The Last Word Long Beach

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

A South African Fortnight

Classic Safari + 1 more + 2 more

A two-week classic adventure through the best of South Africa.

14 days

from £3,595 pp

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

Romantic Safari + 2 more + 3 more

South Africa Safari & Beach

South Africa, Mauritius

A seamless South Africa and Mauritius holiday.

14 days

from £4,450 pp

Safari Wildlife & Nature + 1 more + 2 more

Waterfalls to Waterfront

South Africa, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Kruger & Cape Town.

11 days

from £4,950 pp

Kruger, Canyons & Cape

Safari Wildlife & Nature + 2 more + 3 more

The perfect South African summer holiday.

14 days

from £3,995 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in South Africa

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive runs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Amazingly until the road was opened in 1922 after 7 years of construction, there was no way from Hout Bay southwards down the peninsula, except to cross over the central mountain ridge and head down the opposite, eastern side. As well as its logistical benefits to local residents, the road is now one of the great marine drives in the world. Picnic spots and viewpoints are dotted along the 9 kilometre route, and you should take advantage of these to get out and appreciate the amazing views over the cliffs, beaches, coves and mountains of the Cape Peninsula. In whale season, you may well even see the telltale spout, or flipper, or even a full breach of one of these massive creatures. As you explore the Cape Peninsula it’s likely you pass over Chapman’s Peak Drive as it is the link between Cape Town and the southern peninsula, but don’t treat it just as another part of the journey: it’s much too spectacular for that!

World Of Birds

World of Birds, found in the quiet seaside town of Hout Bay, aims to offer a wildlife experience to the city-dwellers from nearby Cape Town, and in so doing, raise awareness for conservation efforts. The largest bird park in Africa, it’s home to over 3,000 birds, some of which are rare, such as the bald ibis, and some of which are simply spectacular, like the crowned crane. World of Birds is also home to some small mammals, like meerkats, and reptiles, like iguanas, so is a wonderful place to bring kids, although adults will appreciate it just as much!

Cape Peninsula by Sidecar

The Cape Peninsula is a stunning drive, but why not add to the experience by climbing into your vintage WWII sidecar with your expert guide. First, you wind your way down to Hout Bay, a thrilling route passing trendy suburbs and exquisite beach locations. Board a boat heading out to the island, keeping an eye out for dolphin pods, whales and abundant birdlife. Enter the water, for an unforgettable snorkelling experience, the seals surrounding you, often mimicking your movements. Your journey continues on to the oak-lined village lanes of Noordhoek and then to the Cape Peninsula. Here, you admire panoramic vistas from the Cape Point Lighthouse, reached by the funicular. Hiking along the trails, you look out for indigenous flora and fauna, and explore some of the rock pools, shipwreck beaches and sheltered coves of this historic region. The journey continues to Simon’s Town, where you go in search of a colony of rogue penguins, taking the opportunity to take stand-up paddle boards across kelp beds and viewing these fascinating creatures from a different vantage point. Explore the harbour town of Kalk Bay, chatting to the fishing folk and browsing through bohemian and arty shops. End your tour sampling craft beer and local gin at Muizenberg, soaking up the atmospheric vibe, surrounded by surfers and interesting locals.

Simon's Town

Simon’s Town is wonderfully anachronistic. Its history as a British naval base is evident not just in the deepwater harbour still used by the vessels of the South African navy, but also in its architecture. The main street is lined by Edwardian arcades, delicate pastel coloured buildings with fine ironwork balconies and supports, that have been combined with the curved gables of traditional Cape Dutch architecture. The effect is like a Sussex seaside town that has been uprooted and moved to the Cape Peninsula. Most famous for the penguin-packed Boulder's Beach, much of the appeal of Simon’s Town is admiring this architecture, as well as learning about the naval history of the town typified by the quirky story of Just Nuisance, a dog who was a companion to Navy sailors and was eventually enlisted in the Royal Navy, and whose statue now stands on the shoreline. There are also a number of good seafood restaurants in Simon’s Town, suitable for a lunch stop and it’s also the place to park to get down to Boulders Beach to see the penguins.

Llandudno beach

The town of Llandudno seems impossibly located on the steep slopes where the Cape Peninsula falls into the ocean. A narrow road winds its way past houses that enjoy some of the best views in the country, down to a small car park from where you access the beach. The beach itself is about 600 metres long and nestled in a cove; it is popular with those who know the peninsula well, but you can always find yourself a spot to sit and soak up the sun. A man wonders up and down the beach with a cool box selling refreshing drinks, and there are always a few people surfing. If you’re going to try this, or go for a swim, remember it’s the Atlantic Ocean and even in the middle of summer, it’s going to be very cold!