South Africa’s Western Cape is one of the country’s most enticing and spectacular regions, perfect for both first time and repeat visitors.
Home to vibrant Cape Town, award-winning vineyards, a spectacular coastline and picturesque rural interior, this 13-day itinerary encompasses the highlights of the Western Cape whilst staying in boutique hotels and lodges. Begin your self-drive journey in the spectacular city of Cape Town before travelling inland for a safari experience at Gondwana Private Game Reserve, a modern but authentic African lodge that is home to the ‘Big 5’ as well as other endemic flora and fauna. Continue to coastal Hermanus to enjoy whale watching (June to November) before heading to the Cape’s beautiful Winelands. Here, stay in Franschhoek known for its Cape Dutch architecture and world-class wineries. This itinerary can also be taken with private transfers.
Cape Town – Gondwana Private Game Reserve – Hermanus – Franschhoek
Trip Highlights
- Cape Town is one of the world’s most vibrant cities with a picture-perfect location
- Drive to Boulders Beach to see the Cape's famous penguin colony
- Experience on a luxurious Big 5 safari experience at Gondwana Private Game Reserve
- Embark on two game drives a day and have morning coffee with the giraffes in the wild
- Stay for two nights in Hermanus, South Africa’s prime whale watching destination
- Framed by dramatic mountains, Franschhoek lies in the heart of the verdant Winelands
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town.
Day 2
Arrive Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by representatives and then privately transferred to your centrally located hotel in Cape Town. Cape Town is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with a spectacular location framed by Table Mountain and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing at your boutique hotel or start exploring the city. In the evening, you may wish to visit the iconic V&A Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the bustling harbour front restaurants and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 3
Cape Town
Today is free to explore at leisure and your hire car will be dropped at the hotel this morning. You might choose to go in search of some of the iconic attractions in and around Cape Town. Key locations to visit include Robben Island, the icon of struggle in South Africa’s turbulent past, including the prison cell of Nelson Mandela; the Table Mountain Cableway, a rewarding 360° view of the city from 1000m above, where you can also go for a walk, have a bite to eat and enjoy the unique environment; and historic Bo-Kaap, which was formerly known as the Malay Quarter and today is known for its brightly coloured houses and unique culture.
- Breakfast
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 4-5
Cape Town
Spend the next two days at leisure exploring Cape Town and its surroundings. You may wish to discover the Cape Peninsula stopping off at spectacular viewports and picturesque fishing villages as you take in the sights and sounds along the way. Key places to visit include Boulders Beach, home to a colony of penguins, Muizenberg, a scenic coastal town with colourful beach huts, Cape Point, a scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the African continent, and Chapman’s Peak Drive, which is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Cape Town. The city is also home to several outstanding beaches including Clifton and Camps Bay, the latter is also home to a vibrant boardwalk with many wonderful food and drink options. Other places of interest include the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which boast an exceptional array of endemic fynbos, a treetop walkway and fabulous views, and Constantia, Cape Town’s leafy wine suburb which comprises of traditional and modern wineries.
- Breakfast
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 6
Cape Town to Gondwana Private Game Reserve – 388 km
After breakfast depart Cape Town and start your five-hour drive east to the private game reserve you will be staying at for the next two nights. En route, you may wish to stop in Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town which is full of history and culture. Continue to Gondwana Game Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful lodge and safari properties. Luxurious yet authentic, stay in one of the lodge’s ten Kwena huts featuring stunning 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, a large bathtub and clay pot fireplace. On arrival to Gondwana, enjoy lunch before settling into your unique accommodation. Later, enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on your first game drive with a knowledgeable ranger to search for the reserve’s ‘Big 5’.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Day 7
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Wake up early for the first game drive of the day just as the sun is rising. It is likely to you will stop in one of the reserve’s valleys for morning coffee with the giraffes, a magical experience. On return to the lodge enjoy breakfast. During the remainder of the day you may wish to relax by the infinity pool, take a massage in the spa or experience a guided bush walk or fynbos experience. Late afternoon you will embark on your third game drive and enjoy sundowners from the safari jeep as the sun sets over the African plains.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
Day 8
Gondwana Private Game Reserve to Hermanus - 305 km
This morning you will have another early start for your final game drive at Gondwana. On arrival back at the lodge have breakfast before setting off and driving west to Hermanus. Known as South Africa’s whale watching capital, Hermanus is perfectly positioned on the coast of Walker Bay where migratory southern right whales are frequently spotted. The town itself is home to waterfront restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops.
- Breakfast
Harbour House Hotel, Hermanus
The Marine, Hermanus
Day 9
Hermanus
Enjoy your day at leisure to explore Hermanus and the local activities available. Whale season is typically between June and November, and if you are visiting during this time it is highly recommended to take a whale watching boat trip – you may also encounter sea lions, dolphins and Cape fur seals.
- Breakfast
Harbour House Hotel, Hermanus
The Marine, Hermanus
Day 10
Hermanus to Franschhoek - 127 km
After breakfast say goodbye to Hermanus and drive north to Franschhoek, passing spectacular mountains and valleys en route. This beautiful town with centuries-old vineyards, is home to some of the world’s finest wineries. This afternoon you might decide to enjoy wine tasting and vineyard tour of one of the town’s wine farms. If you both want to enjoy wine tasting, then why not opt for a bike tour of the vineyards, or alternatively we can arrange a private driver for you. You’ll learn about the different wines produced in the area, as you sit back and relax amidst the idyllic surroundings and wonderful views.
- Breakfast
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
Boschendal Wine Estate
Day 11
Franschhoek
Today you might choose to step aboard the famous wine tram, a hop-on hop-off tour that takes you to some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates, some favourites include Boschendal, Babylonstoren, Rickety Bridge and Haute Cabriere. Alternatively you could take a wander into the heart of laidback Franschhoek where you can enjoy the café culture and distinct French charm. Have a wander around the upmarket shops, wander in and out of contemporary galleries or have a bite to eat in one of the many fine dining restaurants.
- Breakfast
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
Boschendal Wine Estate
Day 12
Franschhoek
Today you may wish to visit the neighbouring town of Stellenbosch, world renowned for its historic vineyards and colonised Dutch architecture. If you are a food lover, we can arrange for you to join the ‘Foodies on Foot’ tour where you will visit several food artisans, sample local produce and enjoy a craft beer tasting. For those who are interested in art, there a number of excellent galleries in Stellenbosch, and just outside the town you will find the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. In the evening you may wish to enjoy dinner and a wine paring at one of the region’s excellent restaurants known for some of South Africa's finest cuisine.
- Breakfast
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
Boschendal Wine Estate
Day 13
Franschhoek to Cape Town Airport - 73 kms / Cape Town to the UK
Today is free for you to explore further or relax using the hotels facilities until it is time to drive to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your hire car and take your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Stay in Stellenbosch either at the beginning of the holiday from Cape Town or in place of Franschhoek at the end. Established in 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, this charming town is best-known for its world-class wine estates which produce fine South African wines.
Discover the town of Oudtshoorn. Located in a region called the Little Karoo which is known for its stark beauty and unique flora, Oudtshoorn is famed for ostrich farms, a legacy of the feather boom of the late 19th century. Explore the town and the rugged landscapes that surround it.
Relax in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay which is on the scenic Garden Route. With a serene setting, pristine beaches and a surrounded by lush forest, visit pristine Robberg Nature Reserve, hike the coast footpaths or spot marine life which include whales and dolphins.
Lesser known De Hoop Nature Reserve can be incorporated between Gondwana and Hermanus. The diverse range of ecosystems from fynbos to coastal dunes are a haven for birdlife with more than 260 different species recorded, including the endangered Cape vulture.
Guide to Price
13 days from £3400 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3400
Getting There
British Airways, South African Airlines and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. There are also daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town with British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines also connect the UK with a selection of key South African cities via their respective hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg take around 11 hours and 11½ hours to Cape Town. Flights with stops en-route take between 14 and 17 hours.
Time Zone
South Africa is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports travelling for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days, do not need a visa. South Africa has relaxed its requirements for travelling with children under the age of 18. Visa exempt children entering South Africa accompanied by an adult are required to present only a valid passport on arrival, regardless of whether the child is travelling with both parents, one parent, or an adult who is not a biological parent. It is no longer required to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from South Africa and you will need at least two blank pages in your passport.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tourists should always be vigilant when travelling around South Africa and you should avoid walking alone or in isolated areas late at night or early in the morning.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
If you are self-driving always lock your valuables in the boot and out of sight, both when you are in and out of the car.
If it is your first visit try to incorporate a safari into your holiday. Few countries can offer the range of ethical wildlife experiences that South Africa can.
Money
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy to do in the UK before you travel or at airports, banks, bureaux de change and hotels in South Africa. It is always a good idea to ask for some small note denominations when you exchange money. ATMs are widely available in all towns, cities, shopping centres and many petrol stations and will accept international cards. It is always advised to contact your bank before you travel so they are aware you will be in South Africa.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in South Africa is common courtesy. In restaurants an acceptable amount is 10-15% however you do not need to tip if you see a service charge added to your bill. Service is often added automatically for groups of six people or more. For drivers, guides and room service, the following amounts should act as a guideline: Tour driver R50 per person per day Tour guide R75 per person per day Tour guide R50 per person per half day Hotel porter R15 per suitcase Housekeeper R25 a night
Food & Drink
Arguably South Africa’s national dish, bobotie consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping and should be tried at least once. However, a South African institution is the ‘braai’ or South African barbecue. Everybody braais and facilities can be found almost anywhere from public outdoor picnic areas to hotels and safari lodges. Game meats are commonly found throughout South Africa with ostrich and kudu particularly popular and, with such a vast coastline, it is not surprising that the country has an impressive range of seafood. South Africa is also renowned throughout the world for excellent wines with the finest vineyards found in the Western Cape close to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation types on offer in South Africa, including top-end hotels with world-class facilities, modest or boutique guesthouses, mid-range hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, historic buildings, campsites and safari lodges. Often visitors will stay in more than one town or city so may experience different types of accommodations during one holiday. In cities and large towns there is plenty of choice to suit all budgets and personal preferences whereas in smaller towns or rural locations the choice may be slightly limited.
Shopping
Ranging from local craft markets to huge shopping centres, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of shopping opportunities available in South Africa. Souvenirs and local wares are best brought in the local markets found in most cities, along the side of the road or outside popular tourist attractions. Haggling is expected in the markets, just make sure both you and the seller are happy with the price. You can expect to pick up items such as painted ostrich eggs, art work, handcrafted jewellery and wooden carved animals and masks. Local wines also make excellent buys as they are often low in price and high in quality.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet have excellent guide books whilst Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the country. There is also a wide range of literature available including:
‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela
‘After Mandela: The Battle for the Soul of South Africa’ by Alec Russell
‘A History of South Africa’ by Leonard Thompson and Lynn Berat
‘A Short History of South Africa’ by Gail Nattrass
‘The Scramble for Africa’ by Thomas Pakenham
‘Zulu Rising: The Epic Story of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift’ by Ian Knight
‘Diamonds, Gold and War: The Making of South Africa’ by Martin Meredith
‘Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields’ by David Rattray
‘Invictus’ by John Carlin
‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah
‘Burger's Daughter’ by Nadine Gordimer
‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ by Alan Paton
‘Ways of Dying’ by Zakes Mda
‘Hum If You Don't Know the Words’ by Bianca Marais
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current advice recommends you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. You might also consider vaccinations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Tuberculosis (TB). For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on South Africa the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in South Africa
DM & NB - South Africa - November 2023
Just to let you know that we had a fantastic time in South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe national park. Everything went according to plan and we stayed in some amazing places. The Blue Train was fabulous - a once in a lifetime experience! The game drives were amazing and we saw lots of wildlife.
It was a really good itinerary and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you for organising it for us. You always kept us well informed and the information you provided was second to none. We felt fully supported from start to finish. Thank you!
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