Be inspired by South Africa’s scenic landscapes and unique experiences.
Embark on a 10-day vacation package that takes in the highlights of Cape Town, the Whale Coast and the Garden Route, ending with a luxury Big 5 safari in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
In Cape Town, explore the art, culture and cuisine of South Africa’s Mother City. Voted one of the world’s best cities to visit, Cape Town’s winelands, mountains, beaches, restaurants, shops and historical sites lay the scene for inspirational experiences.
From there, you’ll head to Hermanus, the whale capital of the world. Besides whale watching – which is spectacular from the shore, from the water, or from above, Hermanus offers a variety of things to do, from adventure activities to cultural experiences.
Your journey continues to Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route. From your unique luxury accommodation in a lovingly restored power station, the ancient forests and shimmering lagoon are yours to explore – not forgetting the delights of the village, which include fantastic dining options and irresistible shopping.
A classic safari in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve concludes your trip. Seek out the Big 5 on game drives, nature walks and boat trips before retiring to your luxury accommodation for a restful retreat.
This corner of South Africa will surprise you, delight you, and inspire you at every turn.
Your Itinerary
3 nights in Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town! South Africa’s Mother City is consistently voted one of the world’s best cities to visit, and with good reason. Verdant vineyards, majestic mountains, dramatic shores and endless sandy beaches set the stage for inspirational experiences.
The city itself is a melting pot of cultures and serves up a buffet of things to do: explore the neighbourhood of the Bo-Kaap and discover its fascinating history; browse museums, monuments and heritage sites – all set within reach of the central business district. Take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, or take the ferry to Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Go shopping, go beach hopping, go wine tasting. Dine in style at one of the Cape Town’s awarded restaurants or tuck into a casual beachfront meal.
Based in Claremont, in the Southern Suburbs, your accommodation at the Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel is the perfect springboard from which to launch your Cape Town adventures. From the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town will leave you smitten.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
With a menu created by former Walldorf Astoria chef Ryan Donald, the internationally-inspired cuisine is designed to reflect the seasons.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain in park-like gardens, the 5–star Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel is a gracious Cape Colonial homestead, originally built in 1908 and designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Its Platinum Award–winning cuisine, well stocked bar, wonderfully comfortable drawing rooms and lounges, gymnasium and sauna, beauty salon, swimming pool, in-room dining, flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and air conditioning in all rooms make for an exceptionally comfortable stay in South Africa’s most popular city.
2 nights in Hermanus
Discover the Whale Coast from Hermanus, the whale capital of the world. Set on the shores of Walker Bay, surrounded by mountains, indigenous fynbos and dramatic cliffs, coves and beaches, Hermanus is breathtaking.
The town buzzes with activity, especially during whale season (July to December), when between 60 and 100 Southern Right Whales visit Walker Bay from Antarctica to breed and rear their young. Unbeatable land-based whale watching opportunities mean that visitors are treated to up-close views of these magnificent giants.
Besides whale watching, Hermanus offers a variety of activities. For adventurers, horse riding, paragliding, kayaking, fishing and hiking are on the menu. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, browse the galleries, fashion boutiques and jewellery stores in town, or go swimming and sunbathing at one of many beaches.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
The cuisine at Mosaic is fresh, delicious and creative – and paired with some of the best South African wines. Breakfast is a hearty affair with freshly baked muffins, homemade jams, fresh fruit and a hot meal. Lunch can be enjoyed at the Mosaic Lagoon Café, as a picnic under ancient milkwood trees or around a crackling indoor fire. For dinner, follow the boardwalk under a canopy of trees to the Lapa where drinks and meals are savoured around a fireplace.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
Nestled between ocean and towering mountains, the eco-conscious Mosaic offers the ultimate private getaway. The Lagoon Lodge captures the essence of tranquility with only five safari-style suites secluded among ancient milkwood trees on the edge of the Hermanus Lagoon. Stone and glass walls open onto private decks with gorgeous mountain views.
2 nights in Knysna
In the heart of the Garden Route, the small town of Knysna sprawls languidly on the shores of a sparkling lagoon. Famous for its fresh oysters, ancient forests, creative and quirky residents, and fantastic foodie scene, this delightful village is sure to charm you.
With activities to suit every age, taste, and fitness level – and all within easy reach from your accommodation at The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa – you’re guaranteed an adventure-packed stay. Opt for a guided tour of Knysna including a 9km forest hike, full town tour including all viewpoints like Margaret’s Viewpoint, Brenton-on-Se, a township tour, and concludes with a sunset cruise.
For visitors in search of a mild adventure, the Circles in the Forest hike is one to remember. Situated in the Goldfield forest in Knysna, the scenic trail leads you via a swimming hole and waterfall into the fern-dense forest with its massive trees. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive local bird, the Knysna Loerie.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
In true Knysna style, enjoy al fresco dining at the Island Café overlooking the canal. The Gastro Pub is the ideal spot for magical sunset cocktails complemented by a mouth-watering cuisine from an imaginative pub-style menu.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
The Turbine Boutique Hotel
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa was born from an ambitious project which transformed an old power station into a luxury establishment. Featuring lovingly restored machinery formerly used in the power station, the unique aesthetic of the hotel promises an unforgettable stay – one you’ll be talking about for years to come! True to its 5–star rating, The Turbine offers luxurious accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning panoramas, and a range of world-class facilities.
2 nights in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Along Route 62 in the Little Karoo, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve invites you to explore one of the most ecologically diverse regions of South Africa. Accentuated by panoramic landscapes and towering cliffs featuring 600 types of flora, 200 bird species and an abundance of wildlife – including the illustrious Big 5 – this private reserve is packed with opportunities to learn, love and explore nature while staying in luxurious lodges.
Safari activities include birdwatching, nature walks, hiking and wilderness trails, game drives and boat safaris. Expect to see a thrilling array of rare and beautiful birds, such as booted eagles and black-winged stilts. Be delighted by sightings of the Big 5 – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant – as well as various other species such as antelope, zebra, jackal, aardwolf and the incredibly rare riverine rabbit.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Savour sumptuous safari cuisine under the African sky. Each meal at Sanbona is a unique and enriching experience.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Sanbona Gondwana Lodge
With views of the magnificent Anysberg Mountains and overlooking the Bellair Dam, Gondwana Lodge offers luxurious comfort in a true safari setting – and provides a peaceful conclusion to your inspirational 9-day journey.
Inclusions
3 nights The Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel in a Deluxe Room on a bed & breakfast basis
2 nights Mosaic Lagoon Lodge on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, select drinks and activities)
2 nights The Turbine in a Standard Room on a bed & breakfast basis
2 nights Sanbona Gondwana Lodge (or Tilney Manor depending on availability) on a fully inclusive basis (all meals, select drinks and activities)
10 nights car rental Super Cover with GPS for 4 people
Exclusions
International flights, air reservations and airport taxes
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities specified as additional / optional in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Notes
Our rates are per person sharing unless expressly identified. Please treat all pricing as a guide only: All rates are an estimation, subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply. Enquire now or speak to one of our expert Travel Planners for updated rates.
These rates are currently available between May and September 2019. Terms and conditions apply.
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