8-Day Western & Southern Cape Tour:
Cape Town to Cape Town
Day 1 - West Coast National Park
(Dinner)
Today we collect you from your hotel in Cape Town or from the Cape Town International Airport and explore the West Coast National Park and the Langebaan Lagoon, north of Cape Town. Incorporating an astounding number of sea birds, waders, seed and insect eaters and raptors, the West Coast National Park is a bird watchers paradise. Game and wild flowers (August to beginning of October) make this park and the lagoon a must for all nature lovers. Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. During the spring the strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in the Postberg section many antelope are to be seen in a setting that is as unique as it is idyllic.
We will overnight at the Pasternoster Lodge (or similar). The picturesque fishing village of Paternoster is internationally known for its abundance of Cape Lobster (crayfish) and other delicious sea produce. It's unique West Coast character, tranquillity, security and natural beauty has become a favourite and regular destination for many a tourist, national and international. The Paternoster Lodge, built in typical West Coast style, is situated in the centre of the Village and has magnificent 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and a 10 kilometers stretch of clean white beach, only a two minute walk away.
Day 2 – West Coast
(Breakfast)
Today will be spent in exploring this diverse area. The West Coast has many faces, moods like the weather... but somewhere everyday the sun is shining. Somewhere on the West Coast you will find something for the whole family. Fun in the sun with watersports, fishing, yachting, boat charters, diving, horse riding, a visit to the Cape Columbine Nature reserve, kayaking on the Atlantic Ocean - whatever takes your fancy. Your guide will be available with his vehicle for the day to take you where you want and to make suggestions, as long as it is within a reasonable distance. Please note that for activities where there is a charge, these are for your own account.
Day 3 – Riebeek Kasteel
(Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast, and perhaps a last long walk on the beach, we depart for Riebeek Kasteel. This is a beautiful area, incorporating the towns and areas of Riebeek West, Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeeksrivier and Hermon. Nestling on the slopes of its own mountain, the dramatic Kasteelberg, the surrounds are wheat lands, vineyards and olive groves, creating a distinctive touch of the Mediterranean in Africa. The rural atmosphere of these quaint villages with a wide range of choice in places to eat and drink, opportunities to do a bit of retail therapy or taste the delicious local wine, olives and other products.
We will overnight at the Royal Hotel (or similar). This is the oldest and most colonial hotel in the Cape and has been upgraded to the highest standards. With the longest stoep south of the Limpopo, it was chosen in 2006 as one of the 50 most fabulous places to visit in SA.
Day 4 - Montagu
(Breakfast)
Today we travel to Montagu, famous for its quaint white washed village and hot spring. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe-inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and healing hot mineral springs. We overnight at the Avalon Springs Hotel. Here we visit the 43ºC hot thermal and mildly radioactive spring on the property. World famous for its curative properties especially for skin ailments, arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains, "miracle" cures have been documented since the early 1800s. Bursting from a fissure in the rock face, in a cavern some 5 meters underground, these waters have healing powers that have yet to be fully understood. The water comes to the surface at a constant 43ºC and by virtue of the fact that the rate of flow is unaffected, even by the worst droughts that the area has experienced, it is obviously coming from very deep down, with an estimated depth of the source at about 3kms. By virtue of the fact that the water is 100% clear & clean with a near perfect Ph when it reaches the surface, it contains a number of minerals, chemicals and other trace elements, as well as being mildly radio active, it is obviously undergoing natural filtration and picks up properties of the various rock strata that it is being forced through.
This "natural perfection" allows Avalon Springs to pump the water directly into the various available pools and spa baths without treating, or in any way changing it, and as such visitors are able to enjoy these waters in their most natural form. For hygiene reasons the water is of course chlorinated, but by virtue of the fact that the water is not recycled and is continuously drained off into the river that flows past the property, you are always enjoying a natural wonder at its finest.
Day 5 – Winelands
(Breakfast)
This morning after another visit to the hot springs we make our way to the
heart of South Africa's wine industry, the Cape Winelands is a place of great beauty and culture that's steeped in South African tradition.
We overnight at one of the many, many options in this area, from charming Bed & Breakfast establishments, to guest houses and hotels, from 2-star to luxurious 5-star opulence, the choices are many, and are situated in the winelands towns or on wine estates – you let us know your preferences.
The Cape Winelands is a region of the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is the largest wine producing region in South Africa, divided into six main wine regions, each offering their own unique wine route. Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington are the most popular.
Here we will visit some of the many attractions in this area, from wine estates to the Huguenot Museum or the Afrikaanse Taal Monument and more – your guide will advise.
Day 6 – Winelands
(Breakfast)
A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region, and the heavenly scenery. The area’s rich with history, and we can’t help but feel it as we move through the region to experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. We visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, where else could we choose to enjoy lunch (for own account).
After lunch we wind our way to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch. Ample time has been set aside to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and sneaking into the odd shop or two! A trip to the winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so we will do so at one or two different wine estates. And of course, you’ll be able to purchase your favourite wine to take back home!
Day 7 – Hermanus
(Breakfast)
This morning we depart for Hermanus, famous for its champagne air, long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and friendly environment. Hermanus, also described as the Riviera of the South, offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the cliffs.
Every year around July, locals eagerly await the arrival of special guests of honour, the Southern Right Whales. These visitors are an endless source of delight as they gambol in Walker Bay, in easy view of the cliff paths. They favour the relatively shallow waters of the bay for breeding and mating.
During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea.
We will overnight at the Quarters Hermanus (or similar) which is located on the historic Hermanus Harbour. The suites are tastefully decorated in a modern style. The rooms feature splendid views of the mountain cliffs or the magnificent ocean below. The hotel offers many leisure facilities and modern room amenities.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy – your guide will be available with his vehicle, should you wish to drive to any location near this town, but most amenities in Hermanus are all within close walking distance. Please note that any activity costs or entrance fees is for your own account.
Day 8 – Cape Town
(Breakfast)
This morning you continue where you left off! You may want to go shark-cage diving at Gansbaai, acknowledged as the largest breeding ground for the famed Great White Shark, the apex predator of the oceans. Another option is to visit the new harbour in Hermanus and take a boat-based whale watching trip to see these magnificent mammals from close up. Please note that this too is for your own account. The shark diving expedition (and you can just go along for the ride in the boat if you don’t want to get into the cage) is about a five-hour long excursion, the boat-based whale watching is about an hour.
A typical shark diving trip entails the following: Every trip is preceded by a brief introductory talk about the route and what to look out for. Passengers are fitted with comfortable inflatable life-jackets. Safety is of the utmost importance and the operator has extensive public liability insurance. They usually launch around 9:00 am in the morning (note that launching times may vary due to tide and weather conditions), arriving at the anchoring spot in 20 to 25 minutes. The anchor is lowered, the cage goes into the water, a scent trial is made, and you settle down. Final preparations for the diving are made, and the rest of the day is spent watching, diving and enjoying the day. After spending time with the sharks, they make their way to Dyer Island, if possible. At Dyer Island they can approach close enough to view African penguins, Cape cormorants and many other species. They also often spot giant petrels, Cape gannets, white chinned petrels and storm petrels. Neighbouring Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals. The stretch of water between the two islands is Shark Alley. They visit Shark Alley to view the seals. The colony is thriving and there is always lots of activity, especially around November time when the tiny pups are born.
After lunch we make our way back to Cape Town along the stunning road past Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay, a road that provides spectacular scenery on a par with some of the best in the world.
We will drop you off at your overnight accommodation in Cape Town or at the Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight.
|
