16 Day Self Drive Bush & Garden Route

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Safari itinerary · South Africa · Cape Town

16 Day Self Drive Bush & Garden Route

Enter into your adventure through some of South Africa's most prominent locations, blending luxurious stays with immersive experiences. This curated itinerary promises unparalleled comfort, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a dive into the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

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From R 87 230 per person

Duration16 days
From, per personR 87 230
Flights & transfersMostly included

The journey

About this itinerary.

Enter into your adventure through some of South Africa's most prominent locations, blending luxurious stays with immersive experiences. This curated itinerary promises unparalleled comfort, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a dive into the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

Where you'll travel: South Africa Cape Town Garden Route Cape Winelands Oudtshoorn Welgevonden

Itinerary

Day 01

Day 1

Upon arrival, you will experience the vibrant heart of South Africa's largest city. With proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport, the Radisson Hotel is the perfect start to your onward journey. Enjoy a restful stay in a junior suite and the hotel's home-cooking-inspired dining experience, where they celebrate both Afro-Asian and South African favorites. Breakfast is included.

Day 1

Day 02

Day 2

After your delicious breakfast, it is time to collect your car and embark on your adventure to Welgevonden Game Reserve. Dive deep into the African bushveld, enjoying the tranquility of the wild.

Day 2

Day 04

Day 4

After breakfast with a typical African flair, it is time to move on to your next destination, the friendly city of Gqeberha. Your flight awaits. Once in Gqeberha, you will collect your vehicle and head to Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel to enjoy the authentic South African art.

Day 4

Day 05

Day 5

After breakfast, you set off on a 2-hour drive to Plettenberg Bay. Nestled in the Piesang River Valley, you'll find the perfect place just 5 minutes from the golden blue flag beach at Barrington’s Small Hotel. Staying in a Deluxe room with your private balcony, it's time to spend the next day exploring the onsite craft brewery, restaurant, and bar at your own pace.

Day 5

Day 07

Day 7

As you rise with the sun, get ready for checkout at 11:00 am. Your next stop is Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn, offering a true African experience. Enjoy a unique tented adventure in your luxury waterhole tent, frequently visited by local wildlife. For the next two days, enjoy the wildlife on morning and afternoon safaris. Savor the authentic Karoo cuisine with the full board option included.

Day 7

Day 09

Day 9

After breakfast, prepare for the road trip down to Franschhoek, nestled in the heart of South Africa's wine region. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, world-class wines, and breathtaking views of vineyards and mountains at Angala Hotel. In the luxury room, you have a private veranda with a secluded garden, complete with outdoor showers.

Over the next two days, enjoy the vibrant bars, restaurants, and art galleries of the beautiful Franschhoek.

Day 9

Day 11

Day 11

After breakfast at the private guest-only hotel, get ready to move to your next destination. The coastal town of Hermanus offers scenic beauty, whale-watching opportunities, and a serene escape from city life. Harbour House Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Hermanus. You will stay in the romantic room at Manor House and enjoy a bed and breakfast experience. Spend the following two days lounging next to the crystal blue pool or exploring the nearby town, just minutes away.

Day 11

Day 13

Day 13

Your next three days will be dedicated to discovering Cape Town's iconic landmarks, from Table Mountain to Robben Island. With the beach at your doorstep in Camps Bay, you'll experience the best of city and seaside life at The Bay Hotel. Your sea view room allows breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the comfort of your private balcony. At this hotel, you are spoilt for choice with four uniquely different restaurants to dine in.

Day 13

Day 16

Day 16

Explore the beauty of South Africa at your own pace. Drive through picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, and along scenic routes that the country has to offer before you drop off your rental car.

Day 16

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

Radisson Hotel OR Tambo

  • 1 Night in 4-star in Johannesburg
  • Breakfast only

Mhondoro Game Lodge

  • 2 Nights in 5-star in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel

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

Barrington's Small Hotel

  • 2 Nights in 3-star in Plettenberg Bay
  • Breakfast only

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

  • 2 Nights in4-star in Oudtshoorn
  • All Meals and Local Drinks

Angala Hotel

  • 2 Nights in 5-star in Franschhoek
  • Breakfast only

Harbour House Hotel

  • 2 Nights in 4-star in Hermanus
  • Breakfast only

The Bay Hotel

  • 3 Nights in 5-star in Camps Bay, Cape Town
  • Breakfast only

Experiences

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

  • 2 Safari Activities Per Day
  • Car Rental with GPS

Travel

  • Flight From OR Tambo Airport (JNB) to Gqeberha Airport (PLZ)

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

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

Valid until 10 Jan 2027

Show prices in

Peak / migration

1 Aug 2026 – 31 Aug 2026

R 87 230

per person

International flights excluded

Peak / migration

1 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2026

R 93 560

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026

R 89 750

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026

R 91 100

per person

International flights excluded

Festive

16 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027

R 103 550

per person

International flights excluded

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.

"Five Star level treatment. I booked our Safari in Sabi Sans at Arathusa lodge, and our stay in Cape Town South Africa back in August of 2026 and the experience had been amazing. Safari.com agents have every detail thought from travel insurance, eSIM for phones, private transportation, and booked us amazing experiences. We saw the Big 5 in the Safari, went cage Shark diving, did a private guided Cape Peninsula tour. Everything was perfect! This was our first time using Safari.com and we will definitely use them in the future. I would highly recommend this company."
July 2026 · USA · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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