DAY 1: SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and a top international destination. Large numbers of tourists flock to Cape Town to enjoy this unique city with its fascinating history, interesting culture, natural beauty, award winning wines and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you are a serious tourist or just want to lie on the beach and enjoy life, Cape Town will satisfy your needs.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront
As one of the best-known hotels within the Tsogo Sun portfolio, Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town is situated in the heart of the city. A short walk away from the famous V&A Waterfront and other Cape Town sights is just the start of this iconic accommodation landmark’s appeal. Postcard views of the harbour and of Signal Hill are rivalled only by the stylish, inviting presence of the hotel itself.
A total of 537 beautifully furnished rooms are offered at the hotel, catering to your needs with all the amenities expected of such an establishment. Enjoy a truly unique dining experience at Yizani Restaurant, which lives up to its isiXhosa name that translates to ‘come in… Welcome’. Stay fit with the help of a fully-equipped fitness centre, cool down at the outdoor pool or indulge in decadent cocktails and fine wines at the hotel bar.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2 – 3: SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
Free days with optional activities around Cape Town
Days Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be picked at your hotel and depart on a Full day Cape Point Tour. The highlights of the tour include the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the Hillcrest at Cape Point (funicular as optional extra).
Continuing the tour, you visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and travel over Chapman’s Peak (subject to road being open) to Hout Bay, where you visit the harbour. Finally you visit Sea Point, after which a scenic drive through Cape Town takes you back to your hotel, where you are dropped off in the afternoon. Enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure, either in your comfortable hotel, or in one of the fantastic restaurants the city has to offer.
Activities
| Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens |
| Cape Point Nature Reserve |
| Cape Point |
| Boulders Beach |
| Chapman’s Peak |
| Hout Bay Harbour |
| Sea Point |
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
On the lower slopes of Table Mountain, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcases some of the Cape’s rich flora. Taking centre stage here is the unique ‘fynbos’ vegetation. Those who work up an appetite while exploring this garden paradise can visit the restaurant or tea room, which are fully stocked with delicious meals, yummy treats and refreshing beverages. In summer, Sunday music concerts provide sunset entertainment. Kirstenbosch is rated as the seventh best of its kind in the world.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Point lies at the south-western tip of Africa and offers great views, a restaurant and a funicular which takes you up to the old lighthouse. The spectacular scenery coupled with zebras, baboons, deserted beaches and plenty of fynbos to make this one of the Cape’s must see destinations.
Cape Point
This is the real Cape Point, the southernmost point on the peninsula. Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents and large waves – but please always take care. It is a rare pleasure to swim with the penguins but don’t touch or feed them. They might look cute and cuddly but their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose.
Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world. The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.
Hout Bay Harbour
Hout Bay’s active harbour serves a variety of fishing boats, charter boats and yachts. It is also the departure point for boat trips to the nearby Seal Island, home to a colony of around 6000 Cape Fur Seals. The bustling port area also has a well-known seafood restaurant and a shop selling fresh fish.
Sea Point
Sea Point is an Atlantic Seaboard suburb in Cape Town, South Africa. Located a few kilometres from Cape Town’s City Centre, the expensive suburb is densely populated, enjoying the beach front location and features local schools including the Sea Point High School, The French School of Cape Town, Tafelberg Remedial School and the Herzlia Weizmann Primary. The Green Point stadium and park are a walking distance from the suburb. Residents and tourists have the privilege to enjoy walking, cycling or jogging on the paved beach front promenade.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 4 – 5: SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
Free days with optional activities around Cape Town
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be picked at your hotel and depart on your Full day Wine Lands Tour. Estates visited will vary, but the tour generally includes the region’s major wine producing areas, reached via scenic and historic roads. There are chances aplenty en route for the tasting of high quality red and white wines as well as Cap Classiques (South African “Champagnes”) in areas including Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
Lunch is enjoyed at one of the wine estates (own account). You will be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon, where the remainder of your evening is at leisure.
Activities
Stellenbosch
Paarl and Franschhoek
Stellenbosch
A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. A walking tour of the town centre allows visitors to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, boasting a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates.
Paarl
Situated in the heart of the Cape Wine lands, Paarl boasts an array of cultural and historical attractions and is surrounded by some spectacular nature reserves. Paarl was named after the huge granite dome of rock, which overlooks the town founded in 1690. The famous 11k long Main Street features the Strooidak Church, Die Oude Pastorie Museum and the Patriot Building.
The beautiful homestead of Labories in Main Street was bought by KWV. The KWV cellar complex is the largest in the world, covering an area of 22 hectares. The magnificent Cathedral Cellar, with its barrel-vaulted roof and large carved red wine vats is spectacular and depicts the history of the Cape’s wine industry. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: wine tasting, scenic fynbos hikes, cycling, sampling local cuisine and much more.
Franschhoek
Idyllically situated in the Cape Winelands, this peaceful country retreat is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. The once sleepy little village was named Franschhoek, meaning ‘French Corner’ as it was founded by French Huguenots. The fertile valley of Franschhoek boasts a rich heritage showcased at the fascinating Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village remains remarkably well preserved.
The town’s proximity to Cape Town allows for pleasant day trips during which visitors can explore the area’s many world-class wine estates and impressive range of excellent restaurants or simply browse the quaint, upmarket boutiques strewn along the town’s lovely tree-lined avenues.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 6: FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE, BALLITO
Ballito
Idyllically set on the exquisite North Coast of South Africa, just 40kms from the vibrant city of Durban, Ballito is a quiet seaside resort town known for its spectacular beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The town features an attractive blue flag accredited main beach which offers safe swimming conditions as well as lifeguards and protective shark nets.
There are also some lovely tidal pools which are ideal for families with young children. The area is famous for its large school of dolphins which can be spotted on a leisurely boat cruise or while relaxing on the shore.
Whales are also frequently seen on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer. Other popular activities on offer include: golf, tennis, squash, scuba diving, and a variety of other water sports.
Overnight: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge
On KwaZulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast, under an abundant forest canopy, you will find Zimbali—Zulu for ‘valley of flowers’. A sanctuary unlike any other in South Africa, this charming and unspoiled region is a nature lover’s wonderland. Dappled shadows from the lush vegetation and cool breezes from the Indian Ocean leave their mark on your soul. Endless beaches and clear skies invite you to relax and dream. Within this subtropical paradise, set within the serene confines of a coastal forest reserve, you will find the highest expression of exclusive hospitality:
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests will enjoy five-star service, including on-call butler service, ensuring an unforgettable African experience. With 76 rooms, a selection of 4 food and beverage outlets, conference facilities for up to 90 guests, a business services centre, internationally acclaimed Willow Stream Spa, valley of the pools and a beach club, you will be treated with indulgent charm. Situated 16km from King Shaka International Airport, and a mere 25 minutes from Durban Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is easily accessible.
Experience a magnificent round on the Tom Weiskopf designed, championship 18holes golf course, spend the day on sundrenched beaches or spend time on a serene forest trail. Within the locale a day trip allows for memorable visits to the majestic mountains of the Drakensberg, the adventurous Midlands and the world famous Battlefields, or an exciting journey into one of the KwaZulu-Natal’s Big Five Game Parks.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 7: FAIRMONT ZIMBALI LODGE, BALLITO
Free day with optional activities around the coastal area
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 8: ZULU NYALA GAME LODGE, KWAZULU NATAL GAME RESERVES
KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves
Scattered across the undulating plains of KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful array of game reserves can be explored. These magnificent parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution to protecting endangered species, including the white rhino, from extinction.
It is possible to see the famous ‘Big Five’ animals, as well as a variety of other animals. The area is a bird watcher’s paradise, with the Mkhuze Game Reserve alone home to 420 different species of birds, and species like the Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Pink-throated Twinspot making special appearances. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities including day and night game drives, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, guided walks and hiking. Many of the parks include stunning beaches, which feature turquoise, warm Indian Ocean waters and soft white sands.
Overnight: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve provides a unique bush experience in the heart of one of South Africa’s most diverse conservation regions. Nestled between the wilderness reserves of Mkuze, Hluhluwe, St. Lucia and Sodwana Bay, this lush stretch of paradise is home to a wide variety of game, from the majestic elephant to rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, the secretive leopard and cheetah and the shy Nyala antelope that are endemic to the region.
The privately owned reserve in home to over 40 different species of animal and magnificent birdlife. A large variety of game reserve activities and excursions are available to all guests of Zulu Nyala Safari Game Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge and Hemingway Tented Camp.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 9: ZULU NYALA GAME LODGE, KWAZULU NATAL GAME RESERVES
Take in the region’s spectacular array of wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 10: END OF ITINERARY
Transfer for International departure via either Cape Town or Johannesburg for International flight back home
Basis
Breakfast
