WILDLIFE, WHALES AND WINE

As with all our tours, this one can be shortened or lengthened and tailor made to your needs. We are responsive to any requests or questions you may have.

Day 1:

Cape Town to Hermanus

In the morning we depart Cape Town for Hermanus. We follow Clarens Drive, the breath taking scenic road that hugs the False Bay coast. We stop in Betty's Bay to view a thriving colony of endangered African penguins. We then head for the seaside town of Hermanus,  known as the best land-based whale watching site in the world. Here you can view Southern Right Whales during the whale season (July to November) and sometimes even in other months of the year. Other whales that may be seen are Humpbacks, Brydes and occasionally even Orcas.

In Hermanus enjoy the rugged Cliff Walk along the edge of the ocean with great sweeping views of Walker Bay, where whales do a "slow motion" leap or slowly swim past right below the cliffs. 

As an optional extra, you may also take a boat ride to get even closer to the Whales.

Overnight in Hermanus

The Lighthouse at Cape Agulhas  

Day 2:

Hermanus to Cape Agulhas

The next day we depart and follow the Hermanus Lagoon on a route that takes us through rolling wheat and canola fields and wide open landscapes. Then we head due South towards the southern-most point of the African continent, Cape Agulhas. It is that famous spot where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean really do meet.

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse has stood for over 170 years overlooking this southern-most  tip of Africa, notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of coastline. If you have a head for heights, climb to the top of the Lighthouse and try to figure out if you can see a line where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans really meet!

Just north of Cape Agulhas is the quiant little town of Arniston, well known for its beautiful beaches and historic white-washed fisherman’s cottages - now a National Monument.

The name ‘Arniston’ comes from one of the numerous ship wrecks on the area’s jagged coastline. The Arniston sank here in 1815 after the ship ran ashore and broke up on the sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef. Only 6 of the original 378 passengers lived to tell the sad tale of one of the worst ship wrecks in South Africa’s history.

Ovenight in Arniston 

Day 3:

Cape Agulhas to Big 5 Country

The road takes us inland through more rolling wheat and canola fields, as we head to the mountains. We pass through the spectacular folded rock formations of the Cogman's Kloof Pass before taking a break in the pretty little historic town of Montagu. After more interesting mountain passes and captivating scenery, we enter the more arid landscape of the Little Karoo. Here we find Aquila Private Game Reserve, a Big 5 Park, our Safari destination. After a welcome drink, it’s Game Drive time and we head out to the Reserve with our own specialist guide to view the wildlife. Dinner and an overnight stay are included.

Overnight at Aquila 

Day 4:

Big 5, Wine Tasting and Return to Cape Town

Wake up to the fresh Karoo air and enjoy an early morning safari in a different part of the Reserve. This is followed by a scrumptious breakfast and then it’s time to head back to Cape Town.

On the way back we may stop off at a Winery in Paarl to drink a toast to a good time had,  with some delicious wines for which this region is so famous.