SPECIAL OFFER – Whales and Safaris in South Africa – Cape Town, Hermanus and Kruger

Whales and Safaris in South Africa – Cape Town, Hermanus and Kruger

9–21 October 2026 – 13 days / 10 nights

A comprehensive itinerary that brings together the different facets of South Africa: the beauty of Cape Town, the whales of Hermanus, the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the thrill of an authentic safari in the Greater Kruger.

A perfectly balanced trip combining the freedom of self-drive with guided safaris, designed for couples and independent travellers who wish to discover the best of South Africa in a single experience.

• Departure from Rome Fiumicino
• Ethiopian Airlines flights via Addis Ababa
• Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
• Two nights in Hermanus
• Whale-watching boat trip
• Stay in the Cape Winelands
• Domestic flight Cape Town–Hoedspruit
• Safari in Kruger National Park and the Balule Private Game Reserve
• Walking safari and Panorama Route
• Cancellation, medical and luggage insurance included
• Price per person: € 3,000
• Price based on 2 participants sharing a twin room
• Limited availability

South Africa in October: whales, vineyards and safaris in a single trip

An itinerary that brings together some of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes and exciting experiences.

The journey begins in Cape Town, one of the world’s most fascinating cities, which you can explore at your leisure alongside the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

The journey continues to Hermanus, one of the best destinations for spotting southern right whales, with a boat trip already included in the programme.

After a night amongst the vineyards of Stellenbosch, a domestic flight takes you directly to Hoedspruit, in the heart of Greater Kruger, to experience safaris in a private reserve and in the famous Kruger National Park.

The first part of the trip is a self-drive tour, whilst all safari activities are organised and led by English-speaking rangers.

Why choose this trip

• A comprehensive itinerary taking in the ocean, vineyards and savannah;
• Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula at your leisure;
• whale watching by boat in Hermanus;
• stay in the Cape Winelands;
• direct domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit;
• safari in the Balule Private Game Reserve;
• full-day safari in Kruger National Park;
• walking safari accompanied by a ranger;
• traditional bush braai under the stars;
• Two scenic stops along the Panorama Route during the transfer to Johannesburg;
• international flights and insurance included;
• excellent value for money.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1 – 9 October 2026 – Departure from Rome

Departure from Rome Fiumicino Airport at 23:00 on an Ethiopian Airlines direct flight to Addis Ababa. Meals and overnight stay on board.

Day 2 – 10 October 2026 – Arrival in Cape Town

Arrival at Addis Ababa Airport at 05:40. After a 3-hour stopover, departure at 08:40 on an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for South Africa. Arrival at Cape Town International Airport at 14:10. After completing immigration formalities and collecting luggage, we’ll pick up our hire car and set off for the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to get your first taste of the Mother City.

Overnight stay: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Room: Standard double
Board: bed and breakfast.

Day 3 – 11 October 2026 – Free time in Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. A full day at your leisure to explore Cape Town and its main attractions. Depending on the weather and your interests, you may wish to visit:

• Table Mountain;
• the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood;
• the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront;
• the historic centre;
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden;
• Robben Island.

You have the day to yourself and visits are not included, allowing you to organise your own itinerary at your own pace. 

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Accommodation: bed and breakfast.

Day 4 – 12 October 2026 – The Cape Peninsula

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day to spend exploring the spectacular Cape Peninsula, one of South Africa’s most beautiful scenic routes. The itinerary may include:

• Camps Bay;
• Hout Bay;
• Chapman’s Peak Drive;
• Cape Point;
• Cape of Good Hope;
• Boulders Beach and the African penguin colony;
• Simon’s Town.

Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Visits, entrance fees and meals for the day are not included and are at your own expense.

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Accommodation: bed and breakfast.

Day 5 – 13 October 2026 – Cape Town – Hermanus

Breakfast and departure by car for Hermanus. The coastal route offers splendid views of the ocean and the mountains. Depending on road conditions and the time available, it may be possible to drive part of the scenic Clarence Drive. Arrival in Hermanus, a town renowned as one of the world’s best destinations for whale-watching from the coast. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day is free to stroll along the Cliff Path and admire the ocean views.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel
Room: Sea-facing double
Board: bed and breakfast.

Day 6 – 14 October 2026 – Whale watching in Hermanus

Breakfast at the hotel. A day spent exploring Hermanus and its surroundings. Take part in an exciting boat trip to spot whales. During the trip, depending on sightings and sea conditions, you’ll be able to see:

• southern right whales;
• humpback whales;
• dolphins;
• Cape fur seals;
• numerous species of seabirds.

October is still part of the whale-watching season along the Western Cape coast. At the end of the excursion, there will be free time to continue exploring Hermanus. The activity is subject to weather and sea conditions.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel
Meals: bed and breakfast.

Day 7 &– 15 October 2026 – Hermanus – Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands

Breakfast and departure for the famous Cape Winelands. Arrival in Stellenbosch, a historic town known for its Cape Dutch-style buildings, tree-lined streets, boutiques and the numerous wineries surrounding the town centre. During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some wineries at your own pace and take part in South African wine tastings. Check-in at the hotel and evening at leisure. Tastings, entrance fees and meals are not included and are at your own expense.

Accommodation: Oude Werf Hotel
Room: Comfy double
Accommodation type: bed and breakfast.

Day 8 – 16 October 2026 – Stellenbosch – Cape Town – Hoedspruit – Greater Kruger

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Cape Town International Airport. Return of the hire car and check-in procedures. Departure at 10.15 am on an Airlink flight to Hoedspruit. Arrival at theHoedspruit Airport at 12:45, meet the driver and transfer to the Balule Private Game Bungalow double. In the afternoon, departure for the first safari in an open 4x4 vehicle. The experience continues with a traditional bush braai under the stars and an exciting night-time safari.

Accommodation: Tremisana Game Lodge
Meals: full board from dinner (drinks not included)

Day 9 – 17 October 2026 – Walking safari and sunset safari

Early morning departure for a walking safari accompanied by qualified rangers along the Olifants River. The walking safari allows you to observe the natural environment from a different perspective and to learn how to recognise footprints, tracks, plants and small details of the savannah. Return to the lodge for lunch and free time. In the afternoon, set off on another safari in an open 4x4 vehicle in the private reserve, with an aperitif at sunset.

Accommodation: Tremisana Game Lodge
Meals: full board (drinks not included)

Day 10 – 18 October 2026 - Full day in Kruger National Park

A day entirely dedicated to a photo safari in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most important nature reserves. The safari will take place in the areas most promising forspotting wildlife, following the rangers’ guidance and the animals’ movements. During the day, you’ll have the chance to look out for:

• lions;
• elephants;
• leopards;
• rhinoceroses;
• buffalo;
• giraffes;
• zebras;
• antelopes and numerous species of birds.

Lunch will be on your own at one of the park’s rest camps. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Tremisana Game Lodge
Meals: breakfast and dinner (drinks not included)

Day 11 – 19 October 2026 – Dawn safari, and return to Johannesburg

Final dawn safari in the private reserve, followed by breakfast. Departure for Johannesburg via the spectacular Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most picturesque scenic routes. Scenic stops are planned at God’s Window and Three Rondavels. Arrival in the evening near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight stay: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Room: Standard double
Meals: bed and breakfast.

Day 12 – 20 October 2026 – Departure from Johannesburg

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport by the hotel shuttle and check-in.  Departure from Johannesburg International Airport at 14:30 on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa. Arrival in Addis Ababa at 20:45. After a stopover of 3 hours and 30 minutes, departure at 00:15 on a direct flight to Rome. Meals and overnight stay on board.

Day 13 – 21 October 2026 – Arrival in Italy

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 05:45. End of services.

Accommodation for the trip

City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: The City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is conveniently situated for the famous Waterfront and Cape Town’s main attractions. It is a casual and functional hotel, particularly well-suited as a base for exploring the city and the Cape Peninsula. Accommodation is for three nights in a Standard double room with breakfast included.

Windsor Hotel – Hermanus: The Windsor Hotel is situated on the Hermanus seafront and enjoys a splendid location overlooking the ocean. Accommodation is for two nights in a Sea-Facing double room with breakfast included.

Oude Werf Hotel – Stellenbosch: Situated in the historic centre of Stellenbosch, theOude Werf Hotel offers easy access to the town’s restaurants, shops and attractions. Accommodation is for one night in a Comfy double room with breakfast included.

Tremisana Game Lodge – Balule Private Game Reserve: The Tremisana Game Lodge is situated in the Balule Private Game Reserve, within the vast Greater Kruger ecosystem. It is a simple, informal lodge surrounded by nature, ideal for those wishing to experience an authentic safari and take part in a wide range of activities. Accommodation is for three nights in a double bungalow.

Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport: The Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport offers comfortable accommodation near Johannesburg Airport. Accommodation is for one night in a Standard double room with breakfast.

What makes this trip special

• Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula to explore at your own pace;
• two nights in Hermanus during whale-watching season;
• whale watching by boat included;
• stay in the heart of the Cape Winelands;
• direct domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit;
• safari in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area;
• full-day safari in Kruger National Park;
• walking safari accompanied by a ranger;
• night safari and bush braai;
• Panorama Route during the transfer to Johannesburg;
• flights and insurance included.

The price includes

• Ethiopian Airlines flights from Rome Fiumicino;
• airport taxes;
• airline’s baggage allowance;
• Airlink domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit;
• car hire from Cape Town;
• three nights at the City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, including breakfast;
• two nights at the Windsor Hotel in Hermanus, breakfast included;
• one night at theOude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch, breakfast included;
• one night at the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport, breakfast included;
• three nights at Tremisana Game Lodge, meals as specified in the itinerary;
• accommodation in a twin room;
• whale-watching boat trip;
• transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Balule Private Game Reserve;
• safari in open 4x4 vehicles;
• safari in the Balule Private Game Reserve;
• night safari;
• bush braai;
• walking safari;
• full-day safari in Kruger National Park;
• entrance fees to the parks and reserves included in the programme;
• 2 scenic stops along the Panorama Route during the transfer to Johannesburg;
• cancellation, medical and baggage insurance;
• registration fee.

The fee does not include

• fuel;
• tolls;
• any parking charges;
• entrance fees and activities during the self-drive portion not expressly indicated;
• meals not specifically mentioned;
• lunch during the safari in Kruger National Park;
• drinks;
• tips;
• personal expenses;
• optional activities;
• services not expressly mentioned under the heading “The price includes”;
• any currency, airport or fuel surcharges notified prior to departure.

Whales and safaris in South Africa in October

October is a particularly interesting time for an itinerary combining Hermanus and the Greater Kruger.

The southern right whale season along the Western Cape coast generally lasts until November. Hermanus therefore still offers good chances of sightings, both during boat trips and along the scenic paths overlooking the ocean.

It is spring in Cape Town: the days are gradually getting longer and milder, although the weather can remain changeable.

In Greater Kruger, temperatures are higher and the dry season is drawing to a close. The vegetation is generally still sparse and the animals continue to frequent the waterholes, creating good conditions for safaris.

Why choose South African Dream

South African Dream is a tour operator specialising in travel to southern Africa, with its operational headquarters in South Africa.

We have first-hand knowledge of the region, the itineraries, the reserves and the accommodation we offer. This enables us to provide accurate information, select authentic experiences and assist travellers both before departure and during their stay.

The combination of self-drive and organised safaris allows you to enjoy your trip with great freedom, whilst having all the most important services already booked.

Book your Whale Watching and Safari trip

Travel from 9 to 21 October 2026 and discover the many facets of South Africa: Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the whales of Hermanus, the vineyards of Stellenbosch and safaris in the Greater Kruger.

Price per person: € 3,000

Price based on 2 participants sharing a double room.

The price includes Ethiopian Airlines flights from Rome Fiumicino, the domestic flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruit, and cancellation, medical cover and baggage cover.

Fill in the form at the bottom of the page to check availability

Seats, airfares and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.

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