Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek & Eastern Cape

Experience the rich culture of the Garden Route

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable South African adventure that captures the essence of elegance, natural beauty, and wildlife wonders. Your journey begins at Redbourne Hilldrop Hotel, perched on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, offering captivating city views and luxurious comfort.

From there, venture to Hermanus Lodge on the Green, nestled in Hermanus with its pristine beaches, cliffside paths, and enchanting coastal charm. Continue your exploration in Franschhoek, staying at Maison Chablis Guest House, where the fusion of cultures and landscapes unfolds in every detail.

Conclude your epic adventure at Quatermain’s Camp, an expedition-style retreat in the heart of Amakhala Game Reserve, where you’ll experience the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. This journey promises a tapestry of experiences, from vibrant city life to serene coastal vistas and the awe-inspiring wonders of the wild.

Itinerary

Day 1 – 4Cape Town

There’s nowhere quite like South Africa for a top-notch safari experience, and your safari begins now – lucky you! We’ll let you know what lies ahead, then get this trip of a lifetime started.

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, founded by Dutch seafarers in 1652. It is also the most beautiful thanks to an iconic seafront location below Table Mountain. Studded with intriguing museums, lively markets, cosmopolitan restaurants and individualistic shops, the historic city center is well worth exploring in its own right. It is also a popular base for excursions further afield to the scenic Cape Peninsula, sedate Cape winelands and elsewhere.

Accommodation Day 1 – 4Redbourne Hilldrop

Nestled in the charming Oranjezicht neighborhood on the upper slopes of Table Mountain, Redbourne Hilldrop Hotel offers captivating vistas of Cape Town, its bustling harbor, and the iconic Table Mountain itself. This lovingly restored 1928 residence seamlessly combines en-suite modern convenience with the timeless elegance of wooden floors, high ceilings, and lead-lined windows.

Each of the four rooms at Redbourne Hilldrop Hotel exudes its own unique character, enhanced by subtle and artistic colors in both furnishings and finishes. With top-quality linen, sumptuous beds, and tasteful furnishings, every detail is carefully curated to engage your senses.

The spacious lounge invites you to unwind, whether you choose to watch television, engage in delightful conversations, or simply lose yourself in a good book. In the sunroom, where guests are treated to panoramic city views, you’ll savor delicious breakfasts that offer a thrilling start to your day. From the Hottentots Holland in the east to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Bay, and Signal Hill in the west, the city unfolds before you in all its glory.

Later in the day, relax by the stunning feature pool, with Table Mountain as your backdrop, and enjoy a refreshing sundowner. Redbourne Hilldrop Hotel is your gateway to renowned wine routes, pristine beaches, captivating theaters, and the vibrant piazzas of trendy Kloof Street. Experience the best of Cape Town from this exceptional vantage point.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4 – 6Hermanus

Overlooking Walker Bay to the southeast of Cape Town, Hermanus offers the world’s best land-based whale watching over a calving season that runs from July to November but usually peaks in September and October. But even at other times of the year, you’ll find there’s plenty to enjoy in this quaint seaside town, from relaxed wine-tasting excursions and fine seafood cuisine to clifftop walks and ocean safaris to look for sharks, dolphins and other marine creatures.

Accommodation Day 4 – 6Hermanus Lodge on the Green

Discover Hermanus Lodge on the Green, a serene retreat nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Overberg mountain range, offering the perfect gateway to explore the picturesque town of Hermanus. This charming lodge boasts a prime location overlooking the 25th green of the renowned Hermanus Golf Course, and it’s only moments away from pristine beaches, the world-famous Cliff Path, and the delightful restaurants and boutique shops in the heart of Hermanus.

Start your day with a personally prepared breakfast while you watch early morning golfers on their way to the nearby green. Whether you choose to enjoy your breakfast overlooking the lush golf course or bask in the sunshine on the pool terrace, it’s a delightful way to begin your day.

During the winter months, take leisurely walks along our unique 12-kilometer Cliff Path, where the breathtaking sight of a mother whale and her newborn calf coming within meters of the rocky shoreline will leave you in awe. At Hermanus Lodge on the Green, every moment promises tranquility and natural beauty in this coastal paradise.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 6 – 8Franschhoek

Whether you’re into wine tasting, fine dining, historic Cape Dutch architecture or spectacular mountain scenery, Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) excels on all counts. The name of this small town refers to the French Huguenot refugees who settled the area in the late 17th century, establishing a cultural heritage that includes numerous award-winning wine estates and restaurants.

Accommodation Day 6 – 8Maison Chablis Guest House

Welcome to Maison Chablis Guest House, where the name itself, meaning “the home of wine,” reflects its idyllic location in the heart of the Cape Winelands in Franschhoek. This intimate guest house seamlessly blends architectural elegance, with its Georgian-style design, English country garden landscaping, and classic French decor. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Cape mountains, Maison Chablis Guest House offers a retreat that embodies the essence of Franschhoek.

Less than 200 meters from the bustling Huguenot Street, Maison Chablis provides easy access to the charming town of Franschhoek, renowned for its exceptional dining, upscale boutiques, and proximity to the celebrated wine routes of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl. Experience quintessential Franschhoek hospitality in a setting that effortlessly combines cultures and landscapes for a truly unforgettable stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 8 – 11Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve was created in 1989 when six former livestock farms joined together to become a private sanctuary in the wake of a severe drought. An isiXhosa name meaning ‘Place of Aloes’, Amakhala protects a hilly landscape of thicket, grassland and fynbos, and the Bushman’s River flows through it. But while the scenery in this malaria-free reserve is consistently interesting, the highlight of your guided game drives is likely to be the wildlife, which includes all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo).

You’ll find it hard to believe that your South African safari has come to an end, but we’re sure that you will have had the most wonderful time on safari with us. We will look forward to the next time we travel together.

Accommodation Day 8 – 11Quartermain's Camp

Welcome to Quatermain’s Camp, a timeless expedition camp inspired by the captivating era of 1920s exploration, when adventure beckoned around every corner. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of “Africa under canvas” at our intimate 6-bed camp, where three immaculate white safari tents exude the spirit of the 1900s, adorned with military campaign-style furnishings that were favored by pioneers, hunters, and explorers of the time.

Relax in our central thatched boma area, where local delicacies are skillfully prepared over an open fire, and dine beneath a canopy of stars. We’ve taken great care to preserve the authentic expedition style, with the only modern concession being the rustic en-suite bathrooms that provide essential comfort. Our colonial-style tents offer a genuine bush experience, allowing you to unwind on your private deck, where you might be fortunate enough to spot elusive bushbuck or hear the evocative cry of the African fish eagle.

As night falls and you rest beneath canvas, one of the highlights of your stay will be drifting into slumber to the symphony of nature. Listen for the calls of jackals, the melodious song of the fiery-necked nightjar, the haunting hoot of a barn owl, and, if luck is on your side, the resonant roar of lions. At Quatermain’s Camp, we are dedicated to immersing you in the natural world, ensuring you return home with a refreshed spirit, a newfound wonder, and a deeper understanding of the wildlife that surrounds us.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Inclusions

Accommodation
3 Nights at Redbourne Hilldrop Hotel, Cape Town
  • 1x Superior King Room
  • Daily Breakfast
2 Nights at Hermanus Lodge on the Green, Hermanus
  • 1x Luxury Mountain Room
  • Daily Breakfast
2 Nights at Maison Chiblis Guest House, Franschhoek
  • 1x Superior King Room
  • Daily Breakfast
3 Nights at Quatermain”s Camp, Amakhala Private Game Reserve
  • 1x Expedition Safari Tent
  • All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 2 Safaris per person, per day in 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Selective local beverages for the duration of your stay
Activities
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram
Road Transfers
  • Cape Town International Airport to Redbourne Hilldrop
  • Port Elizabeth International Airport to Amakhala Game Lodge- Leeuwenbosch Country House
  • Amakhala Game Lodge – Leeuwenbosch Country House to Port Elizabeth International Airport
International Flights
  • Heathrow Airport, London to Cape Town International Airport
  • OR Tambo International Airport to Heathrow Airport
Domestic Flights
  • Cape Town International Airport to Port Elizabeth International Airport
  • Port Elizabeth International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport
Care Hire
  • Group C: Corrolla – Drop off Delivery at Redbourne Hilldrop Guest House
  • Return Car to Cape Town International Airport

Exclusions

  • All Flights & Transfers not mentioned
  • Meals & Beverages not mentioned
  • Visa & Passports costs
  • Travel Insurance (**Required)
  • Medical Insurance and Covid Testing
  • Conservation Levies not mentioned
  • Park Entry Fees
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned
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11 Days
From£3,500

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

0027 41 581 6260

reservations@eastcapetours.com

Experience of a lifetime.

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