Whales, Garden Route and Safari

  • Three nights to explore Cape Town
  • The chance for whale watching in Hermanus
  • Oysters at Knysna
  • Two nights at the secluded Robberg Beach Lodge in Plettenberg Bay
  • Big Five spotting in the Amakhala Game Reserve

This 12 night self-drive itinerary takes you along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route.

Start your journey with three nights in Cape Town, hiking to the top of Table Mountain and sipping cocktails on the V&A Waterfront. In your hire car, drive along the Garden Route, spending nights in Hermanus where you have the chance to spot whales, Knsyna and Plettenberg Bay. End your trip with two nights in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve – look out for zebra and impala from your private deck!

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town

UK to Cape Town

Be met and assisted at Cape Town International Airport following your flight from the UK. Collect your car and drive to your hotel, where you’ll be based for the next three nights.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town

Day 2: Table Mountain and Table Bay

Cape Town

Located just 300 metres from the V&A Waterfront in the heart of Cape Town, take in the panoramic views of Table Bay and Table Mountain from the Commodore.

Decorated in a nautical theme, make use of the superb facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and massage treatments.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 2: Table Mountain and Table Bay

Day 3: Explore Cape Town your way

Cape Town

Spend your last full day in Cape Town exploring this beautiful port city. Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain for stunning views, catch the ferry over to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned or swim with penguins at Boulders Beach. End the day with sundowners along the Camps Bay beachfront.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3: Explore Cape Town your way

Day 4: Hermanus - whales and sharks

Cape Town - Hermanus

It’s time to take to the road as you drive the hour and a half from Cape Town to Hermanus for two nights, basing yourself in the heart of the Old Harbour.

Settle in to your room before heading out for the ultimate whale watching experience (only during whale season) or - if you’re brave enough – shark cage diving alongside Great White Sharks.

Accommodation: Harbour House Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 4: Hermanus - whales and sharks

Day 5: Explore Hermanus

Hermanus

Today, relax by the infinity pool as you look out over the breath-taking views of the ocean or head out of the hotel to explore the town’s markets, restaurants and street cafés all just a few feet from your doorstep.

Return in the evening to watch the sun go down, drink in hand, from the pool bar in the Pavilion.

Accommodation: Harbour House Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 5: Explore Hermanus

Day 6: Knysna

Hermanus - Knysna

Get back in your car this morning and continue driving along the Western Cape to Knysna. Spend the first of your two nights soaking up the sun at Buffels Bay or visiting the Knysna Heads, a prerequisite for first-time visitors to the area!

 Accommodation: Protea Hotel Knysna Quays

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 6: Knysna

Day 7: Hoekwil Forest

Knysna

Pack a picnic and head to Hoekwil Forest, a short drive from the town centre. Walk the trails, making sure to pass the 800 year old yellowwood, Woodville Big Tree.

Return to Knysna and sample the city’s delicacy oysters at the hotel or on a champagne-and-oysters cross on Knysna Lagoon.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Knysna Quays

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 7: Hoekwil Forest

Day 8: Plettenberg Bay

Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

Make your way to the heart of the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay (or Plett to the locals) for two nights staying at the luxurious Beachy Head Villa right on the beach.

Walk five minutes from this secluded beachside hotel and find yourself in the bustling Main Street lined with restaurants, galleries, coffee shops and bars.

Accommodation: Robberg Beach Lodge – Beachy Head Villa

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 8: Plettenberg Bay

Day 9: Free time in Plett

Plettenberg Bay

Take a full day to explore the local area mixing relaxation with adventure. Stretch out on one of the pristine Blue Flag beaches and sit back and relax on a river cruise through the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve.

Feel like a rush of adrenaline? Take a short drive to Bloukrans Bridge for the highest bungee jump in the world!

Accommodation: Robberg Beach Lodge – Beachy Head Villa

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 9: Free time in Plett

Day 10: Game Reserve

Plettenberg Bay - Amakhala Hlosi Game Reserve

Your last stop on this self-drive itinerary is the malaria free Amakhala Game Reserve, near the city of Port Elizabeth. After settling into your luxury suite complete with outdoor shower and private deck, head off on your first game drive in search of the Big Five: lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and elephant.

Accommodation: Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Game Reserve

Day 11 - Day 12: Game drives

Amakhala Game Reserve

A full day in the reserve sees you heading off another game drive in search of wildlife; speak to us about including optional night drives and guided walks.

Back at the lodge sit on the veranda overlooking the waterhole or on your private deck keeping your eyes peeled for more wildlife. Sip sundowners before a bush braai at the ‘boma’.

Accommodation: Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge

INCLUDES : All-Inclusive

Day 11 - Day 12: Game drives

Day 13: Departure

Amakhala - Port Elizabeth - UK

A final game drive this morning before you drive to Port Elizabeth Airport to drop off your hire car and check in for your departure flight back to the U.K.

Pricing


All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.


This fly drive itinerary runs all year round

from 15th June 2023 - 15th December 2024

from £4,779pp

Important Info

Speak To One Of Our Whales, Garden Route and safari Travel Experts Now On 0203 131 8384 Open today: 8.30am - 9pm

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