Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town. Set out, expectant for the day ahead with 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 on-lookers. 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. 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.

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 accommodation, 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.