Cape Walking, Whales and Wine

South Africa: Cape Walking, Whales & Wine

South Africa’s Western Cape Province is an extraordinarily fortunate region. Walks in outstanding mountain scenery and along magnificent coastline are coloured by midsummer displays of wildflowers. The delightful wine region, exceptional accommodation, whales just offshore and Cape Town - perhaps the most beautiful city in the world - complete an unforgettable holiday.

As one of the highlights of our walking tour we spend two nights in Hermanus, acknowledged as one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. A splendid cliff path provides views of Southern Right whale (Eubalaena Australis) which use these clear coastal waters as calving and nursery grounds.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

L, D included

Meeting by 10 am at Cape Town's international airport, we drive a short distance south, first skirting Table Mountain, then along the superbly scenic coastal road. A short walk on a white sand beach shows us southern hemisphere seabirds such as Kelp and Hartlaub's gulls, we visit a lighthouse, and our first picnic reminds us that we have returned to early summer! After visiting the Jackass penguin colony at Boulders Beach we walk along the shore to our small hotel, elegantly appointed and with fine views of False Bay. For those impervious to chilly water there is a small sandy swimming beach on the doorstep.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

Visiting the Cape of Good Hope, the monument to Bartolomeu Dias reminds us of the incredible achievements of the early Portuguese navigators. We spend the morning walking a stunning coastal track within the Nature Reserve, alert to possible sightings of dusky dolphins, Bryde's whales and Cape fur seals in the sea - and rock hyraxes, baboons and Cape mountain zebra inland. A beach picnic precedes our drive along the coast to Hermanus - the acknowledged world centre for shore-based whalewatching with southern right whales coming annually to calve in the deep clear pools directly beneath the cliffs. We walk a short section of the cliff path to our small hotel with its spacious and beautifully appointed rooms and a pretty garden and pool. Dinner features South African ingredients prepared with French flair.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

A circular walk in the Kleinrivier mountains behind Hermanus follows paths through the indigenous fynbos in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The Cape Flora Kingdom, despite being the smallest in area, is the richest in the world for number of species. Midsummer is the time to marvel at the display - the proteas and ericas are particularly impressive, but the restios (a unique group of plants resembling grasses or reeds) and the tiny sundews are intriguing. The reserve is also home to tortoises and several species of iridescent sunbirds. After a picnic under a shady wild fig tree we again whalewatch as we follow part of the eastern cliff path back into Hermanus. The harbourside whale museum has an underwater microphone listening in to the whales in the bay.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

Heading into the interior of the Western Cape we follow the Hermanus wine route, stopping for a tasting at a picturesque estate with an international reputation for its Pinot Noir wines. A bumpy dirt track delivers us to a rustic little restaurant with surprisingly sophisticated food. Increasingly spectacular roads winding up into the mountains bring us to our very comfortable lodge in the village of McGregor, with appropriately Scottish décor and sweeping views of the mountains and vineyards.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

An early start is made for our moderately demanding day walk (optional) up in the Greyton Nature Reserve - some significant ups and downs on the trail bring superb, far-reaching views and the chance of spotting antelope such as duiker and klipspringer - we should have a good appetite for dinner this evening in the well-regarded restaurant of our lodge.

DAY 6

B, L included

A scenic drive, looking out for South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, en route, brings us to the head of the Franschhoek pass. Walking steeply down through head high proteas into this celebrated wine-making valley, we pause to sample a variety of wines and enjoy a superb lunch in a champagne cellar restaurant. Continuing on foot, we visit the Huguenot Museum in Franschhoek with its fine displays of 17C furniture and silver. Our well-appointed auberge for the next three nights is ideally placed in the centre of the village, and the remainder of the afternoon is free for antique shopping, gallery visiting, or sunbathing by the pool. We are happy to recommend a variety of restaurants and cuisines for a light dinner.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

A visit to the magnificent 17C estate of Boschendal Manor gives an understanding of the lifestyle of the first settlers to cultivate vines in the Cape and their connections to other Dutch colonies, particularly the East Indies. Our walk today follows a fine ridge through the vineyards surrounding Stellenbosch - easy walking, with far-reaching views. A picnic and wine-tasting perfects our day in this famous wine country. We return to Franschhoek in the late afternoon to savour dinner in one of South Africa's most celebrated restaurants.

DAY 8

B, L, D included

Fortified by a substantial South African breakfast, we take advantage of the cool air of morning and depart early for an energetic hike in the mountains above Franschhoek. If the weather is clear there are marvellous views both of the high peaks and vast, virtually uninhabited valleys. We return to the village for a midday wine-tasting and lunch al fresco. Later in the afternoon there is an optional 2 hour walk following the scenic Catspad, or visits to cheese and chocolate specialist shops in the village.

DAY 9

B, L, D included

Travelling north over the dramatic Bainskloof Pass we reach Tulbagh, the finest example of an 18C rural settlement in South Africa. After a visit to the church folk museum and a Cape Malay lunch we follow a gravel road to a private farm at the foot of the Winterhoek mountains. In the late afternoon we walk on the estate - birdlife around the dam is especially good - and return to enjoy a traditional ‘braai’ (a wood-fired barbecue) under the stars.

DAY 10

B, L, D included

A dip in the pool and a picnic in the shady garden provide delightful respite after our morning walk in the surrounding mountains. By early afternoon we are on our way to Cape Town, where our first stop is the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the perfect showcase for the Cape's unique flora, with its extensive grounds, fascinating glasshouse collections and tempting shops. We walk through the Company Gardens (originally a vegetable garden to supply ships rounding the Cape) to our home for the next two nights - a 4 star heritage hotel in a beautifully restored building dating from 1771, within walking distance of the city's museums, parks and restaurants. This evening we dine in one of South Africa's most acclaimed restaurants.

DAY 11

B, L, D included

A full day walk up Table Mountain is clearly a must. (A cable car ride is an optional extra for the less energetic). The mountain is a National Nature Reserve and boasts an amazing list of endemic plants, interesting geology and resident Verreaux's eagles. We look over Table Bay, Robben Island and the Hottentots Holland mountains from the flowering fynbos on the eponymously flat top of the mountain. To celebrate our hike on one of the world's most recognisable mountains, we take a sunset and champagne cruise on a classic yacht from the Waterfront and then relax in the informal atmosphere of a restaurant noted for its ethnic flavours - African decor, dishes and music!

DAY 12

B included

Our last day is free for handicraft shopping, exploring the Waterfront or the Cape Malay Quarter, sailing to Robben Island, or visiting some of Cape Town's many museums and galleries. Our journey ends with a late afternoon transfer to the airport for flights home.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 12 on a double shared basis

All meals (with wine and beer at lunches and dinners) other than those excepted in the daily notation

All land transportation in a private vehicle as described except during free periods

All entrance and sightseeing fees as described except during free periods

All wine tastings as described

Champagne yacht cruise in Cape Town

Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from the EU, US, New Zealand and Australia currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to South Africa. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of South Africa.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to South Africa if you are arriving from Europe of North America. The Cape is malaria-free, so prophylaxis is not required. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.

Insurance

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for information on a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.