Top 5

Top 5 - South Africa - Western Cape

The beautiful Cape Region is where most first–time visitors head, and there are lots of reasons why. This region, with miles of sandy beaches, beautiful countryside including stunning mountains and vineyards, offers a fantastic welcome to all visitors and more than enough to keep you entertained, whether you are a first-timer or not.

From the stunning views atop Table Mountain to the historical and political impact of Robben Island, Cape Town will invigorate interest and excite you. Spend at least 4 days here as this will give you time to explore at a comfortable pace and ensure that you don’t miss anything. Take one day to visit the stunning Cape Point and Cape Peninsula National Park. Either rent a vehicle to take yourself or book a tour with a driver/guide.

The Western Cape is not all about the stunning "Mother city", it is just the start. Observe Whales close up in Hermanus, enjoy fine cuisine and drink beautiful wine in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch and journey along the incredible drive that is The Garden Route, home to the incredible Tsitsikamma National Park.

Wildlife is the biggest reason for visiting South Africa. Many private reserves have the Big Five of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Giraffes and zebras are among other popular sightings. If you’ve only even seen these animals in the zoo you’ll find it thrilling to be a few metres away from them in an open safari vehicle.

Top 5 Places to Go

Cape Town

 

Dominated by Table Mountain and set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge. Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities and a must visit on any South African adventure.

Robben Island

 

The prison, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated has had such an impact on this beautiful country it simply must be visited. Located just a short boat trip from the V&A Waterfront.

Winelands

 

Not only home to some of the best wine in the world, South Africa’s Winelands region located 45 minutes from Cape Town is set in a stunning location and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and be pampered.

Whale Coast

 

Stretching along Walker Bay to Hermanus, this is a great add–on to any Cape Town holiday. There are year round opportunities to see dolphins, seals, penguins and the Great White shark. From July – October observe the magnificent Southern Right whales as they come close to shore.

Garden Route

 

Head east from Cape Town along one of the most scenic drives the world has to offer. This land of forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and bays is the perfect way to link Cape Town to the malaria-free game reserves of the Eastern Cape.

Garden Route and Route 62

Self Drive

Leave Cape Town behind, pick up a rental car and follow the sun, east along the rugged scenery and mountain passes, before dropping down into Knysna and the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park.

For the first part of the trip we suggest that you take the stunning route 62 through Montagu and Calitzdorp across the beautiful “Little Karoo”, the semi-arid desert region of South Africa. Once you reach Oudsthoorn we suggest you stay for a couple of days and visit the local ostrich farms as well as the stunning Cango Caves. Whilst in town a visit to Jemima’s is a must for dinner, a reservation can be made by your host at De Opstal. Cross the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and drive down into George and along to the beautiful town of Knysna in the centre of the Garden Route. Explore at your own pace, visit beautiful beaches or hike through the incredible Tsitsikamma forest and catch a wave at Richard’s Bay. Complete your breathtaking journey in Port Elizabeth and relax by the beach or take a Big 5 Safari, only 45 minutes away.

Escorted Tour

The fabulous Garden Route is a highlight of any trip to South Africa and if you would like somebody else to take care of the driving while you concentrate on enjoying the scenery, a small group tour is perfect. Africa’s roads are in fantastic order making it a very easy destination to travel around. It’s a relatively small country, allowing you to see more in a short space of time. This makes a self drive or escorted tour much better value for money. With the Garden Route securely positioned in the top 10 of worldwide journeys, the only choice is whether to drive yourself and explore at your own pace or travel in an air-conditioned mini bus with an experienced driver guide who will highlight the key places of interest and recount tales of days gone by. Either way the scenery, accommodation and hospitality will amaze and astound.