Winelands, Whales and Wildlife

There are a variety of tours on offer in Cape Town. For something a bit different, try the Eats Tour. This is a guided walking tour of Cape Town's markets, during which you'll have the opportunity to taste local cuisine and learn more about the culture.

For photographers, there are a number of tours that are guided with a specialist photographer; learn techniques and use cameras without having to be an expert yourself!

Just a short leisurely drive from Cape Town is the stunning, verdant Winelands. In the morning, drive to the tranquil Babylonstoren for two nights with breakfast included.

One of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) with over 300 years of history, Babylonstoren is a stunning Cape Dutch farm. The interiors of the 12 guest cottages and Manor House are chic, clean and modern, lovingly combined with the heritage of the Drakenstein Valley. The one- and two-bedroom en-suite cottages have marvellous views of either the garden or the vineyard, with an outdoor area for alfresco dining.

At the heart of Babylonstoren farm is the garden, spread across eight acres with over 300 types of edible plants. While strolling through this glorious garden, you'll come across clusters dedicated to vegetables, berries, bees, plants, ducks and chickens. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes, with ingredients picked from the garden for a satisfying, delicious farm-to-table affair.

The whole farm is yours to explore, including the swimming pool, a spa, a gym overlooking the garden and the Babylonstoren Shop. Wherever your wanders take you, your time in Babylonstoren is guaranteed to be calm, peaceful and serene.

Today, leave Babylonstoren for Hermanus – where you'll enjoy a two-night stay at Harbour House, with breakfast included. In the heart of the Old Harbour, Harbour House is placed between the seaside and the bustling centre of the historical town. Whale watching can be enjoyed from the Lookout Terrace over a delicious lunch or a refreshing sundowner. Spend the afternoon casually strolling through the charming town, which is filled with markets, restaurants and cafés.

For an exhilarating half-day excursion, go diving with great white sharks to come up close and personal with these colossal and magnificent creatures of the sea. However, if you fancy staying dry, whale watching on land or by boat is also a splendid way to spend your last day in Hermanus.

After a delicious breakfast, the next part of your road trip will take you along the spectacular Garden Route, leading you through the seaside town of Wilderness before heading to Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy an optional lunch of fresh seafood and a scenic boat cruise before checking in at Hunters Country House for three nights with breakfast included.

Found in the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna is full of natural splendour with giant yellow wood and stinkwood trees running down to a coastline of cliffs and coves that harbour glorious beaches. Completely immerse yourself in this wonderful nature; trek through the forests to potentially spot the Knysna turaco, relax on the beaches and fly over the dense forest canopy on the aerial runway.

Take a dolphin and whale boat trip around the bay, combining it with a delightful walk on the Robberg Peninsula or a boat trip up the Keurbooms River with a picnic lunch. For the truly adventurous, there's the world’s highest bungee jump and opportunities to sky dive – the most exhilarating way to take in the incredible views.

Knysna Lagoon is well-known for its oysters. So, go on a sunset cruise and taste an oyster or six with a lovely glass of local sparkling wine!

The markets in Knysna are also well-known. Try out some chocolate tasting and browse the local crafts. Or choose to spend the day relaxing at the side of the lodge pool with a book.

Passing through Port Elizabeth, drive to Pumba Private Game Reserve for a three-night stay inclusive of all meals, local drinks, scheduled morning/afternoon game drives and guided game walks. Pumba Private Game Reserve is an untouched wildlife haven which has achieved gold status for its environmental work.

Spend your leisure time relaxing in the comfort of one of two five-star accommodations, either Pumba Water Lodge or Msenge Bush Lodge. The private and spacious chalets of both are a delightful place to enjoy the magnificent views of the gorgeous African landscapes.

Spend your days driving through the beauty of the reserve in an open luxury Land Rover, with the knowledgeable ranger teaching you about the abundance of wildlife. During these hours out exploring the bush, your wildlife sightings can include lions, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras and over 16 antelope species. At the end of the day, enjoy authentic African cuisine around the fire.

Also on offer are night safari drives for a chance to view an entirely different array of animals. These nocturnal creatures include the elusive aardvark, hyena and aardwolf.

Another wonderful night-time activity is stargazing. Looking up into the sky—blank of light pollution, the stars and moon the only sources of light—the field guides will reveal the wonders of the South Celestial Skies, pointing out the Southern Cross and Orion’s Belt.

Today, you'll drive from the game reserve to Port Elizabeth for your flight to Johannesburg, where you'll connect with your overnight flight to London Heathrow.