The scenic landscapes of the Winelands are a short drive from Cape Town. They can be explored on a day out, taking lunch at one of the famous wine estates; but many people prefer to savour the experience and prolong their stay. Alternatively, drive about 90 minutes to the east of Cape Town and you reach South Africa’s Whale Route, where Southern Right whales migrate from Antarctica each year between July and November

The Winelands

There is no shortage of outstanding boutique hotels and luxury guesthouses in the region.The most important Wineland towns are Stellenbosch, a living museum of Cape Dutch architecture, Paarl and charming Franschhoek, settled by French Huguenots in 1688, and surrounded by mountains on three sides with vineyards down every other back street.

The Whale Route

The Southern Right whales migrate from Antarctica to the waters off Hermanus each year between July and November. They calve in the sheltered bays of the east coast and Hermanus is one of the most accessible places in the world for land-based whalewatching. Whales breach, lobtail and engage in courtship rituals – often as close as 30 metres from the shore. There is magnificent coastal scenery, sandy beaches and wonderful displays of wild flowers in spring.

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Where to go in Whales & Winelands

Total results: 30
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Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
Itinerary
South Africa
South Africa
Cape Town
+6 others
14 nights from £3,480 per person

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • See some dramatic views from the top of Table Mountain
  • Discover the beautiful lush scenery that is the Garden Route
  • See amazing game on safari in a non Malarial private reserve
  • Fully tailor made itineraries by first hand experts
Winelands, Whales and Wildlife
Itinerary
South Africa
South Africa
Cape Town
+9 others
15 nights from £4,950 per person

Winelands, Whales and Wildlife

Itinerary Highlights

  • Taste gourmet food and superb wines
  • Watch the breaching whales
  • Dare to dive with a Great White Shark
  • Enjoy twice daily drives in search of big game
Akademie Street Guesthouses
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Franschhoek

Akademie Street Guesthouses

Akademie Street Guesthouses is a collection of separate and individual houses in the heart of the Cape Winelands village of Franschhoek.Each house is adjacent to the next, and each has a private pool and garden. They are linked through beautiful, fragrant gardens to the main house, Twyfeling, where breakfast is served on the patio. It is perfectly quiet, apart from the birdsong, yet only a two-min...

Babylonstoren
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Franschhoek

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is a beautifully restored Cape Dutch farm, owned and managed by the ex-editor of South Africa’s Elle Decoration, is already creating quite a stir.Situated on the cross roads between Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, the farm is right in the centre of South Africa’s Winelands. The eight-acre fruit and vegetable garden is at the heart of this working farm. It was orig...

Birkenhead House
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
The Whale Route

Birkenhead House

Birkenhead House is perched on the cliffs between two of the best beaches in the area.Once immersed in the atmosphere of this stylish boutique hotel, you feel utterly carefree and allow yourself to enjoy the pleasure of whatever your South Africa adventure may bring. Just as the décor combines modern with antique in a successful eclectic mix, so the staff carry off relaxed yet exemplary ser...

Angala Boutique Hotel
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Franschhoek

Angala Boutique Hotel

Angala Boutique Hotel, formerly Cathbert Country Inn, is situated equidistance between Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, has a wonderful setting in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, surrounded by forests and some of South Africa's finest wine estates. AccommodationThe eight rooms and suites are each named after an indigenous South African flower and individually decorated. They ...

Cliff Lodge
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
The Whale Route

Cliff Lodge

This award-winning, ocean-front 4-star guesthouse has views that will take your breath away.It is the ideal choice for those looking for whale watching in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere whilst on holiday in South Africa. De Kelders is a small village near Gansbaai overlooking Walker Bay. The surrounding area has magnificent fynbos (wild flowers), white beaches, horse riding, golf courses, w...

Constantia Uitsig
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Constantia

Constantia Uitsig

Constantia Uitsig has it all!Located on a famous wine estate in the Constantia Valley, this extraordinary 5-star luxury hotel is a food and wine haven. It is ideally placed just 20 minutes from Cape Town’s City Centre and Waterfront, Devil’s Peak is around the corner, and you have easy access to Cape Point. It is a great tranquil alternative to staying in centre of Cape Town, and all o...

d'Ouwe Werf
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Stellenbosch

d'Ouwe Werf

Located in the heart of the university town of Stellenbosh, d'Ouwe Werf is one of the oldest Cape Dutch inns, and has been refurbished throughout.The 32 en suite bedrooms and six Courtyard Apartments are individually styled with antiques that have been collected over the years. Rooms all have air-conditioning, high-speed internet access and satellite TV. The inn is within walking distance of m...

Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Hotel
South Africa
Whales & Winelands
Franschhoek

Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Franschhoek Country House & Villas lie on the outskirts of Franschhoek, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.The original country house was South Africa’s first perfumery, dating back to 1890 and now houses six standard deluxe rooms. Five more luxury rooms are separate from the main building, set in well-maintained gardens with lavender, fountains and mature trees. Most of the rooms hav...

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

  • We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
  • Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
  • We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

  • You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
  • We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
  • Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

  • We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
  • For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
  • We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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