Self-Drive: Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route
Self-Drive: Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route
16 days from £1990 per person
Discover the beauty of South Africa as you embark on a self-drive adventure between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. From the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town and the spectacular Winelands to the breath-taking scenery along the iconic Garden Route and gentle giants in Addo’s Elephant Park, this itinerary enables you to experience the diversity of South Africa. A self-drive holiday provides you with the flexibility and freedom to explore the country at your own pace. You drive on the left in South Africa, with roads that are well sign-posted in English and relatively quiet outside of the city. Gaze out the window as you take in mountainous backdrops, pass pretty towns and breathe in the fresh sea air as you journey along arguably one of the most the picturesque coastlines in the world, the Garden Route.
Route: Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Hermanus – Plettenberg Bay – Addo Elephant Park – Port Elizabeth
Itinerary Highlights
From cosmopolitan Cape Town, soak up the scenery of the Cape Peninsula as you drive down to Cape Point where you’ll be met with a blend of mountain peaks and crashing ocean waves. Stop en route at Boulders Beach to see the local colony of penguins.
Hermanus is a welcoming seafront town where between June and November southern whales swim close to the shore, a fantastic sight to see from land or boat. The area is also home to a fantastic wine trail home to 15 renowned wine farms and vineyards.
Located in the heart of the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay is a scenic coastal town surrounded by rolling mountains, turquoise sea and nature reserves. Enjoy a gentle hike through the Robberg Peninsula or take a boat trip to witness dolphins in the wild.
Itinerary: Self-Drive: Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town. (N)
On arrival to Cape Town International Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your centrally located hotel in Cape Town. We recommend an overnight flight from the UK so you will arrive in Cape Town in the morning enabling you a full day to recuperate or start exploring this beautiful city. You may wish to enjoy lunch at one of the harbour front restaurants at the bustling V&A Waterfront, take a stroll through vibrant Camps Bay or relax at the hotel’s pool. (N)
Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One of the best ways to explore Cape Town is on a walking tour. Alternatively, we can arrange a private guide for the day taking you to the city’s must-sees as well as some hidden gems. A city tour wouldn’t be complete without taking a rotating cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, where you can enjoy striking panoramic views out to the seemingly never-ending waters that lap the southernmost tip of Africa. You may wish to take a trip to historic Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison sentence or enjoy a champagne cruise at sunset. (B)
Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
With another day at leisure, why not embark on an authentic Cape Malay cooking class. Start in the historic neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap with its brightly coloured houses before continuing to a local’s home where you will learn all about Cape Malay food and cook several traditional dishes to taste for lunch. In the afternoon you may wish to visit Cape Town’s botanical garden, Kirstenbosch. Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, the location and unique flora makes these gardens some of the best in the world. Continue to Constantia, Cape Town’s premium wine suburb, where you can stop at wineries for some local tastings and spectacular views. Constantia is also home to some of Cape Town’s best restaurants including La Colombe and Chef’s Warehouse. (B)
Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
A trip to Cape Town isn’t complete without a visit to the beautiful Cape Peninsula, home to spectacular viewpoints, quaint fishing villages and iconic sights. Highlights include Cape Point, a scenic landform located at the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent, the resident penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Muizenberg’s pastel beach huts that line the bay. The best way to explore the Cape Peninsula is by car, alternatively we can arrange a group or private tour. If driving, we would recommend a stop for lunch in Kalk Bay, where you can experience some of the region’s best fish and chips. (B)
Accommodation in Cape Town: The Three Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Cape Town and drive east through the beautiful Cape Winelands until you arrive at your hotel in Stellenbosch. You might decide to spend today exploring the quirky boutique shops, art galleries or enjoying a glass of local wine from one of the contemporary bars that line the oak-shaded streets .Alternatively, you may wish to join the ‘Foodies on Foot’ walking tour where you will sample local sweet and savoury delicacies with a focus on fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. (B)
Accommodation in Stellenbosch: River Manor Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Lanzerac Wine Estate
The Cape Winelands offer 18 official wine routes plus two brandy routes, all with spectacular scenery and a world-class produce. You might choose to cruise down Route 62 to experience the world's longest wine route, or pay a visit to the nearby Franschhoek Wine Valley - South Africa's 'gourmet capital'. If the designated driver fancies wine tasting too, then explore the local vineyards by bike so everyone can enjoy a wine-tasting experience,or we can arrange a private driver. We would highly recommend visiting the beautiful Boschendal Wine Estate, where you can enjoy wine tasting under an ancient oak tree surrounded by rose gardens. (B)
Accommodation in Stellenbosch: River Manor Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Lanzerac Wine Estate
After breakfast today, head south from Stellenbosch down to the whale-watching capital of the world, Hermanus. Hermanus is one of the top whale watching spots along the Garden Route as southern right whales swim really close to the shoreline making it possible to spot them from the jagged cliff edge. Between June and November, the whales are especially visible. (B)
Accommodation in Hermanus: The Potting Shed (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Marine
You might choose to spend today exploring the seaside town, with its many markets, street cafes, restaurants and natural attractions, including Grotto Beach. Make sure you take a stroll along the promenade to look out for whales lolling around in Walker Bay, or if visiting out of whale season, you may wish to take a boat trip to see other marine life. Wine lovers should explore the Hermanus Wine Route, home to 15 renowned wine farms offering tastings, pairings and picnics in the Hemel and Aarde Valley. (B)
Accommodation in Hermanus: The Potting Shed (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Marine
After breakfast today, continue your journey along the glorious vistas of the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. The coastal town of Plettenberg is synonymous with wild beaches, rocky peninsulas and world-class golf. During your stay, enjoy a round on one of the three courses or take to the hiking and biking trails that surround the town. (B)
Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay: Lairds Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Old Rectory
After breakfast you might decide to spend today exploring Knysna and the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Knysna is known for its oysters and beautiful coastal views, whereas Featherbed is a stunning outdoor playground. Here you can enjoy varied activities including boat trips, nature walks or just taking in the sights and smells at one of the many viewpoints during a hike. (B)
Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay: Lairds Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Old Rectory
This morning you may decide to enjoy a gentle hike through the Robberg Peninsula, one of the country’s most scenic. Throughout the walking trail you will be inspired by the blue ocean and white waves crashing against sandstone boulders and emerald foliage. Be sure to take your camera. Enjoy lunch back in Plett overlooking the sea. In the afternoon you may wish to take a boat trips to see dolphins dancing and jumping in their natural habitat. (B)
Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay: Lairds Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Old Rectory
After breakfast today, jump in the car and travel on to Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is South Africa's third largest national park and a conservation area for a wide range of flora and fauna. Here, over 600 elephants live alongside lion, buffalo, rhino, hyena, leopard, zebra and antelope. Spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings or relaxing at the lodge’s pool. (B)
Accommodation in Addo National Park: Elephant House (or similar)
Upgrade option: Kariega Ukhozi Lodge
There are several activities available in and around Addo Elephant National Park, which we can arrange prior to your departure or you can book locally with the staff at Elephant House. Options include an elephant game drive in an open land cruiser, a valley tour, a 'Tooth and Claw' safari in neighbouring Schotia Private Reserve where lion sightings are exceptional, cultural encounters, a birding river paddle and much more - please get in touch for further information. (B)
Accommodation in Addo National Park: Elephant House (or similar)
Upgrade option: Kariega Ukhozi Lodge
Today is free for you to explore or relax using the hotels facilities until you drive to Port Elizabeth Airport where you will return your hire car and meet your flight for your return journey back to the UK. (B)
Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What To Do Next?
We design unique, tailor-made holiday itineraries to suit you, by combining your ideas with our knowledge and experience. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, or if you require some advice, please call us or complete the enquiry form online for a quotation.
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
