Garden Route self-drive and luxury safari

You’ll arrive at Cape Town Airport and take your private transfer to your chosen hotel.

Known as the 'Mother City', Cape Town is edged by mountains and ocean and is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful cities. After settling into your boutique hotel why not head out to explore the nearby V&A waterfront, packed with restaurants, bars and boutiques, its the perfect place wo wile away an afternoon.

Overnight at Dock House Boutique Hotel

Today why not book yourself onto a Cape Point tour (optional), located at the Southernmost tip of South Africa this rugged stretch of coastline offers spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean and some beautiful photo opportunities, a must-see for any visit to Cape Town.

Along the way you’ll see magnificent beaches and historic coastal villages, including Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach penguin colony, Simonstown, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 

Overnight at Dock House Boutique Hotel

You have one final full day in Cape Town today to explore the sights and sounds of the city. Take the ferry to Robben Island to learn more about the incarceration of Nelson Mandela by ex-inmates of the prison

Jump on the hop on hop off bus to learn more about the city and visit all the key spots, plan your route so your final stop is to the base of Table Mountain. Pre-book your cable car and make your way up the mountain for unending views of the city and beyond, if you time it right you can watch the sun set across the Atlantic for an extra special ending to your exploration.

Overnight at Dock House Boutique Hotel

Today you’ll collect your hire car and head eastwards, out of the city, towards the pretty fishing town of Hermanus. Take the scenic coast route for spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time and stop off at the quaint seaside towns of Gordon’s Bay, Betty's Bay and the beautiful beaches at Koel Bay.

Overnight at Auberge Burgundy Guest House

Today you’ll set off on the scenic Garden Route. But first, why not book an early morning whale watching tour? Between the months of May and September hundreds of whales come very close to land off the coast of Hermanus giving visitors the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close in their natural habitat.

As you leave Hermanus the coast gives way to open farmlands and distant mountain views. We recommend stopping at Mossel Bay for lunch before arriving at your chosen hotel in the afternoon.

Overnight at The Plettenberg

Today you’ll head for Plettenberg Bay. Known to attract a multitude of marine life, from the endangered African oystercatcher to juvenile hammerhead sharks and thousands of dolphins, who come into the bay to feed.

You can pre-book a whale and dolphin spotting tour beginning with a unique dry launch into the surf zone and you may also visit the seal colony if time permits. Other great wildlife experiences near to Plettenberg Bay includes the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and Jukani, a big cat sanctuary home to many extremely endangered cat rescued from terrible environments.

Overnight at The Plettenberg

During your stay in Plettenberg Bay, we recommend a visit to the Knysna Elephant Park where expert guides will teach you about the sad and mystical story of the world's Southern-most elephants. The park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a free-range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route.

Overnight at The Plettenberg

Today you’ll drive to the exceptional Shamwari Game Reserve for a two-night stay.

On the way, we recommend you visit the Tsitsikamma National Park – fifty miles of rocky coastline with fabulous inland scenery of rivers and valleys covered in fynbos.

Once you arrive, you’ll spend time tracking the 'Big Five' – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo – with experienced and knowledgeable game rangers. Between game drives you’ll enjoy sumptuous cuisine and the opportunity to relax under the African sun.

Overnight at Eagles Crag, Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Today you’ll enjoy a second day in your wild African safari destination, nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

As well as the Big Five, you’ll have a chance to experience many of Africa's wildlife – from giraffe to antelope, small game and over 270 species of bird. The unique vegetation of the Eastern Cape is favoured by elephants in the dense bushveld environment.

Overnight at Eagles Crag, Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Today you’ll drive to Port Elizabeth Airport where you’ll drop off your hire car and take your onward or homebound flight.