Cape Coastal Retreats
Enjoy a self drive tour exploring the scenic Cape Coastline as you stay in some of the most magnificent retreats of the Western Cape. Your stay in Hermanus will be one of utmost luxury, from uninterrupted views and diverse activities to the very finest international cuisine and richly appointed accommodation. Hermanus is renowned for its champagne air and some of the best land based whaleviewing in the world.
Travelling onto Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai you will be struck by the tranquility of the surrounding areas as well as the myriad of activities on offer. Grootbos offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a Natural playground whilst indulging in luxurious accommodation.
Collect your hired car from the Airport or your hotel and set off on your journey to some of the most magnificent retreats of the Western Cape.
Travel along the N2 to Gordons Bay where you branch off onto the R44 Coastal road.
This scenic route along the Coastline will offer you the most breathtaking ocean views. Stop off for Tea at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, which will give you the contrast of Ocean and Mountain Ranges.
This beautiful secluded garden set between mountain and sea, in the heart of the Cape fynbos region, encompasses 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos gardens and 190.5 hectares of pristine natural fynbos. It is only 100 kilometres from Cape Town. You continue on the R44 past Bettys Bay and Kleinmond to Hermanus.
On arrival in Hermanus (this trip will take approximately two hours) make your way to Birkenhead House Hotel.
This regal hotel offers the utmost luxurious experience, while offering unsurpassed views of the Ocean. The hotel is perched high on the Hermanus cliffs overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay. Your senses will be treated to a feast of delight.
Looking out from the terrace, you will see two of Hermanus' best beaches just a few steps away. Both beaches lend themselves to excellent swimming. The hotel can pack a picnic basket to accompany you to the beach and a couple of beach bats and balls, should you feel energetic.
This luxury retreat offers everything the discerning sojourner could wish for: from uninterrupted views and diverse activities to the very finest in international cuisine and richly appointed accommodation enhanced by rich fabrics and antiques.
After a leisurely breakfast and time in the Sun, explore the seaside resort of Hermanus, renowned for its champagne air and some of the best land based Whale viewing in the world. Relax on the soft powdery sandy beaches, swim in the azure blue sea or take a leisurely stroll along the expansive Grotto Beach. The area also boasts up to 15 km of Cliff walks and over 45 kms of walks in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
After a leisurely breakfast travel via Stanford to Grootbos Nature Reserve/Garden and Forest Lodges. This will take approximately 50 minutes.
On arrival you will be welcomed with genuine friendliness and warmth.
You will be struck by the tranquility of the surrounding area as well as the myriad of activities on offer. Grootbos prides itself in offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a natural playground; from horseriding, hiking, sharkcage Diving to Whale watching. All of this is offered in an arena of pure luxury.
The eco-friendly accommodation set amidst ancient Milkwood trees consists of large private suites, allowing you to relax surrounded by the splendours of Nature. You can admire sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with the forest birds. Each luxury suite has a private wooden deck, bathrooms, finest bedding and separate living rooms with cosy fireplaces.
A sunset at Grootbos is one of the most beautiful under African skies, with views sweeping across vast expanses of ocean and distant mountain ranges.
Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges is a jewel of Cape ecotourism and luxury accommodation. The reserve is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills that overlook the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay.
Spend the day exploring this eco-reserve, a result of careful conservation of the areas natural biodiversity. Explore a meandering path through an ancient Milkwood Forest, where thousand-year-old trees send exploratory branches in search of sunlight, or visit one of the remnant Afro-Montane Forests on the reserve.
You can also explore this natural wonderland on foot or by 4x4 drive vehicle, or take a horse ride to enjoy the views from the elevation of a comfortable saddle on a well schooled horse.
The beautiful coastline of South Africa offers marine experiences like no other: whale watching, great white adventures and beautiful scenery. Of the 350 Southern Right whales that visit the southern coast, up to 160 make Walker Bay their home from June to December. The cliffs of DeKelders right on the doorstep of Grootbos, offer the best land-based whale viewing in the world. Breaching, tail-slapping and lob-tailing, the whales make the bay a constant hub of activity. Watch in awe as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 metres of the rocky shoreline.
The whale whisperer, a custom built whale-watching boat, will take you on a marine BIG FIVE adventure through Gansbaai. See 50 -ton Southern Right Whales only meters from your boat (the size of up to 12 elephants). Travel to the island refuge of huge sea bird colonies and nesting grounds of the rare African Penguin. Admire the underwater antics of a 60 000 strong Cape Fur Seal Colony.
Watch dolphins play in the wake of your boat and be amazed by the awesome spectacle of a great white shark breaking the surface and transfixing you with an unblinking stare. Enjoy a full day of relaxation and adventure in harmony with nature.
Make your way back to Cape Town, stopping in Stanford at the Blue Gum Country Estate for a delicious lunch.
The delightful estate, nestled among ancient Bluegum trees, overlooks the leafy banks of the Klein Rivier and encourages guests to relax in tranquil beauty and endless luxury. The Estate is a working Wine Farm and developing vineyard.
On arrival back in Cape Town return your hired vehicle to the airport or enjoy a few extra days in the Mother City.
We can also combine the above itinerary with a Garden Route tour. You would continue onto Wilderness, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth.
