Birkenhead House

South Africa Family Holiday

Family Safari + 1 more + 2 more

The ultimate family adventure through South Africa's highlights.

15 days

from £3,495 pp

including flights

Unexplored South Africa

Wildlife & Nature Luxury + 2 more + 3 more

Leave the tourist trail behind and experience a different South Africa.

14 days

from £9,350 pp

including flights

Classic South Africa

Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more

A classic South African holiday, with a few lesser-visited surprises.

17 days

from £3,655 pp

including flights

South Africa Express

Wildlife & Nature Express + 1 more + 2 more

A whistle-stop adventure packed with penguins, wine and wildlife.

10 days

from £3,050 pp

including flights

South African Grand Tour

Safari Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

Three weeks, one unforgettable road trip across South Africa’s greatest highlights.

21 days

from £4,295 pp

including flights

Bergs, Battlefields & Bush

Safari Adventure + 2 more + 3 more

Exploring the history & wildlife of KwaZulu-Natal.

13 days

from £4,750 pp

including flights

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in South Africa

Hemel en Aarde wine valley

Hemel En Aarde means “Heaven and Earth”, and is an apt description for this beautiful valley just outside Hermanus. Traditionally, the South African wine industry has been dominated by the Winelands region, to the north of Hermanus. But a combination of clay soils and cool breeze make the Hemel En Aarde valley a dead ringer for northern France, and so it produces some truly excellent wines, mainly Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Hamilton Russell estate in particular has produced some truly superb wines, amongst the very best in the country, whilst Bouchard Finlayson is also producing consistently superb wines. There are a number of other estates in the valley, and overall it is a very attractive place, gentle streams framed by towering mountains.

Drive the Whale Coast

It’s very likely that either on your way to or from The Whale Coast (or possibly both) you’ll drive along the road from the Sir Lowry Pass, south towards Hermanus. The road is one of the most spectacular in South Africa, and can hold its head high in the company of the great marine drives from around the world. At times clinging to what seems like an impossibly small ribbon with rocks towering above you on the inland side and a sheer drop on the other, the views out over Walker Bay and across to the distant Cape Peninsula are truly stunning; every corner you turn unveils a yet more impressive vista. As if this wasn’t enough, during whale season you have a very good chance of seeing one or more of these creatures, perhaps breeching in a spectacular sheet of spray in the waters below.

Shark Cage Diving

The waters off the Cape coast are one of the few places in the world that offer the exhilarating, adrenalin-fuelled experience of cage-diving with great white sharks. This takes place just off Dyer Island in Walker Bay, where huge numbers of seals attract these amazing predators to an area of water known as “Shark Alley”. Cage diving is possible on scuba gear and on snorkelling, so no previous diving experience is required. Sharks never attack the cages but do come very close, brushing the cage. They will also peer in, allowing you eye contact with these majestic creatures. The good cage diving outfits will seek to teach you about sharks, and are involved in monitoring and conservation projects, not just of the sharks but of a wide range of other marine wildlife. It’s an amazing experience and one you are unlikely to ever forget.

Hermanus Saturday Markets

Hermanus is famous for more than just the whales, and the Saturday markets are one example of this. There are several to choose from: there is a typical farmer’s market, where local farmers bring their organic produce to sell; there is also a “foodie” market, the Hermanuspietersfontein Boeremark, which focuses on more luxurious food, and the fantastic local wines; the Onrus market is parts arts and crafts market and part car boot sale, whilst there is another arts and craft market focused more on artwork and clothing. Basically if you enjoy shopping and browsing then you should try to leave yourself a free Saturday in Hermanus!

Hermanus Wine Hopper

Experience the spectacular Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley on a unique hop-on hop-off safari-style vehicle discovering the boutique wineries that are producing exceptional varietals, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Valley’s close proximity to the ocean as well as its unique geography and soil diversity are the key contributors to the exceptional quality of the wines. Flexibility is key, with your ticket valid for the day as you hop between the different estates, and your transport coming by every 30 minutes.