This journey through South Africa starts with three nights of luxury at Birkenhead House in Hermanus, where you’ll be spending a day or two exploring the Hemel-and-Aarde wine valley and spotting majestic whales. Then, you’ll venture to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for two nights at Dwyka Tented Lodge. While here you can look forward to game drives and guided wilderness walks while relaxing in the comforts of your luxurious tent.

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Itinerary

Day 1 | Birkenhead House, Hermanus

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met and assisted in collecting your rental vehicle. Make your way to Hermanus, where accommodation will be arranged for you for the next three nights.

Overnight at Birkenhead House in a Luxury Suite on a full board basis

Day 2 & 3 | Birkenhead House, Hermanus

The next two days are spent at leisure in and around Hermanus. The Hemel-and-Aarde wine valley is a definite recommend, if you are a wine lover. With some of the best wine estates in South Africa found in this valley, it is well worth the visit.

Hermanus is also historically an area where whales can be found between May to November. Take a boat cruise to get a little closer to the giants of the ocean.

Overnight at Birkenhead House in a Luxury Suite on a full board basis

Day 4 & 5 | Dwyka Tented Lodge, Sanbona

After breakfast and once you have checked out, make your way further north to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. This will be home for the next two nights

Once you have checked in and settled into your suite, late afternoon tea/coffee is served before your late afternoon / early evening game drive. Snacks and drinks are served during the game drive, and dinner is enjoyed once you get back to the lodge.

Your rate includes two nature drives daily and guided wilderness walks, so either join them, or spend time at your suite just relaxing over the next two days.

Overnight at Dwyka Tented Lodge on a fully inclusive basis

Day 6 | Departure

Depending on your onward arrangements, make your way back to Cape Town once you have checked out of the lodge

DETAILS

COST

Minimum 2 Pax
From: ZAR 39,880.00 Per Person Sharing

INCLUDED

3 Nights accommodation at Birkenhead House in a luxury suite including three meals a day, full mini-bar, local beverages and house wines, all teas & coffees, laundry and in-house shuttle service into the town of Hermanus
2 Nights accommodation at Dwyka Tented Lodge on a fully inclusive basis, including three meals per day, a limited selection of house beers, wines & soft drinks, all on-drive snacks and beverages and internal transfers between the lodge and welcome lounge.
1 x Marine Big 5 boat cruise. Morning cruise includes coffee, tea and muffins on arrival and a light lunch after the trip. Afternoon cruise includes light lunch before the trip followed by soup and bread. Both options also include a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.

NOT-INCLUDED

Flights
Car rental (it is our experience that car rental is more cost-effective if booked with
international flights; however should you want us to include the costs, please speak to your consultant)
Travel insurance
Optional excursions
Expenses of a personal nature (telephone calls, curio shop purchases, additional activities, wellness treatments, laundry, gratuities)
Wine tastings on the Hemel-en-Aarde route, as well as any purchases at the wine estates.
Visa fees (where applicable)
Airport taxes

ACCOMMODATION

Birkenhead House

Birkenhead House sets the standard for luxury hotels in Hermanus. With its exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House provides luxury accommodation for those seeking time out to relax and recharge body and mind. Watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just metres from the shore. The hotel’s contemporary décor is an artful mix of beach-house and quirky opulence. The all-inclusive rate means that guests never need to leave the comfort of Birkenhead House, where all meals and drinks are included.

Dwyka Lodge, Sanbona

Opulent and romantic Dwyka Tented Lodge is embraced by striking rock formations and set in the horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine that is framed by a beautifully weathered landscape. The spacious lounge and dining areas boast stylish, modern interiors, wooden decks that make the most of the glorious setting and a boma for dining under the stars. The accommodation is luxurious and private. Each of the nine luxury tents has an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with a heated plunge pool, which epitomises the romance of a pioneering wilderness adventure.

Frequently asked questions

What are the chances of seeing whales in Hermanus?

During peak whale season (early June to late November), sightings are very frequent. Hermanus boasts some of the closest whale watching experiences in the world, with Southern Right whales often breaching and calving just off the coast.

What are the best months for whale watching in Hermanus?

The peak whale watching season in Hermanus is from late September to early October. During this time, you’ll have the highest chance of spotting Southern Right whales in Walker Bay. However, whale watching opportunities are still good from June to November, with Humpback whales sometimes gracing the bay from July to November.

Are white lions guaranteed sightings on the game drives?

White lions are a rare sight, even within reserves. However, Sanbona has a successfully reintroduced white lions to the conservancy, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot these incredible animals during your game drives.

What is the recommended clothing for the trip?

South Africa’s climate varies depending on the region. For Hermanus, pack comfortable layers that you can adjust to the weather. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve generally has warm days and cooler nights. Pack comfortable safari clothing in neutral tones, along with a long-sleeved shirt and pants for evenings.

What wildlife can be seen at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve?

Sanbona is home to white lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, elephants, springboks, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. The reserve is also home to a rich birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.