Wild South Africa

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Kirstenbosch Gardens and Cape of Good Hope – Today, along with our Tour Manager and local guide, we delve into the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Nestled just outside of Cape Town at the foothills of Table Mountain, it’s renowned as one of the premier botanical sites in South Africa, these gardens showcase a diverse array of endemic plants and exquisite orchid species.

Our adventure continues as we make our way to the legendary Cape of Good Hope. We begin by driving along pristine coastlines, heading towards the delightful fishing village of Hout Bay. From there, we will navigate the incredible Chapman’s Peak Drive, which offers dramatic ocean views and rugged landscapes, leading us to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This remarkable area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and culminates at Cape Point. Here, we witness the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents and the formidable rocky cliffs that have long tested the skill and nerve of those who navigate these waters. 

Winelands – Today, in a small group with your fellow travellers, we embark on an enchanting journey through the picturesque Winelands. Nestled in a picturesque valley and framed by imposing mountains, the landscape is dotted with neat rows of lush vineyards and orchards, leading to endearing, centuries-old wineries. Many of these beautifully preserved structures, constructed in the distinctive Cape Dutch style, harmonise with the rolling terrain that surrounds them.

Our adventure begins in the sophisticated town of Stellenbosch, a historic gem founded over 300 years ago and home to South Africa’s esteemed university. The town’s elegant architecture and quaint streets contribute to its refined charm. After taking some time to wander through this lovely locale, we’ll indulge in an intriguing cellar tour and tasting session at the award-winning Blaauwklippen Wine Estate.  

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Betty’s Bay  – We leave Cape Town behind and follow the scenic coastal route along False Bay, renowned for its sweeping views and dramatic landscapes. Our first stop is Betty’s Bay, where we visit the Stony Point Nature Reserve—home to a thriving colony of African penguins. A raised boardwalk lets you observe them up close without disturbing their habitat, and you might also spot cormorants – a species of aquatic birds  – nesting on the seaweed-covered rocks.

From there, we continue to our accommodation near Hermanus. You’ll have the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the hotels facilities.

Hermanus – This morning, we set off for Hermanus, a winsome coastal town renowned as the world’s premier destination for onshore whale watching, especially between June and October. From the cliffs, you can witness the powerful southern right whales as they glide and breach in the bay—an unforgettable display of nature’s grace and power. For a closer encounter, you may opt for an optional whale-watching cruise, offering a unique perspective of these gentle giants.

If visiting outside of whale season, an alternative marine cruise focuses on the region’s rich marine life, including dolphins, seals, and non-migratory whales.  

We’ll have time to explore the picturesque town of Hermanus, known for its inviting cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. There’s also opportunity to enjoy some of the short coastal walks, offering dramatic views of the ocean. We’ll return to the hotel in the early afternoon to relax and unwind.

Personalise your holiday –

Hermanus whale watching cruise

Price: From £99

Join an expert-guided whale watching cruise aboard a purpose-built catamaran and experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles. During the migration season from June to December, Southern Right Whales can often be seen in the bay, while other species of whales, Cape fur seals, dolphins, penguins and an abundance of birdlife can be seen throughout the year.

Oudtshoorn  – This morning we’ll travel along the scenic route through Swellendam and Barrydale, where our first stop is a local distillery for a Cape Brandy tasting. Before you sip, make sure you’ve had a good breakfast—this bold spirit, crafted from grapes grown in the Cape Winelands, is aged for at least three years and packs a 38% punch. We’ll learn about the rich heritage of Cape Brandy, a tradition said to date back to 1672, blending centuries of distilling expertise with cultural flair.

Continuing along the iconic Route 62, we’ll arrive in the heart of Ostrich Country for a visit to a working ostrich farm. Here, we’ll hop aboard a tractor for South Africa’s only ostrich tractor safari, where we’ll meet various ostrich breeds including Kenyan (Maasai), Zimbabwean Blue, and South African Black. We’ll also visit the hatchery to see the fluffy chicks and learn about the many uses of ostrich products—from meat and eggs to feathers and luxurious leather. After the tour, we’ll pause for a leisurely lunch at the farm’s on-site restaurant, where regional specialities are served with flair. Ostrich dishes are available for the curious, though entirely optional (don’t worry!).  

Little Karoo – After breakfast, we journey through the rugged beauty of the Little Karoo, gradually making our way back to the coast. Along the route, we pass through idyllic towns like George, Knysna, and Jeffreys Bay, each offering glimpses of local life and coastal charm. The drive itself is a visual delight—cliff faces rise dramatically on one side, while rocky outcrops and the shimmering ocean stretch out on the other.

In our small group, we travel through the lush expanse of Tsitsikamma National Park, stopping at a coastal reserve renowned for its indigenous forests. Here, we’ll visit the legendary Big Tree—an 800-year-old Yellowwood towering at 36.6 metres with a trunk circumference of 9 metres, standing like a guardian of the forest.

Continuing on, we pause at Storms River, where the river meets the sea in a spectacular fusion of forest and ocean. The views here are extraordinary, with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs framing the horizon.

By evening, we arrive in Port Elizabeth—recently renamed Gqeberha—where we’ll spend the night and reflect on the day’s scenic wonders.

Addo Elephant National Park – This morning, we set off for our lodge nestled in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with the final hour along a gravel road. As our luxury coaches aren’t suited for this terrain, we’ll transfer to smaller vehicles for the last stretch. It may be a bit bumpy, but the destination is well worth it.

Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the valley below, the lodge offers a truly spectacular setting. Their private fleet of Land Cruisers, each seating up to 10 guests, ensures a comfortable and intimate game drive experience. And because the lodge is located within the park itself, your safari adventure begins the moment you arrive.

Once settled into your luxurious accommodation, we’ll head out on an evening safari as the orange hue of the setting sun casts a warm glow over the lush plains of Addo Elephant National Park. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll clink our glasses and enjoy sunset drinks, toasting to our unforgettable wildlife adventure. With luck, we’ll spot the regal elephants that roam here, along with other members of the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.  

Addo Elephant National Park – Today is all about wildlife and wide-open spaces as we explore the mesmerising African plains of Addo Elephant National Park in our small group. The landscape stretches endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and golden grasses that ripple in the breeze. It’s here that we’ll encounter the majestic elephants, roaming gracefully in their natural habitat—a truly humbling sight.

Keep your eyes peeled for other remarkable inhabitants too, including Cape buffalo, wild antelope, and the elusive black rhino. Every moment on the reserve is charged with anticipation, and the thrill of spotting these formidable creatures in the wild is nothing short of exhilarating.

After the morning game drive, we’ll return to the lodge for lunch before heading out again for another afternoon adventure—offering even more opportunities to spot Africa’s untamed wildlife in action.

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

St Lucia and Hluhluwe – This morning, we depart our hotel and begin our scenic drive north through KwaZulu-Natal toward the charming town of St Lucia, a gateway to one of South Africa’s most ecologically rich regions.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Lucia is home to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a vast and biodiverse ecosystem centred around Lake St Lucia—the country’s largest estuarine system. This unique environment supports an diverse variety of wildlife, from flamingos, pelicans, and African fish eagles to hippos and crocodiles, often seen basking along the shoreline or gliding through the water.

Cruise across Lake St Lucia on a guided boat tour, where hippos lounge in the shallows and birdlife dances overhead. This UNESCO-listed estuary reveals its secrets slowly, offering a tranquil glide through one of South Africa’s most enchanting waterways. Renowned for its hippo population, the area provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close in their natural habitat, often wallowing or surfacing with a splash. Keep an eye out for crocodiles lurking near the banks and a variety of bird species soaring above or perched in the reeds—all of which contribute to an unforgettable and truly memorable experience, allowing you to appreciate the serene beauty of the wetlands from a fresh perspective.

Hluhluwe National Park – Today, we embark on a full-day safari adventure in Hluhluwe National Park, the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, established in 1895. Nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, this historic park is not only home to the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—but also boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna across its rolling hills and riverine valleys.

Hluhluwe is internationally acclaimed for its pioneering conservation efforts, particularly in the protection of the White Rhino. Thanks to decades of dedicated work, the park now supports the largest population of white rhinos in the world, making it one of the best places on the continent to see these magnificent creatures in the wild.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore the park’s varied landscapes in search of wildlife, guided by expert rangers who will share insights into the animals, ecosystems, and conservation history that make Hluhluwe so special. With luck, we may also encounter giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and a wide array of birdlife.

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.