2 day Private Botlierskop Garden Route Glamping and Whale Coast Safari

Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Botlierskop

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town. Set out, expectant for the day ahead with a guaranteed window seat and the promise of many awe-inspiring moments to come. You’ll depart Cape Town and head along the spectacular Clarence Drive, winding along the coastal road and marvelling at the dramatic twists where the ocean meets the mountain slopes. The view changes with each turn, revealing more of the silhouettes ahead and exposing the vast expanse of False Bay as the ocean stretches out before you. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see glimpses of the Cape Peninsula across the bay, in all her glory. Just as you thought the sights couldn’t get any better, you’ll arrive at the clumsy colony of African penguins at Stony Point, where a hoard of waddling penguins is ready to win your heart over. Traverse the wooden boardwalks as you gaze upon the playful fellas and learn more about the history of this former whaling station and the conservation efforts made to keep the African penguin colony growing.

More coastal beauty awaits as you continue on to the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. You’ll set off on a light hike amongst the indigenous fynbos to get to the perfect vantage points from which to watch frolicking whales leap forth right before your eyes. June to November is whale season in Hermanus, and the bay sees huge numbers of breeding southern-right and humpback whales pop-in to wave a fin at adoring onlookers. While the thrill of spotting a breaching big blue is difficult to top, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the magnificent surrounding scenery and the intricate sights and smells of the unique fynbos lining the paths. When you’re all whale’d-out, head into the heart of the quaint streets of Hermanus for a hearty lunch at a local eatery.

You’ll then head towards your luxurious base for the night, the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Hidden between Mossel Bay and George along the esteemed Garden Route, this 4200-hectare private reserve with sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean just oozes luxury. Home to four of the Big Five, Botlierskop offers a host of unrivalled wild game viewing options as well as some seriously drool-worthy accommodation options. Your hideaway takes the form of an opulent tented suite, taking glamping to a whole new level and offering all the creature comforts of luxury accommodations, while still bringing you back to basics and the beauty of nature. Dinner is included at the African inspired lodge where you’ll feast on wood-fired masterpieces with the sounds of the bush as your back-track and the heavenly scents of local cuisine fill the air. Overnight at Botlierskop Luxury Tented Camp

Day 2: Botlierskop – Cape Town

Rise early to the sound of the bush awakening as the sun begins to dance its way over the mountainous reserve. You’ll set out with the sparrows for a guided sunrise game drive with a trained ranger in a specially modified 4x4 safari vehicle. Remember to dress warmly, it can get quite chilly on the open-topped vehicle as the fresh morning air whisps through your hair. Your expert game ranger is meticulously trained to spot even the most camouflaged wildlife and to follow the tracks of wildlife to ensure you’re at the right place at the right time to see sensational wildlife. You can expect wild encounters with giraffes, honey badgers, Cape mountain zebra, vervet monkeys, hippos, waterbuck and the rare and endangered white rhinoceros. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Africa’s apex predators, the lions. Your 3 hour drive ensures you great odds to tick as many animals off your bucket-list as possible and is sure to leave you feeling more connected with nature, surrounded by the rustic and raw beauty of the African bush. A luscious breakfast awaits you at the lodge, where you’ll dine like a king, once again, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the reserve. Eat to your heart’s content while overlooking the expansive valleys below, you might even get in a spot of extra game-viewing from a distance! After breakfast, you have the choice of embarking upon an optional one hour guided horseback safari experience or optional ±1hour spa treatment at Botlierskop’s luxury Bush Spa. The horseback safari is suitable for riders of all skill levels, and your accomplished guide will ensure that you have an unforgettable game-viewing experience. You’ll get the chance to explore parts of the reserve that are not normally accessible by car, tracking wildlife on an experience like no other. Your trained steed offers an immersive safari viewing opportunity with an unobstructed connection with nature. For those who would prefer to indulge in a little R&R; a truly African pampering experience awaits with a 30 minute back, neck and shoulders massage at the Bush spa, in the heart of the wildlife reserve. You’ll feel the essence of nature as the sounds of the bush filter into the treatment room and the scent of the earthy products tickles your senses. Luxurious relaxation at its finest. This concludes your dream safari and you’ll head back towards Cape Town along the lush N2. From your window seat, you’ll be able to watch as the landscapes change from indigenous aloe-lined roads to vast open rolling farmland and craggy rocky highlands. Sir Lowry’s pass offers your final wow-moment as you reach the crest to reveal the serendipitous views over False Bay extending towards Cape Town. A fitting farewell as it feels like time stands still in the valley below, the only sign of movement is the rolling in of ocean swell, mesmerisingly reminding you that life indeed, does go on.