On arrival at Cape Town International Airport proceed thru customs/immigration formalities into the arrivals hall and look for a sign with your name. Your driver will collect you for transport to the hotel.
The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storied Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984. This boutique hotel is well known for its comfortable, luxurious atmosphere. Our reception areas are individually decorated and designed for comfort and tranquility. It is themed on the Irish literary figure Oscar Wilde who was renowned for his bohemian lifestyle throughout Europe and New York during the latter part of the 19th century Bohemian chic is our hallmark, with 12 luxuriously appointed en suite bedrooms that are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furniture. Public areas comprise a comfortable lounge with an open fireplace, a garden and pool area, and a library where you can relax and read or research your itinerary from the computer terminal provided for your convenience.
This morning you will be collected from the hotel for a Half Day Go as You please tour of Cape Town with Vehicle and Guide. ( Entrance fees are not included but can be added as you decide on the cultural, historical and sightseeing events to include).
This afternoon your car rental will be delivered to the hotel. The following day you are free to explore other points in Cape Town.
Depart from Cape Town this morning and self drive thru the Cape Winelands to Franschhoek. It is less than an hours drive from Cape Town and the international airport this is an ideal haven from which to explore the Vineyards, Galleries, country shops and other interesting towns of the Western ape. Golf courses and other facilities are within easy reach.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Set in the picturesque valley of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands of South Africa , flanked by the majestic Hugenot Mountains, Franschhoek Country House & Villas offers luxury accommodation and one of the top rated restaurants in South Africa. The ambience is one of a French provincial village, complete with water features, fountains, cobblestones and olive trees. All suites enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, fountain courtyard and swimming pools. Breakfasts served are a feast to behold with fresh homemade breads and pastries and any hot meal desired. Visits to the FCH spa for private sessions can be prebooked. The in-house Monneaux Restaurant is rated as one of South Africa's best and serves an inspired fusion of Western and Eastern influences. Lunch is served on the magnificent fountain terrace and dinner in the relaxed, yet elegant dining room. The wine list emphasizes some of the top wines of the region.
On Day Two a Private Guided Wine Tour has been included:
Following breakfast this morning you will be collected for a full day Private tour of the Cape’s wine regions which are arguably some of the most scenic in the world, set around the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, surrounded by vine-covered hills and towering sandstone mountains. A mere forty-five minute drive from the city, almost two hundred wineries produce a range of red and white wine styles to suit all palates.
The university town of Stellenbosch is a great place to start. Known locally as Eikestad (translated as Oak City, after the multitude of eponymous trees) , the town boasts some of the finest and well-preserved examples of Cape-Dutch architecture in the country. Browse some of the many quaint shops and galleries, or watch the passing parade from the veranda of a vibrant coffee shop.
Wine estates visited will vary according to your preferences, with the stand-out varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and the unique local red, Pinotage. There are also many excellent Cap Classique sparkling wines to sample – our local version of Champagne. Fine cheeses, charcuterie and olive oils are also produced here, with many estates offering tastings to pair with wine.
Regarded as a foodie capital, the region is home to some of the most highly rated restaurants in South Africa. After lunch, and a final wine tasting, a stroll through Franschhoek is a must for any serious shopaholic or souvenir-hunter. For chocolate lovers, a visit to a boutique chocolaterie to sample delicious, hand-crafted confectionary should be high on your list of things to do in this historic town.
Return to the hotel this afternoon, dinner on own - reservations can be made at any of the local restaurants.
Enjoy a full breakfast before departing Franschoek on your drive to the coast thru the stunning Sir Lowrys Pass and Western Cape Vineyards to the hamlet of Hermanus and Birkenhead House for the next two days.
Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus overlooking the whale watchers’ paradise of Walker Bay, accommodates guests in the utmost luxury and is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living. From May to December the Southern Right whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. Looking out from the terrace, the beach on the left is Voëlklip, (translated from Afrikaans means bird stone). Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers walkers several options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline or the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains.
Most of the eleven opulently appointed sea-facing suites offers expansive vistas of Walker Bay. From the comfort of the residence, guests can look forward to sighting the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters of Walker Bay every year to calve.
For the next two days enjoy a host of activities:
A unique whale watching experience in season, departs from Kleinbaai Harbour every day in a custom built boat with a raised viewing platform. Dyer Island cruises invite you on an unforgettable journey to the domain of the Southern Right Whale with their accomplished skipper and trained guides. During the voyage around Dyer Island, you will also experience a great diversity of marine wildlife, including African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Great White Sharks and various sea birds. Get taken out for a tour around Hermanus to see the variety of shops, restaurants and places of interest in and around town. Spend the day with the legendary Brian McFarlane, the best and most experienced shark man in Southern Africa. You can play ‘bait’ in the cage with just a few inches between you and the sharpest teeth in the marine kingdom. There are many more activities for guests at Birkenhead house, such as the local wine tour, sea kayaking, boat fishing, horse riding, scuba diving, golf, renting bikes, yoga, the township tour, bird watching, deep sea fishing, and quad biking. ( Additional fees may be required for some activities).
This morning return to ORTambo after breakfast by included transfer for your scheduled flight to either Hoedspruit ( Tanda Tula Camp),
On arrival you will be met by your safari guides for transfer to the reserve:
Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati Reserve
On arrival meet your ranger / safari guide who will transfer you to the lodge and introduce you to the reserves diverse wildlife. Continue to the lodge for checkin and get settled in your home away from home for the next two days.
Tanda Tula meaning ‘to love the quiet", is situated amidst 20 000 acres of bushveld adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Timbavati Game Reserve and positioned amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Nhlaralumi Riverbed, in the heart of Big Five country. Visitors are welcomed into this picturesque camp which exudes “elegance with African roots”. Guests are immediately captivated by the down-to-earth atmosphere of this family home, as well as the charm and warmth of the people that live and work here. The camp is completely unfenced merging luxury with the natural environment.
The Timbavati is known for its abundance and variety of African wildlife, including the Big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). Tanda Tula Safari Camp has some of the most highly trained guides and trackers in the region. Tailoring game viewing experiences, guides and trackers will offer informative, exciting and unique game viewing experiences while respecting the animals at all times. There is a maximum 6 per vehicle for game drives. Bush breakfasts are a superb way to end the morning game drive. Set out on the banks of the riverbed, our chefs prepare an extensive continental buffet and a cooked English breakfast feast. Lunches are set up in different locations in camp daily. Dinners are a social affair, set in various locations every night often getting closer to nature. Our guests are seated at one long table and are hosted by our staff, guides, managers and owners. Guided walks are between one and two hours and usually take place after breakfast. Your expert guide will lead you as you track game on foot and explore the African wilderness and learn more about the smaller creatures and flora of the region. We invite you to explore the Timbavati with us.
For the next four Days: Awaken at dawn, accompanied by the early morning sounds and smells of the African bushveld, is an experience unique to early risers. This is often the best time for game viewing. Keep your camera ready! This reserve has the big five and wonderful birdlife just waiting to be photographed.
Walks through the veld with an experienced tracker and day and night-time drives in an open landrover are all included. In the evening, the fire roars, and laughter fills the air. But no more than a little walk away, the wind blows over the river. Suddenly the air is split by an elephant’s trumpeting. A primordial warped note of oldest Africa.
Enjoy a morning activity, then transfer to the Hoedspruit Eastgate airport for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg and departure to the US.
