Overview
Explore Cape Town, drive the Garden Route, and end with Big 5 holidays in the Eastern Cape. Scenic South Africa holidays tailored by experts. Big 5 safaris, and the brilliant Eastern Cape beaches. Take a self drive tour from Cape Town with the best holiday packages to the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape. Safari, beach and more in this deal.
Begin your self-drive Garden Route package in style at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront Marina, one of the city’s most desirable locations. This luxury stay sets the tone for a seamless South African journey, offering easy access to the Mother City’s iconic landmarks.
Discover Table Mountain, sunbathe on Clifton or Camps Bay beaches, dine at award-winning restaurants, and explore scenic hiking trails around the Cape Peninsula. Then hit the open road along the world-famous Garden Route, arriving at the Wilderness Hotel—a coastal hideaway complete with a wellness spa and forest surrounds. End your adventure in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, where you’ll sleep under canvas in a luxury safari tent at Hlosi Game Lodge. Here, Big 5 game drives and starlit evenings bring your South African bush and beach holiday to a thrilling close. This route is ideal for travelers seeking freedom, comfort, and a bit of everything in one unforgettable journey.
Destinations visited
Included
DURATION 8 NIGHTS
CAN BE EXTENDED
STARTS FROM Cape Town, South Africa
ENDS AT Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day to Day Itinerary
Days 1 – 4
3 NIGHTS, SELF-CATERING BASIS CAPE TOWN
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s prestigious marina, the stylish and contemporary Lawhill Luxury Apartments provide an exceptional base for exploring the Mother City. With sweeping views of the iconic V&A Waterfront and majestic Table Mountain, these elegant accommodations combine luxury with comfort, offering a refined home-away-from-home feel. Designed for privacy and convenience, the apartments are perfect for travelers seeking space, flexibility, and access to Cape Town’s top attractions.
From Lawhill, guests can easily discover Cape Town’s most celebrated highlights: ride the cable car up Table Mountain, wander the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or take in the Atlantic views from the Sea Point Promenade. Enjoy leisurely days on the white sands of Clifton and Camps Bay or try a kayaking safari in Hout Bay. For a memorable wildlife encounter, visit the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town—an easy day trip along the scenic False Bay coast.
Days 4 – 6
2 NIGHTS, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Take a scenic drive to the charming seaside town of Wilderness, where your Garden Route holiday unfolds along sweeping stretches of unspoiled beaches and dense indigenous forests surrounding nearby Knysna. This region is celebrated for its natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape into one of South Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Spend your days exploring forest trails, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and enjoying outdoor adventures that span both coast and canopy.
Your stay in Wilderness includes accommodation at a hotel with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and the serene lagoon system below—a paradise for birders, water sport enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. From here, you can access the pristine Garden Route National Park, home to diverse wildlife, forest hikes, and marine viewpoints. Don’t miss a visit to the towering Outeniqua Mountains nearby, adding dramatic elevation and endless photo opportunities to your road trip experience.
Day 6
1 NIGHT, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Your journey continues to the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay, once named the ‘Beautiful Bay’ by early Portuguese explorers—and it’s easy to see why. This renowned Garden Route destination boasts expansive golden beaches, peaceful lagoons, clear rivers, and lush indigenous forests, all wrapped around a dramatic rocky peninsula. Plettenberg Bay is also known for its upscale flair, where beach villas, luxury yachts, polo fields, and pristine golf courses create a playground for South Africa’s elite.
If you enjoy swimming in the warm, gentle waters of the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay offers some of the safest and most scenic beaches along the coast. Take a guided hike on the spectacular Robberg Peninsula, where you’ll encounter panoramic cliff-top views, seabird colonies, and even seals resting on the rocks below. From these cliffs, gaze back across the bay to fully appreciate the natural beauty and coastal charm of this beloved destination.
Days 7 – 8
2 NIGHTS FULL BOARD BASIS AMAKHALA
Tucked between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, just east of the famous Addo Elephant Park, Amakhala Game Reserve is a top choice for Big Five safaris in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape. Carved by the meandering Bushman’s River, this private reserve features varied topography and rich ecosystems that support an incredible range of wildlife. Expect to encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species—alongside smaller mammals and vibrant birdlife that thrive in this diverse habitat.
Amakhala offers a well-rounded safari experience with daily game drives, guided bush walks, and scenic horse trails across the plains. For something unique, enjoy a peaceful boat cruise along the Bushman’s River, where wildlife often appears along the banks. Guests can also visit the Amakhala Craft Centre for local art and souvenirs, or unwind with a round of golf and spa treatments at the nearby Bushman Sands Golf Course and Health Spa.
Day 9
After breakfast, you’ll prepare to check out of your suite, taking in one last glimpse of the surrounding landscape. A friendly lodge representative will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth departure. Whether you’re heading to the airport or continuing your South African journey, the final leg of your adventure promises scenic views, cherished memories, and a heartfelt farewell from the wild.
Let Voyage2Africa design your perfect safari and coastal escape. With our expert local knowledge, handpicked lodges, and seamless itineraries, we take the stress out of travel planning. From Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, we ensure every moment exceeds expectations. Personalized, professional, and passionate about Africa—start your next adventure with the experts who truly know the continent. Contact us today to begin your unforgettable journey.
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