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Cape Town, Winelands, Whales & The Big 5 Garden Route: South African Self-Drive Bucketlist
Enjoy this sensational 15-day self-drive tour exploring the premier attractions along South Africa’s southern coast. You will have everything in place for a carefree journey starting in Cape Town, winding along the Cape Winelands and its Whale Route, enjoy thrilling malaria-free Big 5 game viewing in a private reserve before ending your trip in Port Elizabeth.
Enjoy Cape Town’s highlights like Table Mountain, Cape Point Nature Reserve, visiting the endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach and sipping cocktails on Camps Bay's sunset strip. Spend three sun-drenched days sampling fine food and wine in the picturesque Franschhoek valley. Make your way to Hermanus, a quiet seaside escape and go whale watching between June and December. Self-drive the gorgeous Garden Route at your own pace and see the Big 5 in the exclusive Gondwana Game Reserve. Your next stop is Plettenberg Bay, a lively coastal town and South Africa's beach playground. Explore the marine environment and visit the many attractions of the beautiful surrounding forests.
This tours includes a stay at a selection of luxurious hotels and lodges that offer well-appointed rooms, exceptional cuisine and that warm hospitality that South Africa is renowned for.
Today you arrive into Cape Town International Airport where you will collect your rental vehicle. You will then make your way to the center of Cape Town where you will check into your hotel.
The next few days are yours to explore Cape Town, visiting top attractions like Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope and the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Chat to your travel expert about the various tour options available to you during your stay.
Accommodation: More Quarters Hotel
Today you climb into your vehicle and take a scenic 1 hour drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek. Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is well known for its fine South African wine and French inspired cuisine. Surrounded by a mountainous range and several vineyards and countryside retreats, Franschhoek is a destination that offers tranquility and plenty of adventure activities.
From hiking and cycling to gift shops, art galleries, wine trams, chocolate and cheese tastings, farm to table dining experiences, spa treatments and visits to the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Chat to your consultant for a full list of the tours available in Franschhoek.
Accommodation: Mont Rochelle Hotel
Today you travel from the countryside to the coastal city of Hermanus - a town well-known for its incredible land and water based whale watching. The luxurious Marine Hotel is home for the next two days, offering well-appointed accommodations and the most incredible views across Walker Bay - a favorite spot for whales.
Outside of whale watching season, Hermanus offers pristine swimming beaches, scenic hiking trails in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a township tour, a petting zoo, a country market and winetastings at surrounding vineyards. Chat to your travel expert about the various tour options available to you during your stay.
Accommodation: The Marine
Your safari adventure begins today as you travel to the private 11 000 hectare Gondwana Game Reserve - the only fynbos reserve in the world that is malaria-free and home to the Big 5.
Enjoy early morning and late afternoon open-vehicle game drives and guided bush walks that discover the Fynbos and smaller creatures living on the reserve. From luxuriously spacious suites with fireplaces and private viewing decks to dinners served under a canopy of stars - Gondwana offers an unforgettable and exclusive safari experience.
Accommodation: Kwena Lodge
Today you bid farewell to the bushveld and travel for approximately two hours to the town of Plettenberg - a traveler favourite on the Garden Route.
Plettenberg Bay promises an adventure, offering tours of Monkeyland, Jukani Wildlife Centre, Birds of Eden and Crags Elephant Sanctuary. One is also able to enjoy horseriding excursions, winetastings, abseiling, kayaking, hiking, tubing, canopy tours and ocean adventures to name but a few. Be sure to ask your consultant for more information on tours and attractions in the area.
Accommodation: Tsala Treetop Lodge
The next stop on your journey is the town of Port Elizabeth which is known as the "friendly city" and most famous for its incredible coastline and Kragga Kamma Game Park where travelers can encounter cheetahs up-close.
You can look forward to scenic nature trails, magnificent wildlife, cultural experiences and a number of water sport activities. Wind-surfing, fishing and scuba diving are firm favorites amongst watersports enthusiasts.
Accommodation: The Boardwalk Hotel
Today your unforgettable self-drive adventure comes to an end as you drive to Port Elizabeth Airport, return the vehicle and connect with your onward travel arrangements.
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October 28, 2024
Nicole Cronje is an absolute pleasure…
Nicole Cronje is an absolute pleasure to work with when planning our safari. Her extensive knowledge of the properties and destinations was invaluable. She patiently answered all of our questions, offered expert advice, and tailored our itinerary to our specific interests. Her friendly and helpful demeanor made the entire planning process stress-free and enjoyable. We couldn't have asked for a better travel consultant. Thank you, Nicole, for helping us create a truly unforgettable safari experience for next year!
Dec 4, 2024
Prompt & knowledgeable
Prompt & knowledgeable
Dec 4, 2024
Great service from Denise at Safari.com
Denise from Safari.com was extremely helpful. She responded promptly, provided good advice on safari lodgings options and worked up a couple of itinerary options to suit our budget. Denise also organised flights and transfers very quickly so that we could finalize our booking in a short time. Much appreciated.
Dec 4, 2024
It was amazing
It was amazing. She even helped us with some of our questions and where to stay.🌞
Dec 2, 2024
a seamless booking experience with…
a seamless booking experience with everything handled really well. Bravo!
Dec 2, 2024
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with. Very responsive and helpful for setting up my trip to Africa
Nov 30, 2024
Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Pascal John at Safari.com guided me on different safari lodges (experience, rating), and most importantly knew about specials (buy 3 nights, get 4th for free) which allowed my family to secure a 5-star location at a more reasonable rate. Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Nov 29, 2024
Fast responses and informative answers.
Fast responses and informative answers.
Nov 29, 2024
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all…
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all my requests and changes in a timely manner
Nov 29, 2024
Mel du Toit
Mel du Toit, gave us excellent service and was so quick to respond to our request!! We are looking to return to Simbavati, because of our previous experience there, and Mel has shown that we may continue to expect this !!! Thank you !!!
