14 Day Self Drive Luxury Garden Route

Safari itinerary

14 Day Self Drive Luxury Garden Route

The journey

About this itinerary.

Dive into the sophisticated elegance of South Africa as you travel through its captivating landscapes, luxurious hotels, and immersive wildlife experiences. This curated itinerary seamlessly blends coastal charm, cultural richness, and awe-inspiring safari adventures.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to the ‘friendly city’, Gqeberha, where your journey will begin with a celebration of beauty, luxury, and curated local artworks. Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel sets the precedent for luxury boutique hotels in Gqeberha. Enjoy your first day in your Executive suite, planning and freshening up for your relaxation at the pool, bar, or indoor cinema.

Day 2:

After breakfast, get ready for a road trip of 3 hours to Plettenberg Bay, South Africa’s favorite adventure playground along the Garden Route. At this coastal gem, you will stay for two nights at The Plettenberg Hotel in a luxury room with a view of the beautiful blue ocean. Enjoy Plett with all its boutique stores, wine tasting, dining under the stars experiences, incredible wildlife, and outdoor adventure—all on your own time.

Day 4:

Transition from the coast to the heart of the Klein Karoo in 2 hours to Oudtshoorn. The rustic charm of the Klein Karoo and the elegant touch of Rosenhof Country House will bring warmth to your stay. Recognized as one of the finest establishments in the region, you will fall into the lap of luxury in your elegantly styled room, enjoy the taste of the Karoo, and a sense of wellbeing.

Day 5:

Enjoy breakfast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the lush garden before you pack up to continue on your 2-hour journey into the wilderness to Sanbona Game Reserve. This vast reserve offers the ultimate BIG Five safaris and boasts dramatic landscapes. Embrace the luxury of Tilney Manor, bounded by the raw beauty of nature. Your next two days will be filled with two daily game drives, guided wildlife walks, all while enjoying the full board inclusive meals and selected drinks.

Day 7:

After witnessing the breathtaking African sunrise and a Karoo inspired breakfast, make your way to the next immersive experience of the tour. A two-hour drive to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Here you will stay in the Forest Lodge in your luxury suite. Your next two days will be filled with activities such as a flower safari, nature walks, fynbos horseback experience, and an ancient cave experience. Enjoying a full board meal service, you can expect breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a five-course dinner.

Day 9:

Moving on to the Cape Winelands, the cultured tourist hotspot, Franschhoek, where food and wine are fundamental. Your stay will be elevated at Leeu Estate, in a studio room, enjoying breakfast on your private terrace and for the cooler nights, relaxing in front of your fireplace. The estate offers a variety of restaurants such as The Dining Room, which is only open for guests of the Estate.

Day 11:

Last stop in Cape Town, settled in the city’s popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is One & Only. Overlooking the marina with sweeping views of the iconic Table Mountain in all its glory. Here you will experience the pure luxury of the beloved tourist destination in your Marina Table Mountain room.

Day 14:

Day of departure from your awe-inspiring 14-Day Self-Drive Luxury Garden Route tour. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may require an overnight in Cape Town. Please consult with one of our travel experts for assistance with overnight hotel options.

The same as booking direct

Rates and pricing.

Per person sharing in ZAR for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 31 Aug 2026

What's included

Mantis No 5 boutique Art Hotel

  • 1 Night in 5-star in Gqeberha
  • Breakfast Daily

The Plettenberg Hotel

  • 2 Nights in 5-star in Plettenberg Bay
  • Breakfast Daily

Rosenhof Country House

  • 1 Night in 5-star in Oudtshoorn
  • Breakfast Daily

Tilney Manor

  • 2 Nights in 5-star in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
  • All Meals and Selected Drinks
  • 2 Daily Nature Drives and Guided Wilderness Walks

Forest Lodge

  • 2 Nights in 5-star in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
  • All Meals and Selected Drinks
  • Selected Activities Included

Throughout the trip

  • 14-day Car Rental with GPS

By season

Green season

1 May 2026 – 7 Jun 2026

ZAR 117,082

Peak / migration

8 Jun 2026 – 15 Jul 2026

ZAR 121,451

Peak / migration

16 Jul 2026 – 31 Aug 2026

ZAR 130,251

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

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Example: 14–21 Nov 2027 · 2 adults · departing NYC · Big Five focus.

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