Tour Details
  • Starts in: Port Elizabeth / Ends in: Cape Town
  • Departs: Any day of the year
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:6, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0
  • Hotel Rating: 3 - 4 star hotels
  • Tour Guide: No

Garden Route Self Drive - 7 days

Drive South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route, from Port Elizabeth to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, visiting Knysna, the wine region of Klein Karoo and whale watching capital Plettenburg Bay en route.

Day 1: Port Elizabeth
Upon arrival at the International Airport your on the go representative will meet you. You will be given your information packs with maps and brochures before you collect your rental vehicle and drive to where your hotel is situated in Port Elizabeth.
Day 2: Plettenberg Bay
Port Elizabeth - Plettenberg Bay. Drive to the fashionable coastal town of Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay boasts miles of beautiful sweeping golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula and is one of the world’s best spots for Whale Watching. We highly recommend an Ocean Safari in Plettenberg Bay in search of Bottlenose and rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, as well as certain shark species. Resident Bryde’s whales, Southern Right and Humpback whales, and even occasional Orcas!

Also consider visiting Monkeyland where a monkey safari within a lush indigenous forest is conducted by an experienced game ranger. Or visit the Birds of Eden, a bird sanctuary located within a two hectare dome (the world’s largest aviary) spanning a gorge of forest. Overnight - Plettenberg Bay (B)
Day 3: Knysna
Plettenberg Bay - Knysna. Drive to the picturesque town of Knysna - South Africa’s ‘Oyster Capital’, situated between lush forests and a peaceful estuary. It is truly one of the most scenic towns in South Africa, offering many activities and attractions, gourmet restaurants, arts and crafts. (B)
A view of the sea from Cape Town
Day 4: Oudtshoorn
Knysna - Oudtshoorn. Make your way to Klein Karoo’s capital - Oudtshoorn. Here you can visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch for a guided tour and visit the Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows you to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites and visit endangered animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. Klein Karoo is the easternmost wine producing region in the country, situated between spectacular mountain ranges. Overnight - Oudtshoorn (B)
Day 5: Swellendam
Oudtshoorn - Cape Town. Today drive to Cape Town stopping en route at the wine producing region of Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town, which lies at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg mountains. Overnight - Cape Town (B)
Stellenbosch
Day 6: Explore Cape Town
A free day to explore Cape Town. Maybe visit the V & A Waterfront and shop to your heart’s content, head out to Robben Island and see where Mandela spent many years or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.

When nightfall hits, visit one of the many fantastic restaurants - perhaps try some fresh seafood, then head on to one of the many buzzing bars that Cape Town has to offer. (B)
Day 7: Cape Town
Head to Cape Town airport and drop off your rental vehicle before your flight home. (B)

Alternative Options

If a self-drive does not appeal, this itinerary can also be arranged as a guided tour. Also consider combining the Garden Route with a Kruger Safari or The Winelands tour. Please contact us for further detail.