Waking Up in the Wild: A South African Adventure with Newmarket Holidays

If you'd told me last year that I’d be watching elephants take a morning stroll past my lodge while sipping coffee in my pyjamas, I would’ve laughed. Fast forward a few months, and there I was—on a South African tour with Newmarket Holidays, absolutely living my best wildlife-documentary-meets-luxury-break life. This wasn't just a holiday. It was a full-on “Is this real life?” experience — crafted as the perfect introduction to South Africa, ticking off all the iconic sights and unforgettable moments every first-time visitor dreams of. One that I couldn’t recommend enough!

Hopping off the plane in Cape Town, there was no time for jet lag—we hit the ground running and wasted no time as we dived straight into our first excursion. En route to Hermanus, we made a pit stop at Stony Point, where we were greeted by a colony of African penguins. Between the sea breeze, the gorgeous coastal views, and the tuxedo-clad locals, it was the perfect South African hello.

We rolled into Hermanus for our one-night stay, a town best known for its whale-watching season (July to November, if you’re planning ahead). I visited in March, so I’d made peace with missing the big flippered celebs—but lo and behold, we spotted a whale spray in the distance! A blink and you’ll miss it moment, but magical all the same.

Our hotel, The Marine, was absolutely incredible. Think chic interiors, magnificent views, and a vibe so welcoming- it was safe to say, the Newmarket trip was off to a pretty dreamy start.

After a good night's sleep, we kicked off the day with a made-to-order breakfast with fresh pastries, continental breakfast options and—wait for it—a DIY Bloody Mary cart. (I was tempted but stuck with coffee… this time.) Bellies full and cameras at the ready, we hit the road to the Garden Route Game Lodge, nestled right in the heart of a private reserve where the wild things really do roam. 

And talk about a welcome party—two elephants casually wandered up as we drove in– I couldn’t contain my excitement. That evening, it was time for our very first game drive—and wow, did it deliver. In just one ride, we spotted rhino, buffalo, hippos, wildebeest, and even a cheetah!

One of my absolute favourite memories? We’d just seen the cheetah, and then we stopped for sundowners right there in the middle of the bush. Camera in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon, I had one of those “Is this real life?” moments. Then it was back to the lodge for a delicious three-course dinner (included, by the way), and some storytelling around the table.

An early start today, but when the wake-up call is a game drive at sunrise, you don’t exactly hit snooze. We met at 6:30 am (coffee in hand, obviously) and set off across the reserve. Driving through the soft morning light with nothing but nature sounds around was so peaceful and serene. We spotted a whole parade of wildlife—zebra (plus a baby!), elephants, rhino getting very up close, and the cheetah again! Oh, and the lions? Just chilling out in the sun, ready to settle in for a snooze. 

Post-wildlife adventures, we were rewarded with a delicious breakfast before some free time. My first stop was a massage at the lodge spa (only £20—yes, really!) and it was bliss. The rest of the day I spent lounging by the pool, soaking in the scenery, and watching elephants amble across the horizon. It is an image that I don’t think I will ever be able to replicate.

Our evening game drive had one mission: find a giraffe. Mission accomplished! We headed into a lush valley and came face-to-face (well, knee-to-face) with these elegant creatures. As we gazed at the giraffes, our game driver suggested sundowner drinks and WOW, what an experience! There’s nothing like sipping a cold drink in the wild, giraffes just metres away as the sun sets.  We returned to the lodge for a night of African music, dancing around the campfire, marshmallow roasting, and yet another delicious included three-course meal.

After seeing so many incredible animals, the choice was ours on what we wanted to try and spot again. Our group decided to head straight for the lions to see if we could spot them being more active. We couldn’t have asked for more, the 4 lions were tucking into their supper as we arrived, and at one point each of them stood at each side of the vehicle – I didn’t know where to look. 

It was time to say goodbye to the lodge as we headed on to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World! We visited an ostrich farm and yes, I tried the meat—very tasty! Then we went underground at the stunning Cango Caves—a totally different experience that really showed the tour’s variety.

By late afternoon, we arrived in Mossel Bay for our two-night stay. That evening, we headed out for dinner and took our guide’s advice: Café Gannet, the seafood spot locals rave about. Sushi and seafood lovers, this place is for you.  I sampled the seafood specialities and signature sushi and can confidently say it lived up to the name! 

After breakfast, we made our way to Knysna for a lovely lagoon cruise along the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Honestly, this place looked like it belonged on a postcard. We headed up to a headland for panoramic views, then chose to hike down. We did not regret it—every step was more stunning than the last.

We were welcomed back by a delicious buffet lunch, which was served at an outdoor restaurant under a picturesque canopy of milkwood trees. The food was again tremendously fresh and delicious, with a beautiful selection of fresh salad, meats and seafood. Moments like these cemented the exceptional value for money of this tour in my mind. We wrapped up with a bit of downtime exploring Knysna’s charming waterfront, then headed back to the hotel for another included dinner.

Time to swap safari hats for wine glasses. Today, we experienced another side of this wonderful country as we headed west into the Cape Winelands region. Landing in beautiful Franschhoek, where the streets are filled with boutique shops, cute cafés, and some of the best wine you’ll ever sip, it was difficult to choose which one to stop at to sample their famous wine.

After a wander and a bite, we had a wine tasting at Allee Bleue Wine Estate, a beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards, gardens and mountains. Later, we headed to Stellenbosch, checked into the gorgeous De Zalze Lodge, and enjoyed an evening of exploring the town’s foodie scene—so many restaurants, so little time.

Day eight unfolded with effortless charm. The morning began with a guided exploration of historic Stellenbosch, followed by another wine tasting at J.C. Le Roux, for a refined sparkling wine tasting, thoughtfully paired with delicate nougat infusions—each combination a delight to the senses. And to top the experience off? A beautifully presented three-course lunch in their elegant restaurant- all included! —We really were spoilt throughout this trip.

After lunch, the road swept us towards our grand finale: Cape Town, cradled by mountains and kissed by ocean breeze. With the sun high and the skies postcard-clear, we seized the moment and made a beeline for Table Mountain—an unmissable highlight. Ascending in a gently rotating cable car, we rose to the summit, over a thousand metres up, offering views that stopped conversation.

In the evening, the itinerary loosened its grip. With free time on our side, we wandered into Sea Point’s vibrant fold. With pre-dinner drinks at the effortlessly cool Maggy Lou’s to set the mood, followed by a sublime meal at Sonny and Irene. One word? Unmissable.

Day nine took us on a journey shaped by the coast and steeped in drama. Our route traced the cliff-hugging curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive—a ribbon of road carved between mountain and sea. The destination? Cape Point, where the Atlantic crashes into Africa’s rugged edge. We boarded the Flying Dutchman funicular, gliding up towards the lighthouse for sweeping, salt-swept views from the continent’s wildest tip.

In the afternoon, the tempo softened at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, tucked against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. As we wandered, our guide brought the landscape to life, pointing out blooming native flora like flowering proteas (the South African national flower). 

Night two in Cape Town brought another pocket of freedom, and we chased the sunset to Camps Bay. With ocean views and cocktails in hand, we settled into the golden hour at Chinchilla—an airy rooftop bar that lives up to the hype. Dinner followed at La Belle, one of many elegant eateries along the bay’s glittering strip.

With all major sights ticked off, day ten gifted us a full day to roam. We began with a poignant visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Deeply moving and insightful, it’s a Cape Town essential. We stopped by the Time Out Market for a spot of lunch, a food and cultural market that brings the best of the city together under one roof with award-winning chefs and much-loved local gems

The afternoon brought more wandering and a touch of retail therapy before we found ourselves, once again, drawn to the Waterfront’s magnetic charm. For dinner, we ate at La Parada—sharing small plates, soaking up the last light, and already nostalgic for a city we weren’t quite ready to leave.

The final day arrived, but even it had something special in store. With bags packed but time to spare, we joined a morning orientation tour, winding through Cape Town’s historic heart and the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap. One last lunch at the aptly named Life Grand Café gave us a moment to toast to an unforgettable journey—soul-stirring, sun-drenched, and seamlessly stitched together from start to finish.