South African Self-Drive: The Glorious Garden Route
This South Africa Garden Route itinerary follows the southern coastline from Cape Town, combining coastal drives, wildlife and charming towns in one varied journey. It’s ideal for travellers looking to explore at a relaxed, easy pace.
From Cape Town to Hermanus, Swellendam and Oudtshoorn, before continuing to Plettenberg Bay and an Eastern Cape safari, the route reveals how landscapes shift from ocean to mountains to game reserves, creating a journey defined by variety and progression.
The itinerary below is shown as an example route. Every journey we create is planned from scratch, and can be adapted — unless you like it exactly as it is.
- Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Meet our representative once you touch down in Cape Town for a VIP welcome ahead of your transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2 - Cape Town
Uthando is charity working with local communities to create work and authentic insight into the real South Africa - enjoy the tour that offers a unique and authentic introduction to the social problems in the country and the inspirational ways the charity are handling the marginalised communities.
- Day 3 - Cape Town
See the spectacular views of the city on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and then visit the infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
- Day 4 - Hermanus
Grab your rental car and drive to the beautiful town of Hermanus - known for the best land-based whale watching in the world.
- Day 5 - Hermanus
Explore the magnificent coastline on a special 'Marine 5' safari. Enjoy sightings of cape fur seals, penguins, cormorants and other sea birds and marine mammals - perhaps even a great white shark!
- Day 6 - Swellendam
Your next stop is the sleepy, cute town of Swellendam. Where you'll stay overnight. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure at the glamping site, where you can hike and explore the beautiful rural landscapes
- Day 7 - Oudtshoorn
Head to the town of Oudtshoorn for a stay in a gorgeous guest farm surrounded by the dramatic Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains.
- Day 8 - Oudtshoorn
A fun and exciting day in store as your head out on a meerkat safari at a local reserve. Meerkats are gorgeous creatures that populate this fascinating region of Africa, their numbers here are abundant so your chances of seeing them are very good!
- Day 9 - Plettenberg Bay
Drive on to Plettenberg Bay and your beautiful villa perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. Only a short drive away from the town centre with a host of restaurants, pubs, cafes and more.
- Day 10 - Plettenberg Bay
Enjoy a second day in Plettenberg Bay, explore the area and take in the stunning views from the beach.
- Day 11 - Eastern Cape Safari
Now it's time for your 'Big 5' safari. Enjoy the first day of your safari experience in the Eastern Cape. Enjoy your first night surrounded by rich vegetation and wildlife.
- Day 12 - Eastern Cape Safari
Your second day on the search for the 'big 5' - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - plus a whole host of other wildlife including zebra and springbok.
Enjoy dinner tonight under the big African sky.
- Day 13 - Eastern Cape Safari
Your last day to tack some of the world's most majestic animals in their natural habitat.
You can also visit the Rhino Awareness, Born Free and rehabilitation centres.
What a fabulous way to spend the last day of your trip.
- Day 14 - Overnight Flight
Return your rental car and head to Port Elizabeth Airport for your onward flight.
From £2990pp
Itinerary highlights
- Scenic self-drive travel through one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions
- A blend of coastline, wildlife, wine country and relaxed seaside towns
- Carefully chosen stays that balance character, comfort and location
- Designed as a flexible example, that can be shaped around your interests