Headwater: Contrasts of The Cape Walking Tour

Itinerary

• On this varied gentle walking tour you’ll mint more new memories than you thought possible in one holiday. We begin in Cape Town. Crowned with the purple mass of Table Mountain and fringed by turquoise bays, few cities are as scenic. It’s complemented perfectly by the surrounding Cape Vineyards. Settled by French Huguenots in the 17C, whitewashed Cape Dutch farmhouses decked with rose-trellis verandas nestle amongst rows of vines. From here we drive through twisted mountain passes to Montagu. Encircled by dramatic red rock peaks on the edge of the Karoo semi-desert it has a real frontier post feel. We then descend to the acclaimed Garden Route, with its string of sandy beaches, and azure lagoons. A safari on a Big Five (elephant, leopard, rhino, lion and buffalo) private game reserve completes our tour. Travelling with our expert local guide, we’ll enjoy lazy strolls through vineyards and coastal rambles to discover seal colonies. A keen botanist he’ll show us some of the 6,500 different floral species, and scores of birds along the way.

• Day 1-4: Cape Town – Franschhoek

  Begin with a cable car to Table Mountain to walk along the protea-clad plateau with its extraordinary views. Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Travel to Stellenbosch with it oak shaded streets, then continue to Franschhoek.

• Day 5-7: Franschhoek – Knysna

  Follow winding lanes through vineyards, stopping of course to sample some vintages. Drive through twisted mountain passes to the edge of the Karoo semi-desert and the frontier town of Montagu. Travel back to the delightful coastal town of Knysna, visiting the ostrich farming centre of Oudtshoorn en route.

• Day 8-10: Knysna – Plettenberg Bay

  Follow streams through natural forest as you look for shy birds and animals, to where gold panning was once common. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views to the ocean over the Goukamma River, descending to the shoreline at Buffalo Bay. At Plettenberg Bay, visit Robberg Nature Reserve, where seals bask on the rocks as you walk along the beaches and headlands.

• Day 11-12: Kariega Game Reserve

  Enjoy two days of safari, staying in luxury cabins in the bush. Morning and afternoon game drives are included, as well as a river cruise and a game walk to spot antelope, zebra and giraffe.

• Day 13: Port Elizabeth

  After a final game drive to sight elephants and lions, travel on to Port Elizabeth, where your tour ends.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.