HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT FOR
Honeymooners – Interesting boutique hotels in great locations
Photographers – Perfect for wildlife and street photography
AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES
Game drives
Cultural tours
Seasonal whale watching
Nature walks
BEST TIME TO GO
High Season⊕: July to October
Green Season⊕: November to June
OVERVIEW
South Africa has an incredible variety of landscapes, accommodation and things to see and do. For this trip idea, all the ‘must-dos’ have been combined into one easy itinerary with top-notch accommodation that runs the gamut of eclectic city hotels to easy-going bush lodges. For travellers with wide interests – you want to see warthogs as much as you want to sample wine – this is a great place to start.
Kicking off in the Mother City – Cape Town – you’ll wend your way to one of the best seasonal whale-watching towns in the world. After that, a slice of France in Africa awaits, followed by a Big 5 safari. Jet home from Johannesburg after time at one of the city’s landmark hotels.
TRIP SUMMARY
DURATION
12 Nights / 13 Days
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Cape Town, South Africa
Hermanus, South Africa
Franschhoek, South Africa
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED
DAILY ITINERARY
The Silo really is just that: an old granary at the working harbour that has been transformed into a breath-taking art gallery below and a high-end hotel above. It’s your first stop on your trip through South Africa and your driver will deliver you from Cape Town International Airport.
From this convenient base at the V&A Waterfront, you’ll be able to see the daily moods of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as easily reach the historic city centre.
Why we love The Silo:
- Rooftop pool with 360-degree view
- Filled with thought-provoking art
- Outstanding architectural façade
- Dining with Table Mountain as a backdrop
You’ve no doubt explored much of what Cape Town has to offer so today you venture further along the Atlantic coastline to the quaint town of Hermanus, known for some of the world’s most prolific whale watching. Pods of southern right whales arrive to frolic, feed and breed in about August, making for amazing excursions.
Out of whale season, the town offers specialist wine tasting, lovely walks through coastal fynbos, art and simply lazing on the beach if necessary!
Why we love Birkenhead House:
- 270-degree vistas of the Atlantic Ocean
- Perfect for whale watching over Walker Bay
- Extravagant but cosy suites
- Two pools, one overlooking the ocean
Your trajectory is inland today and the bucolic setting of the Cape Winelands, where some wine estates date back to the 1700s. Your driver will take you from Hermanus to the pretty town of Franschhoek, which means French Corner.
At La Residence, you’ll be cocooned in the hotel’s own vineyards and quiet elegance. Sample the vintages of other estates, take the village tram, browse galleries and boutiques, or perhaps get a little more active with horse riding, nature walks or animal interaction.
Why we love La Residence:
- Nestled in beautiful gardens and vineyards
- Restrained extravagance throughout
- Superb dining including a chef’s table
- Wine tasting and classic afternoon tea
After a week in the south, it is time to head north and your Big 5 safari. A driver will take you back to Cape Town International, from where you will fly to Skukuza Airport and get your first glimpse of the savannah, woodlands, thicket and riverine forest that are home to elephants and eland, leopards and lions.
Your home is Selati Camp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private conservation area with very reliable sightings by vehicle or on foot.
Why we love Selati Camp:
- Spacious and homey thatched lodge
- Outdoor showers and romantic bathtubs
- In the heart of Big 5 country
- Presidential and honeymoon suites
It’s time to head back to reality, starting with your flight from Skukuza to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The contrast cannot be greater: from the untamed bush to Africa’s most vibrant metropolis. Fortunately, you can still be cosseted for the final two days of your vacation in the warm embrace of The Westcliff, a Four Seasons Hotel.
Johannesburg offers fine dining, excellent shopping for last-minute gifts and fascinating cultural attractions. Or you could just sleep late and head to the spa…
Why we love The Westcliff:
- Hillside location in sought-after neighbourhood
- Village feeling with cobbled streets and terraces
- Infinity edge pool with panoramic view
- Fine dining and a full spa and gym
After almost two weeks, you have a great idea of what South Africa has to offer. From the history of Robben Island in Cape Town and the stunning scenery of the Overberg around Hermanus, to gorgeous wine estates at Franschhoek and heart-stopping wildlife encounters in Sabi Sand, this itinerary almost has it all.
Today you wave goodbye to the staff of The Westcliff and are driven back to the airport for your flight home, hopefully with a heart full of touching memories.
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL
