Follow the Whales: A 14-Day Journey from Cape Town to Safari Splendour

Day 1: Arrival in the Mother City – Cape Town

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Cape Town, affectionately known as The Mother City, you'll collect your rental vehicle and begin your scenic drive into the heart of the city. Your accommodation for the next few nights is the elegant Romney Park Luxury Apartments, located in the stylish Green Point. Once checked in and settled into your stylish suite, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore at your leisure.

Soak up the sun by the pool or venture out to discover some of Cape Town’s iconic attractions - take a stroll along the bustling V&A Waterfront, enjoy a sunset walk on Sea Point Promenade, or ride the cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

Tonight, you might opt to dine at one of Cape Town’s world-renowned restaurants, indulging in fresh seafood or Cape Malay cuisine - the perfect introduction to the flavours of the Cape.

Day 2–3: Exploring Cape Town

Spend the next two days uncovering the mountains, coasts and culture of Cape Town. Set off on a full day Cape Peninsula tour, an unforgettable journey showcasing some of the Cape’s most iconic sights. Travel along the picturesque Atlantic Seaboard admiring the striking views at Cape Point, the charming naval village of Simon’s Town and visit the beloved penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Take a moment to enjoy the city at your own pace with a ride on the Table Mountain Cableway for breathtaking views from the summit or delve into the city’s creative heart with a visit to the Zeitz MOCAA. For shopping and dining, the V&A Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of local design, gourmet food, and entertainment.

Whether you choose to discover the city's rich history or simply relax with sundowners on a rooftop bar, your time in Cape Town will leave you enchanted by its beauty.

Day 4: Into the serene Winelands

After a sumptuous breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cape Town and journey into the serene Cape Winelands, where rolling vineyards and timeless charm await. Your destination is Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa, one of the Western Cape’s oldest and most storied wine estates.

Make the most of your time on the estate by indulging in the culinary artistry of Chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink at Geuwels and Clara’s Restaurant, where locally inspired dishes celebrate the region’s rich flavours and seasonal produce. The bespoke and exclusive wine tastings held in the estate’s historic Homestead, where centuries of winemaking heritage are brought to life through expertly crafted wines and personalised experiences.

A truly unique highlight of your visit is the estate’s working flock of 1,000 Indian Runner Ducks. These charming creatures play an essential role in natural pest control, embodying the estate’s environmentally conscious approach.

Day 5-6: Seaside Serenity in Hermanus

After a peaceful breakfast overlooking the vineyards, head toward the coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its rugged beauty and seasonal whale watching. Your destination is The Marine, a clifftop hotel perched above Walker Bay and situated along the scenic Hermanus Cliff Path.

Spend your time soaking in ocean views, strolling the cliffside trails, or exploring the charming boutiques and galleries in town. For those seeking adventure, activities like marine cruises, kayaking, or shark cage diving are nearby.

Indulge in locally inspired cuisine at the Pavilion Restaurant, where the flavours of the coast take centre stage. Whether you're relaxing with a glass of wine or watching whales, Hermanus offers the perfect seaside retreat.

Day 7: Coastal Journey to Mossel Bay

After breakfast, bid farewell to the seaside charm of Hermanus and continue along the southern coast to Mossel Bay, the gateway to the Garden Route. Your next stop is the Diaz Beach Hotel, ideally situated right on the shoreline with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival, settle in and take a leisurely stroll along Diaz Beach, enjoy the hotel’s beachfront facilities, or simply relax to the sound of crashing waves.

This evening, unwind with dinner overlooking the sea as you prepare for the adventures that lie ahead on the Garden Route.

Day 8–9: Knysna Lagoon Retreat

After breakfast, continue your Garden Route adventure as you make your way to Knysna, a coastal gem known for its lagoon and forested surrounds. Your base for the next two nights is the stylish Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa, uniquely set on Thesen Island, a vibrant marina filled with charm and character. Once a working power station, the hotel has been artfully transformed into a luxurious retreat.

During your stay, enjoy a Close Encounter Whale Watching excursion and spend some time exploring Thesen Island’s boutiques, cafés, and galleries, or simply unwind at the spa.

Whether you are sipping sundowners on the deck or discovering Knysna’s natural beauty, these days promise the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Day 10: Knysna Journey Continues

After a hearty breakfast at The Turbine, take a short scenic drive to Head over Hills, perched on the edge of the iconic Knysna Heads. This award-winning boutique retreat offers breathtaking ocean and lagoon views, luxurious suites, and world-class comforts — including handcrafted Hastens beds, private decks, and complimentary in-suite indulgences.

Toast to the end of your Knysna stay with a sunset cruise, or simply soak in the views from the rim-flow pool or your suite with a cocktail in hand.

Day 11-13: Grand Finale at Kuzuko Lodge

To conclude your Garden Route and Whale Watching journey, travel to the spectacular Kuzuko Lodge, located within a 35,000-acre private game reserve in the malaria-free Greater Addo region of the Eastern Cape.

Perched high on a hill, Kuzuko offers sweeping views of the Karoo wilderness, luxurious thatched-roof chalets with private decks. This Big 5 reserve blends comfort with purpose, offering guests a deeply immersive wildlife experience alongside meaningful conservation and community impact. Enjoy daily game drives, rejuvenating spa treatments (optional add-on), guided nature walks, and exceptional Karoo-inspired cuisine. Whether you're sipping sundowners on the sunset deck, spotting wildlife from your suite, or discovering San rock art, Kuzuko promises a powerful and peaceful close to your South African journey.

Day 14: Farewell & Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to the wild beauty of Kuzuko as you journey to Port Elizabeth for your onward flight to Johannesburg.

If you're not quite ready to end your adventure, speak to your travel consultant about extending your trip with a relaxing beach escape to Massinga Beach in Mozambique - the perfect way to unwind after your South African journey.

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