Lunaturlin -CIC-MA 4264
653424722
653424722
Lunaturlin -CIC-MA 4264
653424722
653424722
Cape Town with Garden Route and Vineyards, Self-drive
From 831 €

Cape Town with Garden Route and Vineyards, Self-drive

holiday package
Created: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Ref ID: 11052460
price per person From
831 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (7)

Join our eight-day self-drive tour and discover the natural gem of South Africa at your own pace, one of the most diverse and exciting countries in the world. Visit and farm and see large flocks of ostriches. Explore the Cango Caves, discovered by the San almost 10’000 years ago. Admire South Africa’s extensive coastline and spectacular views and travel to the continent’s most south-western point, this trip will fill your senses and satisfy your curiosity about this thrilling country.  

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

The Cango Caves: are situated in the foothills of the Swartberg mountains, 30 kilometres outside of Oudtshoorn. The cave system with more than 80 caverns extends 5 kilometres into the mountain. A 1.2-kilometre stretch is open to visitors.

Addo Elephant National Park: stretches over 12.000 hectares between the Zuurberg Mountains and the Sunday River. It was established in 1931 to save the last Cape Elephants from extinction. Today it is home to more than 400 elephants as well as buffalo, kudu, black rhino, various antelopes and lions.

Tsitsikamma National Park: The untouched, indigenous nature stretches from the Outeniqua Mountains, over coastal plateaus and down to the Indian Ocean. Hikers encounter small inhabitants of the forest and experience the unique plants of this area, including over 800-year-old yellowwood trees.

Arniston: The attractive fishing village is also known as Waenhuiskrans, is named after a sunken passenger vessel. Many of the thatched, whitewashed fishermen’s cottages are national monuments. The Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve is a vast dune area with wonderful views of the sea and with huge caverns.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CAPE TOWN / CAR HIRE PICK-UP – PAARL (55km – 45min)

Upon arrival, clear immigration, collect luggage, pass through customs and take delivery of your rental car. Your unique African adventure awaits you! We recommend visiting the Wine & Cheese Tasting at Fairview's Wine Estate, en-route or after check-in (not included, travel distance 64km approx.): One of the most popular stops along the Paarl wine route, Fairview is more than just a winery, it’s also famous for its range of cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses, which have won numerous awards and are distributed countrywide. A range of local produce can be purchased directly from the farm, cheese and olive oil from the deli, fresh bread from the bakery and vino from the cellar. If you prefer dining indoors, you can follow up a wine tasting with a Mediterranean meal from the farm's Goatshed Restaurant (own expense). 

Overnight in Paarl.

Day 2: PAARL – OUDTSHOORN (375km – 4.5hrs)

Your day starts early since there is a lot of driving to do. Depart from Paarl and drive through the Winelands to the mighty Du Toits Kloof Mountains that are flanked by vineyards. On the other side of the mountains lies Worcester, which through its position is a centre of commerce and industries. The town offers many schools and institutions for children and adults with impairments, for example, the Institute for the Blind. The route continues along the Hex River Mountains and the Langeberg Mountains through the fertile Breede River wine lands to Robertson, Ashton and Montagu, a quaint little town with a number of National Monuments. It is an ideal stop for a stroll and some refreshments (own expense). Montagu is also a centre of the apricot and peach industry and well known for its sweet Muscadel wines. Pass the small town Barrydale and drive to Ladysmith. Towering above the town is the landmark Towerkop. It is said that the top was split by the broom of an angry witch as she fled over the mountain peak. You continue through the Little Karoo, drive over the Huisriver to Calitzdorp, the capital of the local South African Port wine industry and onto Oudtshoorn. Late afternoon visit the famous Safari Ostrich Farm (included), where you enjoy a guided tour of the farm. Safari Ostrich Farm is a working farm where visitors see large flocks of ostriches. The tour informs about the life and behaviour of these large birds, from egg to adult bird. Depending on the season, one sees breeding pairs, eggs in incubators, hatching chicks and little ones of various ages. The tour also covers information about the different type of ostrich feathers and the processing of ostrich skins is showing the different parts of the skin and their use. 

Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Day 3: OUDTSHOORN – SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY (400km – 5hrs)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the famous Cango Caves at around 10:00 in the morning (included, please arrive at least 15 min before). The Great Hall is more than 107 meters in diameter, 16 meters high and displays various stalagmites and stalactites. Thereafter and weather permitting you can take the stunning route via Meeringspoort Pass towards Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park. Arrive late afternoon, check-in and prepare for dinner (not included).

Overnight in Sundays River Valley.

Day 4: SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY – ADDO N. PARK – SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY (40km – 30min)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Today is all about Safari and Wildlife Experience. Travel to Addo National Park in your own vehicle, complete the Park's indemnity form and you are in for an adventure of lifetime conservation (entrance fee not included, to be paid upon entry to the Park). Animals can be viewed along circular routes in their natural surroundings and at various water holes.

Overnight in Sundays River Valley.

Day 5: SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY – KNYSNA (320km – 4hrs)

After breakfast, leave the hotel no later than 9:00 am and make your way towards Knysna. On the way stop at Tsitsikamma National Park, which is part of the Garden Route National Park and take a leisurely walk to its suspension bridge. Breath-taking views reward you for the approximate 30 minutes’ walk (entrance fee not included, to be paid upon entry to the Park). Late afternoon you can enjoy the Featherbed John Benn cruise on the famous Knysna Lagoon (not included, departure time: 5:00 pm April to September / 6:00 pm from October to March). The John Benn is a double-decker floating restaurant offering daily Lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads. A memorable family activity on Knysna Lagoon. One of the best floating restaurants in Knysna. The John Benn is a fully enclosed luxury ferry, beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest. This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun! The galley team onboard the vessel is young and energetic, serving tasty food made from the freshest local selection. Eating out in Knysna can become a whole new experience as a family activity (own expense). 

Overnight in Knysna.

Day 6: KNYSNA – CAPE SOUTH COAST (365km – 4.5hrs)

After a delicious breakfast, you will continue your journey along the Garden Route. Just after Wilderness, the road turns inland and towards the Mossel Bay area. This town’s history dates back to 1488 and to Bartholomew Dias. It was in this area, the first European set foot in South Africa. Tiny Albertinia is the home of a thriving Aloe Vera production. Various products of this natural remedy can be bought directly at one of the two factories. The road passes many canola fields. Canola and wheat are the main produce of the Overberg area. Next villages are Riversdale, Heidelberg and Swellendam, one of the oldest European administration centres going back to 1747. Today's destination is Arniston, a small fishing village located near the most southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. 

Overnight in Cape South Coast.

Day 7: CAPE SOUTH COAST – HERMANUS (115km – 1.5hrs)

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and travel via Cape Agulhas to Hermanus today. Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent has received its name from Portuguese seafarers. It is derived from the word “needle” and refers to sharp cliffs just off the coast. Cape Agulhas is the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. One of Hermanus best-kept secrets must be its Hemel en Aarde Wine Route-Creation Wines offers exciting wine pairing with excellent food, an opportunity not to be missed (at own expense). Thereafter check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The lighthouse reaches 60 kilometres and is still guiding ships. It houses the only lighthouse museum in South Africa.

Overnight in Hermanus.

Day 8: HERMANUS – CAR HIRE RETURN / DEPARTURE CAPE TOWN (100km – 1.5hr)

All good things come to an end and our journey ends today in Hermanus. Drive towards Cape Town International airport to return your car and catch your flight back home. Depending on your flight time, you might want to experience the optional activities, listed below. If you book an optional activity, the recommended time of departure is after 6:00 pm. If you don’t book an optional activity then recommended time of departure is after 12:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa! 

Boat-based whale watching in Hermanus (June - November): From June to November, the Arctic whales grace our coastline. The shallow, sandy-bottomed and sheltered bays are perfect for mating, calving and nursing their babies. The best ways to enjoy watching these gentle giants is on a specialized boat where you have the chance to get within meters of whales. Even if the boats are not permitted to approach whales up to 50 meters, it is them usually turning and approaching the boat. The species usually met is the Southern Right whale that has no dorsal fin on its back. The boat trip lasts approx. 2 hours starting from and returning to Hermanus new harbour. Boat-based whale watching in Hermanus (June - November; weather dependent; trip duration 1.5hrs to 3hrs, departure times 9:00, 12:00 & 15:00)

Shark Cage Diving: Sharks are possibly some of the most feared animals. From the small sand shark to the enormous white shark, they are sleek, strong but agile swimmers. Without a doubt, there are the most evolved predators in the ocean. Shark cage diving offers the opportunity to dive and meet a Great White Shark face to face. Divers will learn about this magnificent creature that is highly misunderstood. Incredible sightings of the shark can also be viewed from the boat, with activities taking place on or close to the surface. (Weather dependent, approx. 4h at sea; Time related itineraries and collection times are dependent on tides, weather conditions and the number of scheduled tours for a particular day. Exact collection times are therefore only available after 4:00 pm the day before and may vary between 4:30 and 11:30)

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in South Africa. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Parents travelling with children will be requested to provide an unabridged birth certificate (including the details of the child's father as well as the mother) of all travelling children. This applies even when both parents are travelling with their children. When children are travelling with guardians, these adults are required to produce affidavits from parents proving permission for the children to travel. The above applies to foreigners and South Africans travelling to or from South Africa as well as travellers in transit. 

price per person From
831 €
Based on 2 adults
Customize it!
This idea includes
Destinations 7
Tours 1
Tour summary
Included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with English-speaking local guide during the activities on Day 2 and 3

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 7 night’s hotel accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Paarl

Standard Hotel Category = Cascade Country Manor or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Cascade Country Manor or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Grande Roche Hotel or similar 5*

Day 2 Oudtshoorn

Standard Hotel Category = De Zeekoe Guest Farm & Reserve or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Surval Boutique Olive Estate or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Rosenhof Country House or similar 5*

Day 3, 4 Sundays River Valley

Standard Hotel Category = Chrislin African Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Woodall Country House & Spa or similar 5*

Day 5 Knysna

Standard Hotel Category = The Graywood Hotel or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = aha The Rex Hotel or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Kanonkop Guest House or similar 5*

Day 6 Cape South Coast

Standard Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 5*

Day 7 Hermanus

Standard Hotel Category = Windsor Hotel Hermanus or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Harbour House Hotel or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = The Marine or similar 5*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Standard Hotel Category: Car Group T = Kia Picanto or similar (Manual)

Superior Hotel Category: Car Group D = Toyota Yaris or similar (Automatic)

Deluxe Hotel Category: Car Group R = Toyota Rav or similar (Automatic)

MEALS:

  • 7 Breakfasts 

CAR HIRE:

  • 7-day car hire 
  • Pick up and drop off at Cape Town International Airport
  • Unlimited kilometres
  • Personal Accident Insurance
  • Airport surcharge
  • PAI
  • Windscreen & Tyre and rim damage, hubcaps
  • Theft and Collision Damage Waiver 
  • 15% VAT
  • Tourism Levy
  • Carbon Emissions Tax 
  • Damage due to Sandblasting

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned as included: Safari Ostrich Farm guided visit (Day 2); Cango Caves guided visit (Day 3)

OTHER:

  • Meet & Greet 
Excluded
  • Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package only covers the activities mentioned as included
  • Tour guide except on Day 2 and 3
  • Visa fees
  • Domestic flights 
  • International flights 
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
  • Recommended tours 
  • Optional tours
  • City tax not included, payable on the spot
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Porterage and gratuities  
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

EXCLUSIONS & REQUIREMENTS CAR HIRE

  • Minimum age of driver: 21 years, driver younger than 21 only with special permission 
  • The driver needs to be in possession of a valid International drivers license and an international Credit Card 
  • Rental calculation is based on a 24hr rate (07:00 – 07:00 = 1 day, 07:00 – 09:00 = 2 days) – additional day will be charged for late returns
  • There is no refund for the early return of the vehicle 
  • Fuel                         
  • Document Administration Fee
  • Additional Driver charge per rental, per driver
  • 2ND Additional Driver 
  • E-tolling Fees                                                                                                        
  • Young Driver Surcharge (per driver, per day)                                                
  • Bond deposit (from/to depot)     
  • Delivery and Collection fees                                                                       
  • Claim Administration Fee    
  • Claim Handling Fee   
  • Assessor’s fee 
  • Traffic Fine Administration fee          
  • One way drop off charges    
  • Cross border charges
  • Negligence, abuse, water and undercarriage damage to the vehicle
  • GPS
Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Paarl

  • Standard Hotel Category = Cascade Country Manor or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Cascade Country Manor or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Grande Roche Hotel or similar 5*

Day 2 Oudtshoorn

  • Standard Hotel Category = De Zeekoe Guest Farm & Reserve or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Surval Boutique Olive Estate or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Rosenhof Country House or similar 5*

Day 3, 4 Sundays River Valley

  • Standard Hotel Category = Chrislin African Lodge or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Woodall Country House & Spa or similar 5*

Day 5 Knysna

  • Standard Hotel Category = The Graywood Hotel or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = aha The Rex Hotel or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Kanonkop Guest House or similar 5*

Day 6 Cape South Coast

  • Standard Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = The Arniston Spa Hotel or similar 5*

Day 7 Hermanus

  • Standard Hotel Category = Windsor Hotel Hermanus or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Harbour House Hotel or similar 4*
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = The Marine or similar 5*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Standard Hotel Category: Car Group T = Kia Picanto or similar (Manual)
  • Superior Hotel Category: Car Group D = Toyota Yaris or similar (Automatic)
  • Deluxe Hotel Category: Car Group R = Toyota Rav or similar (Automatic)

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