Home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds, as well as more than 20,000 varieties of plants, South Africa is a wildlife-lover's paradise and you will get to see some of the most characterful animals on this incredible 11-day tour.
Joining you for the trip will be one of the hosts of the BBC's Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, Michaela Strachan, who moved to South Africa 15 years ago. Michaela made a documentary on the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds to raise money and awareness for the cause. She'll be with you for a visit to the SANCCOB penguin hospital to meet some of nature's comedians. The presenter will also join you on an excursion to the Duiker Island seal colony and on a cable-car trip up the iconic Table Mountain.
Other wildlife experiences will include a visit to Stony Point to explore the huge African penguin colony there, a trip to the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary and lunch at an ostrich farm.
Meet TV's Michaela Strachan
Known for her bubbly style, Michaela has lived in South Africa for
the past 15 years and will share her knowledge of the local
wildlife on some very special experiences. You'll have the chance
to ask her questions during a private Q&A session and screening
of her penguin hospital documentary before visiting it
together.
Fantastic wine tasting
As well as its wildlife and rugby prowess, South Africa boasts some
of the world's best wines. You'll stay on the Spier Wine Estate and
have the chance to visit its tasting room, which is home to a Heath
Nash chandelier made from more than 300 recycled wine bottles. At
the Franschhoek Cellars, you'll enjoy a wine- and chocolate-tasting
session.
Discover South Africa's wildlife
At Stony Point Nature Reserve, you will witness the sight and
sounds of more than 2,000 pairs of African penguins, the largest
breeding colony in the Western Cape. You'll see Cape fur seals and
thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat on a boat cruise to
Duiker Island and pay a visit to the stunning Kirstenbosch National
Botanical Garden and an ostrich farm.
Explore Cape Town
You will spend five nights in the Cape Milner Hotel, which has
magnificent views of the nearby Table Mountain. It's the perfect
place from which to discover the delights of Cape Town and you'll
have plenty of time to do so. You can also extend your stay to
include a trip to Victoria Falls or to search for the Big Five on a
safari.
Former children's TV presenter, Michaela was a regular reporter on the BBC's Countryfile before moving to South Africa. She has since been part of the presenting team on Winterwatch, Autumnwatch and Springwatch.
Economy class return flights to Cape Town
Visit to the SANCCOB penguin hospital, Table Mountain and Duiker Island with Michaela Strachan
Private Q&A session with Michaela Strachan
Helicopter tour over Cape Town
Enjoy wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Tour Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Visits to Stony Point penguin colony and Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Five nights in Cape Town, two at the Blue Gum Country Estate and two at the Spier Hotel
Check into the Cape Milner hotel and enjoy a relaxing day at leisure followed by a welcome dinenr that night
After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the 30-mile
long Cape Peninsula. You'll experience dramatic coastal drives,
deserted beaches and quaint seaside villages before you reach the
Cape of Good Hope. Have your camera at the ready for the Chapman's
Peak Drive. You'll also visit the magnicent Kirstenbosch National
Botanical Garden, take a ride on the Flying Dutchman funicular
railway
historic Robben Island or spend time exploring the city's many
boutiques.
You'll be joined again today by Michaela for a trip to the
iconic Table Mountain. Home to more plant species than the entire
British Isles, Table Mountain is rich in vivid flora.
Ride a cable car to the top and take a nature walk. You'll enjoy
lunch on the water's edge in Hout Bay, where Michaela lives, before
a boat cruise to Duiker Island to see the thousands of Cape fur
seals and sea birds in their natural habitat.
After a free morning to enjoy the hotel's facilities, join an exclusive luxury cruise down the Klein river towards the Hermanus Estuary, a haven for wildlife.
Today, travel to Franschhoek in the heart of South Africa's wine region, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the Huguenot Memorial Museum and Huguenot Monument before you visit the Franschhoek Cellars for a wine and chocolate tasting session. Take the chance to browse the shops and galleries, before you continue to the Spier Wine Estate to check into the Spier Hotel.
This morning you will explore South Africa's oldest university
town, including its Dutch Reformed Church, town hall and the famous
Oom Samie se Winkel general trading store.
Then it's back to the Spier Wine Estate for a wine tasting in the
tasting room, home to a Heath Nash chandelier made from over 300
recycled wine bottles.
Lunch today is a delicious picnic.
Enjoy a free morning before catching your overnight overnight home or travelling onwards to a safari or the Victoria Falls.
A classy, contemporary hotel with the outdoor pool and gym and the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain - the perfect base in Cape Town
Private family-run guest farm, dating back to 1839
Named after the 140-year old Blue Gum tree that grows on the front lawn, the estate is both a working farm dating back to 1839 and a private, family-run guest house. Owners Anton and Tarryn de Kock strive to provide you with an experience that encapsulates those things we tend to gloss over in the rush of modern life - an opportunity to relax in comfortable, tranquil surrounds with good food, superb local wines, great views and plenty of fresh air.
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