Wineries & Whale Watching
Description
Pricing
Itinerary
Sub Trips
Hotels
The Cape Winelands is a region of award-winning wines, magnificent vineyards, scenic splendor, historic towns and authentic Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as the culinary capital of South Africa with an impressive selection of top quality restaurants. There is far more to the Cape Winelands than exquisite food and wine – try horse-and-carriage rides through the vineyards, picnics next to a dam as ducks and swans float by gracefully, a cheetah outreach program where you can interact with the fastest big cats, restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, amphitheatres, spa and wellness centers, great golf courses, nature and game reserves – the list is endless.
Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern Right whales can be viewed from aboard a boat, a helicopter or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route. Shark cage diving provides an adrenaline fix for adventure lovers and kayaking trips on the sea or lagoon can be booked. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks among the fynbos. Whether you choose to spend a day on one of the spectacular beaches or playing a round of golf, Hermanus has something for everyone.
This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3 star, 4 star and 5 star hotels.
Additional information on this trip:
-
Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
-
Visited Cities:
Franschhoek,
Hermanus
Day 1
Upon arrival at the Cape Town airport, reception and transfer to your hotel in the Cape Winelands. You are at leisure to explore the Winelands – wander around the historic towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch or enjoy a lazy lunch at a vineyard.
Overnight in Franschhoek
Day 2
After breakfast, we set off on a full day guided Winelands tour. This tour will allow you to discover the beauty and history of the Cape Winelands. In Paarl we visit the Afrikaans Taal Monument. Next we stop at the Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela was released from detention in 1990.
Next, enjoy a scenic drive to Franschhoek Valley, where we'll start with the vineyard visits. South African wine is one of the fastest growing in popularity and we will take you to some of the best vintners in the country. You will be able to experience several tastings as well as a private cellar tour. The Winelands region is also incredibly beautiful, with vineyards woven through spectacular mountain ranges. We will stop for lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants and soak up the surroundings while enjoying some first rate cuisine before transferring back to Franschhoek.
Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 3
This morning, you are transferred to Hermanus. We recommend for the adventurous a full day white shark cage diving tour. If you are not brave enough to enter the waters, the viewing from the boat is excellent as well, or take the day to explore Hermanus.
Overnight in Hermanus
Day 4
After breakfast, we embark on a full day guided whale watching tour. First stopping at the Old Harbor Museum, proclaimed a museum in 1972 and used to provide a rocky but safe shelter for the small fishing boats whose owners were drawn to Hermanus. Enjoy lunch in Hermanus while watching for whales in the bay.
Afterwards, we visit a local vineyard for wine tasting before taking a scenic drive to Kleinmond for a visit to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. Situated in the center of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest, the garden encompasses mountain slopes, deep gorges with derelict forests as well as dunes adjacent to the beach with their salt-adapted plants.
Transfer back to Hermanus to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Whales are seasonal and can be spotted usually between June & November, but that doesn't mean Hermanus isn't a fantastic destination during the summer months, with beautiful beaches and wonderful scenery.
Day 5
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town airport or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.
Suggested Hotels by City and Category *
|
Franschhoek
|
| 3-star |
Rose Cottage, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Franschhoek Country House & Villas, or similar. |
| 5-star |
La Residence, or similar. |
|
Hermanus
|
| 3-star |
Abalone, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Mosselberg, or similar. |
| 5-star |
Birkenhead House, or similar. |
* Subject to confirmation at time of booking
5 days , from £927
| Occupancy Type |
3-Star |
4-Star |
5-Star |
| Double | £927 | £1172 | £2858 |
| Single | £1393 | £1613 | £4122 |
Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).
- Whales ONLY viewable from June – November.
- PEAK whale viewing is August – October.
- Annual Whale Festival is in late September.
- Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days.
- Travelers entering South Africa from WHO-designated yellow fever countries are required to present their current and valid “International Certificate of Vaccination as approved by the World Health Organization (WHO)” (commonly called a “yellow card”) or statement of medical exemption (also located on the same yellow card). Additionally, South Africa treats Zambia and Tanzania as yellow fever countries. This requirement is imposed on travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever countries, even when transiting passengers are required to stay on board the plane, or if the plane makes an unscheduled landing in a yellow fever country. As a precaution, all travelers to South Africa should carry their original yellow card.
- While most of South Africa is malaria-free, malaria risk exists throughout the year in rural low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including Kruger National Park and neighboring game reserves. Risk also exists in the coastal lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal north of the Tugela River (including in Zululand, but excluding urban areas of Richards Bay). In all risk areas, risk is much lower from June to September.
South Africa
Winery
Hermanus
Whale Tail
