This is by far the most popular route for first-time visitors to South Africa, as it includes many of the best-known highlights of the country. It is an easy holiday route to self-drive, as the roads are good and the driving distances are comfortable.
Cape Town is usually top of the 'must-do' list for most first-time visitors to the country and these itineraries all start with a few days to immerse yourself in the city and tick-off the many sights such as Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront and the nearby beaches.
When you leave Cape Town you can either stop off in the Cape Winelands to enjoy the beautiful scenery (and of course the food and wine!), or maybe go to Hermanus for some whale-watching - or indeed, do both! The whale watching season usually runs from July to November and the peak time is September and October when daily sightings are almost guaranteed.
Your next destination is the Garden Route. Take a few days to visit the many attractions, shop for arts and crafts, walk along deserted sandy beaches or explore forest trails and waterfalls, visit ostriches and caves, or relax on a sunset boat cruise. It is also home to some spectacular and challenging golf courses.
To end your trip, the safari lodges of the Eastern Cape offer an unforgettable malaria-free Big 5 safari experience. Morning and afternoon guided game drives take you in search of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as zebra, giraffe and antelope and you can get closer to Africa's wildlife than you have ever dreamed possible.
This holiday offers a real taste of South Africa's diversity and many people return time and again to revisit favourite places or explore further afield. You can, of course, do the itinerary in reverse - starting with the safari and ending with Cape Town - either way round, it will be a memorable holiday.
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Classic Escape to the Cape
Featured Accommodation
Floreal House
Cape Town
La Fontaine
The Cape Winelands
De Zeekoe Guest Farm
The Klein Karoo
Periwinkle Lodge
The Garden Route
Woodbury Tented Camp
Amakhala Game Reserve
Destination: South Africa.
This itinerary takes in many of our favourite properties. Staying at friendly guest houses along the way and ending with an authentic tented safari experience, this is a great holiday for visitors to South Africa who want to get the best out of their budget.
This is a 12 night itinerary including Cape Town, The Cape Winelands, The Klein Karoo, The Garden Route and Amakhala Game Reserve.
A winning holiday which, if you travel during July through to October/early November, will give you the opportunity to spot whales from the shore or from a boat-based trip out into the ocean - or even from the comfort of your bed! Add onto this wine-tasting and Big 5 wildlife game drives and you will wonder why you haven't done this years ago!
This is a 12 night itinerary including Cape Town, The Cape Winelands, Hermanus, The Garden Route and Kariega Game Reserve.
Stay in 5* accommodation throughout your holiday, ending in a small, intimate safari lodge with your own private plunge pool and viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Depending on when you travel, there are some Stay/Pay deals that you can also take advantage of at a couple of the properties, which will really make your budget stretch further!
This is a 12 night itinerary including Cape Town, The Cape Winelands, The Garden Route and Amakhala Game Reserve.
Feel the heartbeat of nature as you watch for whales from the shoreline and explore an award-winning Big 5 game reserve in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Take in all the sights along the Garden Route and spend time in the Mother City. It is a lot to pack in - hence why the trip is 15 nights!
This is a 15 night itinerary including Port Elizabeth, Shamwari Game Reserve, The Garden Route, The Klein Karoo, Hermanus and Cape Town.
It's 5* all the way with this indulgent self-drive itinerary, offering outstanding luxury and style from start to end. World-class dining and Big 5 game viewing will be just some of the many highlights.
This is a 12 night itinerary including Cape Town, The Cape Winelands, The Garden Route and Kwandwe Game Reserve.
When you leave Cape Town you can either stop off in the 
