Fairways & Big Five: A South African Golf Escape

Arrive in Cape Town from the UK. Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your rental vehicle at the Europcar depot (N Class: Toyota Fortuner or similar, with unlimited kilometres) and enjoy a short ±25-minute drive to The Portswood Hotel, traffic dependent. The hotel is ideally located in the vibrant V&A Waterfront.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your international flight.

After breakfast, your private driver-guide will meet you at the reception area of The Portswood Hotel.

Included: A full-day Cape Peninsula tour featuring a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, a visit to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins, and the funicular ride to the Cape Point Lighthouse. All entrance fees are included where applicable.

Alternatively, you may choose a private city highlights tour, visiting Table Mountain and the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (different entrance fees apply and we would be happy to requote accordingly).

If preferred, the day can simply be enjoyed at leisure in the V&A Waterfront.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic ±60-minute drive (traffic dependent) to Erinvale Golf Estate.

Play 18 holes on this Gary Player-designed championship course, ranked among South Africa’s Top 100 layouts and set against the Helderberg Mountains.

Return to The Portswood Hotel in the afternoon. Evening at leisure.

Please note:
Erinvale member days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tee time availability on these days may be more limited.

After breakfast, check out of The Portswood Hotel and depart at approximately 10h00 for the scenic drive to Franschhoek.

En route, you may wish to stop in Stellenbosch to explore this charming historic town and enjoy lunch at one of its many excellent restaurants (lunch for own account).

Continue on to Franschhoek (approximately 45 minutes from Stellenbosch) and check in to your accommodation.

In the afternoon, enjoy a wine experience in the Franschhoek Valley, renowned for its world-class vineyards and picturesque mountain scenery (own account).

Optional Experiences (own account):
Auberge Clermont would be delighted to arrange a curated half-day Franschhoek wine tour for you (approximately ZAR 1,500 per person, subject to change).

Alternatively, we highly recommend the Franschhoek Wine Tram. The Red Line operates in close proximity to Auberge Clermont and visits the following estates: Mont Rochelle, Haute Cabrière, Lynx, Eikehof, Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, and Franschhoek Cellar.

If highlighting three exceptional estates along this route, we would recommend:

• Grande Provence
• Haute Cabrière
• Mont Rochelle

Overnight in Franschhoek.

Short drive from Franschhoek to Boschenmeer Golf Estate in Paarl (approximately 25–30 minutes).

Enjoy 18 holes at this well-maintained parkland course set against the backdrop of the Paarl mountains.
Return to your accommodation in the afternoon. Evening at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Franschhoek and enjoy a scenic ±2-hour drive to Hermanus, one of South Africa’s premier coastal towns and world-renowned land-based whale watching destinations.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation.

You may wish to enjoy a leisurely walk along the famous Cliff Path, offering spectacular coastal views and excellent whale spotting opportunities during season. The walk can take anything from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your preference.

Weather permitting, a shared boat-based whale watching excursion is included, offering an unforgettable close-up marine experience during peak season (September to November).

Other optional activities available in the region (for own account) :

• Guided eco-marine sea kayak tours from Hermanus Old Harbour
• Wine tasting experiences in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
• Quad biking
• Shark cage diving
• Botanical garden and mountain hikes

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a short ±20-minute drive to Arabella Golf Estate, consistently ranked among South Africa’s Top 100 courses.

Play 18 holes on this championship layout, renowned for its immaculate conditioning, challenging water features, and spectacular views over the Bot River Lagoon.

After your round, return to Hermanus for the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Hermanus and enjoy a scenic ±4.5-hour drive along the renowned Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most picturesque coastal stretches.

On arrival in Knysna, check in to Kanonkop House, ideally positioned with sweeping lagoon views.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

After breakfast, enjoy a short ±10–15-minute drive to Pezula Championship Golf Course, one of South Africa’s Top 20 ranked courses.

Play 18 holes on this spectacular cliff-top championship layout, famous for its dramatic ocean views, rolling fairways, and signature par-3 holes overlooking the Indian Ocean. (Special affiliated rate arranged through your accommodation, including green fee and shared golf cart.)

After your round, return to Kanonkop House for the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to Simola Golf & Country Estate, another Top 20 ranked course in South Africa.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Simola offers a beautifully maintained inland course set high above the Knysna Lagoon, combining strategic design with breathtaking scenery.

Play 18 holes before returning to Kanonkop House for a relaxed evening. (Special affiliated rate arranged through your accommodation, including green fee and shared golf cart.)

After breakfast, check out of Kanonkop House and enjoy a scenic ±3.5-hour drive to Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.

Arrive in time to check in and settle into your lodge before heading out on your afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge under the African skies. 

Enjoy an early morning game drive, when wildlife activity is at its peak and the bush comes alive with the sounds of Africa.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and time at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

In the afternoon, head out on your second game drive of the day in search of the Big Five and other diverse wildlife species.

Dinner at the lodge under African skies. 

Another exciting day in the African bush awaits, with morning and afternoon game drives offering further opportunities to explore this diverse and wildlife-rich reserve.

Between activities, enjoy leisure time at the lodge.

Dinner at the lodge under African skies. 

Enjoy your final early morning game drive, followed by breakfast at the lodge.

Thereafter, check out and self-drive approximately ±1.5 hours to Port Elizabeth (Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport).

Return your rental vehicle at the Europcar depot before checking in for your onward flight to the UK, travelling via Johannesburg. Please allow approximately 4 hours prior to your international departure for check-in and security procedures at Johannesburg International Airport.

Bid our beautiful country farewell as you begin your journey home.