Cape Town and the Garden Route boutique self-drive

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Cape Town
• 2 nights Franschoek
• 2 nights Knysna
• 1 night Port Elizabeth

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel in the city.

You shouldn’t be too jet-lagged since South Africa is on the same time zone as the UK so after checking into your guest house for 3 nights, go out and enjoy a relaxed evening in Cape Town. Head to the waterfront and taste some fresh fish, caught that very morning and served up on your plate by evening. Raise a glass to a great first night of your trip along the rugged coast of South Africa.

Day 2: Free day in Cape Town

This morning, your car will be delivered to your guest house. With two days to explore the city you’ll have plenty of time to experience the traditional architecture and interesting shops that make up central Cape Town. Grab a gourmet lunch full of local ingredients before riding the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy beautiful views over the city, all the way to the ocean. Next, hop on a boat out to Robben Island making the short journey out to the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. End your day with drinks in the city centre and taste some of the Cape’s famous wines amongst the bustling bars of Green Point.

Day 3: Free day in Cape Town

For your second day in the Cape, why not head out of the city and drive south towards Cape Point where the crashing waves and rugged rocks reveal incredible views of the ocean. After soaking in the coastal views drive back north and you’ll come across Boulders Beach, where tiny African Penguins wander around enjoying the attention of delighted passersby. Stop off once more and grab some dinner in Kalk Bay where you can choose huge prawns and crayfish cooked in garlic and olives for a delicious final meal in Cape Town.

Days 4 & 5: Cape Town to Franschhoek

Today you’ll leave Cape Town, driving the short distance up towards the wine lands of the Cape. This small town is packed to bursting with world class wines and fresh local produce, with delis, vineyards and boutique shops making this a great stop off for foodies. Hop between vineyards, tasting the famous South African wines and learning about the grapes of the region. In the evening, enjoy the views of Simonsberg with an artisanal evening meal made from the local ingredients you’ve been drooling over all day.

Days 6 & 7: Franschhoek to Knysna

Today you’ll drive to the coast, past the cliffs outside George and along to Knysna. With golden beaches and a pretty seafront, it’s a great town to explore the shops and waterfront before heading out onto the water. The most famous sights are the two dramatic sea cliffs that protect the small harbour from the Indian Ocean. Look out for dolphins if you got out on the water, they’re easy to spot amongst the choppy waves. If you fancy catching some waves head to Buffalo Bay and take to the sea with a surfboard, enjoying the sunshine before wiling away the afternoon sunbathing on the wide beaches.

Day 8: Knysna to Port Elizabeth

Leaving Knysna behind, drive along the coast to your final stop of Port Elizabeth. The city has been through an upgrade since it hosted several matches during the 2010 World Cup and the city centre and harbour are extremely enjoyable areas to explore the boutique shops and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and dig in for the evening, enjoying one last plate of delicious South African food accompanied by a cool glass of sauvignon blanc. After 10 days exploring the varied coast of South Africa, you’re sure to be heading home with a whole host of fantastic memories.

Day 9: Depart Port Elizabeth

Unfortunately it’s your final day so after breakfast drive to Port Elizabeth airport, where you can return your car and catch your onwards flight.