DAY 1 – 4: CAPE TOWN

Upon your arrival in Cape Town you will be met by a South Africa 365 representative, for the handover of your Group B rental vehicle.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is yours to explore for the next four days. Discover some of the most scenic locations in South Africa and see why Cape Town is a self-drive paradise.

On your Cape Town vacation, drive along the famous Chapman’s Peak towards Cape Point and the lush Cape Winelands region. Complete your Cape Town vacation with trips to popular tourist attractions including, Robben Island, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Malay Quarter, Table Mountain Cable Car, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and many more.

Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis at The Portswood Hotel, centrally located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

DAY 5 – 6: HERMANUS

Following 4 days in Cape Town, drive approximately an hour to the seaside town of Hermanus.

Known as the whale-watching capital of the world, Hermanus is famous for its high concentration of whales, pristine beaches and wide variety of indigenous coastal fynbos and birdlife.

The Whale Coast offers a range of activities for you to enjoy on your South African holiday including, boat-based whale-watching trips, nature walks, beach tanning, sea kayaking, golf and trips to Gaansbaai – one of the best great white shark cage diving destinations in the world, which provides face-to-face encounters with nature’s most feared predators.

Accommodation is at the luxurious Oceans Eleven Guest House, situated on the Hermanus cliff paths, overlooking the blue waters of the ocean.

Please note: The peak time for whale watching season is in September, although the season stretches from July to November.

DAY 6 – 9: KNYSNA AND THE GARDEN ROUTE

From Hermanus, you will drive approximately 4 hours along the world-famous Garden Route to Knysna.

Situated in an area of dense forests, indigenous flora, wide bays, rocky sea cliffs and numerous rivers, Knysna is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

On your Garden Route holiday, enjoy activities such as scuba diving, surfing, and whale- and dolphin-watching at the nearby beaches. Take a trip to Featherbed Bay where, on the opposite side of the lagoon, you can either go for a guided hike or race around on 4-wheelers. Spend the day at leisure and shop for souvenirs of your Garden Route holiday, or indulge in fresh oysters and bubbling champagne at the picturesque Knysna Waterfront.

Explore this beautiful corner of South Africa and embark on peaceful nature walks in the indigenous forest, canopied by Yellowwood, Ironwood and Stinkwood trees. Be sure to pay a visit to the ‘Garden of Eden’ - an aptly-named area of the forest - before you leave for your Big 5 safari.

Accommodation is at Kanonkop Boutique Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 9 – 12: EASTERN CAPE GAME RESERVE

Drive 3 hours up the coast to a malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve, for the start of your South African safari.

A typical day on safari starts with an early game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in search of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). Accompanied by skilled rangers, you will find yourself within arm’s reach of Africa’s wildest creatures. After your morning game drive, you head back to the lodge where a sumptuous breakfast awaits you, after which the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

The late afternoon brings with it another game drive and the chance to spot some of the more nocturnal animals. Following sundowners in the vast African bush, you head back to the lodge for a delicious dinner, accompanied by fine South African wines.

Accommodation is at Lalibela Tree Tops Lodge, where elephants may be spotted from the comfort of your room. (For a more luxurious option, speak to our consultants about upgrading to Shamwari Game Reserve.)

Following 4 days of safari bliss, drive to Port Elizabeth Airport and drop off you rental car, before catching your flight back to Cape Town, concluding your South African self-drive tour.