Romantic Cape, Whale Coast & Kalahari

A$23,660 - A$23,750

per person sharing

Overview

With its scenic landscapes, well-maintained highways, and reliable infrastructure, South Africa is perfectly suited for a safe yet adventurous self-drive holiday. This thoughtfully designed 14-day journey is ideal for honeymooners who value freedom, romance, and the joy of traveling at their own pace. From dramatic coastal routes and vineyard-covered valleys to a breathtaking escape into the remote beauty of the Kalahari, every moment is crafted for unforgettable shared experiences.

Your journey begins in Cape Town at Kensington Place, where you’ll explore one of the world’s most captivating cities, surrounded by striking natural scenery and rich cultural attractions. From here, set off on a leisurely drive into the Cape Winelands, where the historic Babylonstoren estate welcomes you with timeless charm, exceptional cuisine, and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

Based near Franschhoek, the culinary and wine heart of the Cape, you’ll be immersed in a setting of refined indulgence, where flourishing organic gardens, farm-to-table dining, and tranquil rural surroundings create a true sense of escape. The road then leads you along the famed Whale Coast to Grootbos, set high above Walker Bay. From this hillside retreat, watch southern right whales play in the clear waters below, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.

Your honeymoon adventure concludes at the exclusive Tswalu Lodge, deep in the vast Kalahari. Here, sweeping desert landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters—including sightings of rare black-maned lions—provide a dramatic and deeply romantic finale to your journey.

Itinerary

Day 1-4: Welcome to Cape Town! | 4 Nights

Kensington Place | Cape Town Central, South Africa

Itinerary Information
Upon arriving at Cape Town International Airport, collect your rental car and drive to Kensington Place, a boutique hotel perched on the slopes of Table Mountain in one of Cape Town’s most exclusive areas. With only eight individually styled rooms, the hotel combines personalized service with an intimate, luxurious atmosphere.

Cape Town’s Peninsula is renowned for its stunning natural scenery. Towering mountains descend to pristine beaches, while charming coastal villages dot the coastline. The V&A Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment alongside the working harbor, while the city center sits framed by Table Mountain.

Take the rotating cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for sweeping 360-degree views. From here, enjoy vistas of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, Table Bay, Robben Island, False Bay, the Cape Winelands, and Cape Point at the southern tip of the continent.

Kensington Place Information

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

  • Stunning sea and mountain views

  • Access to gym facilities

  • High-quality dining experiences

  • Secure parking

  • Bed & Breakfast

Days 5-6: To The Wine Country

Itinerary Information
Depart Cape Town and head to Babylonstoren, a stunning estate set in the scenic Cape Winelands near Stellenbosch. Dating back to the 17th century, this historic property showcases Cape Dutch architecture with whitewashed walls, ornate gables, and thatched roofs, surrounded by lush organic gardens and orchards.

Settle into your charming yet elegant cottage before exploring the farm and its surroundings. At Babylonstoren, you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish, soaking in the peace and beauty of the estate at your own pace.

Stroll through the 8-hectare formal French kitchen garden, perhaps accompanied by a gardener, and pick fresh herbs or vegetables to be used in a dish prepared by the estate chefs. A river winds through the property, flanked by vibrant clivia flowers, while picnic spots and scenic viewpoints are scattered across the estate. The spa offers a serene retreat with treatments using freshly harvested herbs, and the fitness centre features a sauna, steam room, and modern equipment to complement indulgent meals at the estate’s acclaimed restaurant.

Days 7-8: The Whale Coast

Itinerary Information
Depart Babylonstoren in the morning and follow the scenic coastal route, passing charming villages like Hermanus and Stanford, until you reach Grootbos Forest Lodge. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Walker Bay, the lodge overlooks where rugged mountains meet the sea. The surrounding reserve is rich in fynbos, the unique floral kingdom of the Cape, known for its incredible biodiversity.

Your luxury suite is positioned to offer maximum privacy and uninterrupted views of both the mountains and the ocean. Designed to be fully eco-friendly, the accommodation combines sustainability with every modern comfort, creating a sophisticated and romantic retreat.

Located at Africa’s southern tip, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge, the waters here teem with marine life—from the southern right whale nursery in Walker Bay to the great white shark haven of Seal Alley near Dyer Island. The region also holds ancient treasures, including petroglyphs, shell middens, and caves left by the earliest humans. Expert guides at Grootbos offer immersive tours, giving insight into the ecosystem, local wildlife, and centuries of human history.

After a day of discovery, unwind with a blissful spa treatment, either in the dedicated therapy rooms, the privacy of your suite, or even within a grove of ancient milkwood trees. Conclude your day with exquisite Cape cuisine, perfectly paired with exceptional wines grown in the Overberg’s distinctive terroir.

Itinerary Information
On your final morning, savor a relaxed breakfast before saying goodbye to the enchanting Kalahari. A chartered aircraft will meet you at the airstrip for your flight back to Johannesburg. As you soar over this timeless landscape, reflect on the unforgettable moments of your African adventure: from the stunning vistas of the Western Cape, its vineyards and coastal whales, to the mesmerizing gaze of a Kalahari lion. These are experiences that touch the heart and create memories to treasure forever.