HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore cosmopolitan Cape Town, from penguin beaches to Table Mountain
- Drive the glorious Garden Route
- Watch whales right from the shore at bayside Hermanus
- Hike, bike, surf and sail around picturesque Plettenberg Bay
- Spot the Big 5 (and much more) in Sabi Sands one of the world's best safari spots
Day 1 UK / Cape Town
Maximise your time by flying overnight from the UK to Cape Town plus, the small time difference means no jetlag.
Day 2 Cape Town
You'll be immediately blown away by the Mother City from its remarkable setting between mountains and deep-blue sea, to its cosmopolitan vibe. Your base, the chic One&Only Cape Town, is on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, right in the heart of the action.
One&Only Cape Town
Days 3 to 5 Cape Town
The options in Cape Town are countless. Sail out to Robben Island, to see where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated (the prison is now a fascinating museum); hike on the fynbos cloaked flanks of Table Mountain or ride a cable car to the top; watch penguins waddling on Boulders Beach; or take a wild trip out to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope.
One&Only Cape Town I Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cape Town / Hermanus
The Garden Route is one of the world's best drives. Hop in a car and enjoy the ever-changing scenery all the way to Hermanus, self-proclaimed whale watching capital of the world. Stay at The Marine Hotel, overlooking Walker Bay in season (June-November) you might see a whale right from your window.
The Marine I Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Hermanus
Stroll the spectacular cliff path: Hermanus is renowned for excellent land-based whale-watching and you might see mothers with calves come close to shore. You could also swim at the town's beautiful beaches or follow one of the mountain trails to discover the region's thriving flora.
The Marine I Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Hermanus / Plettenberg
Next, follow the Garden Route as it veers inland, traversing mighty mountains and endless forests to reach Plettenberg. Your hideaway here is a Relais & Chateaux hotel that teeters on a rocky headland overlooking the distant peaks and Plettenberg Bay's miles of golden sand. Order a cocktail at the Sand Bar and watch the sun sink into the ocean.
The Plettenberg I Meals: Breakfast
Days 9 to 10 Plettenberg
Plettenberg offers endless opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. You could take a boat trip to look for dolphins, explore the forest trails by mountain-bike or even have a go at surfing. At the end of the day, there's always the option to treat yourself at The Plettenberg's state-of-the-art spa or with a tipple from its award-winning wine cellar.
The Plettenberg I Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Plettenberg / Sabi Sands
After dropping your car at George Airport take a flight via Johannesburg, swapping the wild coast for the even wilder river-riddled savannah of Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This private reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, is simply one of Africa's best safari spots, a pristine wilderness absolutely packed with wildlife. The intimate Lion Sands Ivory Lodge makes a luxurious base.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 12 to 13 Sabi Sands
Lion Sands is the only part of the reserve to have substantial access to the perennial Sabie River, which attracts an incredible diversity of wildlife. With the help of the lodge's expert rangers and trackers, you'll experience world-class game-viewing as well as morning and evening game drives, there are opportunities for thrilling walking safaris, bush breakfasts, hippo tours, astronomy and visits to local villages. Also, the food is first class.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Sabi Sands / Johannesburg
Bid farewell to Sabi Sands, taking one last glimpse at this sprawling wilderness as you return to Johannesburg airport by light aircraft for your flight home. If you have a late departure, you could book a day room at the airport's Intercontinental Hotel to relax before you leave.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 UK
Arrive back into the UK.
Want to stay longer...?
Why not add a Mozambique extension
The perfect finale to a South African adventure is a relaxing break by the azure Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Regular flights connect Johannesburg to the beautiful Bazaruto archipelago and reef fringed Quirimbas archipelago, where secluded lodges offer the ultimate barefoot-luxury beach experience.
Pricing
As a guide, this 14 day suggested holiday will cost from £5,695 per person, based on two sharing including international flights.
