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 the scenic coastline with its various walkways. Look out for these graceful mammals that make their way along our coastlines, particularly in this region during this time of the year (May to Nov).
After our morning spent in Hermanus, 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.
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.
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”.
OPTIONAL: Spend the afternoon hiking through the lush Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, an estate that lies sandwiched between ocean and mountain and includes marsh, heath, forest, gorge, and dunes as well as stretches of fynbos. Learn how to use some plants for medicinal purposes, especially when we reach the Khoi-San Gardens.
Exploring the Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay, home to a breeding colony 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
Group Size: Any Group Size
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 - SUP Boards, Safety Gear & Hiking packs
Travelling Toy Box
Gourmet Pantry - selection of snacks and picnic items
Drinks - Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine & Selected Spirits
Unlimited travel in and around Cape Town, including as far as Winelands & Hermanus
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
