South Africa Suggested Itinerary - Full Day and Half Day tours in and around Cape Town including Hermanus Whale Watching, Cape Winelands, Cape Town City Tour, Day Safari at Aquila Game Reserve.

 

Cape Town and its surrounds has it all – Enjoy wine tasting at award-winning estates, fabulous vistas along the Cape Peninsula, Penguins at Boulders Beach, traditional African crafts, a colorful heritage and culture, or go on safari. Cape Town is certainly one of the most visually arresting cities on the African continent, snuggled at the base of iconic Table Mountain.

 

Make the most of your time in Cape Town with our range of day tours (please note that we only book day tours when accommodation is booked with us too).

 

Cape Town City Tour (Half Day Tour)

Come with us on the ultimate ‘Mother City’ experience, designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. We’ve chosen iconic buildings, snatches of its history, and experiences unique to this City.

First up, it’s the cable car to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain – weather permitting – and from there, you’ll be able to see to the end of our world, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (own account).

We visit the country’s oldest building, The Castle (closed Sundays), and a short distance away, the Company Gardens, both historically fascinating and well conserved. Our drive continues past Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge, and you’ll sense the depth of history via their distinctive architecture.

Colonial then changes to colorful, as we move up the cobble-stoned hills to the Malay Quarter, and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.

Our day ends on a sparkling note, as we trace the moves of a professional diamond cutter, as he creates every girl’s dream stone.

Stellenbosch Winelands Tour (Afternoon - Half Day Tour)
Historical, glorious Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands, and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops.

But first, we take a leisurely drive to acquaint you with the beauty of this world-renowned region, before inducting you into the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. And when the wine’s made, it needs to be tasted, so we’ll twist your arm to test and taste…and no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm.

Winelands Tour (full day):
We head north to Paarl. Our first stop this morning is at Anura Wine Estate for a cellar tour and a cheese and wine tasting. Learn all about what makes these wines world class!

We make our way to Franschhoek with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in Feb 1990.

The village of Franschhoek nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken as being in Switzerland. Home to some magnificent wine estates, you will have time to walk through the village and soak up the atmosphere of rural sophistication.

After a short tour of the little town, a second wine tasting will take place in Franschhoek, followed by a lunch stop (optional – own account), and maybe a chance to try some of the fresh trout that Franschhoek is known for.

After lunch the tour continues over the Hells Hoogte Mountain Pass to Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be forgotten.

Time permitting, we will include a third wine tasting.

We return to Cape Town with amazing photos and fond memories.

Cape Point Tour (Half Day Tour)
Depart the hotel and enjoy the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay.

We follow the coastal route which hugs the dramatic cliff side along the Atlantic Ocean, before being welcomed by the sentinel upon arrival in Hout Bay.Once a fishing community, now a popular residential area, the harbour still has a charm of days gone by.

The tour continues over the famous Chapman’s Peak drive – if open, with a 200 meter drop on one side of the coach and a 200 meter rise on the other, as we make our way south, following the Atlantic Ocean until we reach Cape Point.

At Cape Point we drive through the nature reserve and admire the endemic ‘fynbos’ and we may even spot wild animals like Zebra, ostrich, antelope or even snakes! You can walk up the steep pathway or ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular (own account) to the lighthouse where panoramic views await of the meeting place of the icy Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans.

Said to be the romantic meeting place of the two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, Sir Francis Drake the Explorer once called it "the fairest Cape that we saw in the whole circumference of the Globe". And rightly so, it must be the highlight of any visit to the Mother City, if not South Africa.

We pass the naval base of Simonstown as we continue along the Indian Ocean, en route to see the Jackass penguin colony which has become well established at Boulders Beach (for own account) before ending the tour back at your hotel.

Morning - 08:15 - ±11:45
Afternoon - 13:45 - ±17:15
Duration +/- 3.5 hours

Cape Peninsula Tour (Full Day Tour)
Our journey to Cape Point takes us along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. We pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and assure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while sheer cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side. There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity.

We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Visit Seal Island (own account) or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbor.

Our tour continues over Chapman’s Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent ‘fynbos’, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests enjoying lunch at the restaurant which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the funicular (own account) to the lighthouse at the top of Cape Point.

We visit Boulders Beach to see the Jackass penguins (own account) before arriving at the naval base of Simonstown, and then we venture inland to our last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers, and offer a fitting end to a day filled with all the Cape has to offer.

08:15 - ±18:00

Cape Point and Winelands (Full day)
We drive along Chapman's Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities. The steep cliffs plunging into the icy Atlantic Ocean, and tumultuous waves crashing against the rocks is an amazing sight.

Our tour takes us to spectacular Cape point with its nature reserve where many of the Cape's wild animals can be spotted.

We drive through quaint Simonstown and view the Penguin Colony (own account).

Then we head out to the Winelands and enjoy a cellar tour followed by a cheese and wine tasting at the magnificent Anura Wine Estate.

Our tour continues into the historic town of Stellenbosch with its picturesque white gabled Cape Dutch architecture. The pretty streets and lanes are lined with old oak trees. The town boasts a large university with energetic students offering a contrast to the old-world feel of the town.

If time permits our guide will choose a second estate for another wine tasting before heading back to your hotel.

Daily
AM - 08:15 - ±18:00

Kirstenbosch and Constantia Tour (Half Day Tour)
Flowers and bouquets…wine bouquet that is! We have a wonderful afternoon ambling through the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, set below the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. With over 3 000 plant species as part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and exclusively indigenous South African plants, fynbos, proteas and cycads, you’ll love and learn so much as you stroll along the pretty winding pathways which guide one through one of the finest botanical gardens in the world.

From here, we venture into the classically magnificent Constantia area with its immaculate, massive tree lined streets, the historic birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. We’ll thoroughly enjoy a wine tasting in this, the oldest, most exquisite winery in the new world of wines, one which offers a welcome peace and serenity a stone’s throw from the vibe of the City.

Walk To Freedom Tour (Full-day or Half Day Tour)
Experience the wonderful raw energy of our ‘Rainbow Nation’ in one unforgettable morning. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of the local communities - those of yesterday and today – seeing where and how both past and present generations lived, or just existed, during the dark days of apartheid, and experience how people of these townships live today.

We’ll explore the riveting District Six Museum (closed Sundays) for a sharp reminder of the past, then tour Langa, the oldest apartheid housing scheme in the Cape, and visit the impressive Tsoga Environmental Gardens.

We want you to enjoy a hands-on experience of life in a township, so you’ll be visiting an informal spaza shop (corner shop), popping into a shebeen (pub), and visiting a hostel. Tastes of the daily life of a community.

For those who have the time, do extend to a full day tour - a visit to Robben Island in the afternoon. Cruel home of our Nelson Mandela for so many years, it’s a highly charged and emotional moment when you visit the site of this suffering, and realize how far South Africa has come from those days.

A Day on Safari from Cape Town (Full Day Tour)
The Big Five near Cape Town? A mere two hours from the City, and we’ll be tracking them at The Aquila Private Game Reserve. It’s an early morning start on this scenic drive to Aquila, but refreshments and a full welcoming breakfast will ensure we’re fully awake, before setting off on our adrenaline pumping game drive.

Transferred into the ideal 4 x 4 safari vehicle and accompanied by an experienced game ranger, we’re off, camera’s and binoculars at the ready, searching for telltale signs of lion, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, rhino, ostrich, baboon, warthog, springbok and many other wild animals, birds and fauna.

We spend two to three hours scanning the countryside, relishing the sightings, before returning for a leisurely buffet lunch and time to relax around the pool (summer) or settle cosily around a fire (winter). Adrenaline slowing, we sink back into our coach for the return trip to Cape Town. A wild day to remember!

Hermanus Whale Watching Tour (Full Day Tour)
This tour operates during the Whale Season from July to November only.

There is no guarantee that Whales will be sighted although our guides make every effort to find the best viewing point.

Our tour sets off along the scenic coastal road, Clarens Drive, which offers spectacular views of False Bay.

We arrive at the quaint holiday town of Hermanus and search the Walker Bay coastline for whales. There may be an opportunity to join boat-based whale watching (for own account and subject to availability and weather).

Next stop is a wine tasting at the Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate in the beautiful Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley . The wine estate is closed on Sundays so we will stop at a cheetah sanctuary (time permitting) to spend time with these beautiful animals.

Relax with a cup of tea (own account and time permitting) at a farm stall where you can find natural preserves, jams with a difference, and delicious pastries.

We return over Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass which offers amazing views of False Bay with its long stretches of white sandy beaches. On a clear day it is possible to see Cape Point in the distance across the water.

Handy tip: Sun protection, protective clothing and preventative treatment against seas sickness are advisable when going on the boat trip.

Wed / Fri / Sun
AM - 08:30 - ±17:30

July to November only

 

Feathers & Fins (Half Day Tour):

A world of family excitement in Cape Town awaits with feathered friends and fishy fun! Join our scheduled tour for an adventure with your children. This entertaining trip includes a visit to the Hout Bay World of Birds where children can get up close and personal with nature, over 400 different species to discover including birds, reptiles and mammals and don’t forget to visit the walk through monkey jungle! The tour continues with some of the finest beach views on the coastal drive to the Two Oceans Aquarium in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the magical underwater awaits. Your children will learn about mysterious deep sea creatures, dangerous predators and see a real “happy feet” family. Touch pools and tidal walks are part of the fun while puppet shows and play area’s are on the entertainment menu. Older children are not forgotten, interesting facts, fascinating discoveries, shark encounters and the discovery of what really lies beyond the pond. Bring your family on this fun tour to see, touch, learn and play .... who knows, they may even find NEMO!

Sunset Beach and Dinner (Evening Tour - September to May)
You don’t have to do a thing, it’s all under control. Join your host and head out of the city before sunset. Savor a chilled glass of sparkling wine sitting pretty on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches, as you watch the sunset turn the surrounds peach and gold. It’s magic!

We’ll point out the Southern Cross in the night sky, before enjoying dinner at a sensational ‘out of town’ restaurant offering seafood and South African specialties. (Special occasion? We can arrange a separate table on request).

As we return to the hotel, we’ll make sure you enjoy the city lights by night. We’ll take care of everything – just enjoy!

Private touring (Full or half day)

We can also arrange private tours in Cape Town for you.