Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

9-Day Cape Town and Garden Route

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

This spectacular self-drive South Africa tour shows you the essentials of Cape Town and beyond. Starting in the city itself, you'll see and taste all that Cape Town has to offer. With abundant nature at every turn, you'll visit the Cape Peninsula and its nature reserve, go deep into Winelands and to the top of Table Mountain, leaving no stone unturned.

Then, you'll get your rental car and hit the Garden Route where five days on the road will take you along the coastline on some of the most beautiful drives. You'll uncover natures bounty with the chance to visit nature reserves, conservation centres, waterfalls, relax on beaches and bird to your heart is content.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Adventure
Hiking & Trekking

Customise this trip for a perfect match

Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Cape Town

Closeaccordion
Arrive in Cape Town

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met airside by a representative who will assist you through immigration and into the arrival hall. You'll then get your travel documents and transfer into the city. Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, situated between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 2

Full-Day Peninsula Tour

Closeaccordion
Full-Day Peninsula Tour

This is a full-day in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Travel along the magnificent Marine Drive beyond Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles. As you continue towards the Cape Point Nature Reserve, you will have the opportunity to experience the Chapman’s Peak drive. After spending time in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, you will head to Boulders Beach where you can see an African Penguin colony up close. Lunch can be en-route before heading back via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Point Full-Day Tour

    Lion's Head

    Chapman's Peak

    Boulders Beach

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 3

Half-Day Cape Town and Table Mountain Tour

Closeaccordion
Half-Day Cape Town and Table Mountain Tour

The Cape Town’s vibrant city centre lies in a natural amphitheatre sheltered by the wide arms of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head. This tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the city where you'll discover the charming city centre and a little of its history before heading to the base of Table Mountain. Ascend by cable car to the plateau that looks over all of Cape Town and the surrounding bays.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Town and Table Mountain Half-Day Tour

    Table Mountain

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 4

The Winelands Region

Closeaccordion
The Winelands Region

This full-day tour takes you from the city into the Winelands regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek for a leisurely exploration of these historic towns. The wine estates visited will vary according to your preferences, however, we will go to all of the major wine-producing areas. The tastings include a range of high-quality red, white and sparkling wines. You also have the option to eat at one of the vineyard restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Winelands Full-Day Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

    Stellenbosch

Day 5

Self-Drive to Hermanus

Closeaccordion
Self-Drive to Hermanus

Your journey today is a short one to Hermanus, your first stop on the Garden Route. Relax for the remainder of the day or choose an activity in the region, such as a whale-watching tour or a shark cage dive. Visitors can explore the Old Harbour Museum, which is comprised of the charming fisherman’s village, the old harbour, and the Whale House Museum; hike through the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and sample an array of top-quality wine along the famed Hermanus Wine Route.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Harbour House Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Betty's BayOptional Activity

    HermanusOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Cape Town to Hermanus

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

    Betty's Bay

    Hermanus

Day 6

Scenic Drive to Oudtshoorn

Closeaccordion
Scenic Drive to Oudtshoorn

Today's drive will take up half the day, then you are free to explore one of the most exciting stops on the Garden Route. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum. Visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    De Zeekoe | Self Catering, Bed & Breakfast Oudtshoorn Accommodation4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    OudtshoornOptional Activity

    Cango CavesOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Hermanus to Oudtshoorn

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Hermanus

    Oudtshoorn

    Western Cape

Day 7

Drive to Knysna - the Garden of Eden

Closeaccordion
Drive to Knysna - the Garden of Eden

In the morning, when you are ready you'll drive to Knysna. A beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, jet-ski, boat, and walk on soft sand. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers and world-class golf courses are at your doorstep. The area is also famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    aha The Rex Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    KnysnaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Oudtshoorn to Knysna

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Oudtshoorn

    Knysna

Day 8

A Day in Knysna

Closeaccordion
A Day in Knysna

A wildlife haven, today could be spent doing all sorts of once-in-a-lifetime African experiences. Perhaps, you'll visit the Plettenberg Elephant Sanctuary to spend some time getting to know their fascinatingly intelligent creatures in the most ethical way possible. For another ethical animal experience, Monkeyland is not too far away! There are a host of whale encounter tours and other elephant parks to choose from!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    aha The Rex Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Elephant Sanctuary Plettenberg BayOptional Activity

    MonkeylandOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Knysna

    Western Cape

Day 9

Departure from the Garden Route

Closeaccordion
Departure from the Garden Route

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, check out and self-drive to Port Elizabeth Airport, approximately 3 hours away. Return the rental vehicle to the Hertz depot at the airport, signaling the end of your South Africa tour.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Knysna to Port Elizabeth International Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Knysna

Share With Your Partners

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

What’s included?

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 7 activities
  • 5 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits