine Safari cost R300 a person.

The service operates Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Tickets exclude any additional fees that some farms may charge for tastings or special activities.

For more information including route maps, participating wine estates, and booking details, visit www.durbanvillewinesafari.co.za or email info@durbanvillewinesafarie.co.za

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