Hidden Treasures of the Western Cape | Self-Drive Itinerary

Day 1 London to Cape Town

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town. (N)

Day 2 Cape Town

On arrival to Cape Town International Airport, collect your hire car and take a short drive to Cape Town to your centrally located hotel. As one of the world’s most vibrant cities with a spectacular location, Cape Town will not disappoint. You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel’s lovely pool or venture to Camps Bay, an energetic and beautiful beach resort. In the evening, head to the V&A Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the bustling harbourfront restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 5* The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 3 Cape Town

Today is your first full day in Cape Town and your hire car will be dropped to the hotel this morning. If preferred, we can arrange a private guide for the day or for an even more memorable experience you can take a tour of the city by sidecar. Some of Cape Town’s top attractions include Table Mountain, historic Robben Island and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. There are also many themed tours, such as food, craft beer and jazz, that we would be happy to help organise. Early evening, you may wish to head to the suburb of Constantia which boasts some of Africa’s best restaurants. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 5* The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 4 Cape Town

This morning you may wish to take part in a Cape Malay cookery class. Meet in the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap for a tour of this cultural part of Cape Town before heading to a local’s home where you will cook and sample traditional dishes of Cape Malay cuisine. Alternatively, you could take a township tour to truly experience local culture and history. A visit to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the stunning Cape Peninsula, so why not drive to Cape Point this afternoon. Enjoy the spectacular viewpoints, quaint fishing villages and iconic sights including the penguins at Boulders Beach and the sun setting over the Atlantic from Chapmans Peak Drive. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 5* The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 5 Cape Town to De Hoop Nature Reserve – 233 km

After breakfast depart Cape Town and head east towards the beautiful and untouched De Hoop Nature Reserve. This spectacular coastal reserve is home to untouched beaches and wild dunes, and an array of wildlife including bontebok, zebra, southern whales and rare Cape vultures. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and take a look at the range of excursions and experiences available whilst in De Hoop. That afternoon you may wish to enjoy a guided eco boat trip down the De Hoop Vlei for sightings of bird, game, porcupine and otters or maybe take a late afternoon nature drive through the scenic wetlands. (B)

Accommodation in De Hoop Nature Reserve: Opstal Vlei Suite - Deep Hoop (or similar)

Upgrade option: Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Day 6 De Hoop Nature Reserve

During your full day in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, there are many activities to choose from including land-based whale watching, hiking and mountain biking. A new and unique excursion available in the reserve is a guided vulture experience. Adventure out to the dramatic cliffs of Potberg Mountain to view endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony. Be in awe as you watch these amazing creatures swoop and soar above you. In the afternoon you may wish to take part in an interpretive marine walk to explore the coastal rock pools and sandy dunes. Between June and November, there’s a high chance you will see the Southern Right Whales from shore. Enjoy sundowners on the beach at sunset before enjoying an al fresco dinner. (B)

Accommodation in De Hoop Nature Reserve: Opstal Vlei Suite - Deep Hoop (or similar)

Upgrade option: Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Day 7 De Hoop Nature Reserve to Swellendam – 50 km

After check out this morning, take a short drive to Swellendam, South Africa’s fourth oldest town. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is full of history and culture. Visit one of the town’s museums or the pottery studio, explore a local national park or enjoy a liqueur tasting at Wildebraam Berry Estate. (B)

Accommodation in Swellendam: 5* Schoone Oordt Country House (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Bloomestate Swellendam

Day 8 Swellendam to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – 72 km

After breakfast you may wish to visit Marloth Nature Reserve which is home to some great short hikes to natural pools and viewpoints of the lush green valleys. Continue to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, located in the Little Karoo it is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves which offers spectacular scenery, a ‘Big 5’ safari experience, and a progressive conservation programme. On arrival, settle into your traditional yet modern safari-style accommodation before embarking on your first game drive. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: 5* Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Day 9 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Wake up early before sunrise for the first game drive of the day. On return to the lodge take breakfast before an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a massage in the scenic spa, relax by the pool or embark on a guided bush walk in the reserve to explore the reserve’s beautiful flora including endemic fynbos. Take another game drive late afternoon where you will hopefully see animals such as lion, elephant, giraffe and buffalo before enjoying sundowners from the safari jeep as the sun sets over the African plains. On return to the lodge, sample local cuisine at dinner and maybe embark on some stargazing, watching the dark African sky come alive with glistening stars. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: 5* Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Day 10 Sanbona Wildlife Reserve to Stellenbosch – 202 km

After an early start and your final game drive, enjoy breakfast on the deck overlooking the South African bush before departing and driving to the Winelands to Stellenbosch for your final two nights. (B)

Accommodation in Stellenbosch: 4* Oude Werf Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Delaire Graff Estate

Day 11 Stellenbosch

Today is your final full day in South Africa. You may wish to spend the day exploring the region’s stunning wineries and vineyards on the iconic wine tram that departs from Franschhoek. This is a flexible and fun way of touring the wine region without the worry of driving. Wineries we recommend include Boschendal, home to rose gardens and an antique oak tree, and Babylonstoren, which features spectacular gardens and a farm-to-table restaurant. Alternatively, spend the day in Stellenbosch and soak up the café culture and art galleries. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner and drinks in one of the area’s fantastic restaurants. (B)

Accommodation in Stellenbosch: 4* Oude Werf Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Delaire Graff Estate

Day 12 Stellenbosch to Cape Town Airport – 36 km / Cape Town to the

Today is free for you to visit any more wineries or relax using the hotels facilities until you drive to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your hire car and board your flight overnight back to the UK. (B)

Day 13 Arrive to the UK

You will arrive back into the UK early this morning, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)

Day 15 Arrive London

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)

Hidden Treasures and Highlights of the Western Cape

13 days from £3200 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3200 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Hidden Treasures of the Western Cape

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