South Africa’s Coastal Gems with Wildlife & Wine Adventures

Cape Town - Embark Norwegian Jade

Embark this contemporary and stylish ship for your sailing around the coasts of South Africa and Namibia and settle in for a voyage to remember. Jade boasts more than 16 dining options – from Brazilian to Asian – and a diverse range of bars and lounges where you can find everything from exotic cocktails to fine wines. Or settle for a casual beer at O’Sheehans, a 24-hour pub serving comfort food.

Cape Town

Settled into your ship in port, you’ll have a full day to take advantage of some of Cape Town’s major attractions. Take a leisurely stroll around the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is home to everything from jazz bars to first-class restaurants, or head to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated and learn about the apartheid era.

Mossel Bay

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay is known for its variety of first-class golf courses and is well-known for its excellent weather. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year you can make good use of the two Blue Flag status beaches. One of the landmarks of this small city is the Post Office Tree, once used by Portuguese explorers as a place to leave their correspondence. There is now a boot-shaped postal box at the spot.

Port Elizabeth

Also known as the ‘Friendly City’, Port Elizabeth is a thriving coastal destination with fine, sandy beaches, whale-watching tours, a European-style town square, and excellent museums including the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. Head to the Donkin Reserve and climb to the top of the lighthouse to get great views across the city – perfect for getting your bearings.

Richards Bay (Overnight in Port)

This small town beside a lagoon on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal is a place of great natural beauty and features the deepest natural harbour on the African continent. The Richards Bay Park is a haven for nature-lovers, or there are beaches to relax on with calm, warm seas. For the more adventurous, the nearby game reserve, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, is home to the Big Five.

Durban

Located along Africa’s southernmost tip, bustling Durban is situated in the KwaZulu Province of South Africa and is South Africa’s second largest city. Known locally as Thekwini, it is South Africa’s leading beach resort with superb weather and a relaxed atmosphere. Head for the Golden Mile Beach and its lengthy promenade or learn about all things aquatic at uShaka Marine World.

At Sea

Embrace the carefree atmosphere on board Jade and relax on your days between ports. There are treatments galore at the tranquil Mandara Spa, or you could head pool-side and work on your tan. There are plenty of hot tubs on the pool deck, as well as a fitness centre and even a sumptuous cigar lounge.

Luderitz

Perched on one of Africa’s least hospitable coasts, this small Namibian harbour town has a few pleasant surprises up its sleeve, with Lutheran churches, immaculate, pastel-coloured houses, art deco delights and a picturesque lighthouse. Among the wildlife here you could spot penguins, ostriches, flamingos and seals basking on the shore.

Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is a relaxed harbour town on Namibia’s harsh Atlantic Coast that’s perfect for an outdoor lifestyle – especially water sports. It’s protected from the elements by Pelican Point, a long sand spit that also shields a lagoon which is haven for wildlife. Spot a range of seabirds, including pelicans and flamingos and look out for the dolphins, several whale species and seals that linger around the lighthouse.

At Sea

From Cuban Mambo to pop tribute acts, entertainment is a lively and diverse affair on Jade. You could also enjoy a flutter at the casino and buy works of art at the gallery. Solitude can be found in the well-stocked library and if you’re an avid gamer, the video arcade is full of virtual fun.

Cape Town - Disembark Norwegian Jade & Hotel Stay

Today you’ll disembark Jade and transfer to your hotel in the heart of this wonderful city. Make the most of the amenities and relax by the pool or in the spa, or head out into the streets where you’ll find everything from upmarket designer boutiques to stalls selling handicrafts that reflect the city’s diverse ethnic mix.

Cape Town - Hotel Stay & Tour

Today you’ll head out of the city on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rugged finger of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. See the penguins at Boulder’s Beach and stop off Houtbay Harbour and the spectacular Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden with its incredible Boomslang aerial walkway. You’ll also go on a maritime adventure in a glass-bottomed catamaran and take a funicular railway to the old lighthouse at Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Cape Town - Hotel Stay

With another full day to explore Cape Town, why not escape the bustle of the streets and check out the rugged beauty on the fringes of the city. Or you could delve into Pan-African market on Long Street for locally made goods, such as intricately carved drums and tribal masks. Enjoy a traditional lunch on the first-floor terrace and search through the vintage books and antiques.

Stellenbosch - Hotel Stay

Today you’ll transfer to your hotel in the heart of South Africa’s wine-making heartlands. Some of the world’s most acclaimed wines are produced in this fertile region of the country and you’ll learn how wine was developed by the early settlers from France, who arrived here in the 17^th century after fleeing religious persecution.

Stellenbosch - Hotel Stay & Tour

Among the places you’ll visit on your wine tour are Paarl, Franschhoeck and, most famously, Stellenbosch. The latter is the spiritual home of South African wine and lies on the banks of the Eerste River. It’s a town that’s blessed with a mix of 18^th century Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings. You’ll relish tasting these delicious wines as part of your tour, which ends with your return to Cape Town.

Aquila - Lodge Stay

Today you’ll make the two-hour journey from Cape Town to Aquila Lodge for the most thrilling part of your holiday. This private game reserve is home to an array of animals found throughout the continent and offers fascinating safaris and plenty of amenities to ensure a satisfying stay. The décor echoes your surroundings with earthy shades of brown and beige and natural materials like slate and thatch. Plus swimmers will love the 35-metre pool with wet bar.

Aquila - Lodge Stay

Take a fully escorted safari into the reserve where you could spot some of the famous Big Five of Africa. From a pride of lions lounging in the sun to herds of elephants traipsing through the scrubland, there’s ample opportunity for superb photographs and memories to cherish. Your experienced guide will share intriguing facts about the flora and fauna of the area and you’ll enjoy a leisurely outdoor lunch.

Aquila - Lodge Stay

After your safari in the sun you might want to head to the blissful Tranquila Spa whose treatments use natural local products made from plants, flowers and herbs. Choose from a range of skincare treatments and massages, as well as hair treatments. There’s also an infinity pool, an African-style multi-level restaurant with stunning views of the Karoo Mountains, and a curio shop selling locally made souvenirs.

Fly Home

Today you’ll fly home from Cape Town.