Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

Cape Town is also an ideal base from which to go out and explore the surrounding areas. 

Only a few hours drive will get you into the heart of the Winelands, or looking out over the end of Africa, or even marvelling at the sheer size of a Southern Right Whale from the deck of a boat.

Cape Peninsula

A worthwhile stop on the way to the Capes is Boulders Beach, just past Simon's Town - a rugged coastal area which is home to a large colony of African or jackass penguins. A pleasant place to stop on your way back to Cape Town is Noordhoek. Hout Bay itself, although set in a very attractive bay, is a pretty uneventful small seaside town.  

The Cape Peninsula is a massive expanse of white beach here is particularly popular with surfers and walkers. The winding cliff road running alongside the Atlantic coastline from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, called Chapman's Peak Drive is a toll road but is so very well worth it as the drive along the winding roads is breathtaking.

Hout Bay itself, although set in a very attractive bay, is a pretty uneventful small seaside town. The fishing that can be done there is what has made it famoues, people are able to walk onto the beach and buy fresh fish from a fish market.

Cape Winelands

The climate around the Cape is ideal for the cultivation of vines hence the amazing wine that is produced from the region. The wine routes that can be taken would be The major wine producing areas in the

The Cape Winelands region are around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington and Constantia, with literally scores of vineyards and wine estates. many of the wine estates have wine tastings, cellar tours, and restaurants serving lunches which are open daily to anyone passing by.

This is wonderful is great weather. Being so close to Cape Town, the Winelands really are a great place to spend your last few nights in South Africa where you can relax.

Hermanus

On the Western Cape, Hermanus and Gansbaai are the 2 main areas for whale watching, either boat-based or land-based. Only 120 km from Cape Town, the pretty little town of Hermanus is one of the world's 12 best whale viewing sites. Good whale watching vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall, or from the 12 km cliff path. This is truly an amazing experience that is worth waking for.

Gansbaai

The boat-based whale watching trips are from here, with our recommended operator, Dyer Island Cruises, also visit Dyer Island, which is home to a colony of African or jackass penguins. The trip also takes in Shark Alley, where Great White sharks can be seen gliding through the water. For a great adrenalin rush, try experiencing the Great White shark close up.