For all of our international guests thinking of booking their flights, December is a popular month to travel to South Africa so we recommend booking early. Several airlines are still offering 'book with confidence' flexibility, which should hopefully help.
Not to be confused with anything below the belt, the Wine Estate was established in 1688, when land along the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain was assigned to a newly arrived French Huguenot, Jacques De Savoye, who named the farm Vrede en Lust derived from the Dutch meaning of ‘Peace and Delight’.
Whilst it's a special occasion, remember it's on a wine farm and we're a pretty relaxed couple. So please dress in whatever makes you feel good for a warm summer afternoon and evening event.
Please tag your photos using our wedding hashtag #FranschhoekMeAllNightLong. It's a play on the location of the wedding and a classic Aussie song by AC/DC called You Shook Me All Night Long. Fun fact - lead singer Bon Scott is from Fremantle, Western Australia!
When coming from Cape Town (or directly from CPT airport), take the pictured blue route via the N2 out of Cape Town and turn onto the R310 towards Stellenbosch. Sticking to the main road will ensure the quickest and safest drive as well as being the most enjoyable start to the wine region. Stopping in the heart of Stellenbosch for a coffee or a beer is also to be recommended. If you are coming from the Hermanus / Garden Route side, we strongly suggest you take the Franschhoek Pass for the best views.
Most nationals can enter South Africa visa free for up to 90 days. You can check the details on https://www.southafricavisa.com/ IMPORTANT. Children under the age of 18 are required to have travel documentation. https://www.southafricavisa.com/travel-south-africa-children/ • Valid passport containing details of the parent or parents of the child • If passport does not contain details of parent, or parents: Copy of a birth certificate /equivalent document.
Uber works well and is cheap in Cape Town. Taxis, like anywhere, are more expensive and will require cash. Forget buses or trains. Outside of the city and in the wine region it's best to pre-book your Uber or Taxi.
Unless roaming costs don't bother you, we would suggest getting a Vodacom sim card at the airport upon arrival. It is reasonably priced but ask them to help you set up the 30 day data bundle as it is pointlessly complicated.
We suggest speaking to your local travel clinic for up to date vaccinations. December is peak summer and some parts such as Kruger are very hot. For certain regions malaria will therefore be a consideration, however, is not a concern in the Cape or Johannesburg at any time of year.
There is no need to pre-order, we are catering to all tastes! Please let us know of specific allergies and if possible we will ensure these are left out of the menu entirely.
An army of nannies to care for your baby and toddlers will be in attendance at the wedding! Please get in touch to get more details as well as advice for private hire.
All major credit cards are widely accepted and paying with cash for anything other than a round of drinks is uncommon. Revolut worked perfectly on our last trip. Basic 10% tipping is the norm. Paying for parking (or tipping car guards a few coins) is really the only need for cash. Please don't flash your wallet stuffed with notes around, even if the Rand exchange is so very favourable.
We suggest starting with Google.com, however, South Africa also happens to be one of Stephan’s favourite subjects, so if you are interested please just ask for the extended guide to Cape Town, Kruger and beyond - lizzieandstephan2021@gmail.com For inspiration, this website is quite detailed and covers all of the provinces in SA: https://www.sunsafaris.com/safari/south-africa/ https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/to-do-franschhoek/