6 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Whales & Wine Routes
This thoughtfully designed 6-day South Africa itinerary is perfect for travellers who want big highlights without rushing, combining vibrant cities, dramatic coastal scenery, whale encounters, and some of the finest wine regions in Africa. Begin in Cape Town, travel along the coast to Hermanus, then head inland to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
6 Days
South Africa
From $2,400
Journey overview
This thoughtfully designed 6-day South Africa itinerary is perfect for travellers who want big highlights without rushing, combining vibrant cities, dramatic coastal scenery, whale encounters, and some of the finest wine regions in Africa. Begin in Cape Town, travel along the coast to Hermanus, then head inland to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Dry-season Greater Kruger from May–September, with Cape Town and the Winelands as a breathing finish.
This is a starting point. We refine lodges, flying days and pacing around who is travelling, the season and how you like to spend a safari afternoon.
What to expect
Every Shishi Footsteps journey is shaped around you. This itinerary is a starting framework — we refine camps, transfers and pacing once we know your dates, travellers and interests.
Activities on this journey
Private game drives in Greater Kruger reserves
Cape Town city and peninsula touring
Winelands tastings and garden routes
Whale watching on the southern coast
Bush walks with specialist guides
Full Itinerary
1
Arrival in Cape Town
Cape Heritage Hotel
Welcome to the Mother City! Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and collect your rental car. Your journey begins with a scenic drive into the city, where mountain views, ocean air, and vibrant energy immediately set the tone. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed walk around the V&A Waterfront.
BreakfastAccommodation, breakfastSunset stroll at Sea Point promenade
2
Cape Town Exploration & Sunset Champagne Cruise
Cape Heritage Hotel
Today is dedicated to discovering Cape Town's diverse highlights. Popular options include Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and coastal drives to Camps Bay. As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset champagne cruise from the V&A Waterfront — an unforgettable way to experience Cape Town from the water.
BreakfastBreakfast, sunset champagne cruiseHop-on hop-off bus tour, helicopter flip
3
Coastal Drive to Hermanus & Vineyard Views
The Marine Hermanus
After breakfast, drive along the scenic coastline toward Hermanus. This charming seaside town is internationally known for land-based whale watching during the season, as well as its relaxed atmosphere and coastal walking paths. Later, head to Benguela Cove Wine Estate.
BreakfastBreakfast, wine tasting at Benguela CoveWhale watching boat tour (seasonal)
4
Penguins, Passes & Franschhoek Wine Country
Le Petit Manoir
Depart Hermanus after breakfast and journey inland to Franschhoek, with scenic stops along the way. Highlights include Stony Point Nature Reserve's African penguin colony and views over Theewaterskloof Dam. Arrive in Franschhoek, known for its French heritage, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional wines.
BreakfastBreakfast, MCC tasting, motor museum entryFranschhoek wine tram
5
Stellenbosch & Return to Cape Town
Cape Heritage Hotel
Today, drive through the scenic Helshoogte Pass to Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa's wine industry. Explore the historic town centre on foot, admire Cape Dutch architecture, and enjoy time at one of the surrounding wine estates. Later in the afternoon, return to Cape Town for your final evening.
BreakfastBreakfast, wine tastingStellenbosch golf round, cellar tour
6
Departure or Extend Your Journey
Departure Day
After breakfast, drive to Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight. Would you like to extend your adventure? This itinerary pairs beautifully with a luxury safari experience, the Garden Route, or a beach escape along South Africa's coast. Shishi Footsteps will tailor the next chapter for you.
Johannesburg and Cape Town are major hubs. Scheduled and charter flights connect Kruger reserves; self-drive suits the Cape and Garden Route.
Climate
The interior bushveld dry season runs May to September. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate — warm dry summers and cooler wet winters. The Garden Route is mild year-round.
Best time to visit
May to September for safari; September to November for whales near Hermanus. We often finish with Cape Town or the Winelands after bush time.