Itinerary Highlights
- Take in sweeping, dramatic views of Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain
- Explore the varied, beautiful landscapes and coastal scenery of the Garden Route
- Spot iconic wildlife on safari in a non-malarial private reserve in the Eastern Cape
- Enjoy welcoming stays in owner-run accommodations chosen for character and comfort
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
Nikki Lynas
Travel Specialist
Combining vibrant cities, coastal scenery and wildlife throughout, this tailor-made self-drive holiday showcases some of South Africa’s best-loved regions at your own pace.
Your journey begins in Cape Town, where you’ll have time to explore the city’s many highlights, from its lively waterfront and cultural attractions to the dramatic landscapes of the Cape Peninsula. Continue into the nearby Winelands, and enjoy time between the vineyard-covered valleys, historic towns and acclaimed restaurants, which offer a different perspective on the Western Cape.
From here, set off along the Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most celebrated touring routes. As you travel east, discover the contrasting landscapes of Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay, with opportunities to enjoy nature, wildlife and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you prefer gentle walks, time on the coast or more active pursuits, there’s plenty to keep you engaged.
Your holiday concludes with a safari in the Eastern Cape, a region known for its diverse wildlife and excellent game viewing. As a non-malarial safari destination, it’s particularly well suited to families, while couples will appreciate being able to end their journey surrounded by bushveld and wildlife.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to South Africa
Day 2 - 4 | Cape Town
Arrive early in the morning, collect your hire car and take a leisurely 20-minute drive to The Clarendon Fresnaye for a three-night stay, with breakfast included.
This lovely guesthouse in Fresnaye enjoys beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, and is within walking distance of a fine collection of restaurants and small boutique shops.
We recommend a minimum of two full days to enjoy Cape Town, more if you can spare it. One idea is to take the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak drive to the Cape Peninsula Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. You could also stop at the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, visit the vibrant city centre of Cape Town, go up Table Mountain in either the rotating cable car, venture out on a boat trip across to Robben Island (or the seal colony from Hout Bay) or enjoy a guided township tour. For those with more time, there are cycle tours of the Cape and its surroundings, plus options for home visits to enjoy traditional home-cooked fare and an insight into South African daily life.
Day 5 - 6 | Cape Winelands
The beautiful landscape of The Winelands is a short and easy drive from Cape Town.
Spend two nights at the beautiful Avondrood Guest House, with breakfast included. Based in the heart of Franschhoek, you're perfectly situated to take in the fabulous restaurants of the area.
Franschhoek is a picturesque village set in a mountain valley and surrounded by vineyards. The vines were first planted by French Huguenots, who fled here in the 17th century. Have lunch at one of the many wine estates and take advantage of the opportunities to sample the fine wines, cheese farms and even olive stores. Additionally, you can visit the nearby oak-lined, historical cobbled streets of the university town of Stellenbosch and lesser-known wine land towns of Paarl, Wellington and Riebeek Kasteel to the north.
Day 7 | Oudtshoorn
Travel the inland route with a full-day journey on the R62 to Oudtshoorn, a small and well-preserved Edwardian town on the edge of the Karoo and the former ostrich capital of Africa. Pass through mountainous landscapes, tiny towns that time forgot (such as Swellendam and Montague) and take time to enjoy a traditional lunch.
We recommend booking a visit to see the meerkats - a lovely sunrise experience.
After a four-hour drive, relax and overnight at La Plume Guest House, which is on a working farm. In-house dinner is suggested and the speciality is ostrich stew.
Day 8 - 10 | Garden Route
A short and spectacular drive takes you to the Garden Route proper, where you meet the sea at the wilderness. Pass through Knysna, with its famous lagoon and oysters, which is worth a stop for lunch and a boat cruise.
Continue towards Plettenberg Bay, home to some of the best beaches in Africa and the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you'll stay for three nights at Hog Hollow in the Crags, with breakfast included.
Giant yellowwood and stinkwood trees run down to a coastline of cliffs and coves with glorious beaches. This is a place for walking in the forests, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and Elephant Sanctuary. Or why not explore the beaches and visit the local wood carvers, with the many other craft shops in the area. One highlight is the aerial runway, which passes through the forest canopy. Or for the more adventurous, there's the world's highest bungee jump and the opportunity for sky-diving. The boat-based whale and dolphin trip around the bay is a must, and easily combined with walks on the Robberg Peninsula. Or, consider a simple boat trip up the nearby Keurbooms River, with a picnic lunch.
Day 11 - 13 | Amakhala Game Reserve
After breakfast, drive to Safari Lodge on the Amakhala Game Reserve, a 7,000-hectare reserve of great natural beauty. Enjoy a three-night stay inclusive of all meals, local drinks and scheduled morning and afternoon game drives, guided game walks, a river cruise or canoeing on the Bushman’s River, which runs through the reserve.
Game is plentiful and includes lion, rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 antelope species, including large herds of hartebeest, eland and blesbuck.
Day 14 | Departure
Nikki Lynas
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
30th Apr 2026
31st Aug 2026
15th Dec 2026
30th Apr 2027
31st Aug 2027
15th Dec 2027
7th Jan 2028
Nikki Lynas
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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