Day 1: Cape Town

Welcome to South Africa!!

Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you and assist you with your rental car collection.

Make your way to your hotel.

Cape Town is a vibrant and multicultural city located on the southwestern tip of South Africa. Well known as ''The Mother City''. Also known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and rich history, Cape Town is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Some of the highlights of this City are:

Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, Cultural Diversity, Historical Sites, Cape Winelands, Beaches, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Climate.

Cape Town's natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for travellers interested in exploring the diverse offerings of South Africa.

Enjoy your stay in The Mother City.

Robben Island Table Mountain Cableway

Day 2: Cape Town

Day at leisure

RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING

Depart your hotel for a fun-filled day exploring the Cape of Good Hope. 

Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing through picturesque coastal towns like Camps Bay and Hout Bay. Along the way, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the towering peaks of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

Chapman's Peak Drive: One of the highlights of the tour is Chapman's Peak Drive, a winding coastal road that hugs the cliffs of the peninsula. This engineering marvel offers stunning vistas of the rocky coastline and turquoise waters below, making it a favorite stop for photographers.

Hout Bay: Upon reaching Hout Bay, you may have the option to take a boat trip to Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, where you can observe hundreds of Cape fur seals in their natural habitat.

Cape Point: The tour usually culminates at Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the African continent and a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Here, you can take a short hike or a funicular ride up to the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse for sweeping views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans merging at the Cape of Good Hope.

Boulders Beach: On the return journey, many tours make a stop at Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins. You'll have the opportunity to get up close to these adorable birds as they waddle along the sandy shores and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Simon's Town: Nearby is the charming coastal town of Simon's Town, where you can explore historic sites such as the South African Naval Museum or simply stroll along the quaint streets lined with colorful Victorian-era buildings.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain. Here, you can wander through lush gardens showcasing indigenous flora and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Cape Peninsula, making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa's coastal paradise.

CAPE POINT Kirstenbosch CTT

Day 3: Cape Town

Day at leisure

RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING

Depart your hotel after breakfast with your guide and head to the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

Here you will board the ferry to Robben Island. (PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT)

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation, and imprisonment. It was here at Robben Island that rulers sent those regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts, and the unwanted of society. An ex-prisoner or family member of an ex-prisoner will be your guide

At an additional cost, we can also arrange that Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela's prison warden, and great friend, to be your guide.

After you return, your guide will meet you.  You will have time for lunch (own account) before you head to Table Mountain

Since the first person laid eyes on Table Mountain in Cape Town it has exerted its powerful and charismatic pull, enchanting and drawing any and all who fall under its spell. Take the Cable Car to the Top to experience it for yourself.

Enjoy a visit to The District 6 Museum before you head back to your hotel.

The District Six Museum is a museum in Cape Town, located in the former District Six neighborhood. District Six was a vibrant and diverse area that was forcibly evacuated and demolished during apartheid-era policies in the 1970s. The museum serves as a memorial to the forced removals and as a reminder of the injustices of apartheid.

The museum's exhibitions showcase the history, culture, and experiences of the people who lived in District Six before its destruction. Through photographs, personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors can learn about the vibrant multicultural community that once thrived there and the impact of apartheid policies on its residents.

You also have the opportunity to enjoy a home dinner at the Brand House where Christo and his wife Estelle will be your hosts

The District Six Museum also serves as a center for dialogue and reconciliation aimed at promoting understanding, healing, and social justice. It is a place where people can come together to reflect on the past, confront ongoing challenges, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for South Africa.

Prison Entrance

Day 4: Cape Town

Day at leisure

RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy a walk through the historic Bo-Kaap area.  Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city center, and formerly known as the Malay Quarter, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves. These people were known as Cape Malays and were brought from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the rest of Africa to work in the Cape.  To this day, the houses are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, in distinctive multi-colored rows on steeply cobbled roads

Enjoy a stroll through the Company's Garden learning more about its rich history.

The garden was established in the 1650s by the Dutch East India Company, hence its name. Initially used as a refreshment station for ships passing the Cape of Good Hope, it later evolved into a botanical garden and served as a source of fresh produce for the colony. Over the centuries, the garden has witnessed numerous transformations and played various roles in Cape Town's history.

Day 5: Franschhoek

Depart for Franschhoek.

Franschhoek is a picturesque town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.  It is renowned for its scenic vineyards, wineries, and stunning landscapes. Franschhoek is often considered one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the region, and it has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. 

The name "Franschhoek" is of Dutch origin and means "French Corner." The town's history is closely tied to the arrival of French Huguenot settlers in the late 17th century. These settlers brought their winemaking expertise to the region, which laid the foundation for the area's prominent wine industry. Franschhoek is renowned for its world-class wineries and vineyards. It is often referred to as the "Food and Wine Capital of South Africa." Visitors can explore numerous wine estates, sample exceptional wines, and enjoy gourmet cuisine at many fine-dining restaurants.

Vines Fransch Valley

Recommended

Day 6: Franschhoek

Day at leisure

RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and take you to Drakenstein Terminal which is the departure point for your excursion.  After your experience, you will be collected from the Terminal again.

Please note that wine tastings will be for your own account today as it will be dependent on which estate you choose to visit.

Experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram bus stopping at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.

This combination of tram and bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing you to hop off and experience activities like wine tastings, cellar tours, lunch, or simply a stroll through the vineyards. Franschhoek Wine Tram offers ten Hop-on Hop-off lines, giving passengers a variety of wines, views, and experiences to enjoy.

 

Recommended

Day 7: Gondwana Game Reserve

Depart for Gondwana Game Reserve

You will enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon game drive and dinner

Gondwana Game Reserve is a private game reserve located in the heart of the Garden Route. Spanning over 11,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, it offers an authentic safari experience amidst breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Gondwana is home to a wide variety of African wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as other iconic species such as giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species. The reserve's expert guides lead game drives and guided walks, providing guests with opportunities to encounter these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Gondwana offers luxurious accommodation options that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.  In addition to game drives, Gondwana offers a variety of activities to suit every interest. Guests can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, and star gazing under the clear African skies. The reserve also has a spa where guests can unwind and rejuvenate with a range of wellness treatments. (some activities will be at an additional cost)

Gondwana is committed to conservation efforts aimed at preserving the region's biodiversity and protecting endangered species. The reserve implements sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact and actively participates in community development initiatives to benefit local communities.

Gondwana Game Reserve provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the African bush in a malaria-free environment, making it a popular choice for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Day 8: Gondwana Game Reserve

Enjoy 3 lovely meals and 2 exciting game drives today

Embark on captivating game drives in open game viewers, led by Gondwana’s skilled field guides dedicated to providing you with an immersive experience. These expert guides not only share their profound knowledge and passion for our magnificent reserve but also unveil its hidden treasures, offering you unforgettable encounters with nature.

Day 9: Hermanus

After breakfast and your morning game drive, depart for Hermanus.

Hermanus is a charming coastal town situated along the southern coast of the Western Cape. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, whale watching opportunities, and laid-back atmosphere, Hermanus has earned the nickname "The Whale Capital of the World." 

One of the main attractions in Hermanus is the opportunity to observe southern right whales from the shoreline. These majestic marine mammals migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters of the South African coast between June and November each year to mate and calve. The town's elevated cliffs provide excellent vantage points for whale watching, and visitors can often spot whales breaching, spouting, and playing close to shore.

Hermanus is situated along the shores of Walker Bay, a picturesque stretch of coastline characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. In addition to whale watching, Walker Bay offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and coastal hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Beyond whale watching and beachcombing, Hermanus offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, go mountain biking in the nearby mountains, or embark on horseback riding excursions along the coast. The town also boasts several world-class golf courses with stunning ocean views.

Hermanus is known for its excellent dining scene, offering a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving fresh seafood, South African cuisine, and international fare. You can enjoy seafood feasts overlooking the ocean, sample local wines at boutique wineries, or indulge in gourmet picnics amidst scenic vineyards.

Day 10: Hermanus

Spend your day at leisure exploring the area

We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’

During the tour, the friendly, knowledgeable crew are on hand to add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience.  With all eyes on watch, the excitement builds for who can see the first whale of the trip!

While around the whales, they are in charge – as we enter their world – getting to spend some unforgettable moments in nature.  Our onboard team, will help interpret the whales (and other marine life encountered), keeping you informed, providing insight into the behaviours of the whales while we watch them.  Our onboard videographer helps capture these moments, allowing you to really just be in the moment & absorb the experience.

On return to land, peruse the local craft and souvenirs available, order your USB movie of the tour which is ready upon return or simply relax at our outdoor seating on the edge of the quay with reading material on all things whales.

Whale watching with Southern Right Charters An up-close and personal experience Our purpose built catamaran

Day 11: Hermanus

 

Day at leisure

RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING

Take the time today to explore the amazing wine estates in the area.

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, meaning "Heaven and Earth Valley" in Afrikaans, is a picturesque wine-growing region located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. 

The valley benefits from a diverse range of soil types, including clay, shale, and decomposed granite, providing unique growing conditions for various grape varieties. The cool climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, contributes to the slow ripening of grapes, enhancing flavor development and acidity in the wines.

Recommended

Day 12: End of Itinerary

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and make your way to Cape Town International Airport.

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