3-Day Luxury Gondwana Big 5 Safari & Whale Coast Small Group Tour from Cape Town

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town - Hermanus - Gondwana Game Reserve

Stop At: Stony Point Penguin Colony, Betty's Bay South Africa
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.

Set out, expectant for the day ahead with a guaranteed window seat and the promise of many awe-inspiring moments to come. You’ll depart Cape Town and head along the spectacular Clarence Drive, winding along the coastal road and marvelling at the dramatic twists where the ocean meets the mountain slopes. The view changes with each turn, revealing more of the silhouettes ahead and exposing the vast expanse of False Bay as the ocean stretches out before you. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see glimpses of the Cape Peninsula across the bay, in all her glory. Just as you thought the sights couldn’t get any better, you’ll arrive at the clumsy colony of African penguins at Stony Point, where a hoard of waddling penguins is ready to win your heart over. Traverse the wooden boardwalks as you gaze upon the playful fellas and learn more about the history of this former whaling station and the conservation efforts made to keep the African penguin colony growing.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Hermanus Cliff Path, Westcliff Rd, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200 South Africa
More coastal beauty awaits as you continue on to the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. You’ll set off on a light hike amongst the indigenous fynbos to get to the perfect vantage points from which to watch frolicking whales leap forth right before your eyes. June to November is whale season in Hermanus, and the bay sees huge numbers of calving southern-right and humpback whales pop-in to wave a fin at adoring on-lookers. While the thrill of spotting a breaching big blue is difficult to top, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the magnificent surrounding scenery and the intricate sights and smells of the unique fynbos lining the paths. When you’re all whale’d-out, head into the heart of the quaint streets of Hermanus for a hearty lunch at a local eatery.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gondwana Game Reserve, R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale, 6505, South Africa
You’ll then head towards your safari suite for the night, at Gondwana Game Reserve. Set at the foot of the towering Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains along the esteemed Garden Route, this 11 000-hectare private reserve offers prime Big 5 animal viewing in a stunning malaria-free setting. Your hideaway for the evening takes the form of a traditional-style Khoi-San rondawel, decked out with all the creature comforts you would expect from a private luxury suite, while still bringing you back to basics and the beauty of nature.

Dinner is included at the African inspired lodge where you’ll fine dine in the heart of the reserve surrounded the heavenly scents of the wild surrounds.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 5-star Luxury Kwena Huts in Gondwana Game Reserve

Day 2: Gondwana Game Reserve

Stop At: Gondwana Game Reserve, R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale, 6505, South Africa
Today is all about your wild surroundings and those hoping for some serious safari moments are in for a treat. You’ll awake in your chic suite, overlooking the undulating fynbos-covered hills, littered with bursts of colour and the odd grazing antelope. Your first order of the day takes you straight into the heart of the reserve with an early morning safari game drive. Your experienced field guide will welcome you onto the open safari vehicle, perfectly constructed for optimum wildlife viewing, and once settled, you’ll head out to the bush in search of the free-roaming Big 5 members and more! As you cruise, 4x4 style, over the rolling hills along rustic dirt roads you can’t help but be delighted by the unmistakable scent of the surrounding fynbos. Gondwana Game Reserve is populated with the most exquisite displays of colourful fynbos and indigenous beauty that you might just catch yourself so mesmerised that you forget to look out for animals! Luckily, your ranger will reign you in with fascinating facts of the bushveld and its local residents. You'll try to find all the members of the Big 5; as well as herds of zebra; 15 different species of antelope such as eland, bontebok or waterbuck; illusive cheetahs; and more! The hills and valleys of the reserve allow you to marvel over the ever-changing scenery, amidst the backdrop of the breathtaking Outeniqua mountain range.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious breakfast awaits you at the main lodge after your morning safari, prepared with a uniquely African touch. Dine easy as the friendly staff attend to your every need while you enjoy the meal and even try fit in a bit of game viewing from the lodge verandah! A day at leisure awaits, you can choose to relax at the infinity pool, book an optional Africology spa treatment, take a soothing bath and kick back with a book, or simply laze about amidst the spectacular surroundings.

The last few hours of daylight hold the possibility to tick even more animals off your list with another safari. Head out again with your ranger to view the bush in the afternoon as the lazy local animals settle in for the evening. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy the landscape with some sundowners, the perfect way to soak in the safari feeling. At the end of your full day in the bush, there’s nothing better than the smells of a “braai” (a quintessentially South African BBQ) wafting through the air and the sound of the crackling fire, beckoning you into a state of ultimate relaxation.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 5-star Luxury Kwena Huts in Gondwana Game Reserve

Day 3: Gondwana Game Reserve - Route 62 - Cape Town

Stop At: Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar, Jakkalsvlei Farm, Herbertsdale, Mossel Bay 6505 South Africa
Another morning in the bush means another opportunity to wake up with the animals and catch a glimpse of them from your panoramic suite in the comfort of your king-size bed. After breakfast, you’ll depart Gondwana with cameras and hearts full. Make sure to save some space for a few more snaps, because the views from the top of the Outeniqua pass are not to be missed! Head up the pass, through the lush green forests of the Garden Route and watch as the landscape changes before your eyes as you reach the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn.

This begins your journey back to the Mother City along the world famous Route 62 - the longest wine route in the world! Wind along the expanse of country road, passing wine farms on either side, enjoying the unique Klein Karoo landscape. Of course, it would be rude if you didn’t stop to sample some of the offerings… So naturally, a wine tasting is the perfect way to stretch your legs, delight your tastebuds and immerse yourself in the local love for all things wine at Jakkalsvlei . By the time the distinct silhouette of Table Mountain ushers you back to Cape Town, your senses will be in seventh heaven, an immaculate backdrop to end off your trip on a high note.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.