Garden Route self drive vacations
Our South Africa self drive Vacations
South Africa vacation
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
Zululand safari vacation, South Africa
Experience wildlife reserves, beaches and Zulu culture
Garden Route vacation, tailor made, South Africa
Wildlife, mountains & sandy beaches, adventure and people
South Africa family adventure vacation, tailor made
Family self-drive vacation, featuring whales & wildlife
Kwa Zulu Natal self drive South Africa vacation
South Africa's best kept secret, a must for second time visitors
Self drive vacation in South Africa
Immerse yourself in natural beauty, history & wilderness
South Africa wine tasting self drive vacation
Drive through South Africa's "Mother City" in 7 days
Wheelchair accessible South Africa self drive vacation
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
self-drive trip into Limpopo, South Africa
A self-drive trip into Limpopo, South Africa's hidden gem.
South Africa honeymoon, self drive
Cape Town, the Winelands, natural beauty & wildlife safaris
Classic South Africa self drive vacation
Ideally suited for the first-time visitor to South Africa
Kwa Zulu Natal self drive vacation
Explore Kwa Zulu Natal: Rich in culture, history & scenery
Cape Town & winelands vacation, South Africa tailormade
Explore this city, meet its people, and taste fabulous wine and food
South Africa self drive vacation
Beach and bush experience in South Africa
The Garden Route self drive highlights
Big Five safaris
Cape Town
Don’t be daunted by the thought of driving in a major South African city, Cape Town is relatively small, easily navigable and parking is plentiful. That said, as your international flight will usually arrive here you’ll find your self drive specialist will usually give you a couple of days to settle in before delivering your car to you at your accommodation. Once behind the wheel your options are almost endless – drive the beautiful Cape Peninsula circuit or stay in the city for an eye-opening township tour with a local guide.Hermanus
Often the final stop on self drive itineraries before you hit the Garden Route proper, this coastal town two hour’s drive south of Cape Town is one of the best places to see whales in the world. Head to Hermanus between July and November to see southern right whales breaching in Walker Bay – the town’s famed ‘whale crier’ will let you know when they appear and you don’t even have to step foot on board a boat as you can see them from shore. Alternatively enjoy spectacular hiking, boat rides, surf lessons or kayaking.Our top South Africa self drive Vacation
South Africa vacation
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
This trip can be tailormade throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Knysna
Birdlife abounds in Knysna’s lagoon, while this laid-back Garden Route town offers boutique shops and a selection of waterside restaurants specialising in fresh oysters. Arrive in late June and you might catch the town’s famed oyster festival, while more active adventures can be found on the hiking trails through the forests surrounding the town. Take a boat ride out to the beautiful cliffs of the Knysna Heads and you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins along the way.Oudtshoorn
Plettenberg Bay
Pretty ‘Plett’ is just half an hour along the Garden Route from Knysna, nestled on a sweeping stretch of golden sand and backed by indigenous forests. Boutique beachside lodges abound, or stay out of town in a private nature reserve overlooking the Matjies River Gorge – self drive itineraries can be tailored to your preferences. Visit the world’s largest free-flight bird sanctuary, take a canopy tour across the treetops of Tsitsikamma National Park, or go sea kayaking along the rocky coast.Winelands
Just an hour and a half from central Cape Town, vineyards backed by botanical gardens in the shadow of Table Mountain produce some of the best wine in the world, and open their doors and cellars for tastings and tours. Expect whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture in Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s oldest colonial towns, while the hop-on-hop-off wine tram through the Franschhoek Valley unveils vineyards backed by lush mountain views. Don’t miss tastings at some of South Africa’s first black-owned vineyards while you’re here.Practicalities
Your international flight is likely to arrive into Cape Town, and many self drive specialists will transfer you into the city, and give you a couple of days to settle in before delivering your hire car to your door. Driving in Cape Town is easy so getting out and about into the Cape Peninsula, or off to the Winelands is usually fairly straightforward. You can expect detailed route maps between your pre-booked accommodations with plenty of advice and ideas on the best things to see and do along the way. And your specialist bespoke vacation company will be on hand should you have any problems at all as you explore.