Self-Drive: Wine, Whales and Wildlife in the Western Cape

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 at Cape Town International Airport pick up your hire car and begin your self-drive adventure by driving 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 venture to the vibrant beach resort of Camps Bay. In the evening, head to the iconic V&A Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the bustling harbour front restaurants. (N)

Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 3 Cape Town

Today 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. In the afternoon you may wish to explore Cape Town’s fantastic botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch, home to an exceptional array of endemic fynbos, a treetop walkway and fabulous views. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 4 Cape Town

You’ve got another day to explore this magnificent city and surroundings. You might decide to head to Cape Point, stopping off at the iconic 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, Seal Island and Muizenberg, a scenic coastal town with colourful beach huts. Later you might drive up to Signal Hill, where you can take in the breathtaking views over the city, or enjoy a luxurious champagne cruise, watching the sun set over Table Mountain. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 5 Cape Town to Franschhoek - 82 km

This morning you may wish to take part in a Cape Malay cookery class, or maybe a Township tour. Both are excellent ways to truly experience Cape culture and get to know some locals. If you opt for the cookery class, enjoy a walk through the colourful suburb of Bo-Kaap before cooking several traditional Cape Malay dishes at a local’s house. Early afternoon, depart Cape Town and drive east, to Franschhoek, passing spectacular mountains and valleys. 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. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: Lavender Farm Guest House (or similar)

Upgrade option: Boschendal Wine Estate

Day 6 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. You may choose to head into the heart of the laidback town 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. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: Lavender Farm Guest House (or similar)

Upgrade option: Boschendal Wine Estate

Day 7 Franschhoek

Today you may wish to visit the neighbouring town of Stellenbosch, world renowned for its historic vineyards and wineries. 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 beautiful wineries. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: Lavender Farm Guest House (or similar)

Upgrade option: Boschendal Wine Estate

Day 8 Franschhoek to Western Cape Safari - 335 km

After breakfast depart Franschhoek and drive east to the private game reserve you will be staying at for the next two nights. Gondwana Game Reserve, located under an hour inland from Mossel Bay, is one of the Western Cape’s most spectacular safari experiences. 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 a welcome drink and lunch before settling into your unique accommodation. At about 5pm you will take afternoon tea before embarking on your first game drive with a knowledgeable ranger to search for the reserve’s ‘Big 5’. (B, L, D)

Accommodation for safari: Gondwana Game Reserve

Day 9 Western Cape Safari

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation for safari: Gondwana Game Reserve

Day 10 Western Cape Safari to Cape Nature Walker Bay - 300 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 Cape Nature Walker Bay. Located between Hermanus Lagoon, the ocean and mountains, Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is a unique property where you can enjoy the tranquil setting and get back to nature. With only five lodges, it is one of the region’s best hidden gems. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in Cape Nature Walker Bay: Mosaic Lagoon Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Cape Nature Walker Bay

Today you have a full day to enjoy the facilities at the lodge and embark on some of their included excursions. After breakfast you may wish to take a guided nature walk and explore the rich tapestry of flora and birdlife in the area or a peaceful kayak on the still waters of Hermanus Lagoon. After lunch you could opt for the lodge’s famous beach excursion. Accessible only by 4x4, travel to a secluded beach and indulge in drinks and canapes as you take in the beautiful views of the sea and sky from the sand dunes. You are also able to visit a stone-age archaeological cave or watch whales from the shore (July – November). (B, L, D)

Accommodation in Cape Nature Walker Bay: Mosaic Lagoon Lodge (or similar)

Day 12 Cape Nature Walker Bay to Constantia – 168 km

After an al fresco breakfast overlooking the spectacular mountains and lagoon, depart Cape Nature Walker Bay and drive to Constantia, an upmarket suburb of Cape Town. En route you may wish to stop at Hermanus, South Africa’s prime whale watching spot. On arrival to your hotel in Constantia, relax at the property’s beautiful pool or visit one of the nearby wineries. Constantia is known as Cape Town’s wine suburb and is home to many wineries, some traditional and some modern so there is something for everyone. (B)

Accommodation in Constantia: Alphen Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Steenberg Hotel

Day 13 Constantia

Today you have a full day to explore Constantia. If you love wine, we recommend visiting some local wineries and enjoy a tasting or two whilst surrounded by beautiful vineyards and mountains. Alternatively, you may want to spend your last afternoon back in Cape Town. For your last evening, why not book one of Constantia’s winery restaurants and finish your trip in style. (B)

Accommodation in Constantia: Alphen Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Steenberg Hotel

Day 14 Constantia to Cape Town – 25 km

Today is free for you to explore further or relax using the hotels facilities until you drive to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your hire car and take your flight back to the UK. (B)

Day 15 Arrive London

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

Self-Drive: Wine, Whales and Wildlife in the Western Cape

15 days from £2500 per person

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Itinerary: Self-Drive: Wine, Whales, Wildlife in the Western Cape

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