EXPLORING THE MAGIC OF SOUTH AFRICA WITH THE FAMILY, IN STYLE
Cost from £4,995pp based on two adults and two children, including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions
This one is all about a luxury family adventure. Embark on an unforgettable twelve-day escape to the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa, with a stunning four-night stay in 5* luxury and plenty of excursions suitable for the whole family. Spot whales near Hermanus, discover a beautiful blend of vibrant cultures, and experience thrilling wildlife encounters in the Eastern Cape.
Overall, this itinerary is 10 days on the ground (12 days with flights), and can be altered to fit into half-term breaks or longer school holidays.
Read on to explore every inch of this itinerary in detail and contact our team on +44 1491 575 987 to let us know what you think! If this itinerary doesn’t suit your every need, want and desire, our team are ready and waiting to alter it to fit perfectly to your travel aspirations.
TOUR DETAILS
- 4 nights in Cape Town
- 2 nights in Hermanus
- 3 nights on safari in Kwandwe Game Reserve
INCLUSIONS
- 4 nights at the 5* One&Only Cape Town, breakfast included
- Private Full Day Robben Island & City Tour
- Cape Point and Peninsula Tour
- Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach
- 2 nights at Thatch House Boutique Hotel, breakfast included
- Whale watching trip in Hermanus
- 3 nights at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge with all meals, drinks and game drives included
- All flights and in-destination transfers
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Fly from London to Cape Town in approximately 11 hours, 40 minutes
- Spend 4 nights in Cape Town
- Transfer to Hermanus
- Spend 2 nights in Hermanus
- Transfer to Cape Town airport
- Fly from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
- Transfer to Kwandwe
- Spend 3 x nights at Kwandwe Game Reservce
- Fly back to London from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg
day one
Welcome to South Africa!
Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport, meet your guide for your private transfer to your first hotel.
Spend 4 x nights in Cape Town.
Suggested hotel: One&Only Cape Town
Possessing the most enviable location in the Mother City, an unparalleled sense of place takes command of guests from the moment they enter One&Only Cape Town. Magnificently framed views of Table Mountain punctuate an unforgettable arrival experience. Guests enjoy a city stay that’s rich with the advantages of a resort: space, myriad activities, multiple dining experiences, Cape Town’s largest infinity pool, a sense of detachment from day-to-day life, and an immersion in the destination.
Located on the first three floors of One&Only Cape Town’s main building, the prestigious Marina Rise rooms are the perfect gateway to this fascinating city. Enjoy your spacious bedroom, choosing with king-size or two queen-size beds, and pull back the velvety drapes to reveal the stunning vista of Table Mountain. Your en suite bathroom sits behind intricately carved African wood screens, creating an open yet discrete space. An elegant egg-shaped bath, rain shower and two marble vanities are indulgent touches. With the option of interconnecting hotel rooms, these rooms are perfect for families.
day TWO
Private full day tour of Robben Island & Cape Town City
Today, head out on your private guided tour of Robben Island and Cape Town. Experience all the must sees of Cape Town with this private tour following the history of Democracy in South Africa from the dark days of Apartheid to the spirit of Triumph felt so strongly today. We can easily tailor this tour to suit what your children enjoy doing.
Robben Island, steeped in history and famous as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life, is a destination that holds profound significance in South Africa’s narrative of resilience and freedom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stark reminder of the country’s apartheid past, yet also a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. A visit to its austere prison cells, now converted into a museum, is both humbling and enlightening, offering poignant insights into the hardship endured by its former prisoners. From its desolate landscape springs forth a story of hope, making Robben Island an essential part of any journey through South Africa’s rich historical tapestry.
Explore the bustling V&A Waterfront, a hub of dining, shopping, and entertainment set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views and the iconic Table Mountain. Traverse the city’s historic heart, the Company’s Garden, home to the South African Museum, and the beautiful St. George’s Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the multicultural milieu of the city as you wander the colourful streets of the Bo-Kaap district, tasting Cape Malay cuisine and learning about the area’s unique heritage. No visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip up the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. This guided tour of Cape Town is the perfect way to experience the city’s diverse offerings, providing a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will linger in your memories long after your journey concludes.
Your tour includes an English guide, Table Mountain Cable Tickets and all applicable entrance fees.
day three
Cape of Good Hope Tour
Private Cape Point and Peninsula Tour
This morning you are collected from your hotel, proceeding along the picturesque Atlantic Seaboard, passing the affluent suburbs of Camps Bay and Llandudno that lie below the Twelve Apostles Mountain range and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive in Hout Bay, a quaint seaside village with magnificent mountain views.
Continue onto Chapmans Peak Drive, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Watch the dramatic clash of the seas from the viewpoint which can be accessed by a foot or the Flying Dutchman Funicular (additional cost to own account). A lunch stop (to own account) will be discussed with your guide en-route to Simons Town.
Arrive in the historic Simons Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base, and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders penguin colony is home to a growing colony of the protected African penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view penguins in their natural habitat. Continue to the well-known Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
End the day with a visit to the Kirstenbosch Garden. Founded in 1913 to preserve South Africa’s unique flora, the gardens encompass five of South Africa’s six different biomes and is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora it displays as well as for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The tour ends with drop off your hotel.
day four
At leisure in Cape Town
You have today free to explore this beautiful city. Depending on what you enjoy doing – there are a range of options we could recommend – from stunning art galleries to historical buildings to explore – from stunning hikes to some of the best restaurants around! Just ask!
day five
Transfer to Hermanus
This morning after breakfast you will check out and be met by your driver. You now head to Hermanus – where you have a two-night stay just out of town.
Hermanus, located along the South African coastline, is renowned for its captivating seasonal whale watching. Every year, from June to November, Southern Right Whales migrate to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay to calve and nurse their young. This period marks the peak of the whale-watching season, drawing nature enthusiasts and tourists alike to witness these majestic marine giants up close. The town’s elevated cliffs provide an ideal vantage point, allowing spectators to marvel at the whales breaching and tail-slapping in the turquoise waters below. Hermanus has earned its reputation as the world’s premier land-based whale-watching destination, offering a unique and unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape. Beyond the whales, visitors can explore the charming coastal town and its vibrant local culture, making Hermanus a must-visit destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of natural wonders and cultural richness.They also have a great range of activities for children which will be tailored to what they enjoy.
Spend 2 x nights at Thatch House Boutique Hotel
A luxurious, peaceful escape that offers exceptional cuisine and personalised service nestled outside the serene town of Hermanus. The Thatch House is an exclusive boutique hotel that offers respite from everyday life, in an exquisite natural setting overlooking the Hermanus Lagoon.
Guests here are treated not only to the expansive views over the water and the ancient Cape Fold Mountains, but to impeccable service and distinctive fine fare. Over two hectares of gardens fan out from The Thatch House, offering guests the opportunity to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with their family and friends during their stay. Whether it’s reading a book on one of our pool loungers, or kayaking across the tranquil lagoon on a double kayak with your partner, there is plenty on offer for every type of traveller at this exceptional hotel.
The Waterfall Suite welcomes guests through a private entrance hall to a large haven on the upper floor of The Thatch House. Ideal for romantic getaways, it features deep greens, blacks, a king-size bed, and sparkling chandeliers. Families traveling together find it perfect, offering two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. The private terrace provides sweeping lagoon views, and the adjoining room includes twin beds. Two spacious bathrooms offer a shower and a lagoon-view bath. The suite boasts a separate dressing room, a refreshment hub with a mini bar, Nespresso machine, assorted teas, fresh fruit, and delicious snacks.
day SIX
Whale watching trip
Embarking on a Marine Dynamics boat trip for whale watching in Hermanus is an exhilarating adventure that promises an intimate encounter with the ocean’s giants. The company is renowned for its commitment to responsible tourism and marine conservation. Visitors are welcomed aboard a comfortable and well-equipped vessel, accompanied by expert guides who share their extensive knowledge about the marine life in Walker Bay. The experience is not only about witnessing the majestic Southern Right Whales but also involves observing other marine creatures such as dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. The boat’s specially designed hull ensures a stable and smooth ride, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the journey. With a focus on education and conservation, Marine Dynamics offers an immersive and eco-friendly whale-watching experience that leaves participants with a deep appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the marine ecosystem they inhabit. Your trip includes return transfers.
day seven
Head to safari!
This morning, once you’ve had breakfast you check out from your guesthouse and are driven back to Cape Town airport (around two hours) in time for your flight to Port Elizabeth. They you are transferred to Kwandwe Game Reserve (around two hours).
On arrival, check into your stunning lodge for a three-night stay. This afternoon you will head out on your first safari drive.
Spend 3 x nights at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Ecca Lodge offers an indoor-outdoor lifestyle embracing the African wilderness. Set in the heart of the Kwandwe Private Reserve in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, the lodge offers breathtaking views onto an escarpment of steep shale cliffs. A highlight of the main guest area is a wooden viewing deck that showcases the exceptional views.
With only six suites, three of which are dedicated to families, the lodge is intimate, relaxed, and trendy, with decor inspired by the vibrant colours and textures of the African people. The double suites can accommodate 2 adults each and the family suites accommodate two adults and two children (under 16 yrs on day beds in the lounge). Family suites also include a private vehicle and ranger. All rooms have private plunge pools and outdoor showers to enhance the connection with nature.
All meals, drinks and game drives are included
day eight
On safari!
All guests at Ecca Lodge can enjoy twice daily game drives, nature walks and big game walking safaris (for adults). Guests in family suites are allocated a private guide and vehicle. At the lodge, a play centre for kids keeps little hands busy for hours and a shared lodge pool provides the perfect place for a communal splash. Additional family activities include kite building, board games, scavenger hunts and more.
day nine
Another day on safari
Spend another full day on safari at Kwandwe Game Reserve.
day ten
Head home
This morning, you will have time to enjoy your final game drive and breakfast.
Then once you are all packed up you will be driven back to Port Elizabeth airport in time for your flight up to Johannesburg. On arrival, you will be assisted from the plane, and through the airport, and on to your international flight home.