Cape Town, Winelands & Whale Coast

Duration
11 Days
Price from
£1,175 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
South Africa Franschhoek Mont Rochelle Wetu 2

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic Cape Winelands tours
  • Whale watching in Hermanus
  • Stunning coastal drives

What's Included

  • Wine tastings
  • Guided excursions
  • 10 nights accommodation

Our specialist says:

Great food, plenty of activities, stunning scenery and the charming seaside town of Hermanus - this trip is perfect for a short break in South Africa.

South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape is the ideal destination for a short break in South Africa, with direct flights available to Cape Town from the UK, little time difference and a huge variety of experiences found a short drive from one another.

Tamara, our South Africa expert says:

"This is a brilliant trip for anyone who enjoys good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Cape Town has so much going on, from hikes up Table Mountain to browsing local galleries, and then you get to slow the pace right down in the Winelands, where long lunches and wine tastings are the order of the day. Ending by the coast in Hermanus is the perfect way to round it all off, especially if you’re there in whale season. It’s a brilliant introduction to South Africa if you’re short on time but want maximum variety, with very little internal travel."

Starting with a few days in Cape Town you will be able to explore this wonderfully cosmopolitan city, full of incredible restaurants, quirky shops, thriving art galleries and plenty to see and do during your stay. The nearby Cape Winelands are a wonderful place to unwind for a few days, visit some of the amazing wineries that are found throughout the Franschhoek Valley and dine in some of the world’s finest restaurants which line the street of this beautiful Francophile village. The last leg of the trip will take you down to the coast and the lovely seaside town of Hermanus, famed for being one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world between July and November each year as Southern Right Whales make their way along the South African coast. Even if you visit out of whale season this is still a wonderful spot, with some superb walks to enjoy, great seafood restaurants and an up and coming winery scene in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Destination Cape Town

Land in to Cape Town this morning and head through to the arrivals hall where a driver will be waiting to whisk you in to town for your 4-night stay at Abbey Manor, a charming little guesthouse sitting in the shadow of Table Mountain. With some lovely local restaurants to enjoy you can have a leisurely lunch or perhaps relax by the sparkling swimming pool. The nearby Company Gardens are a lovely spot to have a stroll in the afternoon and work off the cobwebs from the flight.

Day 2 The attractions of Cape Town

South Africa Cape Town VA Waterfront Pixabay 1

Today offers the chance to enjoy some of Cape Town’s most iconic highlights from the V&A waterfront to the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap. You might want to include some optional extras like a cable car trip up Table Mountain or a ferry to Robben Island to visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela and others were held during Apartheid. In the evening, Cape Town boasts an excellent dining scene — choose from harbourside restaurants in the V&A Waterfront or explore the lively in-town options along Bree, Long and Kloof Streets.

Day 3 Exploring the Cape Peninsula

Day 4 Exploring further afield

Day 5 To beautiful Franschhoek

Day 6 The Franschhoek Wine Tram

Day 7 Relaxing in Franschhoek

Day 8 The drive to Hermanus

Day 9 A chance for some whale watching

Day 10 Exploring the countryside

Day 11 The journey home

Trips in South Africa

South Africa trip ideas

Type

All

Location

All

Price

Sort by

Featured

Speak to a South Africa expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our South Africa Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Tamara profile pic safari truck

Tamara

When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.