Our day of tracking the Marine Big 5 (Southern Right Whale, Shark, Dolphin, Seal and Penguin) starts with a full immersion into breath-taking coastal landscape as we travel along the R44, keeping an eye on the sea.
Driving up with glorious mountain vistas, we will take Sir Lowry's Pass and drive through the Elgin Valley and the Overberg region to make our way to the coast where you will be able to enjoy a seasonal whale watching boat trip. Look out for these graceful mammals that make their way along our coastlines, particularly in this region during this time of the year (June - Nov).
Enter the natural habitat of the Marine Big 5 in South Africa, for the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks.
We start the day by making our way to the Gansbaai, where you will be able to enjoy a seasonal whale-watching boat trip. Look out for these graceful mammals that make their way along our coastlines, particularly in this region during this time of the year (June - Nov). The area surrounding Dyer Island and Shark Alley is the world-famous home of the Marine Big 5. Depending on the time of year, you have the chance to see whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals, African penguins, and great white sharks, potentially in a single trip.
For lunch, we will stop at one of the lovely local restaurants at Stanford. The Tasting Room restaurant has a reputation for relaxation with an emphasis on fresh and inventive food of an exceptionally high standard. The chalkboard menu changes daily according to what is locally fresh and available, including items from our own vegetable garden.
After your lunch, we venture to the small villages, perched on the cliffs above the bay. From an elevated vantage point, you have a birds-eye view of the whales, and may possibly even see some calves. After thousands of years, the crash of waves has carved a series of underground caves into the cliffs and these contain a glittering array of stalactites and stalagmites as well as ocean-filled rock pools, perfect for swimming.
Time allowing, we will continue towards the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, we will first explore the area before enjoying a tasting at one of the many unique wine estates in the region. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is an escape from the norm of city life and should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The experience will leave you feeling refreshed and content. It was once said that “so high are the hills, which closely embrace the valley all around, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but Heaven and Earth”.
In the afternoon, we will explore the Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay, home to a breeding colony of seabirds, we go in search of penguins - taking time to enjoy their character-filled antics.
We return to Cape Town, via the scenic coastal route which will allow you perfect vistas of this spectacular coastline.
Tour Code: SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Duration: 8 – 12 Hours
Departure Time: Flexible, the earlier the better
Return Time: When your day is done
Flexibility - adaptable on an hour to hour basis to suit your clients’ needs and changing weather conditions throughout the day. Where you go and what activities you do are up to you.
Adventure Utility Vehicle (AUV) – Our vehicle comes equipped with pre-packed hiking packs and a fully stocked gourmet pantry with drinks included.
Top Adventure Guides - Viewed as the best in Africa in their specialist fields, our guides have a wealth of experience and stories to tell.
The tour shown is only an example, more or less can be done on the day. Click on the activities list and map for more information.
Includes:
Private Adventure Guide / Driver
Exclusive Use of Adventure Utility Vehicle
Adventure Equipment
Drinks - Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine & Selected Spirits
Gourmet Pantry - selection of snacks and picnic items
Unlimited travel in and around Cape Town, including as far as Winelands & Hermanus
Onboard WiFi
Excludes:
Surf Board, Wetsuit and Tuition – available at R695 per person
Mountain Bike – available at R1,080 per person
Additional restaurant meals and wine farm supplied picnics
Entry, Attraction Fees and Park Fees – e.g. Aquarium & Cable Car
Adventures beyond 100 km radius of Cape Town - e.g. Cape Agulhas, Ceres & Orange River
