This 13-day self-drive itinerary through the Western Cape is the perfect itinerary for those who like to get off the beaten track and explore some of the region’s best hidden gems as well as the big hitters.
Starting in Cape Town, explore this magnificent city before travelling to one of the Western Cape’s most untouched and unvisited coastal reserves, De Hoop. Home to sweeping sand dunes and empty beaches, this stunning area is great for viewing bird and marine life, hiking and photography. Continue to South Africa’s third oldest town, Swellendam, for the night before continuing to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for the ultimate Western Cape safari experience. Stretching across 58,000 hectares of protected ecosystems, enjoy game drives, bush walks, a scenic spa and excellent dining during your stay. Finish this self-drive adventure in the spectacular Cape Winelands region in Stellenbosch. Whilst this itinerary is based on self-drive it can also be done using private transfers if preferred.
Cape Town – De Hoop Nature Reserve – Swellendam – Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – Stellenbosch
Trip Highlights
- In Cape Town scale Table Mountain, visit Robben Island or see the penguins at Boulders
- Cape Town is also home to some of the continents best restaurants and bars
- The coastal reserve of De Hoop is home to dunes, rocky pools and sweeping beaches
- Visit Swellendam, a classic Cape Dutch town with over 50 provincial heritage sites
- Indulge in the ultimate Big 5 South African safari experience at Sanbona Reserve
- Stellenbosch located in the Winelands is home to many boutique wineries and eateries
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town.
Day 2
Arrive Cape Town
On arrival to Cape Town International Airport, collect your hire car and take a short drive to Cape Town to your centrally located hotel. As one of the world’s most vibrant cities with a spectacular location, Cape Town will not disappoint. You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel’s lovely pool or venture to Camps Bay, an energetic and beautiful beach resort. In the evening, head to the V&A Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the bustling harbourfront restaurants.
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 3
Cape Town
Today is your first full day in Cape Town and your hire car will be dropped to the hotel this morning. If preferred, we can arrange a private guide for the day or for an even more memorable experience you can take a tour of the city by sidecar. Some of Cape Town’s top attractions include Table Mountain, historic Robben Island and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. There are also many themed tours, such as food, craft beer and jazz, that we would be happy to help organise. Early evening, you may wish to head to the suburb of Constantia which boasts some of Africa’s best restaurants.
- Breakfast
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 4
Cape Town
This morning you may wish to take part in a Cape Malay cookery class. Meet in the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap for a tour of this cultural part of Cape Town before heading to a local’s home where you will cook and sample traditional dishes of Cape Malay cuisine. Alternatively, you could take a township tour to truly experience local culture and history. A visit to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the stunning Cape Peninsula, so why not drive to Cape Point this afternoon. Enjoy the spectacular viewpoints, quaint fishing villages and iconic sights including the penguins at Boulders Beach and the sun setting over the Atlantic from Chapmans Peak Drive.
- Breakfast
Kloof Street Hotel
Four Rosmead Guest House
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
One&Only Cape Town
Belmond Mount Nelson
Day 5
Cape Town to De Hoop Nature Reserve – 233 km
After breakfast depart Cape Town and head east towards the beautiful and untouched De Hoop Nature Reserve. This spectacular coastal reserve is home to untouched beaches and wild dunes, and an array of wildlife including bontebok, zebra, southern whales and rare Cape vultures. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and take a look at the range of excursions and experiences available whilst in De Hoop. That afternoon you may wish to enjoy a guided eco boat trip down the De Hoop Vlei for sightings of bird, game, porcupine and otters or maybe take a late afternoon nature drive through the scenic wetlands.
- Breakfast
De Hoop Collection (Opstal Vlei Suite)
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
Day 6
De Hoop Nature Reserve
During your full day in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, there are many activities to choose from including land-based whale watching, hiking and mountain biking. A new and unique excursion available in the reserve is a guided vulture experience. Adventure out to the dramatic cliffs of Potberg Mountain to view endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony. Be in awe as you watch these amazing creatures swoop and soar above you. In the afternoon you may wish to take part in an interpretive marine walk to explore the coastal rock pools and sandy dunes. Between June and November, there’s a high chance you will see the Southern Right Whales from shore. Enjoy sundowners on the beach at sunset before enjoying an al fresco dinner.
- Breakfast
De Hoop Collection (Opstal Vlei Suite)
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
Day 7
De Hoop Nature Reserve to Swellendam – 50 km
After check out this morning, take a short drive to Swellendam, South Africa’s fourth oldest town. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is full of history and culture. Visit one of the town’s museums or the pottery studio, explore a local national park or enjoy a liqueur tasting at Wildebraam Berry Estate.
- Breakfast
Schoone Oordt Country House
Bloomestate Swellendam
Day 8
Swellendam to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – 72 km
After breakfast you may wish to visit Marloth Nature Reserve which is home to some great short hikes to natural pools and viewpoints of the lush green valleys. Continue to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, located in the Little Karoo it is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned nature reserves which offers spectacular scenery, a ‘Big 5’ safari experience, and a progressive conservation programme. On arrival, settle into your traditional yet modern safari-style accommodation before embarking on your first game drive.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Day 9
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Wake up early before sunrise for the first game drive of the day. On return to the lodge take breakfast before an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a massage in the scenic spa, relax by the pool or embark on a guided bush walk in the reserve to explore the reserve’s beautiful flora including endemic fynbos. Take another game drive late afternoon where you will hopefully see animals such as lion, elephant, giraffe and buffalo before enjoying sundowners from the safari jeep as the sun sets over the African plains. On return to the lodge, sample local cuisine at dinner and maybe embark on some stargazing, watching the dark African sky come alive with glistening stars.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Day 10
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve to Stellenbosch – 202 km
After an early start and your final game drive, enjoy breakfast on the deck overlooking the South African bush before departing and driving to the Winelands to Stellenbosch for your final two nights.
- Breakfast
Oude Werf Hotel
Delaire Graff Estate
Day 11
Stellenbosch
Today is your final full day in South Africa. You may wish to spend the day exploring the region’s stunning wineries and vineyards on the iconic wine tram that departs from Franschhoek. This is a flexible and fun way of touring the wine region without the worry of driving. Wineries we recommend include Boschendal, home to rose gardens and an antique oak tree, and Babylonstoren, which features spectacular gardens and a farm-to-table restaurant. Alternatively, spend the day in Stellenbosch and soak up the café culture and art galleries. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner and drinks in one of the area’s fantastic restaurants.
- Breakfast
Oude Werf Hotel
Delaire Graff Estate
Day 12
Stellenbosch to Cape Town Airport – 36 km / Cape Town to the UK
Today is free for you to visit any more wineries or relax using the hotels facilities until you drive to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your hire car and board your flight overnight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Beautiful Plettenburg Bay is located towards the eastern portion of South Africa’s iconic Garden Route. An upmarket coastal town, hugging the cliffs and with spectacular views, hike the rocky coastline, spot whales and dolphins, walk the beach or visit beautiful Robberg Nature Reserve.
Discover Gqeberha, a significant city of the Eastern Cape. Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, the city's history dates back to the early 19th century when it was established by British settlers as a port to serve the Cape Colony. From here a visit can also be made to Addo Elephant National Park.
Relax in Umhlanga, once a quiet coastal village and now an affluent suburb of Durban. With its golden sands, subtropical vegetation and views over the Indian Ocean, the town of Umhlanga offers an array of upscale restaurants, boutique shops and entertainment venues to discover.
Knysna is also located on the Garden Route and occupies a particularly scenic portion. Surrounded by forest, framed by the Outeniqua Mountains and with an estuarine ecosystem, highlights include Knysna Lagoon, the sandstone cliffs of Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Guide to Price
12 days from £3800 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3800
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, South African Airlines and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. There are also daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town with British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines also connect the UK with a selection of key South African cities via their respective hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg take around 11 hours and 11½ hours to Cape Town. Flights with stops en-route take between 14 and 17 hours.
Time Zone
South Africa is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports travelling for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days, do not need a visa. South Africa has relaxed its requirements for travelling with children under the age of 18. Visa exempt children entering South Africa accompanied by an adult are required to present only a valid passport on arrival, regardless of whether the child is travelling with both parents, one parent, or an adult who is not a biological parent. It is no longer required to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from South Africa and you will need at least two blank pages in your passport.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tourists should always be vigilant when travelling around South Africa and you should avoid walking alone or in isolated areas late at night or early in the morning.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
If you are self-driving always lock your valuables in the boot and out of sight, both when you are in and out of the car.
If it is your first visit try to incorporate a safari into your holiday. Few countries can offer the range of ethical wildlife experiences that South Africa can.
Money
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy to do in the UK before you travel or at airports, banks, bureaux de change and hotels in South Africa. It is always a good idea to ask for some small note denominations when you exchange money. ATMs are widely available in all towns, cities, shopping centres and many petrol stations and will accept international cards. It is always advised to contact your bank before you travel so they are aware you will be in South Africa.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in South Africa is common courtesy. In restaurants an acceptable amount is 10-15% however you do not need to tip if you see a service charge added to your bill. Service is often added automatically for groups of six people or more. For drivers, guides and room service, the following amounts should act as a guideline: Tour driver R50 per person per day Tour guide R75 per person per day Tour guide R50 per person per half day Hotel porter R15 per suitcase Housekeeper R25 a night
Food & Drink
Arguably South Africa’s national dish, bobotie consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping and should be tried at least once. However, a South African institution is the ‘braai’ or South African barbecue. Everybody braais and facilities can be found almost anywhere from public outdoor picnic areas to hotels and safari lodges. Game meats are commonly found throughout South Africa with ostrich and kudu particularly popular and, with such a vast coastline, it is not surprising that the country has an impressive range of seafood. South Africa is also renowned throughout the world for excellent wines with the finest vineyards found in the Western Cape close to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation types on offer in South Africa, including top-end hotels with world-class facilities, modest or boutique guesthouses, mid-range hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, historic buildings, campsites and safari lodges. Often visitors will stay in more than one town or city so may experience different types of accommodations during one holiday. In cities and large towns there is plenty of choice to suit all budgets and personal preferences whereas in smaller towns or rural locations the choice may be slightly limited.
Shopping
Ranging from local craft markets to huge shopping centres, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of shopping opportunities available in South Africa. Souvenirs and local wares are best brought in the local markets found in most cities, along the side of the road or outside popular tourist attractions. Haggling is expected in the markets, just make sure both you and the seller are happy with the price. You can expect to pick up items such as painted ostrich eggs, art work, handcrafted jewellery and wooden carved animals and masks. Local wines also make excellent buys as they are often low in price and high in quality.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet have excellent guide books whilst Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the country. There is also a wide range of literature available including:
‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela
‘After Mandela: The Battle for the Soul of South Africa’ by Alec Russell
‘A History of South Africa’ by Leonard Thompson and Lynn Berat
‘A Short History of South Africa’ by Gail Nattrass
‘The Scramble for Africa’ by Thomas Pakenham
‘Zulu Rising: The Epic Story of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift’ by Ian Knight
‘Diamonds, Gold and War: The Making of South Africa’ by Martin Meredith
‘Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields’ by David Rattray
‘Invictus’ by John Carlin
‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah
‘Burger's Daughter’ by Nadine Gordimer
‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ by Alan Paton
‘Ways of Dying’ by Zakes Mda
‘Hum If You Don't Know the Words’ by Bianca Marais
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current advice recommends you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. You might also consider vaccinations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Tuberculosis (TB). For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on South Africa the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in South Africa
DM & NB - South Africa - November 2023
Just to let you know that we had a fantastic time in South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe national park. Everything went according to plan and we stayed in some amazing places. The Blue Train was fabulous - a once in a lifetime experience! The game drives were amazing and we saw lots of wildlife.
It was a really good itinerary and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you for organising it for us. You always kept us well informed and the information you provided was second to none. We felt fully supported from start to finish. Thank you!
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Helping you to design your trip
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