South Africa and Lesotho: Landscapes and Wildlife

Discover all that Cape Point has to offer on this enjoyable day excursion. Following an early breakfast at your hotel, drive out to the Atlantic Seaboard Coastal Road with your local guide. Enjoy your drive along this scenic stretch of road, passing by white sandy beaches and the ocean by Clifton and Camps Bay. Take in the bracing sea breeze as the wind catches your hair. Watch the sudden appearance of the Twelve Apostles Peaks to one side of the road, while the dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops of the Cape Peninsula rise above the Atlantic on your other side. Make a pit stop at the pretty little fishing village of Hout Bay with its famous Sentinel. If you wish, you can take a boat ride to Seal Island, or browse through colorful stalls by the harbor piled high with handicrafts and local artifacts. Drive up to the Cape’s famed Chapman’s Peak and make the most of its photo opportunities. Continue up to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve before dropping by the spectacular Cape Point. Look out for the feathery ‘fynbos’ swaying in the heathland along with the region’s endemic birds and wildlife, particularly the Cape Mountain Zebra and the baboons. Gaze out at False Bay, or if you wish, you can ride the funicular to the old lighthouse for taking in the twin oceans of the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Take a refreshing lunch break (optional), before visiting the colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Go over to the old naval base of Simon’s Town, and end your eventful day at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens just as the sun sets over the iconic Table Mountain. (Duration: Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Lunch not included. Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Visit the world-famous penguin colony on Boulder’s Beach and marvel at the friendly animals from an extraordinary perspective. In a kayak you paddle leisurely to the African glasses penguins, who call the stony beaches of the Atlantic coast their home. First, drive over Chapman’s Peak to Simon’s Town, where you will be accompanied by a private guide and kayak. Keep an eye out for the black and white birds as you pass the historic harbor. If the tides and weather conditions permit, jump into the cool water or go ashore on the pristine beaches. Here the little penguins waddle undeterred by the curious eyes of their observers over the sunny rocks. (Usually booked as part of a full-day tour across the Cape Peninsula; minimum age to kayak: 10 years; private activity; fitness level: moderate; Activity depends on the weather).

Start with a tour of District Six and its District Museum and see the oldest mosque in South Africa. Visit Langa, the oldest formal black township in Cape Town, and see the local market, an art & crafts centre, and visit a traditional healer. Weather permitting, board the Robben Island ferry and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain as you sail across the bay to this island which is so full of history. Once you reach the island you will be given a guided tour and see the prison cell that held Nelson Mandela captive for so many years.

Explore the beautiful wine-producing area in the mountainous towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek in the Boland region through a range of activities on your own. Visit the Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch – home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage – and taste fine wines in the tasting room surrounded by breathtaking valley views. Gallop on a horse around nature reserves with stunning forest trails and rivers in the Klein Lanzerac Equestrian Club. Taste the finest Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot wines in Rust en Vrede, and relish classical French cuisine in the cellar, which is a National Monument built in 1785. Pamper yourself with an outdoor garden spa, swim in the farm dam, and take a walk in the sprawling fruit and vegetable garden in Babylonstoren – one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. View the carefully curated South African art collection, and explore the landscaped vineyard and gardens with water features and pools in Delaire Graff. Or hike through rolling hills, valleys and vineyards in Sir Richard Branson’s Mont Rochelle estate. (Full Day; For self drive guests no transfers included; all costs on guests account.)

Take a leisurely walk along the streets of Stellenbosch. On this walk, enjoy sampling the delicious flavors of South African cuisine. Select from top quality, locally produced food. Also get to meet and interact with food artists, getting insightful stories of what inspires their passion for food art. Take a stroll from one tasting shop to the next, getting a taste of platters of seasonal local products, freshly baked bread, snacks, homemade ice-cream, melt-in-the-mouth pastries and confectionery. The guide will take you on a tour around the oak-lined streets of the old town center. Explore and soak up the beauty of the charming town taking in the amazing architectural marvels of the centuries old town. End the tour with a special tasting of some of the delicious regional wines.

Northeast of the verdant coastal strip of the Garden Route, over the forested slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains, lies the Little Karoo – a dry area of semi-desert which is one of the more diverse regions in the Western Cape, with gigantic cliffs, desert-like landscapes, crystal clear streams and fertile vineyards. The area is bounded by the Langeberg Mountains to the southwest, and separated from the much more extensive Great Karoo by the Swartberg Mountains to the north. Visit the main highlights close to Oudtshoorn which are the Cango Caves –  one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages – fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours – and the Ostrich Farms where you can visit the hatchery, learn about their behaviour, their physiology, and how they contribute to local arts, crafts and industry. (For guests on self drive; Any meals, beverages,activity costs and entrance fees will be on guest account).

Set off at a convenient time to explore the splendid attractions of the famous Garden Route region at your own pace. You could start with a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park with its indigenous flora and fauna, and the Storms River flowing past. Take your pick of activities such as mountain biking and hiking down scenic trails. Head to Storms River village for lunch at the charming Marilyn’s 60s Diner where you can savor all-American cuisine as you soak in the retro ambiance. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon soaking in the sun as you lounge on the sand at one of two beautiful beaches by the crystal blue water in Plettenberg Bay. Alternatively, you could spend the day at the oceanside town of Knysna, picnicking by the water and enjoying a unique tour of its township. Follow it up with a trip to Knysna Elephant Park before heading back to your hotel with memories of a lifetime. (Full Day; For guests on self drive: No transfers included. Activity costs, snacks, drinks and entrance fees will have to be paid on site.).

Start with a leisurely ferry boat ride across the tranquil Knysna Estuary that is fed by rivers from the Outeniqua Mountains. Reaching the Western Head of Knysna Heads that houses the private Featherbed Nature Reserve, hop on a 4×4 trailer and drive up to the viewpoint of this natural heritage site. Following your specialist guides along the scenic walking trail, learn about the region’s history, recent fires and forest rejuvenation, plus its fascinating natural treasures. Traversing the coastal boardwalks under a canopy of Milkwood forests, spot exotic birdlife including the rare and resident Black African OysterCatcher, and a variety of indigenous flora, as the aroma of fynbos fills the air. Enjoy the azure seascape dotted with local sailboats and houseboats from various panoramic lookouts while dramatic sandstone cliffs add to the scenery. Walk into ancient Khoi-Khoi sea caves that protect fascinating stories, and visit the rocky beaches that are home to myriad marine life, before calling it a day. (Half Day; Time: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 3-4 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Moderate)

Beginning from the Featherbed Nature Reserve ferry terminus of Knysna Waterfront Quays, embark on John Benn. Now housing a full enclosed double-decker floating restaurant, admire the iconic and well-preserved, classic-style floating vessel crafted using yellowwood from the surrounding forests. Enjoy the natural beauty of lush hillsides and waterfront settlements as your guide regales stories of the legendary pilot John Benn. You will also learn about the region’s flora, fauna, and natural history, while passing by certain landmark spots including Island Rock and Otter Cove among others, along the coast. Cruising the tranquil lagoon around Knysna Heads under a sunset glow, savor a delicious tapas menu featuring fresh Knysna oysters complemented by local beers, fresh fruit juices, and South Africa’s sparkling wines. Soak in the lively vibe with fellow guests on the atmospheric decks as the sun dips into the horizon. (Half Day; Time: 5 pm or 6 pm; Duration: 1.5 hrs; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Easy; EXCLUDED: Transfers & Meals. A la carte and tapas menu available at extra costs)

Game drives, bush walks

Meet the wild inhabitants of the Eastern Cape with a thrilling game drive from the Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge. Set with an experienced ranger in an open 4×4 vehicle to discover Amakhala Game Reserve. Bounding over dirt tracks, venture deep into the heart of the dramatic landscape punctuated by a diverse range of flora, from bushveld to savannah. Beautifully scenic, this vast expanse is home not only to the big five but also elusive creatures such as hyenas and foxes. Not just animals, there are plenty of birds and insects for you to see as well, which your guide will happily point out to you. As you travel, learn about the habitat and the antics of specific animals that have been lovingly named by local rangers and guides. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning/Evening; Please use sunblock and wear, shades, and sturdy footwear.)

Explore Southern Drakensberg with a drive through the tricky Sani Pass to Lesotho. Hop into your 4×4 vehicle for your off-road adventure as you navigate thrilling bends and curves. Stop a moment to soak up the picturesque views and capture them on camera. When you reach Lesotho, take a well-deserved break and grab a bite in the highest pub in Africa at 2874 meters! Once you are sufficiently rested, there is a host of exciting activities to explore. Set off on one of the many hiking trails to discover the wildlife or cultural heritage of surrounding areas. If you love horse-riding, then saddle up and get on horseback to ride through scenic trails. Choose from among a number of adventure sports for you and your family or just spend a relaxed day trout-fishing. (Full Day; Self-Exploring Activity; For self drive guests no Transfers; A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory for the drive along Sani Pass; Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate; Please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses)

Escape to the idyllic Northern Drakensberg for a few days of respite or adventure, depending on your preference. Go hiking, mountain biking, or trail running on any one of the scenic routes around the hills or through the forests. Alternatively, you could explore the beautiful trails on horseback. There are several more interesting walks to choose from such as the full moon walk or the bird-watching trail, which change from season to season. For the thrill-seekers, there are a number of adventure sports to select from. Take a ride in the cable car, try the Freefall king swing or flying trapeze. If you want to take it easy, then spend a leisurely day at the golf course. Play a game of tennis with fellow travelers and later, cool down with a dip in the swimming pool. Fishing enthusiasts can also get busy fly fishing for rainbow trout. (Full Day; Self Exploring Activity; For Self drive guests no transfers; Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate; Please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses)