From exploring Bird Island on the Cape West Coast to the majestic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in the Cape Winelands, it’s time to start planning your return to the wide open spaces of Cape Town and the Western Cape with this incredible 6-day itinerary.
Day 1 – Cape Town
Intaka Island
This majestic wetlands area and bird sanctuary offers a range of activities from leisure to educational. Guided tours, bird watching and boat rides are among the many things to see and do on Intaka Island in Cape Town.
Website: https://intaka.co.za
Eat at De Grendel Wine Estate
The Graaff family’s passion for winemaking extends to the philosophy employed at De Grendel’s restaurant: the use of seasonal and locally sourced fresh produce, and a menu that is updated regularly, reflective of the unique culinary heritage of the Cape, and created with complementary De Grendel wines in mind. Enjoy contemporary Cape Town cuisine, designed to complement the range of De Grendel wines.
Website: https://degrendel.co.za
Stayover at The Cellars-Hohenhort
The five-star Cellars-Hohenort, is located in the historical Constantia Valley. The hotel’s 51 guest rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the property’s award-winning gardens.
Website: www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com
Day 2 – Cape West Coast
West Coast National Park
Considered a jewel of the Western Cape, the West Coast National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town and just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay. There is plenty to do, ranging from various hikes and mountain biking to kayaking and whale watching, while a picnic or lunch at the Geelbek restaurant are favourite pastimes in the park. There are also a number of fantastic accommodation facilities if you would like to spend some time exploring.
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast
Eat at Geelbek Restaurant
Geelbek Restaurant has a proud South African heritage that dates all the way back to the 1700's. Situated inside the West Coast National Park, right on the picturesque Langebaan lagoon, it offers spectacular views of both the Park and lagoon and is surrounded by breath-taking natural vistas, teeming with flamingos and other birdlife, and a huge variety of game and wildlife.
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/tourism/restaurant.php
Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve
Bird Island lies about 100 metres off the shore of Lambert’s Bay on the Cape’s West Coast. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the blue-eyed Cape gannet up close and is one of only six sites world-wide where Cape gannets breed.
Website: www.capenature.co.za/reserves/bird-island-nature-reserve
Stayover at Grootvlei Guest Farm
Grootvlei Guest Farm is situated 6km from the charming fishing village of Lambert's Bay. It is within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect location for lazy strolls down the long stretch of uninterrupted, pristine white beach.
Website: www.grootvleiguestfarm.co.za
Day 3 – Cape Winelands
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve Hike
Situated in the Franschhoek Mountains, this exquisite mountain reserve offers spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley, diverse plant life and over 30km of safe, well-maintained hiking trails.
Website: www.montrochellehiking.co.za
Eat at La Petite Ferme
The restaurant at La Petite Ferme offers a culinary experience like no other. It delivers a combination of international methods and flavours while focusing on sourcing the best and freshest in-season ingredients grown locally in the valley of Franschhoek. Each dish is expertly cooked and plated in a harmonious, elegant yet satisfying manner.
Website: www.lapetiteferme.co.za
Wellington Wine Walk
Enjoy a locally guided tour through indigenous fynbos, vineyards, fruit orchards and olive groves of the beautiful Wellington winelands. Stop and taste the Wellington wines, olives and olive oil produced in this fertile valley. Meet the winemakers and learn more about their award-winning wines. Meet the local characters of the valley and hear their interesting stories. If you love the outdoors, wine-tasting and scenic walking/hiking trails; this is an absolute must.
Website: http://winewalk.co.za
Stayover at Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate
With its unrivalled mountain views, the award winning Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate is situated in the picturesque Bovlei, ten minutes from the town of Wellington, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town. With a history of winemaking dating back to 1699, Val du Charron’s wines are available worldwide but are best enjoyed surrounded by the vineyards themselves - at one of the Estate’s restaurants or from your own balcony at the 4 star Guesthouse or 5 star Coach house suite.
Website: https://vdcwines.co.za
Day 4 – Cape Overberg
Glamtrails
Glamtrails offers walking tours amongst the fabulous vineyards of the verdant Hemel & Aarde Valley. Designed to stimulate, refresh, entertain, and inform, the trails are interwoven with historical narratives, fabulous food and wine tastings and incredible vistas that inspire robust conversation or quiet contemplation.
Website: www.glamtrails.co.za
Eat at Creation Wines
Delicious wines, decadent food and glorious views are what you can expect from your visit to Creation in the Cape Overberg’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Although each of these is, of course, a pleasure in itself, we encourage you to try one of the winery’s incredible Tasting Room experiences. They are award-wining and world-class.
Website: www.creationwines.com
Explore Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos has carefully curated a collection of one-of-a-kind experiences that reflect the diversity of this unique region we call home – from bird-watching to walks & hikes, to marine safaris and scenic flights, this world-class establishment is a showcase for sustainable practices. It’s eco-tourism at its very best.
Website: www.grootbos.com
Stayover at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Meander through an ancient Milkwood forest, soak up the beauty of the fynbos or admire dramatic mountain and sea views as you wind your way towards your private suite. All the accommodation at Grootbos has been designed to complement the pristine natural setting, while never compromising on style or luxury.
Website: www.grootbos.com/en/accommodation
Day 5 – Garden Route
Breakfast Elephant Walk at Knysna Elephant Park
The new Breakfast Elephant Walk offers an extra-special encounter for those guests wanting to welcome the new day in the company of Knysna Elephant Park’s elephant herd. Join in for the most beautiful part of the day and take a leisurely stroll at elephant pace, around the Park, enjoying the views of forest and mountain vistas. Take in the morning sights and sounds, in the company of your very own elephant guide.
Website: https://knysnaelephantpark.co.za
Eat at Grand Africa Lookout Beach Plett
Welcome to the latest addition to the Grand Africa family in Plettenberg Bay. Grand Africa is where Grand-chic meets Retro Romance. Fit for the worldly traveller & diner, this is the perfect place for a casual beachy affair and Grand celebrations.
Website: http://grandafrica.com
Bitouvlei Birding Route
Bitouvlei Birding Route is situated on the R340 in the pristine Wittedrift valley, a mere 10-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay. The birding route consists of four distinct biospheres forming habitats for a large number of seasonal and local birds. These include, an open salt estuary, a kloof with natural Knysna forest, the Bitou river and surrounding riverine forests and two large natural water pans.
Website: www.plett-tourism.co.za/activity/bitouvlei-birding
Stayover at Villa Villekula
Eco-friendly comfort conveniently situated on a 3.2 hectare property in the heart of the crags. The property offers an indigenous forest, a dam frequently visited by a vast variety of bird life and offers stunning mountain views. The surrounds offer wine farms, wildlife sanctuaries, local art adventure destinations and the pristine forest and beaches of nature valley .all these attractions including Keurboomstrand & Plettenberg Bay can be found within a 15 km range.
Website: www.villavillekula.co.za
Day 6 – Cape Karoo
Wolwekraal Nature Reserve Nature Walk
Wolwekraal Nature Reserve is a small protected area on the farm Wolwekraal just outside of Prince Albert. Enjoy the spectacular scenery near this southern Karoo desert village and learn about the geology, botany, natural and cultural history of the area on a two hour guided nature walk
Website: www.wcro.co.za
Eat at African Relish Café Restaurant
African Relish is a recreational cooking school located in Prince Albert. Select a themed half or full day cooking class; experience South African produce, cuisine, luxury accommodation and enjoy African Relish either as a stand-alone destination or part of an extended foodie tour or simply pop in for a bistro-style lunch!
Website: www.africanrelish.com/cafe-deli
Safari Experience at Roam Private Game Reserve
Located around 6 hours outside of Cape Town, the 5000 hectares of pristine wilderness covering the Great Karoo landscape is home to a world of natural and historical wonder, and well worth the drive. The safari experience offers a variety of experiences, with guests able to enjoy sundowner sessions coupled with walks, cheetah tracking, game drives and stargazing.
Website: www.roam-karoo.co.za/safari-experience.html
Stayover at Roam Private Game Reserve
Enjoy a touch of of country luxury in the heart of the arid Karoo region. The lodge has panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and comes complete with its own waterhole attracting a variety of game. Boasting that classic Karoo country feel, its simplicity and comfort provides an escape from the semi-desert environment cocooning the accommodation.
Website: www.roam-karoo.co.za
