Cape Town Cape Winelands Garden Route Safari Self Drive – 3 nights Cape Town | 1 night Franschhoek | 1 night Oudtshoorn | 3 nights Knysna | 3 nights Lalibela Game Reserve
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you are met in the arrival’s hall by our representative who will hand over your travel documents and assist you to the car hire kiosk where you collect your vehicle. You make your way to your hotel in Cape Town and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recuperate after your international flight.
Driving time: Cape Town Airport to hotel: approx. 40 minutes
You have a few days to get the best out of this wonderful city and as you are self-driving you have a great deal of flexibility.
Cape Town has so much to offer and you are able to start exploring this area tomorrow. From the oldest buildings in South Africa to trendy waterfront shopping; from majestic Table Mountain to sun drenched beaches; and from dramatic seascapes to verdant vineyards. Cape Town regularly tops many lists of world must-visit destinations and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain has recently been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cosmopolitan and fashionable, the relaxed atmosphere and pavement café culture give Cape Town a Southern European feel – but with a distinctive African twist.
You check out after breakfast and make your way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys and verdant vineyards. Many of the nearby wine estates in the area offer informative guided wine-tastings to the public as well as cellar tours or tours of the vineyards. Some of them also make cheese, chocolate and olive oil and offer tastings of these products alongside their wines. Many also have on-site restaurants offering food that ranges from gastronomical delights to picnic hampers to enjoy under the oak trees.
After a full day of exploring the various Wine Routes and enjoying wine tastings along the way, you make your way to Franschhoek where you check in for your overnight stay.
The village of Franschhoek is at the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Route and is surrounded by craggy mountains and verdant vineyards. Many of the 42 wine estates on the Franschhoek Wine Route offer informative guided wine-tastings to the public as well as cellar tours or tours of the vineyards. Some of them also make cheese, chocolate and olive oil and offer tastings of these products alongside their wines. Many of them have on-site restaurants offering food that ranges from gastronomical delights to picnic hampers to enjoy under the oak trees. There is a hop-on hop- off Wine Tram, which visits some of these estates. Franschhoek village, South Africa’s “French Corner”, has a distinct French feel and is undoubtedly South Africa’s gourmet capital, with several of South Africa’s Top Ten restaurants. It is also filled with quirky shops.
Enjoy breakfast this morning before you check out and depart Cape Town and head to Oudtshoorn for an overnight stay. The drive takes you through an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and an abundance of trees and indigenous flora – offering a diverse region and a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility.
The town of Oudtshoorn area is situated in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains and is the ostrich capital of the world. The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.
Driving time: Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn – approx. 4½ hours (direct drive)
You leave Oudtshoorn and the little Karoo behind and head over the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains. Drive through the towns of George and wilderness before reaching Knysna where you spend a few hours taking in some of the views of the Knysna Heads.
Driving time: Oudtshoorn to Knysna – approximately 1¾ hours (direct drive)
Knysna is a lovely little village and the perfect base to explore the garden route.
Set between the majestic Outeniqua mountains and the rugged Southern Cape Coastline, surrounded by forest, Knysna is built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon. The lagoon is unique in that it features the only estuarine seahorses of its kind in the world and visitors are encouraged to scuba dive to see them. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast (and in the world) that supports an oyster hatchery, of which the oysters are reputed as being the tastiest in the world.
This unique mix of, water and forest, drop out and executive, tin shack and state–of-the-art architecture combines to make Knysna a fascinating town – one with a romantic history and a bright future. Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s best-known travel destinations and was recently named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World.
After breakfast you will continue your journey along the coast. Enjoy a scenic drive through Plettenberg Bay and The Craggs before reaching Tsitsikamma. Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”. The region stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation and Fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs. Continue through the Tsitsikamma towards Port Elizabeth and then inland to Lalibela Game Reserve where you enjoy a 3-night safari.
Upon arrival at Lalibela Game Reserve you are transferred from reception to your lodge, where you are given a welcome drink and your safari experience will be explained to you by your lodge host. There will be time to settle in before lunch followed by your first game drive.
Driving time: Knysna to Lalibela Game Reserve – approximately 4 hours
Lalibela Game Reserve is a 10,500-hectare malaria-free Big Five game reserve in the heart of Eastern Cape game country. Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. Lalibela has Four lodges and a private manor, all offering décor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service, exciting safari cuisine and unforgettable game viewing.
After your final morning game drive and brunch, you bid farewell to this African Wonderland. You are transferred back to reception where you collect your hire car and make your way to the Port Elizabeth Airport.
Upon arrival at the Port Elizabeth airport you return your hire car to the kiosk before checking in for your flight home via Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Driving time: Lalibela Game Reserve to Port Elizabeth: approx. 1¼ hours
South Africa | Cape Town | The V&A Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is situated in the heart of the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse and converted in 1990 to a luxury hotel, this privately owned hotel is renowned for the highest international standards. This landmark hotel offers spectacular views of the working harbour and Table Mountain.
It’s the detail that gives the V&A Hotel its elegance, intimacy, romance and reputation, the wooden staircase, the telescope, flowers and the service – friendly and efficient yet never intrusive. There are 94 spacious, air- conditioned, en-suite bedrooms spread over three floors. All the creatively-styled rooms have spectacular views over Table Mountain, the harbour’s Alfred Basin or the Piazza. Relax alfresco on the quayside terrace and enjoy the unique atmosphere, watching buskers and entertainers go by. There is a Designer Spa and state-of-the-art gym facilities, as well as a pool area in a beautifully manicured garden, where you can escape from the buzz of the busy Waterfront.
The V&A Hotel’s in-house restaurant, OYO Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, is arguably the finest dining location in the V&A Waterfront. In addition to OYO, there are also four sister restaurants conveniently located in close proximity to the hotel and lunch and dinner at the sister restaurants can be billed to your room at the V&A Hotel.
South Africa | Franschhoek | La Fontaine Guest House
La Fontaine is a 4-star guesthouse in the heart of Franschhoek village. This gracious, centrally-situated home is set in a small garden with spectacular mountain views. La Fontaine is spread across two heritage properties, full of period charm.
There are 14 spacious double bedrooms en suite – five en-suite double rooms upstairs and one en-suite double room downstairs in the main house, three garden suites, set in the peaceful garden with pool and courtyard surroundings, two family-friendly garden suites, and three Luxury rooms in Campbell House, our adjoining late 19th century home. Most rooms have beautiful mountain views. Children are welcome at La Fontaine. Ground level rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Generous buffet breakfasts are served indoors in the dining or under the vine-covered pergola. There is a family-size swimming pool and off-street parking. Free Wifi access is available in all the rooms. The central location allows easy walking distance to restaurants, shops and galleries.
South Africa | Oudtshoorn | De Zeekoe Guest House
De Zeekoe guest farm is an expansive, privately-owned working ostrich and alfalfa farm on the banks of the Olifants River just outside Oudtshoorn. Richly-decorated rooms each with its own private entrance, are tastefully styled with textures of wood, earthy fabrics, colourful rugs and soft lighting. Wake up with the call of the fish eagle and a view of the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains and hear the silence all around you
South Africa | Knysna | The Lofts Apartments
The unique location of this Boutique Hotel on Thesen Harbour Town sets the tone for a tranquil, revitalising, relaxing and refreshing stay on the island. Driving over the venetian style bridge you are transported to the world of nature, lending an invisible and intangible flavour to your holiday experience at The Lofts Boutique Hotel.
Set within the remodelled timber frame of the old Knysna boatbuilding shed, the hotel rooms take one’s breath away with their industrial refurbishment and design. This fresh, smart-casual approach is far from the ordinary, and caters well to every desire. Multiple room options are presented in various styles.
All suites have unique views, the connection to and effect of nature – the perfect break-away. Bask in sunsets unique to the Knysna Lagoon. Photograph the surrounding views. Breathe in the fresh lagoon air flowing through your open glass balcony doors. The design incudes a large bedroom with an open-plan bathroom and a separate toilet.
More luxuries that are provided include extra length twin beds which can also be made up as a king size bed, hanging and packing space, flat-screen television with select satellite channels, coffee station, air conditioning, digital electronic safe and WiFi.
INCLUDED IN PRICE South Africa | Lalibela Game Reserve | Tree Tops Safari Lodge
Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. Lalibela has three lodges, all offering décor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service, exciting safari cuisine and unforgettable game viewing. Tree Tops is a tented camp and is Lalibela’s flagship lodge. The luxury safari tented rooms perched high on thatched platforms at “tree top” level is joined by raised walkways and offer spectacular views over the thickly-wooded valley. The rooms, with their canvas walls and thatched roofs have huge window areas and give guests the feeling of being right in the bush. Each room has a private veranda where guests can sit and relax in privacy. Tree Tops has a large lounge and open-air dining deck with a view over a small waterhole. The swimming pool has a gazebo with day-beds on which to relax.
Early morning and sunset game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from mighty elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. On thrilling night drives under the vast African sky, we search for the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the curious spring hare.
SUGGESTED Cape Town | Cape Point Full Day Self Drive
Your journey to Cape Point takes you along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. You pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and azure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while shear cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side.
There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. You arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel mountain peak. Visit Seal Island or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbor.
You can continue over Chapman’s Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent ‘fynbos’, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests enjoying lunch at the restaurant which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular (for your own account) to the lighthouse to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape Point. A photo stop at the Cape of Good Hope is a ‘must’, and your guide will do his best to assist in capturing that special moment for you.
You can visit Boulders Beach to see the Jackass penguins (for your own account) before arriving at the naval base of Simonstown, and then venture inland to your last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers, and offer a fitting end to a day filled with all the Cape has to offer.
SUGGESTED Cape Town | V&A Waterfront, Robben Island & Two Oceans Aquarium
Spend time today at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony.
You could also visit the Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. The V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s trendiest shopping precinct and is full of great restaurants and bars. If the weather is inclement on the first day, take the opportunity to go up Table Mountain
SUGGESTED Knysna | John Benn Cruise & Featherbed Nature Reserve
For many of the Garden Route travellers, staying in Knysna is a highlight; thanks to its scenic lagoon, breathtaking mountains, and laid-back vibe. And, as one of its oldest attractions, it is no wonder that the Featherbed Nature Reserve is an important Natural Heritage Site.
This is an utterly unique, privately-owned reserve that lies on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as ‘The Heads’, which are two prominent mountain outcrops that stand like pillars on either side of a narrow, wild passageway from the ocean to the estuary. The reserve is accessible only by ferry. What makes it extra special is that it was completely destroyed in the great fires of 2017.
The Featherbed Nature Reserve is best enjoyed on a formal tour. Catch the ferry at the Knysna Waterfront, sail across the lagoon while a guide keeps you entertained with fun facts and interesting info, and then hop off at the Featherbed jetty on the other side.
The John Benn is a beautiful pleasure cruiser and is a nautical dining experience for the whole family. This unique floating restaurant makes daily cruises to the scenice Knysna Heads while patrons eat, drink and enjoy themselves. An enthusiastic onboard team serve tasty, fresh food with a smile and ensure that everyone on board is having a superb time.
SUGGESTED Plettenberg Bay | The Crags Wildlife Encounter & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
The Crags Wildlife Encounter:
Enjoy an action-packed day full of the best animal-based adventure activities the Garden Route has to offer. Have an early breakfast and then start the day off with an exhilarating stroll through indigenous forest and Cape fynbos as you join the cheetahs of the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre on their daily walk. You then enjoy a guided safari through Monkeyland – the world’s largest free-roaming primate sanctuary, where previously caged primates can live in dignity. Here you can expect to see many species of monkeys, apes and lemurs living in this forested sanctuary. Thereafter you work up an appetite as you wander through the world’s largest free-flight aviary at Birds of Eden, which incorporates the indigenous forest with waterfalls and elevated walkways. Previously caged birds from every corner of the globe live here in free flight. You can then enjoy a light lunch under the vines at Bramon Wine Estate. Bramon is the only wine estate this far east of the Western Cape and has pioneered a superior Sauvignon Blanc champagne-method sparkling wine.
Dolphin Watching Boat Trip:
See the rare Humpback Dolphins found in only certain areas of the South African coastline. You will also see Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphins. You will be taken to the Robberg Seal Colony where you will see around 5,000 seals in their natural environment.
This eco adventure leaves from Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay with an exciting beach launch and heads east past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock. Here they usually encounter Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins as well as some shark species. From Arch Rock they head into the middle of the Bay where pelagic seabirds are normally to be found some 7km from the shore. Out there the resident Bryde’s whales may be seen, as well as Common Dolphins or Southern Right and Humpback whales during their season.
They then traverse the Bay to the point of Robberg Peninsula and out to the Wild side, often seeing groups of whales and pods of dolphins. Cruising back along the inside of Robberg, you will see the unique geology from this unusual viewpoint and can observe the growing Cape Fur Seal Colony. Finally they head back along the Robberg beach, while a brief rundown on the history of the area is given. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original Whaling Station, the experience ends with an exhilarating landing, again on Central Beach.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Lalibela Game Reserve | Daily Safari Programme at Tree Tops Safari Lodge
Game drives take place in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when animals are most active. Night game drives provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the predators. You return to your lodge in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner.
Early morning and sunset game drives in an open vehicle with an experienced game ranger bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from mighty elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo to tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. On thrilling night drives under the vast African sky, we search for the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the curious spring hare.
For a three night stay you will enjoy a total of 6 game drives, and they will be as follows – on your day of arrival you have an afternoon/evening game drive. The following day will include both a morning game drive as well as an afternoon/evening game drive and then on the day of departure you will depart after a morning game drive and breakfast.
Between game drives there is time to relax around the sunny pool, do some birdwatching from the observation deck or read a book in the peace of your room’s private veranda.
