Explore the best of South Africa’s Coastline
Explore Cape Town, arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cities, before departing on our suggested Winelands and Garden Route itinerary with the freedom of your own hire car. After spending a night in the historic Cape Winelands wine region, follow scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Traverse spectacular landscapes, stay at a historic ostrich farm and explore the beautiful Garden Route before heading to Shamwari Game Reserve, which offers guided “Big 5” safari experiences and a range of luxurious accommodation options.
Highlights
- Beautiful Cape Town & Table Mountain
- Spectacular Cape Winelands & Cape Point
- Mountain vistas of the Klein Karoo
- Sunset oyster cruise and ocean safari in Plettenberg Bay
- Stunning coastline from Knysna o Plettenberg
- Cango Caves and Tsitsikamma Forest
Getting there
Many major airlines including South African Airways, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airways and British Airways fly into Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. There are also many regional and domestic carriers that service local cities such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park area.
US – South African Airways fly’s directly to east coast cities including New York and Washington. Delta Airlines is another option to consider flying directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta.
UK / Europe – There are direct flights to OR Tambo International Airport with South African Airways from London-Heathrow, Frankfurt and Munich. Major European Airlines flying directly into Johannesburg include British Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.
Sample Itinerary
Winelands, Garden Route and Safari Self Drive
10 days/9 nights
Day 1
Cape Town
Arrive Cape Town and transfer to the luxurious Victoria and Alfred Hotel, a handsome low-rise property with just 94 gorgeous guestrooms situated in Cape Town’s vibrant V & A Waterfront area.
Day 2
Cape Town
After breakfast, enjoy a half day city tour of Cape Town including a visit to the top of stunning Table Mountain by cable car if the weather permits (ticket cost excluded). Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Days 3
Franschhoek
Collect your hire car and drive to Franschhoek, a French Huguenot village about an hour’s from Cape Town. Whilst here, you will stay at Le Quartier Francais, a romantic retreat offering fine dining, 21 luxury rooms and suites. Day is at leisure to soak up the authentic South African hospitality, enjoy wine tasting and sample sumptuous regional cuisine.
Day 4
Oudtshoorn
Continue along Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, famous for its ornate palaces from the “feather boom” (1886 to 1914). You may also explore the spectacular Cango Caves. Overnight at La Plume Guest House, a Victorian homestead and working ostrich farm offering premium accommodation, a pool and optional activities including hot air ballooning, nature walks, visits to a meerkat conservation program and hot springs. Oudtshoorn’s excellent restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Days 5/6
Plettenberg Bay
Take the scenic route over Robinson’s Pass to Mossel Bay and follow the coastal road through George and Wilderness to the unspoilt beaches of Plettenberg Bay. Spend 2 days exploring this beautiful region whilst staying at The Plettenberg, a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel with 37 absolutely charming rooms and suites boasting spectacular views.
Days 7-9
Self drive ends
Drive via the Tsitsikamma Forest to Shamwari Game Reserve which offers a “Big 5” game experience on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Accommodation for 3 nights is at Eagles Crag, a sublime safari lodge featuring 9 stunning suites with private plunge pools. On days 8 and 9 enjoy morning and afternoon gameviewing activities.
Day 10
Self drive ends
Drive to Port Elizabeth and drop off your Europcar. Arrangements end.
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