GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE, GANSBAAI – FOR TOTAL IMMERSION INTO NATURE

“One of our favourite places in all of Africa, idyllically located in the  fynbos-covered hills overlooking Walker Bay, with a host of imaginative, one-of-a-kind activities.

Nestled between mountain and sea, Grootbos is a melting pot of biodiversity, culture and natural wonder. Blending harmoniously into the pristine natural environment, two incomparable lodges – the serene Forest Lodge and vibrant Garden Lodge, and two secluded private villas, Sunrise and Fynbos, offer the ultimate in luxury and style. Enveloped in rare flora and fauna, Grootbos enjoys super-easy access to the Marine Five: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins. But you don’t have to set foot outside this 600-acre reserve: there’s an almost endless amount of unforgettable experiences to be enjoyed on-site.

BIRKENHEAD HOUSE & VILLAS, HERMANUS – FOR THE PINNACLE OF SEASIDE LIVING

Superbly poised above the whale-watching paradise of Walker Bay, in incredibly unspoilt natural surroundings, just a three-minute drive from the centre of Hermanus and with easy walks in all directions, the beauty, elegance and charisma of Birkenhead House and Villas are almost impossible to describe. Couple that with first-rate hospitality, top-notch food at every meal and glorious bursts of colour dotted throughout and you have a little slice of seaside heaven!

Three different houses, cascading from the road to the ocean, make up this outstanding property: its uniquely themed rooms further adding to the warm, welcoming, grown-up, almost house-party-like vibe. Quirky, super-comfy and with the best views over the bay, Rooms One and Two are top of our list: Room One, with its direct ocean views from the king-size Louis Farouk antique bed, is heaven for whale-watchers and, next door, Room Two – small, but perfectly formed – is the epitome of glamour. Overall, an unbeatable bolthole in which to relax and feel rejuvenated by the ocean, the soothing massages, coral-coloured sunsets, fresh seafood and long strolls on the beach.

Hermanus is one of the best land‑based places in the world to watch whales – the greatest chance being between June and December. The town even boasts its very own crier who blows a horn when a whale is spotted, giving everyone a chance to watch from their lookout spot!

Hugging the coastline and boasting a seven-and-a-half-mile path for walkers and hikers alike, the Hermanus Cliff Path takes you on an epic visual journey along the ravishingly rugged coastline from the new harbour to Grotto Beach. Many benches are dotted along the route to sit and watch the whales or to soak up those epic ocean views (some of the best spots being Gearings Point, Old Harbour, Roman Rock, Mickey, Kraal Rock and Silvers Point). The waters along this Western Cape coastline are also the best place to spot the Marine Five: the South African Fur Seal, Southern Right Whale, African Penguin, Great White Shark and Bottlenose Dolphin, so keep your eyes peeled!

Gansbaai is situated in the centre of many small bays with miles of unspoiled beaches and nature reserves and approximately 1500 species of fynbos, ancient Milkwood forests, rocky inlets, caves and mesmerising views across Walker Bay. Take a whale-watching boat tour, or take to the skies on a scenic flight to view these wondrous creatures from above. Try a sea-kayaking adventure or a zip-lining tour; and don’t miss a visit to the African Penguin and Sea Bird Sanctuary to learn more about the fascinating work done to conserve the area’s marine life.

Grootbos, meanwhile, is a destination in itself, with every kind of activity imaginable… Superlative botanical safaris in an open-top Land Rover, guided bird-watching walks, horse-riding down to the beach or through the fynbos, walks and hikes for all fitness levels to immerse you into the Cape Floral Kingdom and Fat Bike adventures along trails through the Cape fynbos and into dune moonscapes – it’s all absolutely mind-blowing!”