Brits

Day Trips

Touch down at Cape Town International and feel the warm South African breeze as you collect your bags and make your way to a centrally located hotel. Take a short rest and freshen up before stepping out into the bustling V&A Waterfront. The buzz of artisans and local vendors sets the tone for an exciting introduction to the Mother City.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the harbour with views of Table Mountain and the yachts bobbing in the bay. Explore the shops, galleries and the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can marvel at vibrant marine life up close. Don’t miss sampling a craft beer or local gin to toast your first afternoon in South Africa.

Dine at one of the waterfront’s renowned seafood restaurants, savouring fresh linefish and locally farmed oysters. As dusk falls, take a sunset cruise around the harbour for spectacular golden-hour views of the mountain silhouette. Cap off the night with a relaxed stroll along the marina, sampling artisanal chocolates or a creamy gelato.

Rise early for a cable car ascent to Table Mountain’s summit, where panoramic views of the city, ocean and distant mountain peaks await. Spend time wandering the plateau’s rocky outcrops and indigenous fynbos, snapping photos of the city laid out below. The crisp morning air and soft sunlight create a magical backdrop for exploration.

Descend and head to the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, the historic Malay Quarter famed for its bright houses and rich Cape Malay cuisine. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s heritage and try a traditional bobotie or koesisters. Visit a local cookery school for an interactive session, measuring spices and sharing laughter with new friends.

Return to the city centre and unwind at an atmospheric rooftop bar with a glass of South African Chenin Blanc in hand. Watch the city lights emerge as you mingle with locals and fellow travellers. For dinner, seek out a trendy bistro serving modern fusion fare, blending Cape flavors with international twists.

Drive along the scenic Atlantic Seaboard via Clifton and Camps Bay, stopping for photos at dramatic lookout points. Continue to the rocky headland of Cape Point, where you can hike to the old lighthouse and spot whales offshore (in season). The rugged coastline and crashing waves make for an unforgettable morning adventure.

Head to Boulders Beach at Simon’s Town and spend time observing the charming colony of African penguins. Wander along boardwalks as these tuxedoed birds waddle, swim and interact with curious onlookers. Enjoy a seaside picnic lunch or fresh fish ‘n’ chips at a nearby café overlooking False Bay.

Return to Cape Town via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive, pausing to watch the fiery sunset over the ocean. Stop for a casual braai (barbecue) experience at a rustic seaside restaurant, sampling boerewors and local salads. Share stories around a fire pit as the waves lap the shore in the background.

Set off early for the famed Cape Winelands, arriving in Stellenbosch to admire its oak-lined avenues and Cape Dutch architecture. Join a guided cellar tour at a historic estate, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions and terroir. Taste crisp Sauvignons and elegant Chardonnays straight from underground barrels.

Cycle or drive to neighbouring Franschhoek and indulge in a multi-course winery lunch paired with reserve wines. Stroll through manicured gardens or visit local art galleries showcasing Africana and contemporary works. Pause for coffee and a macaroon in the village’s charming main street.

As twilight falls, dine at one of Franschhoek’s award-winning restaurants featuring innovative South African cuisine. Sip on a late-harvest dessert wine while gazing at vineyard-clad mountains in the fading light. Return to Cape Town with memories of superb wine and gourmet delights.

Depart early and head along the scenic coastal route to Hermanus, the world capital of land-based whale watching. Walk the cliff paths as Southern Right whales breach and calve in Walker Bay just offshore. Bring binoculars for closer sightings and capture dramatic coastal vistas.

Embark on a boat-based whale-watching cruise for an exhilarating encounter with these giants of the sea. Learn from marine biologists about whale behaviour, conservation efforts and local marine biodiversity. Warm up afterwards with a hearty seafood chowder at a harbour-side café.

Wander through the town’s arts and crafts market, browsing for hand-crafted jewellery and local souvenirs. Dine on fresh calamari or crayfish at a cosy restaurant overlooking the bay. As night falls, relax in your comfortable seaside guesthouse listening to the distant rumble of waves.

Hit the open road, heading east along the famed Garden Route’s lush coastline. Stop in Knysna for breakfast with lagoon views, sampling freshly baked pastries and local coffee. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park for a morning canopy tour or forest hike among towering yellowwoods.

Tackle the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge and explore intriguing sea caves carved by crashing surf. Kayak through tranquil lagoons or brave the exhilarating sea kayaking adventure along the rugged coast. Refuel with a picnic lunch surrounded by indigenous forest and ocean spray.

Check into a rustic lodge or eco-friendly cabin perched above the river mouth. Enjoy a relaxed dinner of wood-fired pizzas or locally caught fish, paired with an estate-grown Pinotage. Unwind around a communal fire pit under a canopy of southern stars.

Set off on a morning cruise across the serene Knysna Lagoon, dotted with tiny islands and waterfowl. Arrive at Featherbed Nature Reserve for a guided 4x4 tour through coastal forest and fynbos landscapes. Snap photos of dramatic sandstone cliffs and hidden waterways.

Enjoy an al fresco lunch on a secluded beach overlooking the Heads, sampling freshly shucked oysters for which Knysna is famous. Spend the afternoon exploring walking trails, birdwatching and discovering secret coves. Alternatively, relax on the pristine sands with a refreshing dip in azure waves.

Return to town for a laid-back dinner at a waterfront restaurant serving gourmet burgers or grilled calamari. Sip a local craft beer while watching fishing boats glide home at sunset. End the night with a leisurely stroll along the lit-up promenade, absorbing the peaceful lagoon atmosphere.

Drive to Plettenberg Bay for a sunrise walk along golden beaches where dolphins frequently play in the surf. Explore the Robberg Nature Reserve with its spectacular cliff-top trails offering panoramic ocean views. Keep an eye out for seals basking on rocky outcrops and endangered Cape fur seals.

Descend to the beach at the reserve’s end and enjoy a packed lunch on the sand. For adrenaline seekers, opt for a guided coasteering experience, scrambling over sea caves and jumping from ledges into tide pools. Those preferring relaxation can simply sunbathe and read while listening to the waves.

Dine at one of Plettenberg Bay’s chic eateries, sampling farm-to-table fare and inventive cocktails. Consider a sunset horseback ride along the beach before heading back to your beachfront accommodation. Drift off to sleep to the soothing sound of the ocean just beyond your window.

Travel inland to the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, home to Africa’s ‘Big Seven’ and lush Karoo vegetation. Join a guided open-jeep safari at dawn, when animals are most active, and photograph herds of majestic elephants. Learn about local conservation efforts and the park’s fascinating history.

Break for a bush picnic beneath Acacia trees, sharing stories with your ranger guide. Continue the safari, spotting lions, buffalo, rhinos and elusive leopard on the private reserve extension. Enjoy a sundowner stop overlooking a watering hole as the sun dips low, painting the sky in pastel hues.

Retire to an eco-friendly lodge inside the park, dining on gourmet game dishes such as venison or kudu fillet. Swap wildlife highlights around the communal firepit under a star-filled sky. Fall asleep to the distant trumpet of elephants roaming nearby.

Catch a morning flight to Johannesburg and head straight to a local café for a robust filter coffee and fresh baked koeksister. Explore the Apartheid Museum for an emotional, eye-opening overview of South Africa’s history and resilience. Gain context before venturing into the vibrant heart of the city.

Drive through Soweto with a knowledgeable guide, visiting iconic sites like Vilakazi Street, Mandela House and Hector Pieterson Museum. Enjoy a traditional township lunch in a community-run eatery, sampling pap, chakalaka and braaied boerewors. Engage with locals to hear firsthand stories of life, culture and transformation.

Return to Maboneng Precinct to soak up creative energy in art galleries, street markets and hip bars. Choose from trendy rooftop lounges or eclectic restaurants serving Afro-fusion cuisine. End your South African journey with a nightcap and live music, celebrating a memorable ten-day adventure from Cape to Joburg.