A self-drive tour where you can choose the hotels, car and services you prefer. No service is pre-included: you can change the duration of every stop as you like. The hotels shown in the itinerary are to be intended as suggestions.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Cape Town
Free day, we suggest a stop at della cittĂ , Discovered in 1652 by the Dutch, who used it as a supply base for their ships bound for the East, Cape Town is now considered one of the most multifaceted cities in the world. It is dominated by landscapes of extraordinary beauty, where sea, mountains and countryside merge into a unique whole that leaves everyone speechless.
The tour begins at Table Mountain, which offers a magnificent view of the city. However, the ascent by cable car is subject to weather conditions; moreover, between July and August, the facility is closed for annual maintenance. Alternatively, you can climb Signal Hill and then continue with an orientation tour of the city.,
Day 2 — Cape Town
Free day, we suggest a stop at Penisola del Capo, Cape Town rises spectacularly on a craggy peninsula overlooking the ocean. Leaving the city behind, the journey carries on across its suburbs, its beaches, and the Twelve Apostles headland. Once in Hour Bay, embark for a cruise to Seal Island, where hundreds of Cape fur seals and cormorants live. After that, cross Chapman’s Peak Drive: with its 114 bends in just 9 km, it’s one one of the most exciting coastal roads in the world. Road passability is subject to weather conditions. Finally, you will reach Cape Point – the legendary Cape of Good Hope; the southernmost tip of Africa and the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. If you sailed southwards from the Cape, the first dry land you’d see would be Antarctica! Cable car ride up to Simons Towns, where you will enjoy a lunch of fish specialities. After lunch, visit the nearby Boulders Beach to see the rare African penguins – a threatened species. Weather permitting, visit the outstanding botanic garden of Kirstenbosch, featuring a dazzling variety of native plants – most notably Protea (sugarbushes), the plant symbol of South Africa.,
Day 3 — Cape Town
Free day, we suggest a stop at Regione dei Vigneti,
Car
Day 4 — Cape Town → Hermanus
Free day, Hermanus is a Western Cape town famous for its whale watching in Walker Bay, particularly between July and October: Humpback, Brydes, and Minke whales make occasional appearances, but the bay is essentially frequented by Southern Right whales. The best vantage points are the concrete cliff paths which ring the rocky shore from New Harbour to Grotto Beach. There are interpretation boards at three of the popular vantage points (Gearing’s Point, Die Gang and Bientang’s Cave). Hermanus is also home to the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which holds over 1600 different plant species. Take a trek through nature reserves like Fernkloof or Vogelgat with their incredible views and hiking trails that suit every fitness level. At the world-famous Cliff Path, the most popular trail in Hermanus, you can walk about 12 km through rugged coastline all the way to Grotto beach. With the sea in front of you and the mountains at your back, you will not only spot some whales, but sooth your soul at the same time as well. Remember, there are always guided walks available if you prefer some company. There are also numerous wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to visit and the picturesque villages of Arniston, Stanford, and Elim are only a day's excursion away.,
Car
Day 5 — Hermanus → Mossel Bay
Free day, Pernottamento a Mossel Bay,
Car
Day 6 — Mossel Bay → Knysna
Free day, The Garden Route is a narrow stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and the mouth of the Storms River, 200 km of forests, mountains, rivers that flow into the ocean between rocky shores, beaches, and coves., Knysna boasts the most spectacular views of the Garden Route: on one side, the lagoon framed by the Karoo mountains, and on the other, the Indian Ocean crashing against the foot of the towering red cliffs. The presence of the ocean is constant and immense.,
Day 7 — Knysna
Free day, we suggest a stop at Knysna, 90-minute cruise to Knysna Heads, the scenic strait that connects the bay to the ocean.,
Car
Day 8 — Knysna → Oudtshoorn
Free day,
Car
Day 9 — Oudtshoorn → Montagu
You travel along Cape Route 62, the mountain version of the Garden Route, less known but equally scenic, through ancient forests and vineyards, mountains and countryside, historic villages like Montagu., We recommend staying at the Sanbona Reserve: Sanbona is a private Malaria Free reserve of 54,000 hectares immersed in the breathtaking and fascinating semi-desert landscapes of the Karoo, a sort of Arizona in Africa, only 3 hours by car from Cape Town, making it ideal for those with limited time to visit South Africa. As a sister reserve to the well-known Shamwari reserve, Sanbona is engaged in ambitious projects for the conservation of the natural environment and wildlife. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, including all of the Big 5, among which a small group of white lions, the "stars" of the reserve, stand out. Characterized by an excellent level of service and great cuisine, Sanbona has 3 lodges: Dwyka Tented Lodge (9 luxurious tents surrounded by rock formations with ensuite facilities and air conditioning), Tilney Manor (6 suites in a very intimate setting), and Gondwana Family Lodge (12 suites suitable for families).,
Day 10 — Montagu
Two game drives per day. You will be accompanied by a professional ranger and an expert tracker, to maximise your chances to sight the Big Five,
Time at leisure for optional activities, Tucked away in the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, the Franschhoek Wine Route is considered South Africa’s “gourmet capital”. Franschhoek translates to “French corner”: this is the land Simon van der Stel gave the French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in 1688. and the entire region has hints of its historical beginnings. Here you will experience a pervasive French influence in the wine making, dining, art and design. The Franschhoek winelands falls within both the Western Cape’s coastal wine-growing region and forms part of the Paarl wine district. There are 43 active wineries along the route, ranging from popular brands like Boschendal and L’Ormarins to very small, artisan producers like My Wyn (pronounced “My Vayn”) and Black Elephant Vintners. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Semillon farmers make up the bulk of the vineyard plantings in Franschhoek, making Franschhoek a “must do” for every wine lover.,
Day 13 — Cape Town
Free day, Flight to,
Starts from
13 days / 8 nights – from Cape Town to Cape Town,