South African adventures in the Western Cape
Itinerary
Days 1 -2- Arrival into Cape Town
After an overnight flight from the UK, you will arrive into Cape Town airport and be met by the transfer to your guesthouse for the next three nights. After checking in, you can immediately cool off in the pool or explore the city’s highlights. Of course, a visit to Table Mountain is not to be missed. You can climb it in two hours on foot – or you can take the cable car in about four minutes. Whichever route you choose: If the weather is clear in the morning, don’t hesitate to tackle it. The clouds can quickly gather on the mountain again, denying you the beautiful view of the city. Or venture out for a dance with one of the city’s street performers. Either way, you won’t be bored here.
Days 3-4 – Cape Malay Cooking Experience and free time
Today you’ll dive into the diversity of Cape Town, visiting the famous district of Bo-Kaap where you will meet one of the residents and learn to cook traditional dishes with her. Of course, you can also try these afterwards (2-10 participants). Stroll along Long Street with a full stomach or visit the Green Market, where you will find many souvenirs and handicrafts. Or take the red hop-on hop-off bus to the city’s sights. At the end of the day, you can look for a nice restaurant on the waterfront and end the day in a relaxed manner.
The following day, we won’t arrange anything for you, so you can explore the colourful city however you wish. If you haven’t already visited Table Mountain, this morning is a great time to tackle the mountain for those epic views. Enjoy your final evening by the waterfront with a glass of wine and a delicious meal.
Day 5 – Depart for Hermanus
Now your self-drive adventure begins. You can collect the car from your hotel this morning and head out on your first drive towards Hermanus (around 2 hours). Hiring a car in South Africa is easy and self drive allows you to travel at your own pace. If you’re still a bit nervous about the idea, read our self drive inspiration page, or speak to your travel specialist.
Hermanus is known as South Africa’s whale capital! In the right season, you can spot whales here just from the shore. A winding path leads you along the coast through beautiful scenery, and brings you to the viewpoint at the old harbour. Here you will meet Hermanus’ whale caller, who lets you know with a big horn when there is a whale to be seen. Hermanus is a former fishing town, but you don’t see much of that. It is a sought-after spot among tourists and South Africans themselves for a weekend getaway. Meanwhile, the centre has grown into a cosy harbour town with several restaurants and terraces. You stay in a nice guesthouse, within walking distance of the city centre. After an adventurous day, this is a lovely place to unwind in the garden with swimming pool.
Whale Watching in Hermanus
Today is the day: you look intently at the sea from the deck of the boat, watching for even the slightest movement. Then it happens. First, only a fin rises, and then a huge back emerges from the water. Suddenly, a whale leaps into the air, only to sink back into the water seconds later.
Between June and November, conditions for whale watching in the bay are excellent. During this period, whale-watching tours are offered in Hermanus, where you can get very close to the animals. Although boats are only allowed up to 50 metres from marine mammals, the reverse is of course not true. And because whales are very curious creatures, you can come face to face with one of these sea giants. If you’re travelling here outside of the whale watching season, there is still plenty to do in Hermanus from coastal walks to beach activities and kayaking.
Day 7 – Onto De Hoop
The following morning, you will leave Hermanus and head east along the Garden Route to De Hoop. This remote area in the Western Cape can only be accessed via a bumpy gravel road, so prepare for quite a shuffle. But once you arrive, you will soon forget the efforts, as the views are breathtaking. You are surrounded by vast landscapes with high sand dunes, unusual rock formations and rich flora and fauna along the coast.
You sleep in a cosily furnished cottage in the middle of the park. Here you will find everything you need: a swimming pool, spa, tennis court and restaurant, perfect for a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle.
Day 8 – Hiking in De Hoop nature reserve
Today you can explore the park on your own with beautiful walks or challenging cycling tours. But for a really good understanding of this unique nature and green fynbos landscape, it is highly recommended to join one of the local rangers’ guided walks. These usually start early in the morning, perfect for spotting the many birds that flutter around here along the way.
Prefer walking along the coast? Then the Interpretive Marine Walk is perfect; it runs along the beach and, with any luck, you’ll even see whales in the bay between June and December! In the afternoon, you can also join a guided mountain bike or quad tour, so you’ll have plenty to do!
Day 9 – Into the heart of South Africa’s wine region
The following day you will head further east to the heart of South Africa’s wine region. Around the charming towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you will find some 200 wineries, including well-known names such as Spier and Blaauwklippen. The landscape here is gently rolling and hilly, making it perfect for a nice mountain bike ride. You will spend the next few nights in a guesthouse near Stellenbosch, with a delicious breakfast included to start your day off right.
Day 10 – Cycling through South African vineyards
In the morning, you will be picked up and taken to the starting point of your tour. The nice thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about driving back yourself – quite handy after a few wine tastings! During the cycling tour, you will stop at three wineries to enjoy the delicious South African wines. The route leads you along quiet paths, away from busy roads, with occasional climbs. Along the way, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and False Bay, so be sure to bring your camera.
Day 11 – Departure from Cape Town
For your final night, you will head back to Cape Town, where you can explore anything you missed the first time around. The W&A Waterfront is a great spot in the evening, with its many restaurants and bars. You can grab a bite at one of the many places or go on a sunset cruise with views of the water and Table Mountain. Besides the shops, you’ll also find the impressive Two Oceans Aquarium and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, offering a fresh perspective on African art.
You can also take a tour to Robben Island from the waterfront, where Nelson Mandela and his fellow freedom fighters were imprisoned. The tours are led by former prisoners, giving you a unique and personal insight into Cape Town’s and South Africa’s history.
The following morning, you will head to the airport and return your rental car, in preparation for your international flight back home.
Accommodation
