The Cape of Many Colours

Days 1 – 3: UK – Cape Town

Embark on an overnight flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your comfortable hotel for a two-night stay. The following day, take your time to explore Cape Town at a leisurely pace. Consider a scenic ride up Table Mountain for breathtaking views, a stroll through the colourful Malay Quarter, Bo Kaap, or a relaxed tour aboard the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.

Days 4 – 5: Cape Winelands

Distance: 81 km / 51 miles

Once you have collected your motorhome, your overland journey will begin in the Cape Winelands and a 2-night stay near the heritage town, Franschhoek. Drive via Stellenbosch to visit Dorp Street and take the time to walk around the secluded lanes, cosmopolitan restaurants and coffee bistros, with superb views of mountains, vineyards and orchards. Visit “Oom Samie se Winkel”, meaning “Uncle Sammy's Shop" - a Victorian style store that operates the same way now as it did back in the Victorian era.

The next day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Franschhoek offers delightful culinary experiences and artisanal shops, or you may opt for the Franschhoek Wine Tram to visit one of the many wine estates.

Days 6 – 7: Hermanus

Distance: 108 km / 68 miles

Situated between the beautiful shores of Walker Bay, Hermanus is arguably the best-known place for whale watching in the world and is also famed for its natural scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the Old Harbour Museum, which is comprised of the charming fisherman’s village, the old harbour, and the Whale House Museum; hike through the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve and sample an array of top-quality wine along the famous Hermanus Wine Route.

On Day 7 (June to November only), take a short drive to the New Harbour in Hermanus from where you will depart on an included guided whale watching tour in search of these gentle giants. Hermanus whale watching comes alive with the arrival of Humpback whales June to August, whilst the Southern Right whales remain in the coastal waters to nurse their young from June until November. With all eyes on watch, the excitement builds for who can see the first whale of the trip!

Days 8 – 9: Struisbaai

Distance: 112 km /70 miles

Located at the southernmost point of Africa, the Agulhas National Park is set in a mysterious, breathtakingly beautiful area. This windswept, rugged coastal plain in the very south of Africa offers more than stunning surroundings. Depending on who you talk to, Struisbaai is either named after its thatch-roofed fisherman’s cottages, the many ostriches in the area or its incredibly long, white, sandy beach. In reality, all of these attractions characterise the area. The beach in particular is a landmark in the region and is arguably the longest, uninterrupted, white sandy beach in the Southern Hemisphere.

A trip to the Cape Agulhas is a must for many people as it’s officially where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The historic red and white Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is the only one of its kind in Africa and the climb to the top is well worth the 71 step climb.

Days 10 – 11: Mossel Bay

Distance: 270 km / 169 miles

Set along the idyllic Garden Route on South Africa’s spectacularly scenic coastline, the port town of Mossel Bay has grown impressively from its days as a little fishing village. Visitors can enjoy an array of other wonderful activities including visiting the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, sampling local cuisine, as well as enjoying 4x4 excursions, swimming, hiking, and kayaking, although the large bay, edged by long, gorgeous sandy beaches lapped by warm Indian Ocean waves, is still the primary drawcard for many visitors.

Days 12 – 13: Oudtshoorn

Distance: 86 km / 54 miles

Your journey continues inland to Oudtshoorn at the heart of the Klein Karoo. Take in the surrounding arid semi-desert landscape and views as you traverse the Swartberg Mountain Pass to your next two-night stay.

Explore the fascinating exhibits at the C.P. Nel Museum and marvel at the ancient wonders within the Cango Caves on a guided tour on Day 13. Late afternoon, you will enjoy an included Swartberg Sunset tour with a traditional Karoo dinner cooked on open fires.

Days 14: Carnarvon

Distance: 364 km / 228 miles

Departing from Oudtshoorn, leave the Western Cape Province behind and make your way to the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. An overnight stop is included in the town of Carnarvon to break the significant journey en route to Augrabies Falls. Tonight’s stay will be at the Lord Carnarvon Guest House which dates back to 1886. This Karoo house has been restored to its former glory, with a mixture of modern facilities and Karoo antiques, it has lots of character and evokes memories of a bygone era of Karoo grandeur, and will make a nice break from sleeping in a motorhome.

Days 15 – 16: Augrabies

Distance: 377 km / 236 miles

Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the Augrabies Falls National Park encircles the mighty Augrabies Falls. The Orange River plunges down 60 metres in absolute splendour, through the 18-kilometre ravine of the Orange River Gorge. The landscapes are characterised by rocky outcrops, scrub-dotted plains, and clusters of 'kokerboom', also known as quiver trees. This sanctuary provides a home for an array of animals including springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer, various bird species and the endangered black rhino. Other commonly spotted species include giraffe, steenbok, kudu, eland, leopard, African wild cat, jackal, and caracal.

Days 17 – 18: Kamieskroon

Distance: 362 km / 226 miles

In the Northern Cape, Namaqualand daisies and more than 3500 floral species emerge from early August to the end of September offering one of the world’s greatest flower shows. The route also offers quaint towns and hidden gems, which make it a special experience to remember forever.

Days 19 - 20: Cederberg

Distance: 325 km / 203 miles

The Cederberg is a region of wild, dramatic valleys situated between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. Lined with citrus orchards and surrounded by magnificent mountains, the jaw-dropping scenes here become even more spectacular at sunset when they are bathed in an array of vivid colours, and in springtime when flowers completely take. Visitors can also swim in turquoise rock pools, visit intriguing ancient rock art sites, take advantage of superb beaches, or learn about the clear night skies at the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory.

Days 21 – 22: Citrusdal

Distance: 40 km / 25 miles

Continue in the direction of Citrusdal, nestled between the base of the Cederberg and the Olifants River and home to green citrus orchards. The area is synonymous with its superior citrus fruits and products, as well as local farmers producing rooibos tea, vegetables and honey.

The West Coast’s windswept isolation and tranquillity appeal to visitors seeking a quieter break from the hustle and bustle that often accompanies popular tourist towns. The sparsely populated West Coast offers wide open spaces, unspoilt beaches, rugged terrain, and azure seas. Here you can look forward to exploring quaint country towns and whitewashed fishing villages, hiking through the spectacular Cederberg and the West Coast National Park, bird watching, kayaking and swimming.

Days: 23 – 24: Langebaan

Distance: 148 km / 93 miles

Set on the banks of the magnificent Langebaan Lagoon, the popular resort town of Langebaan is in the Western Cape Province. This lovely little town is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon, which provides an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating water sports including water-skiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing. The lagoon also features tidal mudflats - a habitat for an impressive variety of local and migratory birds. Visitors can explore the beautiful West Coast Nature Park nearby, to enjoy game viewing, cycling, and hiking; and the West Coast Fossil Park, which offers a fascinating tour of a fossil dig and the chance to hunt for fossils. Biking, hiking and horse riding are also on offer.

Days 25 - 26: Cape Town

Distance: 95 km / 59 miles

Return your motorhome to the depot before being transferred to Cape Town airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.