Western Cape Road Trip

Land into Cape Town early morning, and head straight to your hotel to check in and freshen up for the day ahead. Start your South African adventure with a cable car trip up Table Mountain to get the lie of the land, with epic views over the city and down to the Cape Peninsula. Head back down to sea level and explore the city itself, with a private walking tour to learn about South Africa's dramatic history from colonial times through to the apartheid are and finally full democracy.

Discover the architectural gems from the Dutch and British colonial eras, and the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap. Enjoy dinner in one of Cape Town's many award-winning restaurants, which our Concierge can recommend and book.

Today on your Western Cape road trip you can explore the natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula, with a private tour down the coast to the most south-westerly point in all of Africa. Enjoy stopping at charming seaside towns along the way, and say hello to the residents of Boulder Beach, a colony of friendly African penguins. Spend time walking around Cape Point with its rocky cliffs, interesting plantlife and even the odd zebra joining you on the path. Soak up the beautiful scenery before heading back to the city for dinner.

Before leaving Cape Town, join a tour to a local township and learn about some of the wonderful entrepreneurial ventures run by local residents. It's now time to head north out of the city and enjoy a drive up the west coast to the next stop on your Western Cape road trip, the pretty village of Paternoster. The drive takes two-and-a-half hours, and on arrival you can settle into the relaxed way of life in this lovely spot, with whitewashed fishermen's cottages scattered among the sand dunes. For dinner this evening, choose from incredible fresh seafood in one of the little restaurants on the shore, or head to one of the smarter restaurants popping up in town.

Spend today in Paternoster, admiring the work of local artists in the studios and shops along the main road. Pick up a bike to explore along the coast, or flop on the beach, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins. Enjoy the beautiful sunset with sundowners and scrub up for dinner at Wolfgat, a recent winner of the Restaurant of the Year gong at the World Restaurant Awards. With only 20 covers and six staff, Wolfgat is an intimate fine dining experience with a tasting menu inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Today on your Western Cape road trip it's time to say goodbye to Paternoster and drive towards the Cederberg Mountains, stopping to admire the beautiful coastal and mountain views along the way. Arrive at your luxurious retreat in the foothills of the mountains, set within a private reserve with wide open plains and rugged rock formations. Settle in and relax by the pool, or explore some of the 130 rock art sites on the reserve, many dating back over 10,000 years. The team at Bushmans Kloof are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the indigenous San people and their rock art.

Spend today exploring the beautiful reserve. As a predator-free environment, you can safely roam the land, biking or hiking to see the antelopes, baboons, wildebeests and zebras. Or you can join a bird-watching guided walk or nature drive after dark to spot intriguing nocturnal species.

Return to the lodge for sundowners on the terrace before dinner.

After the exertions of yesterday, you may want to spend today relaxing at the lovely spa on site, enjoying a massage or facial and time by the pool. If you get itchy feet, try your hand at fly-fishing at one of the reserve's dams, or canoeing through the waterways in the veld.

After dinner, spend the evening star-gazing the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Today on your Western Cape road trip it's time to head south to the wondrous Winelands, and your home for the next couple of days in the pretty village of Franschhoek. Spend the afternoon walking or cycling around this fashionable town and admiring the views of endless vines with dramatic mountain backdrops.

Take your pick of the local restaurants for dinner and get stuck into their impressive wine lists. Our Concierge can recommend and book the best restaurants.

Today is all about the grapes. A local expert will guide you around the vineyards, offering extensive knowledge and insider tips to make the most of your day. Enjoy lunch overlooking the valley and visit a boutique winery to see the process behind the bottles. Foodies will love Franschhoeck, bursting with gourmet restaurants and dining experiences. We'll find the perfect place for your last night in South Africa.

Spend your last morning pottering in the shops of pretty Franschhoek village and filling the suitcase with bottles of your favourite Pinotage. It's time for the one-hour drive back to Cape Town airport to catch the overnight flight back to the UK. The flight will take 11-and-a-half hours, landing the following morning.