This seaside spot is famous for the annual gathering of mighty southern right whales in its shallow bay between August and October. These gentle giants flirt, mate and even calf here, giving Hermanus its global reputation as a key whale-watching site. Luxurious Birkenhead House welcomes you to its magnificent cliff-top setting overlooking Walker Bay. Contemporary, stylish design and interesting, opulent furnishings make this hotel a haven of comfort you may feel hard pressed to leave. The sun deck’s loungers offer a perfect spot for gazing out over the ocean, with its intensely aquamarine water and, in whale season, the telltale tail flukes of southern rights at play or the powerful crash of a breeching male. Perfectly located to explore one of the most rewarding and diverse shorelines in the country, we can happily organise outdoor activities like kayaking, quad biking and diving. Hermanus is also near South Africa's shark-cage diving capital, Gansbaai. Encounter a great white shark in its natural habitat from the safety of an underwater cage on an unforgettable trip to Dyer Island. Once you have had your fill of all the outdoor excitement, slip into Birkenhead House’s plush spa and wellness centre for soul and body pampering. As the ocean breeze turns, enjoy a sunset cocktail before dinner. Birkenhead House's restaurant serves superb fusion cuisine, a subtle mixture of Cape seafood, traditional French techniques and strong Asian and Italian influences. Choose your favourite dining spot - beside the pool, in your suite or overlooking the ocean.

From here, a short light aircraft flight whisks you to Madikwe Game Reserve and the wild setting of Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, considered one of the best lodges in the area. Surrounded by a breath-taking tableau of tangled acacia woodlands, open plains and towering rocky peaks, this lavish, intimate lodge reflects an elegant style with distinctive African accents. After settling into your villa, join your host at the main lodge to plan your activities for the next two days. With its prime position, owner-run Jamala Madikwe is the ideal base from which to discover the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of this malaria-free game reserve. Madikwe is home to wide range of classic savannah animals and desert-adapted species, as well as the Big 5 and very rare wild dogs. Game drives dominate the safari activities at Jamala. An early start is required for the morning drive but you are rewarded with coffee, tea and delicious snacks while on safari plus a mouth-watering brunch on your return. Afternoons are spent at leisure - cool off with a dip in your private pool or stake out the lodge's waterhole - but after a decadent high tea the excitement rises again with the afternoon drive that morphs into a spot-lit evening drive after sundowner drinks. Arriving back at the lamp-lit lodge brings the day's adventure to a close but Jamala has one more trump card: award-winning cuisine, served under a canopy of Africa’s star-studded, inky skies. The night sounds of the Kalahari float on the air, providing a safari lullaby as you slip between cool cotton sheets.

Sit back and allow the memories of the last two weeks to wash over you: Table Mountain, sipping fine wine among verdant vineyards, golden beaches and breaching whales, the roar of a lion at dusk and the silent tread of elephants - images and sensations that journey home with you.