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Vergelegen Estate
2h · Admission ticket included
Get ready for an exhilarating journey following an experienced tour guide, driving your own Suzuki Jimny 4WD!
Your adventure kicks off as your tour guide meets you at the designated spot and leads you to your Suzuki Jimny where they will cover all the essential South African traffic rules and walk you through the basic four-wheel-drive features of your vehicle.
Once you’re comfortable and ready, you'll follow your tour guide in their Suzuki Jimny on a scenic drive to our first destination: the breathtaking Vergelegen Wine Estate. This beautiful estate, one of the oldest in South Africa, was once the pride of William Adriaan van der Stel, the Cape’s governor from 1699 to 1707.
When we arrive, you’ll enjoy a delicious brunch at the Stables Restaurant and afterwards, you can take your time exploring the stunning grounds, museum, and picturesque vineyards.
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2h
After visiting Vergelegen Estate and making a quick stop at the beach in Gordon's Bay, you’ll continue your journey by following your tour guide in their Suzuki Jimny. You’ll drive 48 km along the stunning Clarence Drive, renowned as one of South Africa's most picturesque coastal routes, heading toward the penguin colony at Stoney Point Nature Reserve in Betty's Bay.
Stoney Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins. Here, you can get a close-up view of these amazing birds via a boardwalk that winds through the colony, allowing you to observe them in their natural habitat without causing any disturbance.
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Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
2h · Admission ticket included
Just a short 5km away, our next stop is the breathtaking Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, nestled in the heart of the coastal fynbos. This stunning garden, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere, boasts everything from wind-sculpted mountain slopes and lush gorges filled with ancient forests to tranquil flats and marshes adorned with restios, sedges, and vibrant bulbs.
Prepare to be captivated by the garden’s incredible fynbos and hiking trails that lead you to picturesque waterfalls, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a charming restaurant on-site to satisfy your cravings, along with a nursery and an environmental education center to further enrich your experience.
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Kogelberg Nature Reserve
12h · Admission ticket included
Our day will conclude at the breathtaking Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just 7km down the road, where you’ll spend the next two nights in one of their cozy, self-contained eco cabins.
This stunning reserve and a World Heritage Site is home to approximately 1,600 plant species, showcasing the richest floral diversity found anywhere in the world! Celebrated as one of Cape Nature's most spectacular protected areas, Kogelberg offers an unforgettable backdrop of vibrant landscapes and natural beauty.
Each eco cabin features an open-plan layout, complete with a bedroom, lounge, dining area, kitchen, and bathroom, plus an outdoor braai area (barbecue).
Accommodation is self-catering, and you’ll have time to visit a local supermarket to stock up on food and drinks for your stay. Your Suzuki Jimny is equipped with all the essential camping gear, including a mini fridge to keep your food fresh while on the road.
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Hermanus
2h
Today, we’ll kick off our adventure with an early departure as we set out on a scenic 240km drive to De Hoop Nature Reserve, stopping at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the African continent! As we navigate this journey, be prepared for 50km of exhilarating gravel road—remember to engage your 4WD as soon as we leave the tarmac for an optimal experience.
Our first stop will be the charming town of Hermanus, where you can enjoy a delightful breakfast amid its stunning coastal views.
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L'Agulhas
2h
After an exhilarating 160km drive, we’ll arrive at our first destination: L'Agulhas, the southernmost coastal village in South Africa! Nestled within the Cape Agulhas Local Municipality, this picturesque spot marks the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans dramatically converge.
If you're feeling hungry or in need of a caffeine boost, you'll have the chance to stop at one of the many charming local restaurants or coffee shops. Take a moment to soak in the stunning views while you refuel for the next leg of our journey!
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De Hoop Nature Reserve
12h
We’ll continue our journey for another 80km, with 50km on gravel roads, until we reach our final destination for the day: the stunning De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Spanning 34,000 hectares, De Hoop is one of Cape Nature's largest natural areas and a favorite among hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and whale enthusiasts. This World Heritage Site is home to the endangered Bontebok, the rare Cape Zebra, and the largest antelope in Africa, the Eland.
Adjacent to the reserve is a marine area extending 5km out to sea, recognized as one of Africa's largest marine protected areas and a prime whale calving location.
Here, you’ll stay for two nights in an African-style thatched hut, or 'rondavel,' each equipped with two single beds, a sink, a fridge, and a coffee station. Shared outdoor showers, toilets, and a kitchen area are available. Each rondavel features a firepit and braai area, plus an on-site restaurant for those who prefer not to cook.
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Swellendam
2h
After breakfast, we’ll head to Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, nestled at the base of the Langeberg Mountains. The town boasts over 50 provincial heritage sites, primarily showcasing Cape Dutch architecture. It's a 50 km drive, mostly on gravel roads, so please keep your 4-wheel drive engaged until we reach the paved road.
We’ll stop for brunch at one of the historic buildings and do some shopping at the local supermarket, as we’ll be glamping at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve for the next two nights, where there are no restaurant facilities.
Please prepare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each Suzuki Jimny is equipped with essential camping gear, including a mini fridge to keep your food fresh while we travel.
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Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
12h · Admission ticket included
Once we’re ready, you’ll follow your tour guide to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, a 45 km drive primarily on gravel roads, so please engage your 4-wheel drive once you leave the paved route.
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve spans 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region and is a renowned bird-watching destination. It features various hiking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Established as a reserve in 1986, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004.
Each Suzuki Jimny is equipped with a pair of binoculars and a guidebook on the birds and animals of Southern Africa, perfect for your bird-watching adventures and learning about the local wildlife.
You’ll be staying in a glamping tent that features a double bed, a living and dining area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Additionally, there’s a firepit, a braai area, and a wood-fired hot tub for you to enjoy.
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Barrydale
2h
Today, we’ll embark on a journey to the Cape Winelands, driving through the stunning Tradouw Pass to Barrydale (35km) for breakfast. Afterward, we’ll visit several wine estates before arriving at our final destination, the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve.
The Tradouw Pass, which translates to 'Women's Path' in Khoisan, was historically used by women gathering honey and berries. This 16-kilometer drive takes you through some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery on offer in the Langeberg Mountains.
The pass was built in 1868 by Thomas Bain, a prolific road building pioneer responsible for the planning and construction of more than 900km of roads and mountain passes in South Africa, many of them still in use today.
Our breakfast stop will be at one of the many restaurants in Barrydale, nestled in a narrow valley at the base of the Langeberg Mountains. Founded by 19th-century merchant Joseph Barry, Barrydale retains its timeless countryside charm, reflecting its rich history.
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1h
No visit to Barrydale is complete without stopping by the Joseph Barry Distillery, one of South Africa’s premier craft brandy producers, crafting exquisite Cape Brandy since 1941. Each bottle in the Joseph Barry range captures the unique essence of the rugged Klein Karoo terroir, transforming it into something truly exceptional.
Recently, at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards, Joseph Barry Cape Brandy earned recognition in the esteemed Trophy category, with both their XO and VS brandy, crafted acccording to the traditional French Cognac method, taking top honors.
Joseph Barry, both the founder of the distillery and the town of Barrydale, was an entrepreneur of the highest order. English by birth, with an early education in all things wine and spirit in Europe, he settled in the Cape Colony in 1817. He was quick to set up a trading company in the Swellendam area of the Klein Karoo, pushing merchandise from the area down the trade routes to Cape Town.
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2h
Next, we’ll drive for 60km to the charming town of Montagu, famous for its Muscadel, a sweet fortified red wine made from Muscat grapes, as well as its healing hot springs. We’ll take a coffee break here before continuing for another 20km to Van Loveren Family Vineyards via the breathtaking Cogmanskloof Pass, also constructed by Thomas Bain and completed in 1877 as one of the first inland routes through the Cape Fold Mountains.
The beautiful Van Loveren Winery has established itself as South Africa's leading family-owned winery, renowned for its consistent quality and award-winning wines.
We’ll enjoy lunch during our visit, and you’re welcome to join a cellar tour, explore the stunning grounds, or simply unwind in the beautiful gardens. It’s a perfect opportunity to soak in the serene surroundings and enjoy the charm of the estate!
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Graham Beck Estate (Robertson)
2h
Before we set off for the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve, we’ll make an exciting stop just 20km away at one of South Africa's premier Cap Classique producers, Graham Beck!
The term Cap Classique has been un use in South Africa since 1992, reflecting our sparkling wines’ adherence to the same meticulous methods used in France. Since we're not allowed to label them as “Champagnes” here, we embrace our own unique identity with the name: Cap (Cape) Classique (classic French method).
Get ready to taste some truly exceptional bubbly and stock up for the evening camping at Africamps, Pat Busch.
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12h
Our last stop for the day, located 22km away, is the incredible experience of glamping at Africamps in the beautiful Pat Busch Mountain Reserve!
This private nature reserve boasts breathtaking mountain fynbos, serene wooded streams, and inviting hiking trails. You can enjoy paddling in the farm dam or relaxing by the saltwater pool, all while soaking in the stunning views.
You’ll be staying in a comfortable glamping tent, which includes a cozy bedroom, bathroom, living and dining area, kitchen, and an outdoor braai area with spectacular vistas of the Langeberg Mountains.
Since our accommodation is self-catering, there will be time for you to shop for food and drinks. However, Africamps offers a convenient option to order a braai basket for R250 per person and a breakfast basket for R180 per person. If you’d like to take advantage of these delicious options, please let your tour guide know the day before, and they’ll arrange for the baskets to be delivered right to your tent!
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2h
After a leisurely morning—perhaps enjoying a swim, breakfast, or a hike—we'll set off on a scenic 85km drive to the impressive Bosjes Farm, nestled in the picturesque Breede River Valley. Here, you can take in the spectacular views as well as the charming blend of historical architecture and modern additions. The chapel, with its distinctive undulating white roof that appears to float on a pool of water is a fine example of contemporary South African architecture, and definitely worth a visit.
Bosjes, which means "small bushes," is a working farm known for its exquisite wines, local olive oil, and vibrant flower fields. The contemporary restaurant offers mouth-watering meals, alongside a pantry-style delicatessen and a tea garden that boasts spectacular vistas.
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Bainskloof Pass
1h
After lunch we will continue for 45km via via the incredible Bainskloof Pass to the beautiful Doolhof Wine Estate where we will stay for the night glamping at another Africamps destination.
Bainskloof Pass, built in 1854, was constructed by Thomas Bain's father, road engineer Andrew Geddes Bain with the use of convict labor reaching 594m at its highest point.
Originally built for horse-drawn traffic, the pass was later paved and named in their honor. Today the pass is a national monument.
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Doolhof Wine Estate
12h
Doolhof Wine Estate, or "Labyrinth" in English, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century when Huguenot settlers introduced grape varieties for wine and brandy production in 1728.
The current farm was established in 1993, with high-quality wine grapes first planted in 1995. By 2005, it had earned Wine Estate status, and its wines have since won numerous prestigious awards.
Upon your arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary wine tasting to sample their award-winning selections.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a comfortable Africamps glamping tent, similar to those at Pat Busch, but this time nestled among the vineyards and complete with a hot tub for stargazing!
As with any Africamps stay, you can also order a braai or breakfast basket in advance. There is also a restaurant on-site, open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday to Sunday.
A notable part of Doolhof’s history is that Andrew Geddes Bain lived here while constructing Bain’s Kloof Pass in the 1840s.
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Babylonstoren
3h · Admission ticket not included
After breakfast at Mila Restaurant in Doolhof, we'll continue our journey to the Franschhoek Valley (French Corner), once known as the Olifantshoek Valley due to its vast elephant herds. Originally inhabited by the Khoisan, the valley became home to nearly 300 French Huguenots in 1688, leading to its new name, the French Corner, or Franschoek. Today, it’s renowned as one of South Africa's premier wine regions.
Our first stop, 35km away, is the stunning Babylonstoren Wine Estate, one of the oldest and most picturesque estates in the area. The highlight of this estate is its breathtaking 5-hectare garden, inspired by the famous Company’s Garden in Cape Town. In addition to the gardens, Babylonstoren offers excellent wine tastings, fine food, an informative wine museum, and a captivating living museum where visitors can observe and interact with artisans as they engage in milling, forging and distilling.
The shuttle to and from the living museum costs R 350 per person.
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Franschhoek
12h
After our visit to Babylonstoren, we’ll travel another 22 km to the charming town of Franschhoek, celebrated as South Africa's food and wine capital. We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy lunch and explore the town’s historical sites, art galleries, wine estates, and fine dining restaurants.
Our pick of wine estates to visit would be:
L'Ormarins for Cap Classique
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, and
Leeu Estates known for their award winning wines, excellent art gallery and fine dining restaurant, La Petite Colombe.
After Franschoek we will continue for 17km to Boschendal Wine Estate where we will stay for our last two nights at Camp Canoe, a luxury glamping site situated on a beautiful peak on the wine estate.
Each tent is fully secluded with all the luxury camping essentials you'll need. All tents come complete with a sumptuous king-size bed with luxury linen, your own wood fired hot tub, a cosy fireplace for in the cooler months, a full kitchenette and a weber braai on deck.
