First South Africa edition of Montreux Jazz Festival with Cartology Travel

An historic musical moment

Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek promises to be a celebration like no other – inspired by jazz but reaching across all musical genres, featuring international headliners alongside rising South African stars. This landmark event transforms the picturesque Cape Winelands into a world-class music destination, where legendary festival heritage meets African soul.

For Cartology Travel‘s founders, this debut holds particular significance. Co-founder Justin Huxter grew up in Franschhoek, while his mother and business partner Susan still calls the region home. “This isn’t just another festival for us,” explains Justin. “Franschhoek is in our DNA, and seeing Montreux come to our favorite corner of the world is extraordinary. We’re thrilled to share this historic moment with our clients through experiences they simply cannot access elsewhere.”

Cartology Travel’s seven-night bespoke itinerary goes far beyond festival tickets. The carefully crafted experience begins with three nights in Cape Town at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson – a welcoming oasis in the heart of Cape Town, beloved for its lovely grounds, wonderful people and bright pink facade.

Clients enjoy two full days with a private guide exploring the Mother City through completely tailored programming designed to take in the sights of Cape Town as well as discover local secrets, interesting people and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether seeking adventure through rock climbing, hiking, biking, paragliding or surfing, or preferring to discover Cape Town’s incredible art scene, vibrant culture, each day is crafted to individual preferences with exclusive opportunities unavailable to independent travelers.

Exclusive wine country immersion

The journey continues with four nights in Franschhoek – described by the founders as “our favorite corner of the world” where Justin grew up and Susan still resides – at Le Quartier Français, a gem of a boutique hotel positioned perfectly in the village heart. Here, clients immerse themselves in the jazz festival atmosphere while enjoying all the shops, art galleries, cafés and bistros that line the village’s streets, alongside Cartology Travel’s signature behind-the-scenes access to the region’s finest wineries.

Cartology Travel’s Cape Winelands exploration demonstrates why their regional knowledge is unmatched. The specially crafted program includes a comprehensive range of wine farms and wines, featuring the iconic Pinotage, small producers known only to insiders, and private tastings at some of CEO Kathy’s favourite Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) bubbly producers in Franschhoek. The journey also includes crisp white wines, all arranged through relationships built over decades and offering behind-the-scenes opportunities unavailable to the public.

The culinary highlight features a specially reserved dinner at the renowned La Petite Colombe, showcasing their acclaimed gourmet tasting menu. Having personally dined at every restaurant in the village, the Cartology Travel team provides comprehensive recommendations ensuring clients experience the very best of Franschhoek’s dining scene.

“We don’t just broaden horizons – we transform them,” says the Cartology Travel team. This philosophy shines through every detail of the Franschhoek program, from VIP airport meet-and-greet service to private transfers, daily breakfast, festival tickets, and all entrance and tasting fees included in the comprehensive package.