Active Cape Explorer Holiday

Arrive in Cape Town.  You’ll be met at the airport and taken to Acorn House,  in a quiet suburb of Cape Town (30  mins).

We start as we mean to go on with a rise and shine hike up Table Mountain this morning.  Starting from the lower cable car station, there are a few route choices to chat through with your guide.  Perhaps you’ll take the most challenging, scenic route, which follows a steep rocky trail with brilliant views, or choose a gentler gradient.  Winding your way up the mountain, you’ll finally reach the top where you’ll be rewarded with the best views across the magnificent city and beyond.  It’s an easy ride back to town on the cable car from the top.  This afternoon is free and, if you have the energy, you might like to add a private guided city tour.

Today you’ll be collected by your private guide and taken for a full day tour exploring the Cape Peninsula with it’s wild national parks, bohemian seaside villages and working fishing harbours.  After a coffee with the surfers at hip Muizenberg, you’ll head to Simon’s Town where you’ll find  rougue African penguins on a local beach, and (weather permitting) snorkel and paddleboard in sheltered coves to get a unique perspective of these hardy birds. At Cape Point you’ll be taken to secluded wild beaches and lesser known coves, explore rock pools and hike shipwreck trails away from the crowds.  You’ll wrap up the day on the peninsula’s Atlantic side, with a sun downer at a characterful local hangout before returning to Acorn House.

You’ll be collected after breakfast, and taken to Franschhoek, deep in the winelands (60 mins).  Your afternoon is free to explore this pretty, romantic town with its rich history, artistic cafes and fine dining restaurants.

You’ll be collected from Chanteclair after breakfast and taken to Stellenbosh (35 mins) for your half day guided cycling tour.  After being set up with your mountain bike at the Asara wine estate, you’ll set off into the vineyards on a route of around 11km, cycling along a combination of quiet roads and gentle off road paths.  Stopping off at two vineyards to sample wines enroute, you’ll return to Asara for the last of your wine tastings before returning to Franschhoek in the afternooon.

Today you have a full day guided cycling wine tour of Franschhoek. Taking in all the most picturesque roads, you’ll meaner past the famous Huguenot Monument to glimpse some of the culture and heritage that has become part of this town.  Cycling through the vineyards that give Franschhoek it’s charm, you’ll stop to taste wine at three different estates in the region.

Your hire car will be delivered this morning and today you head to Hermanus, and the south coast (61 miles).  Perhaps do a short walk up Mont Rochelle at the top of the pass as you climb out of Franschhoek.

Today you’ll head to sea, on either a whale watching cruise (June to December), or eco marine boat trip (January to May) from Kleinbaai.  After your briefing, with coffee and muffins, you head out onto the Indian Ocean. You’ll be taken close to Dyer Island, 8km off shore and an important bird area where you’ll spot a great variety of species including African penguins; and Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong seal colony.  Between June and December you’ll also be looking out for Southern Right whales as they calve in sheltered Walker Bay.

Today you’ll drive 300 miles east, to Knysna.  Take time to visit the pretty beach and lagoon at Wilderness at the western end of the Garden Route, before ending the day at Knysna Hollow.

Today you have the choice of two activities.  You can either explore Knysna’s indigenous forest on a guided walk, or have a boat trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, on the Western Head in Knysna.

The gentle, half day, indigenous forest walk takes you past giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees and you’ll discover ferns and fungi as you venture further along the trail.  You might be lucky enough to see tracks of the aloof Knysna elephant which lives in the depths of the forest but is rarely seen.

For the boat trip option, after crossing the lagooon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, you’ll be taken by 4×4 to the most scenic viewpoints on the Western Head.  You’ll have the opportunity to do a short walk through coastal forest and fynbos to ancient sea caves before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch at the outdoor restaurant overlooking the water.

Today you drive east again (20 miles), this time the short distance to Plettenburg Bay where you’ll spend two nights at Milkwood Manor, right on the beach.

Today you’ll kayak and lilo up the beautiful Storms River Gorge in the Tsitsikamma National Park.  With its majestic views and deep grottos, passing Bat’s Cave, steep cliffs and ancient forests, this is a fantastic, gentle adventure into one of South Africa’s hidden river systems.

Today you return your hire vehicle at the airport at Port Elizabeth (143 miles) and fly home.

Milkwood Manor is found on it’s own peninsula, jutting out onto Lookout Beach with 180 degree views to the Indian ocean, beach, Keurbooms River lagoon and mountains. It’s 11 spacious rooms ooze Georgian elegance, and most have a private patio or balcony as well as wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, tv, heater and fan.  Being just two minutes from the sandy beach, you’re in the perfect position for long strolls, spending time looking for whales, and watching sea birds and fishing boats.

Recently re-opened, and completely redesigned after fires which destroyed the original property in June 2017, Knysna Hollow has 44 luxurious garden suites, well spaced out in flower-filled gardens and all overlooking two central swimming pools. Each room has been designed with your comfort in mind, with ample power sockets, air conditioning, satellite tv, Nespresso coffee station and king sized beds.  The large enuite bathrooms have rainfall showers, and each room has large doors opening out onto a small private patio.  A friendly bar and restaurant is found in the central building, designed around the concept of a manor house, and warm staff are always on hand to help with questions or suggestions.

Located right by the beach in Hermanus, and on the beach path Whale Walk, this romantic, luxury guesthouse has just five individually decorated rooms, all with wifi. 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse is ideally located for whale watching from the terrace – and outside whale season, the magnificent sea views and sunsets will not dissappoint. You’ll start the day with breakfast served from the open plan kitchen or mountain terrace and in the evening,  enjoy a glass of wine from the deck overlooking the ocean.

Nestled beneath Table Mountain and with views across the city, Acorn House, is a friendly, relaxed guesthouse in  Oranjezicht, a quiet residential suburb of Cape Town.  Acorn House is over 100 years old and it’s charm has been preserved through wooden floor boards, timeless decor,  elegant lounge and breakfast room.  The rooms, all with large windows and some with patio doors, are simply decorated, homely and have wifi and air conditioning. Coffee is always available from the Nespresso bar and guests can help themselves to an honesty bar in the lounge in the evening. Beautifully kept gardens suround the house, sundeck and outdoor pool.

With jaw dropping mountain views, L’Auberge Chanteclair , is a beautifully converted Dutch farmhouse in the tranquil outskirts of Franschhoek. The house has 8 luxurious rooms, some with fireplaces and underfloor heating, each lovingly decorated to ensure a relaxed and comfortable stay.  The house has an outdoor pool, as well as wifi, parking, tv, mini bar and laundry service.  Your hosts, Josephine and Roger (and their friendly dog), will make sure you have everything you need during your stay.  You’ll enjoy breakfast on the patio surrounded by fragrant gardens, and a sundowner on the veranda overlooking the properties own vineyard and the mountains.