This 14-night South Africa self-drive itinerary combines the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town with a scenic journey along the Garden Route, terminating back in Cape Town ( Circular self driving Route ).

• SOUTH AFRICA MULTI CENTRE HOLIDAYS TAILOR MADE TO YOUR EXACT REQUIREMENTS AND BUDGET.

Discover one of the world’s great road trips on this tailor-made Cape Town and Garden Route self-drive holiday, where dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and charming towns unfold at your own pace.

Starting in vibrant Cape Town, this journey takes you along South Africa’s iconic southern coastline, through the heart of the Garden Route — a region known for its forested national parks, mountain passes, ocean viewpoints, and laid-back seaside towns.

This flexible itinerary is designed for travellers who want freedom on the open road, with handpicked accommodation and carefully planned driving routes that balance adventure with comfort.

From the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain and the beaches of Camps Bay, the route heads east into the Western Cape countryside, where vineyards and mountain passes lead towards Oudtshoorn in the semi-arid Klein Karoo. Here, limestone caves and ostrich farms offer a striking contrast to the coast.

Continuing south, the landscape transforms again into the lush, green heart of the Garden Route — one of South Africa’s most scenic stretches of coastline. Drive through Wilderness, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, where lagoons, forests, and beaches create a perfect rhythm of exploration and relaxation.

Further along, Tsitsikamma National Park delivers dramatic cliffside trails, suspension bridges, and ancient indigenous forest, before the route can optionally extend to a Big Five safari experience near Addo Elephant National Park.

This is a journey built for discovery — combining self-drive freedom with curated travel planning, allowing you to experience South Africa at its most iconic, from city to coast to wilderness.

PRICE INCLUDES:

FLIGHTS

• Return DIRECT flights London – Cape Town.
• UK regional departures from Manchester, Birmingham, New Castle, Belfast, Edinburgh or Glasgow available with alternative airlines.

ACCOMMODATION

• 5 nights double room breakfast included at Protea Hotel Cape Town Sea Point OR Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott, Cape Town.
• 2 nights Luxury room breakfast included at Mooiplaas Country Guest House, Oudsthoorn.
• 3 nights Suite breakfast included at Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route.
• 1 night Luxury room on B&B basis at Rothman Manor Guest House, Swellendam.
• 2 nights double room breakfast included at Harbour House Hotel, Hermanus.

CAR RENTAL

• 14 day car hire (Volkswagen Polo or similar).
• Car hire includes: Government fees and taxes. Unlimited mileage. Air conditioning. Basic Insurance. Car hire excludes: Rental Deposit; E-tolling Fees; 2ND Additional Driver; Delivery and Collection fees; Cross Border Charges; Traffic Fine Handling Fee; Claim Handling Fee; Assessor’s Fee.

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDED

• Local representation in South Africa.
• Full ATOL protection/ATOL certificate issued at time of booking. ATOL number 10510. Check our ATOL Licence by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cape Town & Garden Route Safari

What is the best time of year for a Garden Route self-drive?

Answer: The ideal time is during the South African spring and summer (October to April).

For Whales: Visit between July and November (Hermanus is world-class for this).

For Weather: February and March offer the most consistent sunshine and warm temperatures for exploring Cape Town’s beaches.

Is it safe to drive the Garden Route myself?

Answer: Yes, the Garden Route is one of the safest and most well-maintained driving routes in Africa. The roads are paved (tarmac), signage is excellent, and the infrastructure for tourists is highly developed. We provide a full “Co-Pilot” pack with GPS coordinates and 24/7 local support to ensure total peace of mind.

How long should I spend on the Garden Route?

Answer: While you can drive the route in a few days, we recommend a minimum of 10 to 14 days to truly experience the diversity. Adding a 3-night Big Five Safari experience at a Luxury Private Game Reserve such as Pumba or Amakahala is perfectly possible. Malaria Free all year round.

Is a safari in the Eastern Cape malaria-free?

Answer: Yes. One of the biggest advantages of ending your Garden Route tour in the Eastern Cape is that the entire region is 100% malaria-free. This makes it the premier choice for families with young children or those who prefer not to take anti-malarial medication, unlike the Kruger National Park area.

Can I see the “Big Five” on this itinerary?

Answer: Absolutely. The private game reserves in the Eastern Cape (such as Kariega, Sibuya, or Shamwari) are home to the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo. Because these are private reserves, you’ll enjoy off-road tracking and expert rangers, which often results in better sightings than in public parks.

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*SOUTH AFRICA SELF DRIVE HOLIDAYS 2026 & 2027*

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