Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route | Self-Drive Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Cape Town

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town. (N)

Day 2 Cape Town

On arrival to Cape Town International Airport, where you will be greeted by a representative and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel in Cape Town. You may wish to enjoy a late 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: 4* 15 on Orange (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 3 Cape Town

Your hire car will be dropped at your hotel this morning. 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: 4* 15 on Orange (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 4 Cape Town

You have the next two days at leisure to explore Cape Town and its surroundings. Why not embark on an authentic Cape Malay cooking class which starts in the historic neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap known for 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. Other places of interest include Cape Town’s exquisite 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. Alternatively visit Constantia, Cape Town’s premium wine suburb, where you can stop at wineries for some local tastings and spectacular views. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 4* 15 on Orange (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 5 Cape Town

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: 4* 15 on Orange (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Day 6 Cape Town to Stellenbosch - 51 km

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: 4* Jordan Wine Estate (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Lanzerac Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day 7 Stellenbosch

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: 4* Jordan Wine Estate (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Lanzerac Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day 8 Swellendam to Oudtshoorn - 220 km

After breakfast today, you will hop back in the car and continue your journey along Route 62, Oudtshoorn bound. Route 62 is justifiably one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa; you’ll pass through vast landscapes, twisting rocky gorges and see jagged peaks on the horizon. Upon arrival in Oudtshoorn, the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’ you might choose to stretch your legs by having a wander around the small town, where the buildings are all made of sandstone rock, or visit a nearby Ostrich farm. (B)

Accommodation in Oudtshoorn: 4* La Plume (or similar)

Day 9 Oudtshoorn to Knysna – 133 km

Before departing Oudtshoorn you might decide to explore the Cango Caves - the drive there is stunning in its own right. The caves offer daily guided tours, or, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can delve deep into the underground tunnels, squeezing through narrow chimneys as you move from chamber to chamber. You could also visit a meerkat farm or explore the Little Karoo region in more depth. Continue towards the coast to join the Garden Route, arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the world before arriving to Knysna in the afternoon. (B)

Accommodation in Knysna: 4* The Rex Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Kanonkop House (or similar)

Day 10 Knysna to Plettenberg Bay - 33 km

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. You will then 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: 4* Plett Quarter (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The Plettenburg Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Plettenberg Bay

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: 4* Plett Quarter (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The Plettenburg Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Plettenberg Bay to Amakhala Private Game Reserve - 326 km

After breakfast today, jump in the car and make your way to Amakhala Private Game Reserve. Amakhala boasts 18,000 acres of ‘Big 5’ territory and a conservation area for a wide range of flora and fauna. Spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings or relaxing at the lodge’s pool before embarking on your first game drive in the late afternoon. You are highly likely to have excellent sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, while more elusive animals you could encounter include leopard and hyena. (B, D)

Accommodation in Amakhala Private Game Reserve: 5* Bukela Game Lodge

Days 13 - 14 Amakhala Private Game Reserve

You have the next two days at leisure to enjoy the wonderful Amakhala Private Game Reserve. Along with your safari drives, other activities include guided bush walks, birding excursions, canoeing and river cruises down the meandering Bushmans River. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in Amakhala Private Game Reserve: 5* Bukela Game Lodge

Day 15 Amakhala Private Game Reserve to Gqeberha - 99 km / Gqeberha to the UK

Enjoy a morning at leisure before the drive to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport where you will return your hire car and meet your flight for your return journey back to the UK. (B)

Day 16 Arrive London

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)

Classic South Africa - Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route

16 days from £2800 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2800 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route

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