Wildlife, Wine Tasting & Whales

This safari begins at O R Tambo International Airport and ends at Cape Town International Airport.

DAY 1 - 3: THORNYBUSH GAME RESERVE

On arrival at O R Tambo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team, who will assist you through passport control and baggage claim, and with your onward transfer to Thornybush Game Reserve.

Renowned the world over, this massive reserve stretches 350km from north to south and 60km in breadth. Home to the Big 5, 510 bird, 147 mammal, 114 reptile, 49 fish and 34 amphibian species, the park today is as wild as the Africa of old. A true nature lover, President Paul Kruger managed - despite fierce opposition - to obtain an area, which could be set aside for the purposes of conservation, in 1898. Known as the Sabie Game Reserve, local police were responsible for protecting game. They were not successful though and in 1902, Major James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed warden. A long struggle between hunters and Stevenson-Hamilton ensued and it was only in 1926 when the National Parks Act was passed, that Sabie was renamed and became a safe-haven for wildlife.

Spend three nights at the Colonial inspired Royal Malewane. Your stay includes accommodation in the Africa House, all meals, local beverages, private butler, private chef, private game drives and laundry service. Enjoy a private dinner in the comfort of your suite as our treat to you.

Day 4 & 5: Franschhoek

Make your way to the Western Cape for your onward journey to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.

It is here, in a valley tightly hemmed in by mountains, where a small band of French Huguenots, who fled to avoid religious prosecution in 1688, settled. Although their original skills as wine-makers have been somewhat exaggerated - they did have in their midst the de Villiers and du Toit brothers -who taught them a thing or two about viniculture. The settlers soon developed impressive vineyards and homesteads, which to this day bear their original French names. Amongst these manor homes is Boschendal, which has been so beautifully restored, visitors are expected to remove their heels before entering! With the impressive Huguenot Memorial, museum and rose garden at its head, the town has just one main street lined with antique shops, cafés and restaurants. 

Spend two nights at the boutique hotel, La Residence. Your stay includes accommodation in a villa, all meals, snacks, local beverages, full mini bar, tea and coffee, laundry service, wireless internet and local transfers into the town of Franschhoek. Our treat: receive a complimentary wine tasting in the private cellar at La Residence.

Day 6 & 7: Hermanus

Make your way to the fantastic seaside whale watching hub of Hermanus where you will spend the remainder of your adventure.

If you’ve ever wished you had whales in your back garden, Hermanus is the place for you! Acknowledged as the best land-based whale watching site in the world, the town even has an official whale-crier! Once hunted almost to extinction, these gentle giants loll around within stone’s throw of the rocks, where one can sit and commune with them for hours. Originally called Hermanuspietersfontein after Hermanus Pieters - a teacher and shepherd who used to graze his sheep in the area - the town’s name was shortened in 1902 at the anguished request of the local postmaster! Sir William Hoy, General Manager of SA Railways lived here in the early 1900’s and his refusal to have the peace disturbed by noisy trains is the reason Hermanus has no railway.  

Stay two nights at the beautiful Birkenhead House. Your stay includes accommodation in a villa, all meals and snacks, local beverages, house wines, laundry service, and local transfers to Hermanus.

Day 8: Departure

After a delicious breakfast, make your way to Cape Town International Airport where your journey with us will end.