Exceptional South Africa
SELF DRIVE TOUR
As the title says, this is an exceptional 14-day tour of South Africa. Four nights in Cape Town gives lots of time to explore this amazing city, with time to visit Table Mountain and enjoy the many shops and restaurants of the V&A Waterfront. Drive inland to Oudtshoorn, then eastwards along the renowned Garden Route to Plettenburg Bay and Port Elizabeth. A short flight takes you north to Johannesburg and onto a special highlight of your trip - a stay in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Daily game drives will take you in search of the ‘Big Five’ - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as wild dog and cheetah. Staying in some of South Africa’s most special hotels and lodges, this is truly a tour that will create many everlasting memories.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Drive along the iconic Garden Route
- Stay at Sabi Sabi Private Game reverse
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2-4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
Day 1 : Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by a representative who will assist you to the car rental location. Collect your car and drive to your hotel. Your accommodation is the Cape Cadogan Boutique hotel, located in the suburb of Gardens in the heart of Cape Town’s City Bowl. This original Georgian-Victoria townhouse holds National Monument Status and looks more like a private residence than a hotel.
Hotel for 4 nights: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
Day 2-4 : Cape Town
Three full days to explore Cape Town. Spend your days exploring the city and its range of sights and attractions. You have car hire included so after exploring the city itself, perhaps drive the short distance to the winelands region or drive along the Southern Cape Peninsula to visit the lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope, visit the historic village of Simon’s Town and the land-based penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Day 5 : Oudtshoorn
Today’s drive takes you east through the scenic inland route to Oudtshoorn. It’s a fairly long drive today, around 270 miles so we’d recommend an early start to allow plenty of sightseeing and rest stops along the way. Your destination is La Plume Guest House, a 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm in Oudtshoorn. Set in the tranquil Olifantsrivier Valley it demands spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming homestead, combining old world charm with modern comforts.
Hotel: La Plume Guest House
Day 6 : Plettenburg Bay
Today’s drive is a highlight of your tour as you drive along the Garden Route. Whilst not an overly lengthy drive (approx. 120 miles), there are plenty of sights along the way so be sure to plan your day to allow some rest stops. Your destination is around 10 miles east of the coastal Town of Plettenberg Bay, here you will stay at Hog Hollow Country Lodge & Villa, set on the edge of indigenous forest with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Hotel for 2 nights: Hog Hollow Country Lodge & Villa
Day 7 : Plettenberg Bay
A free day to explore the area.
Day 8 : Port Elizabeth
Continue eastwards today towards Port Elizabeth. Your destination is The Windermere, a charming boutique hotel in Port Elizabeth’s beachfront suburb of Humewood. The Windermere is located less than 5 minutes from a pristine Blue Flag beach, numerous restaurants, and wholesome experiences for the whole family.
Hotel: The Windermere
Day 9 : Johannesburg
Return your car to the Avis depot at Port Elizabeth Airport and check in for your flight (not included) to Johannesburg. On arrival, collect your next vehicle and drive to your hotel. Once the iconic 1930’s Saxonwold Post Office, the Monarch Hotel, located in Rosebank, in a prestigious suburb of Johannesburg, is a sophisticated, lavishly styled hotel. Reflecting an affluent ambience of old-world elegance with refined period-like interiors enriched with classical and contemporary furnishings complimented by an extensive art collection of established and emerging South African artists.
Hotel for 2 nights: Monarch Hotel
Day 10 : Johannesburg
A free day to explore the city.
Day 11 : Hazyview
Today’s drive is around 260 miles east to Hazyview. Your hotel is Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa, a stunning place to relax and the ideal place for a romantic getaway. Accommodation is in 5-star luxury Tented Suites by the river under a canopy of Jackalberry and Tambotie trees, set in a 100-acre macadamia, granadilla and lychee plantation. The tented suites have uniquely designed bathrooms that open onto the sound of the cascading water, while modern touches facilitate the ultimate indulgence in total comfort.
Hotel: Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
Day 12 : Kruger Park
Take the short drive (approx. 40 miles) drive to Skukuza Airport and return your car. Meet your transfer driver who will take you to your lodge, the Sabi Sabi Selati Camp. This intimate all-suite Selati Camp is the most unforgettable of all African experiences. Selati is furnished with a historic railway theme and colonial charm and is meticulously created as an authentic home in the bush. Fashioned in a colonial "Out of Africa" style, this exclusive lodge comprises of just eight opulent thatched suites. From your lodge you will enjoy game drives Safaris in open safari vehicles through a wide variety of habitats, allowing visitors to view the vast interactions of the wild. After breakfast, guests on guided walking trails can experience the natural environment on foot. The dedicated, highly trained and experienced Rangers lead you to discover miracles of nature you may never have dreamed existed.
Hotel for 2 nights: Sabi Sabi Selati Camp
Day 13 : Sabi Sabi
A full day at Sabi Sabi. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drive in search of the ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as wild dog and cheetah.
Day 14 : Sabi Sabi
Your tour ends today with a transfer back to Skukuza Airport. On arrival at the airport your arrangements come to an end, but from here we can arrange onward connections to any destination within South Africa or beyond.
