DAY 1 – 4
Cape Town
Cape Town is a true fan favourite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away. Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.
Situated on a private quay between Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront and the tranquil yacht marina is Cape Grace, there is no better position from where to soak in the natural beauty of the Mother City and the very essence of Cape Town living at its best.
DAY 2
Cape Town City and Table Mountain Half Day Private Tour
This is a great orientation tour of Cape Town. Depart for a comprehensive city orientation tour starting with a trip up Table Mountain by cable car for a panoramic view of the whole of the Cape Peninsula. There is time for a short walk at the summit to admire the incredible scenery. Afterwards you travel into the city where you first see the Castle of Good Hope, the original fort of Cape Town built in 1652 and now painstakingly restored. From there you continue to the historic centre of Cape Town with its many 18th century buildings where there is time to stroll through the Company Gardens past the Parliament buildings. Finally you explore the picturesque Malay quarter, a historic sector of the city with original Malay buildings and narrow streets before ending the tour back at the hotel approx 4 hours later.
DAY 3
Cape Peninsula Private Tour
This full day private Cape Peninsula tour includes a scenic coastal drive along Chapmans Peak; the Cape of Good Hope National Park and Cape Point; viewing the Penguins at Boulders Bay; Simonstown historical naval base and ends with the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. You first travel along the spectacular Atlantic Seaboard through the chic suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay. and on to the scenic fishing village of Hout Bay. Next you enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Chapmans Peak drive – if open – as it hugs the cliffside with a 200m drop on one side and a 200m rise on the other. This is without a doubt one of the world’s most spectacular mountain passes. Continue south to reach the Cape of Good Hope National Park. Explore the rocky coastline and unique Cape Fynbos vegetation which is home to unique birdlife such as African Black Oystercatchers and Cape Sugarbirds amongst others. Climb up to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse. Or take the furniculat train up, to capture the magical views over the bay. Visit the unique penguin colonies at Boulders beach for an exciting close encounter with African Penguins – often a highlight of the tour. Finally visit Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, some of the finest gardens in Africa nestling on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Walk through the gardens where 4,000 of the 22,000 Southern African flowering plants are cultivated in a setting of mountain streams, pools and rolling lawns. You are dropped off at your hotel having seen the best the Cape has to offer.
DAY 4 – 6
Hermanus
Situated in the heart of the Cape Whale Route, the once humble fishing village of Hermanus has become a renowned tourist destination, offering some of the best land-based whale watching opportunities to be found anywhere in the world. Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay frequently and are announced by the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the coast. Hermanus offers visitors breathtaking scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops, endless adventure options, and a wide selection of restaurants and coffee shops. Yet despite its fame and all its many offerings, Hermanus maintains a simple rustic charm.
With its exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House in Hermanus offers an extraordinary coastal experience. Watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just metres from the shore. Spa, pool, and gym offer the chance for indulgence, relaxation or exercise. Cliff and beach walks are an invigorating way to enjoy the air, and numerous sporting and leisure activities are available in the area.
DAY 4
Hemel En Aarde Tour
This private tour departs Cape Town for Hermanus. You travel via the scenic Coastal Road with a stop-off to see the Penguins at Stoney Point. Continue to the cosmopolitan fishing village/resort of Hermanus. It is the whale watching capital of the world, with stunning coastal scenery to boot. Secluded sandy beaches are backed by velvety mountains covered with exceptional fynbos vegetation. Enjoy some land-based whale-watching and visit some of the wine estates of the Hemel en Aarde Valley. The Hermanus region offers some of the loveliest wine routes in the country. The Hemel en Aarde valley (Heaven and Earth) is a picturesque valley road between Hermanus and Caledon. Spend some time (or even a day) enjoying the many wine estates along this route. Such as Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson, Southern Right and Creation.
DAY 5
Whale Watching
Whale watching can be done on land (at Birkenhead House), at sea, or in the air. For those looking to get up close and personal with the Southern Right and Humpback whales, we recommend heading out on the ocean with a company called Dyer Island Cruises – their primary focus is on marine conservation and research. The best time for whale watching is from July to December but the optimum time seems to change a little each year.
DAY 6 – 8
Franschhoek
Located about 75 km (45 mi) east of Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. French Huguenot settlers first arrived in the late 1600s and began what has become a thriving agricultural industry focused primarily on winemaking. Much of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture has been preserved, making this one of South Africa’s prettiest places to visit, not only for the classic churches and farmhouses but also for its breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is situated in a picturesque valley nestled at the foot of imposing surrounding mountain ranges. The main road is lined with art galleries, boutiques and small shops selling freshly baked goods, charcuterie, olive oil, jam, artisanal chocolate and, of course, wine. Also, some of the country’s top restaurants and most reknowned wineries are here.
Mont Rochelle is Sir Richard Branson’s stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard in the town of Franschhoek. Mont Rochelle is a perfect location for rest and relaxation, where guests are encouraged to sample the delicious home-grown wines, swim in the outdoor pool, dine in the on-site restaurants, or discover the local area. The grounds at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares (about 100 acres), and you are welcome to go exploring. A favourite activity for many guests is picnicking on the estate – the kitchen can arrange a well-stocked picnic basket with a chilled bottle of wine (or two!).
DAY 7
Cape Winelands Private Tour
Today you enjoy a private tour to the Cape Winelands for a leisurely exploration of the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek as well as wine tasting at local wine estates. The majestic scenery of the winelands is unparalleled so even if you don’t drink wine, the countryside and history make it well worth the visit. A combination of the favourable effects of the two major ocean currents meeting off the Cape makes the climate in the area perfect for the acres of vineyards. The stunning backdrop of the mountains, the tree-lined streets and the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads all blend in tranquil harmony.
DAY 8 – 10
Timbavati
Timbavati, meaning “the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens,” is a 130,000 acre private game reserve that shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. Forming part of a huge conservation area that spans across international borders and incorporates a number of biomes, the Timbavati remains one of the strongholds for the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all regularly spotted, and even the endangered Cape hunting dog thrives in the area. In addition to over 350 species of birds, there are dozens of reptiles and amphibians.
Situated within the world renowned and beautiful Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park – Simbavati Hilltop Lodge guarantees an exclusive, authentic and unforgettable African Safari experience. Enjoy magnificent views of the African Bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from the vantage point of the beautiful small koppie on which the lodge is situated.
DAY 10 – 11
Tour of the Panorama Route
Mind blowing scenery along the upper ridge of the Drakensberg rival some of the most scenic around the world. Not only does the Panorama Route offer the most remarkable vistas over the Lowveld, it is also home to a number of phenomenal geographical features such as waterfalls, canyons, gorges, potholes and much more. All of these natural aspects are interspersed by 3 small but very characteristic towns – Graskop, Sabie and Pilgrim’s Rest. Coming from each direction, the Panorama Route converges into the 3rd largest canyon in the world – the Blyde River Canyon. A scenic transfer takes in many of these highlights when travelling between safari lodges and country lodges of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Some of the highlights of the scenic Blyde River Canyon, stopping at God’s Window, Bourne’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels along the way, and also stop at some of the waterfalls on route (usually Lisbon and/or Berlin Falls). Time is allowed for shopping for crafts at the various craft vendors along the way.
