South Africa beaches and coastlines self-drive

Begin your South African adventure in bustling Cape Town. You can go on a tour of the city, hike Table Mountain, and stroll along the beautiful beaches. Take advantage of the endless amounts of excursions on offer, from whale-watching and shark-diving, to visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The old prison is steeped in history, and the tours are guided by the former inmates who recite their experiences. 

You will stay in Sea Point, a beautiful seaside suburb located only a short distance from the city bowl, with long stretches of golden sands and a rugged coastline this is the perfect spot to start your South African adventure!

You have two full days now to explore Cape Town. Enjoy a delicious dinner in Camps Bay, home of fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the ocean. Explore the V&A Waterfront with its range of boutiques, bars and restaurants. 

Jump on the city explorer bus and stop off at various points around the city, wander through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, take a stroll along Sea Point promenade and take the cableway up Table Mountain for epic views across the city. 

Today you will travel from Cape Town to Hermanus. After collecting your rental car why not head south and visit Simons Town, close to the famous Boulders Beach, where you can spend time with a colony of African penguins, getting up close to these fun little creatures. You can also enjoy several activities in the area, kayaking, water biking, hiking or kicking back with a coffee in a local cafe.

From here continue down to Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa and home to spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean, walk to the lighthouse and capture pictures of the views, a must-see spot for any visit to Cape Town. 

After your Cape Peninsula trip its time to drive to Hermanus, a small coastal town famed for its whale watching.

Book a whale watching cruise this morning and head out onto the ocean to spot southern right and humpback whales (season dependent), even during off-season you can see bryde whales that live here year round. If boat trips aren't your thing you can take a coastal walk and spot the whales from land. You can often spot whales as you take a stroll along the cliff paths, or even from your own veranda, depending on where you are staying, a unique and special experience.

This afternoon its back on the road and time to head to Mossel Bay and the Garden Route, this epic coastal drive offers spectacular views and plenty of stop off points for photographic opportunities. Give yourself plenty of time and you could stop off at De Hoop Nature Reserve, this large and beautiful reserve offers hiking trails, bird watching and marine experiences in epic, natural surroundings.

Departing Mossel Bay today you will continue along the Garden Route until you reach Plettenberg Bay. 

Located overlooking a scenic bay Plettenberg Bay has steep street and spectacular views, of plunging cliffs, mountains and sandy beaches. On a clear day you can spot dolphins and even whales when they are is season. Robberg Nature Reserve is nearby, with hiking, swimming and bird watching amongst a host of activities you can do there, the reserve covers both land and ocean with the protected marine reserve home to a range of vulnerable fish species.

You have two days in Plettenberg Bay now, use the town as a base to head out and visit some of the many exciting experiences located nearby. 

The wildlife sanctuaries, Birds of Eden, Jukani and Monkeyland are all located nearby and offer relaxed and interactive wildlife viewing. In both Birds of Eden and Monkeyland all animals roam freely allowing guests to watch their natural behaviour in relaxed, natural surroundings. Jukani takes in large cats from around the world, giving a place of sanctuary for these magnificent creatures and an opportunity for guests to learn more about conservation and the dangers that threaten these animals.

Its time to depart Plettenberg Bay and head to your final stop, St. Francis Bay. Along the way why not head to the Tsitsikamma National Park? With dramatic coastal scenery, rivers and forest this region is a paradise for nature lovers. The boundary of the national park stretches 5km into the ocean protecting the marine life and reef, with dolphins, porpoises and whales seen regularly in these waters. 

You now have two nights in St. Francis staying in a boutique guesthouse, each of the five luxury rooms boasts uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, perfect for watching the sun set.

Surrounded by the Baviaanskloof mountain range and home to spectacular beaches St. Francis is a tranquil gem towards the end of the Garden Route. Activities in the area include golf, oceans safaris, canal cruises, beer tasting and plenty of nature experiences, from frogging safaris to stunning walks, suitable for any level of fitness.

You will end your self-drive adventure at the city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) where you will connect with your onward flight.

Why not extend your stay by adding on a safari? Eastern Cape lodges are located a drive away or you can take a short flight north to the epic Kruger National Park. If more beaches is on the agenda why not combine South Africa with Mauritius or Zanzibar for some rest and relaxation.