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HOME > Offers > Introduction to South Africa

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Introduction to South Africa - Cape, Wine, Safari & Whales

A superb introduction to amazing South Africa - start with four nights in Cape Town before driving to the Winelands, then on safari, in to the Karoo and on to the Whale Coast at Hermanus.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - UK to Cape Town

Fly from London to Cape Town, arriving next day.

Day 2 - Cape Town

On arrival you'll be transferred to the President Hotel for a four night stay - set close to the beach in Bantry Bay and a short drive from the V&A Waterfront, this is a great location for exploring and relaxing.

Days 3-5 - Cape Town

Spend the next few days exploring Cape Town. Our top tip is to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, and consider pre-booking the Penguin Encounter - you’ll have to book early as they only allow two people a day, and only a few days per week, to interact with these wonderful creatures.

We generally don’t suggest you have a car in Cape Town as the traffic can get a little busy, parking can be tricky and most things are easy to get to. If you’d prefer to collect a car when you arrive and have it for your full duration, however, just let us know and we can arrange this for you!

Day 6 - Cape Town to the Winelands

Collect your car from the Cape Town depot - costs include a Toyota Corolla or similar, although there’s a good selection of options available. Leave Cape Town behind and drive to Stellenbosch - the direct drive can be done in an hour and a half but we’d really recommend travelling via the beautiful Cape Peninsula, taking in Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope and the penguins at Boulder Beach - this should take around 3 hours, plus stops. On arrival, check in to the Spier Hotel for a two night stay - this is flexible, of course!

Driving is fairly straightforward in South Africa, with well maintained roads which are generally fairly quiet outside of the main towns. Driving is on the left and most laws and customs are familiar to UK drivers. Do bear in mind that all drivers will need a valid drivers licence plus the DVLA online code and printout, along with a credit card in the name of the main driver for deposit purposes. Other T&C’s apply - just ask for details!

Day 7 - Winelands

Spend today exploring the beautiful Winelands area. Explore the three towns of the Winelands area - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl - or park up and try some of the world-renowned wine at one of the many wineries that are open for visitors. We love the Wine Tram - hop-on hop-off wine tasting is the way to go!

Day 8 - Winelands to Aquila

It’s around a three hours drive from Stellenbosch and the Winelands to Touws River, travelling the scenic way via Paarl, the stunning Bain’s Kloof Pass and Ceres. Be sure to arrive in to the Aquila Private Game Reserve by lunchtime, as you’re on safari this afternoon! Your afternoon game drive around this beautiful area will show you some of the reserve’s wildlife, which includes the renowned Big 5. Spend the night at Aquila.

Day 9 - Aquila to Montagu

Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Aquila Private Game Reserve, before breakfast. After breakfast it’s an easy drive on to the pretty town of Montagu, or you can take in some of the Karoo’s spectacular desert-like scenery on a four-hour route via Matjiesfontein and the Seweweekspoort Pass. Spend a night at the gorgeous Mimosa Lodge in Montagu.

Day 10 - Montagu to Hermanus

Head to the coast - we’d suggest travelling a slightly longer way round, firstly via the spectacular Cogman’s Kloof Gorge, and then on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the Africa continent. This should take around three hours, plus stopping time. Arrive in to Hermanus and check in to the Auberge Burgundy Hotel for a two night stay.

Day 11 - Hermanus

Hermanus is one of the most famous whale watching locations in the world, and you can often see them from the sea wall at the right time of year! Definitely consider one of the whale watching cruises (the best time to go is from June to November).

Day 12 - Return

You need to be at Cape Town airport later today, so we’d recommend a slightly longer route of around two hours via the penguins at Betty’s Bay, before dropping off your car at the airport for your flight home.

Issue date: 10 January 2020

Special offers Prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability.