15 Day Cape, Winelands, Whales & Garden Route Adventure

Overview

Enjoy this sensational 15-day self-drive tour exploring the premier attractions along South Africa’s southern coast. You will have everything in place for a carefree journey starting in Cape Town, winding along the Cape Winelands and its Whale Route, and enjoy thrilling malaria-free Big 5 game viewing in a private reserve before ending your trip in Port Elizabeth.

Enjoy Cape Town’s highlights like Table Mountain, Cape Point Nature Reserve, visiting the endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach, and sipping cocktails on Camps Bay's sunset strip. Spend three sun-drenched days sampling fine food and wine in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. Make your way to Hermanus, a quiet seaside escape, and go whale watching between June and December. Self-drive the gorgeous Garden Route at your own pace and see the Big 5 in the exclusive Gondwana Game Reserve. Your next stop is Plettenberg Bay, a lively coastal town and South Africa's beach playground. Explore the marine environment and visit the many attractions of the beautiful surrounding forests.

This tour includes a stay at a selection of luxurious hotels and lodges that offer well-appointed rooms, exceptional cuisine, and that warm hospitality that South Africa is renowned for.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 3: Cape Town

Today you arrive at Cape Town International Airport where you will collect your rental vehicle. You will then make your way to the center of Cape Town where you will check into your hotel.

The next few days are yours to explore Cape Town, visiting top attractions like Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope, and the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Chat to your travel expert about the various tour options available to you during your stay.

Accommodation: Cape Cadogan

Day 4 - 5: Franschhoek, Cape Winelands

Today you climb into your vehicle and take a scenic one-hour drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek. Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is well known for its fine South African wine and French-inspired cuisine. Surrounded by a mountainous range, several vineyards, and countryside retreats, Franschhoek is a destination that offers tranquility and plenty of adventure activities.

From hiking and cycling to gift shops, art galleries, wine trams, chocolate and cheese tastings, farm-to-table dining experiences, spa treatments, and visits to the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Chat to your consultant for a full list of the tours available in Franschhoek.

Accommodation: Mont Rochelle Hotel

Day 6 - 7: Whale Watching in Hermanus

Today you travel from the countryside to the coastal city of Hermanus, a town well-known for its incredible land and water-based whale watching. The luxurious Marine Hotel is home for the next two days, offering well-appointed accommodations and the most incredible views across Walker Bay, a favorite spot for whales.

Outside of whale-watching season, Hermanus offers pristine swimming beaches, scenic hiking trails in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a township tour, a petting zoo, a country market, and wine tastings at surrounding vineyards. Chat to your travel expert about the various tour options available to you during your stay.

Accommodation: The Marine

Day 8 - 10: Big-Five Safari at Gondwana Game Reserve

Your safari adventure begins today as you travel to the private 11,000-hectare Gondwana Game Reserve, the only fynbos reserve in the world that is malaria-free and home to the Big 5.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon open-vehicle game drives and guided bush walks that discover the Fynbos and smaller creatures living on the reserve. From luxuriously spacious suites with fireplaces and private viewing decks to dinners served under a canopy of stars, Gondwana offers an unforgettable and exclusive safari experience.

Accommodation: Kwena Lodge

Day 11 - 13: Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Today you bid farewell to the bushveld and travel for approximately two hours to the town of Plettenberg, a traveler favorite on the Garden Route.

Plettenberg Bay promises an adventure, offering tours of Monkeyland, Jukani Wildlife Centre, Birds of Eden, and Crags Elephant Sanctuary. One is also able to enjoy horse riding excursions, wine tastings, abseiling, kayaking, hiking, tubing, canopy tours, and ocean adventures to name but a few. Be sure to ask your consultant for more information on tours and attractions in the area.

Accommodation: Tsala Treetop Lodge

Day 14: Port Elizabeth

The next stop on your journey is the town of Port Elizabeth, known as the "friendly city" and most famous for its incredible coastline and Kragga Kamma Game Park where travelers can encounter cheetahs up-close.

You can look forward to scenic nature trails, magnificent wildlife, cultural experiences, and a number of water sport activities. Wind-surfing, fishing, and scuba diving are firm favorites amongst watersports enthusiasts.

Accommodation: The Boardwalk Hotel

Day 15: Departure

Today your unforgettable self-drive adventure comes to an end. You will drive to Port Elizabeth Airport, return the vehicle, and connect with your onward travel arrangements.