14 Day Luxury Self Drive
CAPE TOWN, WINELANDS, HERMANUS, GARDEN ROUTE & SAFARI
There are so many things to see and do during a South African holiday,
that many visitors feel as though they miss out if they use a
single town or city as base of exploration. A road trip is a great
solution to this problem, as it allows exploration of many towns
along the way, while affording the visitor frequently changing
scenery. This particular itinerary takes you along the coast from
Cape Town toward the Garden Route, one of the most verdant and
beautiful regions throughout South Africa.
Day 1:
Welcome to Cape Town on this, the first day of your Cape Town
to Garden
Route tour! You will be met by a Paradise Touring representative
who will present you with your welcome pack, which includes your
travel documents, map book, directions, vouchers, as well as information
on the areas you will be visiting. You will then be accompanied
to the Avis Car Rental desk.
You collect your Group B rental car (includes unlimited mileage
and maximum insurance cover / VW Hatchback or similar / air-conditioning
/ radio /manual) and head to the slopes of Table Mountain, where
you settle into your suite at the Alta Bay Guest House. We will
spend the next three nights at the Alta Bay Luxury Boutique Hotel.
Your standard double room comes inclusive of breakfast.
Alta Bay Boutique Hotel:
Extremely conveniently situated, Alta Bay is the very first word
in boutique guesthouse accommodation in Cape Town's CBD.  The venue
boasts stunning views over Table Bay and the City Bowl, comprises
several levels and is situated amidst a beautiful garden. The
plush interior is  cosmopolitan to the core without being over
the top, and offers the ultimate in creature comforts. Each room
has been decorated with bespoke furniture and comes fitted with
a television with integrated DVD/CD player, telephone and private
safe for the safekeeping of valuables. The rooms are air-conditioned
and have either an extra-length king-size bed or twin beds. All
rooms open up to either the courtyard or deck.
Cape Town:
One of the most decidedly beautiful cities in the world, Cape
Town lies cradled by Table Mountain - that most recognisable of
South African landmarks. Visitors flock here from far and wide
to explore places of historical interest, as well as the singular
cultural composition that includes African-, European and Asian
heritage. Visit the Malay Quarter for a lesson in all things spice,
venture up the Mountain in the cable car, take a trip to the Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens or shop for curios at the vibrant Greenmarket
Square. Other popular tourist pursuits include boat trips to Robben
Island, a visit to Boulders Beach to view the penguin project,
relaxing on the beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard, as well as drives
along the coast towards the Cape of Good Hope.
Day 4:
Today we enjoy our last scrumptious breakfast at Alta Bay and
continue on our self-drive South
African holiday to Stellenbosch (an approximate 40 minute
drive, traffic permitting). We stay at the River Manor Country
House & Spa for two nights. The tariff for your Classic Room includes
breakfast.
 River Manor:
Situated alongside a river and shaded by oaks, Riverside Manor
is nevertheless within close proximity of a veritable smorgasbord
of museums, eateries, art galleries and myriad other visitors’
attractions. The Manor is owner-operated and each room has been
carefully decorated with rustic touches and antique furniture.
Modern amenities include a telephone, TV, minibar, overhead fan
and air-conditioning. (Please be sure to request an air-conditioned
room beforehand if you wish to have one.) Other unique aspects
of this accommodation venue include a lovely first floor conservatory,
two swimming pools, as well as an onsite health and beauty spa.
Winelands:
The Winelands, a wise man once said, is all about wine, women
and song. The main reason visitors frequent this region is to
enjoy its singular approach to ‘the good life’ and you can expect
to be treated to exquisite food, wine, scenery and architecture.
Less than an hour away from the bustling metropolis of Cape Town,
this area of stunning beauty is home to some of the oldest wine
estates in South Africa. Wander along oak avenues that open up
onto Cape Dutch homes, settle down at a curbside café and watch
as the town ambles past or head out to one of the charming villages
in the vicinity and see why so many South Africans are loathe
to leave this beautiful region.
Touring the Winelands:
The Winelands has three main towns - Stellenbosch, Franschhoek
and Paarl. While each town has its own unique appeal, Stellenbosch
is renowned for its university town atmosphere, Franschhoek for
its 'joie de vivre' and Paarl for being the birthplace of the
local language of Afrikaans. Leisure options range from mountain
biking, hiking and kloofing, to canoeing, horse riding and golfing.
Alternatively, opt for a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards
or get a taxi and explore a few wine routes!
Day 6:
On the sixth day of our Cape Town to Garden Route tour 
we head towards the coast. After a short drive (approximately
90 minutes) we arrive at Hermanus and settle in at the On the
Cliff Guest House. We will stay here for the next two nights.
The tariff of your first floor room is inclusive of breakfast.
On the Cliff Guest House
This four star Hermanus guest house is within proximity  of a myriad
shore-based whale watching spots. In fact, from August to December,
you are able to view whales from the comfort of your own private
patio! Other leisure options include shark cage diving in Gansbaai,
a short drive from Hermanus. All rooms have en suite facilities,
king-sized beds, secluded balconies/patios, as well as sweeping
ocean views.
Hermanus and the Overberg:
The southern coast of South Africa is the perfect place to be
between August and December, when the Southern Right whales venture
close to the shore to give  birth, affording onlookers amazing
displays of their graceful antics. But whale watching isn't all
this charming seaside town is famous for - there is also stunning
coastal scenery, pretty beaches and kilometers of fynbos vegetation.
You can also enjoy perusing the many art shops and galleries that
line the streets of Hermanus.
Day 8:
At long last we start out for the Garden Route portion
of our tour. The drive from Hermanus to Wilderness takes
approximately four hours, after which we book in at the Wilderness
Manor for the next two nights. The tariff of your luxury suite
with lagoon view comes inclusive of breakfast.
 Wilderness Manor:
Highlights of the Wilderness Manor include:
- A stunning setting overlooking Wilderness Lagoon.
- Within walking distance of the beach.
- Unique Afro-oriental décor.
- A spacious guest lounge, as well as billiard- and reading rooms.
- Within close proximity of various restaurants, including The Palms.
Wilderness:
Set amidst the beautiful riverine region of the Wilderness National Park, the quiet village of Wilderness constitutes a birding enthusiast's paradise. Here you will find everything from large waders to the shy Knysna Loerie. Take the Outeniqua steam train to Knysna, or opt to take the back roads through the forests - exploring the very same routes used by erstwhile gold diggers.
Garden Route:
Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Garden Route  comprises a stretch of spectacular coastline and dramatic headlands between Mossel Bay and the Storms River. Garden Route hotels make the most of their location and are the perfect option for those who want to explore the region’s many leisure pursuits, which included hiking, walking, horse riding, boating and superb golfing on many lovely courses.
Day 10:
We leave Wilderness behind and set out along the coast to Plettenberg Bay on the Eastern Coast. The trip takes approximately an hour, after which we book in at the Hog Hollow Country House for the next two evenings. The tariff of your suite is inclusive of breakfast.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge:
Those who enjoy good food, hiking and scenery come home to Hog Hollow, an accommodation venue that is set in its own private nature reserve, boasting views  all the way to the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The décor is low key, with much emphasis on natural fabrics and textures, while the food is lavish and imaginative. Dinner is served around a communal table (separate tables are available on request), while breakfast is enjoyed on the deck overlooking the forest.
Rooms are decorated in an African style with king size beds, private wooden decks, as well as en suite bathroom facilities. Loft suites are available to accommodate families with one or two children. Other amenities include a pool, sauna and walking trails to the river below.
Plettenberg Bay:
The holiday spot of choice for South Africa’s who’s who, Plett (as the town is referred to by its locals) boasts sandy beached, beautiful ocean vistas, as well as the Robberg Nature Reserve. Here you can enjoy coastal walking routes, boat-based whale watching, cruises on the Keurbooms River or seaside picnics.
Day 12:
Today our Cape Town to Garden Route tour takes us to the Hlosi Game Lodge, where we will stay for two nights and take part in a safari experience.
 Hlosi Game Lodge:
The lodge is the epitome of African hospitality at the heart of the Eastern Cape bushveld. Located at the midst of a 6000ha reserve, the area is incredibly topographically diverse, including large intermittent plains that are ideal for game viewing. Visitors can expect to view rhino, buffalo, elephant, cheetah and many other species.
The four luxury suites boast the following amenities:
- Unimpeded views of the active plains.
- A mini-bar
- Air-conditioning
- Under-floor heating
- A fireplace
- Full en suite bathroom with a spa bath overlooking the surrounding countryside.
- Private courtyard with outside shower.
Eastern Cape:
A combination of white beaches, rolling pastures and forested dunes, the Eastern Cape’s coastline is merely the forerunner to the drama of the grand vistas of the Great Karoo that lies towards its interior.
Day 14:
Today our Garden Route tour culminates in Port Elizabeth. We enjoy a last morning game drive and breakfast and then take the 45 minute journey to Port Elizabeth Airport. Take the domestic flight to Cape Town via Johannesburg and from there connect with your international flight back home. Please note that this flight is not included in those listed below.
Please do not hesitate to contact a Wydah Tours representative should you have any further queries pertaining to this Garden Route tour or South African holidays in general.
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