The Scenic Cape

Take an early evening flight from London to Cape Town, arriving in time for breakfast. You’ll pick up your hire car from the airport and self-drive to Welgelegen Guest House, a charming boutique property wonderfully located in a leafy cul-de-sac just below Table Mountain.

You will find yourself in a great position from which to immerse yourself in Cape Town’s many attractions, from the sun-kissed coastline to the marvellous restaurants, period buildings and vibrant nightlife collected around the marina. Be sure to take the cable car at least once to the top of Table Mountain as soon as the sky is clear. When the ‘tablecloth’ (the locals’ nickname for clouds) is on, the clouds obscure the fantastic city-and-sea view.

Stay: Three nights in a superior room at Welgelegen – bed and breakfast

Your next drive takes you into the heart of the Cape Winelands where you’ll be staying at a 300-year-old working farmstead. Dramatically framed by mountains and swathes of vineyards, the historic Boschendal farm is not only a national monument but an acclaimed food and wine destination. With its own fruit trees, vegetable gardens and growing herd of free-range Angus cattle, you can expect to enjoy the best of farm-to-table cuisine, alongside award-winning wines.

You’ll have free range of the farm during your stay, with the opportunity for wine tastings, horseback riding, fly-fishing and scenic bike rides through the mountain fynbos. Picnics, sundowners and under-the-stars dining can also be arranged.

Stay: Three nights in a cottage at Boschendal – bed and breakfast

Your next port of call is the Cederberg. Making up some 160,000 hectares of preserved natural wilderness, this is a region of spectacular rock formations, plunging ravines, gushing waterfalls and ancient rock art painted by the San and Khoi people – the region’s oldest inhabitants. As well as these natural splendours, the Cederberg will also introduce you to charming towns filled with art galleries, private wine cellars and fascinating historic sites.

The Cederberg is a real adventurer’s playground, offering countless hiking, mountaineering, canoeing, stargazing and swimming opportunities. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will be delighted to find the area rich in bird, plant and wildlife, with unique species such as the Cape Mountain Zebra and Cape Mountain leopard to be spotted.

You’ll stay at the luxurious Cederberg Ridge wilderness lodge, complete with stunning panoramic views of the Cederberg Mountains. Here, adventure-filled days are concluded with sundowners and storytelling around the fire-pit.

Stay: Three nights in a luxury suite at Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge – full board

Your final three nights will be spent unwinding in the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster, a place known for its laidback lifestyle and friendly locals.

Days here are perfect for relaxing with a good book, however those feeling more active will find many walks to be enjoyed along the beach in search of dolphins and whales. Kayaks are also available for those who want to get onto the water. You can also explore the town itself and its collection of superb seafood restaurants, each with their own unique view of the sea and natural surroundings.

Stay: Three nights in a courtyard room at Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel – bed and breakfast

Today you’ll drive to Cape Town airport where you will return your hire car and check-in for your departure flight back to London.