Embark on a memorable self-drive journey through the diverse landscapes of South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape, travelling from Cape Town through the Cape Winelands, along the famous Route 62 and across the Little Karoo to the beautiful Garden Route. Discover charming country towns, spectacular mountain scenery and the region's rich wine and agricultural heritage. Explore the natural beauty of Knysna and Tsitsikamma, enjoy the freedom to discover the Cape South Coast at your own pace, and continue via the whale-watching town of Hermanus to the historic heart of Stellenbosch. Along the way, enjoy a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn and a memorable culinary walking tour through Stellenbosch, offering an insight into the region's local flavours and heritage. Combining scenic drives, fascinating destinations and authentic local experiences, this self-drive adventure offers a wonderful introduction to the highlights of the Cape.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Winelands, Route 62 & Montagu: Picturesque vineyards, dramatic mountain passes, fertile valleys and charming country towns set the scene for this scenic region.
Little Karoo & Oudtshoorn: Discover the distinctive semi-arid landscapes of the Little Karoo, with rugged mountains, wide-open spaces and traditional rural towns.
Knysna, Garden Route & Tsitsikamma: Lush indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons, dramatic coastlines and beautiful beaches showcase the natural beauty of the Garden Route.
Arniston & Cape South Coast: Explore a quieter coastal region of unspoilt beaches, charming fishing villages and rolling agricultural landscapes.
Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde & Stellenbosch: From Hermanus's spectacular coastal scenery to the rolling vineyards and historic Cape Dutch architecture of Stellenbosch, discover the diverse beauty of the Cape.
Day 1: CAPE TOWN – MONTAGU (184km – 2hrs)
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your car and drive through the picturesque Winelands, passing vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery as you make your way across the Du Toits Kloof Mountains. Continue towards Worcester and along the scenic Breede River Valley to Robertson, a charming town surrounded by fertile vineyards and renowned for its wine production. We recommend visiting Van Loveren Wine Estate. Afterwards, continue via Ashton to Montagu, a picturesque town known for its fruit orchards, particularly apricots and peaches, as well as its traditional sweet Muscadel wines.
Overnight in Montagu.
Day 2: MONTAGU – OUDTSHOORN – KNYSNA (325km – 5hrs)
Today, drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Little Karoo, passing the charming towns of Barrydale and Ladismith, with its striking Towerkop Mountain. Continue via Calitzdorp, renowned for its port-style wines, before arriving in Oudtshoorn, the heart of South Africa’s ostrich farming industry. Here, enjoy an informative guided tour of a working ostrich farm, offering an insight into these fascinating birds and the region’s farming heritage. Then continue over the scenic Outeniqua Mountain Pass towards George, before descending to the lush coastal landscapes of the Garden Route. Pass through the seaside village of Wilderness and Sedgefield, enjoying views of the surrounding mountains, forests and coastline, before reaching picturesque Knysna. Set along a sheltered lagoon framed by the famous Knysna Heads, the town is renowned for its natural beauty, oysters and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Knysna.
Day 3: KNYSNA – TSITSIKAMMA – KNYSNA (180km – 2.5hrs)
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park at your own pace. We recommend visiting the famous suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth, offering beautiful views of the river gorge and surrounding coastline. You can also visit the impressive Big Tree, a magnificent yellowwood tree that stands as a reminder of the region’s ancient forests.
Overnight in Knysna.
Day 4: KNYSNA
Enjoy a leisurely day in the charming coastal town of Knysna, with time to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight in Knysna.
Day 5: KNYSNA – ARNISTON (364km – 4.5hrs)
Today, continue your journey along the scenic Garden Route before heading inland towards the Cape Overberg region. Pass through Wilderness and the coastal town of Mossel Bay, an area steeped in maritime history and associated with the early Portuguese explorers. Continue through Albertinia, known for its aloe cultivation and natural aloe-based products, before travelling through the fertile agricultural landscapes of the Overberg, characterised by expansive canola fields and wheat farms. The route takes you through Riversdale and Heidelberg, continuing to Swellendam, one of South Africa's oldest towns and an important historical settlement dating back to the 18th century. From here, turn towards the coast and make your way to Arniston, a charming seaside village renowned for its unspoilt beaches, rugged coastline and tranquil atmosphere.
Overnight in Arniston.
Day 6: ARNISTON – HERMANUS – STELLENBOSCH (185km – 3hrs)
Leaving the charming coastal village of Arniston behind, drive through the rolling countryside and picturesque farmland towards Stanford and Hermanus, beautifully situated along Walker Bay. Famous for its seasonal Southern Right whale sightings, Hermanus is considered one of the world's finest land-based whale-watching destinations, particularly between July and November. We recommend taking a walk along the famous Whale Walk, offering beautiful coastal views. Continue through the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a renowned wine-producing region celebrated for its cool-climate wines and beautiful mountain scenery. Pass through Elgin and Somerset West, crossing the impressive Hottentots Holland mountain range before reaching Stellenbosch, one of South Africa's oldest and most picturesque towns. Known for its Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined streets and surrounding vineyards, Stellenbosch is at the heart of the Cape Winelands. Discover the town's rich heritage and culinary traditions on an included guided walking tour through its historic centre. Along the way, enjoy traditional local food and drink tastings, hear fascinating stories about Stellenbosch's history and visit some of its charming historic establishments, including South Africa's oldest restored townhouse and a family-run butchery for an indigenous tea and rusk tasting.
Overnight in Stellenbosch.
Day 7: STELLENBOSCH - CAPE TOWN (50km – 1hr)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Cape Town International Airport to return the rental vehicle.
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.
