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.
History and modern luxury merge to create ageless beauty at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel, which was built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse. This iconic establishment was named after Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, who played an intrinsic role in the establishment of the Breakwater Basin, now the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is located in the very heart of this internationally acclaimed destination and is a sophisticated retreat amid the buzz.
DAY 4 – 6
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.
La Cotte Farm is uniquely situated a stone’s throw from the charming village of Franschhoek. It offers close proximity to the fun and bustle of the main street with all the quiet, privacy and rural charm of a working wine farm. La Cotte Farm dates back to 1698 when the first of the eleven Huguenot Farms was granted to the French immigrants who fled their native country during the 17th century. Today, the farm celebrates this rich heritage. As guests explore La Cotte, they will experience it, combined with a sense of contemporary luxury.
DAY 6 – 8
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.
Hidden amongst ancient milkwood trees, discover a place of extraordinary beauty for contemplation and adventure. Tucked away near the picturesque village of Stanford, Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is the Cape’s answer to the luxury African sanctuary lodge. One of South Africa’s finest hidden gems on the Cape Whale Coast, Mosaic is on the Hermanus Lagoon, by the pristine Walker Bay Beach on the Atlantic and has magnificent views of the Overberg Mountains. Mosaic is a boutique guest resort where luxury is laced with earthly beauty and heavenly night skies.
DAY 8 – 11
Garden Route
The Garden Route is a popular road trip destination stretching about 300 km (190 mi) along the south eastern coast of South Africa. Traditionally, the Garden Route starts in Mossel Bay, about five hours from Cape Town, and ends at Storms River in the east. It is known as a remarkably scenic stretch of coastline, sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains. The route is extraordinarily diverse, with picturesque lagoons, amber coloured rivers, semi-arid valleys, rolling hills, jagged mountains, lush forests, and wild, sprawling beaches. Most towns are spaced about 45 minutes apart along the coastal road and offer a variety of activities, from whale watching in Hermanus to spelunking in the Cango Caves, surfing in “J Bay” to scuba diving in “Plett,” shark cage diving in Mossel Bay to feasting on world-renown oysters in Knysna. There is abseiling and kloofing for the adventurous, and spectacular hikes with varying degrees of difficulty spread out along the route.
Situated above the quaint town of Sedgefield, along South Africa’s Garden Route, Simbavati Fynbos On Sea, the eco paradise awaits, offering sweeping views over beaches, mountains, lagoons and a fynbos wonderland.
DAY 11 – 14
Kariega Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve is a malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve situated near Port Elizabeth, thus forming a natural extension to Cape Town and the Garden Route. Family owned and managed, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 11,500 hectare reserve is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape. Kariega’s landscape spans across five different eco systems, resulting in extremely high game carrying capacities which results in Kariega’s game viewing and birding experience being unsurpassed in the Eastern Cape.
Nestled on the banks of the Bushmans River, this thatched lodge is unique in that it connects a Big 5 game reserve to the sea. Optional daily boat cruises ferry guests through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea to its picturesque and user friendly beaches. River Lodge is one-of-a-kind. Inside the lodge guests can find a quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax at the pool or take in the view from the magnificent deck which overhangs the Bushmans River.
