Next, we visit the seals at Kalk Bay, exploring this working fishing harbor, perhaps throwing in a fishing line or taking a short forest hike. From seals, we move on to their cute neighbors, the penguins. Away from the crowds, we go in search of our own rogue penguins, finding them on a secret beach only accessible to the locals. Dip your feet in the seawater, and possibly try your hand at stand-up paddling to get a different perspective of these little darlings.
All penguined-out, we continue on to the Cape Point, where we hunt for the Cape 5 (Ostrich, Baboons, Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, and Tortoise) and wander along hiking trails which lead through indigenous fynbos, past hidden coves and rocky beaches. We chat about the shipwrecks on this coastline – keeping an eye out for lost treasure – and head up the funicular to the Cape Point Lighthouse, for an incredible panoramic view over the ocean, and back along the seaboard.
On our return journey, we stop at the Cape Point Vineyards, situated on the mountain slopes near Noordhoek – an ideal place to soak in the magical views, with a glass of their excellent home-produced wine in hand. Lunch options are a choice of local eats, fine dining or a wild picnic lunch.
Day 4 – Cape Town: Today is excellent family-bonding time. It’s the type of day which creates memories kids will refer to for years to come – but also provides parents with the full Winelands experience. Children can run free in lovely gardens and resident barn owls, farm animals, and cobweb-filled, spooky cellars add to the excitement of the day.
We start with a treasure hunt through the scenic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, situated in the Franschhoek Mountains. Boasting spectacular vistas over the Franschhoek Valley, the reserve is home to small animals, fynbos and a diversity of plant life. Our hunt leads us to Breakfast Rock (an easy 1 km into the reserve) where we pick up our energy levels with a break for juice and delicious home-baked treats. Next, stop at a boutique estate, renowned for its sparkling wines. The winemaker travels to Champagne every year, and – a glass of bubbles in hand – it is clear that his time is well spent. While parents wine-taste, kids have their own iced-tea tasting, so they are never left out.
We explore the charming town of Franschhoek with its French Huguenot origins – and you can choose a more active hiking and biking option which is great for older kids. Then it’s on to a family-friendly wine estate. We have unearthed those properties where family is at the heart of things and little explorers are not only warmly welcomed, but allowed to treat the farms as a playground. This is the world where fountains have been specially designed for cooling off after a run through the vines, and milk and cookie tastings are done in a cellar courtyard.
This afternoon, old wine estate with ancient cobweb-filled cellars, reveal their secrets to wine pilgrims and young imaginations alike. Taste the flavors and vintages of the region, while kids soak up ghost stories, play in magical surrounds and wander through charming gardens. Lunch options are a choice of local eats, fine dining or a wild picnic lunch.
Days 5 & 6 – Whale Coast: Transfer to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Garden Lodge. Perched on the slopes of the Duineveld Mountain and gazing down at the picturesque Hermanus seascape, Grootbos Garden Lodge is surrounded by the glorious colors of the fynbos, and the verdant greens of indigenous bush. This exotic, stone and thatch retreat stylishly reflects African warmth and contemporary elegance. Eleven free-standing suites merge with the surrounding fauna and command sweeping views of mountain and sea from private wooden decks. Grootbos is an eco-reserve, a place where highly professional, specialist guides (qualified botanists and scientists) enthusiastically introduce guests to the wonders of the plants, birds and small game which inhabit this slice of heaven. It provides a memorable interactive wilderness experience for the whole family – and for the kids, it’s both fun and educational. Optional extra whale-watching, shark-cage diving, and marine eco-tours are available.
Day 7 – Madikwe Game Reserve: Tuningi is a family-friendly lodge located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. With endless views over natural bush – best appreciated from the wrap-around decks – this property is both intimate and tranquil. Four luxury & two family suites are found in the main lodge and Little Tuningi. Spacious glass and thatch rooms are decorated in an African-chic style and feature private decks with vistas over the pristine wilderness. Between game drives and bush walks, your family will love soaking in the rim-flow pool overlooking the watering hole, or absorbing the peace from the comfort of the lounge, and listening out for the sounds of the animals. Savor meals as a family in the boma, under star-studded skies.
Days 8 & 9 – Madikwe Game Reserve: Between game drives and bush walks, your family will love soaking in the rim-flow pool overlooking the watering hole, or absorbing the peace from the comfort of the lounge, and listening out for the sounds of the animals. Savor meals as a family in the boma, under star-studded skies.
Day 10 – End Of Itinerary: Private transfer to OR Tambo International Airport
