Compare Cape Town Shark Dive by Acacia Africa vs Cycling the Cape & Winelands by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Accommodation: Comfortable Boutique backpackers hostel with shared facilities

Please Note: Our operator is in possession of a valid White Shark Cage Diving Operators Permit (issued by government), enabling us to work within the Dyer Island nature reserve area (copy of permit available upon request). Only long-standing operators, who are in compliance with certain safety regulations and code of conduct, are entitled to this permit. All our facilities are closely inspected by authorities on an annual basis, ensuring maximum safety for all our guests

This first day is an arrival day in Cape Town. Your accommodation is in a lively part of the city, near to some of its attractions. After checking in, the remainder of the day is at your own leisure and you can explore this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. The reception can suggest things you might like to do, depending on time. ‘Must sees’ in Cape Town include stunning beaches, the Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Peninsular Nature Reserve, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and of course Table Mountain, which dominates the skyline with its regular tablecloth of cloud. In the evening, why not try one of the many city restaurants offering a wide range of seafood, African and European Cuisine. Cape Town has a buzzing nightlife with a host of trendy bars and clubs and many relaxing waterfront cafes.

Day 2: Shark Dive, Gansbaai

Meals included: snacks

Accommodation: Comfortable Boutique backpackers hostel with shared facilities

Leaving Cape Town early we travel down to the southern coast at Gansbaai, a mere stone’s throw from the most southern tip of the African Continent. Along the way you we have time to eat our packed breakfast. On arrival in Gansbaai we board our boat and are given our briefing on what to expect when we are out on the open water. Approximately 12km offshore is Dyer Island, which, due to a number of geographical reasons, offers a great shark habitat and regular sightings. In addition to this, a colony of approximately 40,000 Cape Fur Seals inhabit a neighbouring island and other species such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, Jackass Penguins, whales and dolphins are also frequently sighted. Together, this creates a rich feeding ground for Great Whites and on a scale that supports these mammals in large numbers. Our journey towards these islands takes approximately 30 minutes. Once anchored in the channel we have a safety briefing before making use of a securely designed 6-man steel cage, which floats on the surface, with divers no more than 1m below the surface. You will have the choice of using a mask and dipping below the surface of the water to see the sharks or use a regulator and air if familiar with scuba diving equipment. If you do not wish to get in the water once you are out there, this is not a problem. White sharks are surface feeders, providing brilliant surface viewing from the safety of the boat’s deck. Our shark handlers are trained to bring the sharks close to the side of the boat, where you’ll get great views of their heads, jaws and immense size.

Please Note:

Each crew member is highly qualified in his/her specific field and together has more than 15 years experience working with Great White Sharks. Crew qualifications consist of; A1 (1) commercially licensed skippers, level 3 Medics; Satour Registered specialized tour guides; Dive Masters and qualified shark handlers. All our crew have done SAMSA  compliant Fire-Fighters and Life-Raft Courses and our skippers are licensed with ICASA (the Independent Commission Authority of SA), as well as SAMSA (SA Maritime and Safety Authority). A step-by-step emergency flow chart is available inside the cabin of our vessel, at all times. Each boat goes out with a professional underwater videographer who films the encounter on a high quality DVD (above and underwater). This is available for purchase at minimal cost at the end of the tour, to show friends and family back home. Snacks are supplied on the boat and then we return to Gansbaai in the afternoon, full of stories of what we have experienced. Our shuttle bus returns to Cape Town in the late afternoon, early evening and the evening is at your leisure to enjoy Cape Town’s nightlife

Day 3: Cape Town – Day of Leisure

The tour finishes after breakfast today. Airport transfers can be arranged. Please speak to Acacia or your local agent.

Day 1 Start Cape Town; free day to explore

We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 2 Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Stellenbosch

This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we have a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon, we cycle over Hellshoogte (Hell's Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)

Day 3 Ride the Franschhoek Pass

In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague. Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo

Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way, the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa's landmass and littered with remains of ancient indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Ride through Langeberg Mountains to Bontebok National Park

After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here, the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberg Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812, many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently. Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House (or similar)

Day 6 Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa

A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches. Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)

Day 7 Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead

This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus, famous for the very close sightings of the southern right whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Free day to relax in Hermanus

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s, the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. It still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this, the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the best places in the world for whale watching. Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon's Bay

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route, there is a good chance our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon's Bay to Simonstown. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony

After breakfast, an 18mi (30km) transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach, we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Cycle to Cape Town via Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman's Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay, we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then onto Cape Town via Camp's Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront. Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 12 Optional morning visit to Robben Island; end Cape Town

The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.