Cape Town and Garden Route Circular Self-Drive

Day 1

You’ll fly overnight to Cape Town, which is useful as it means you won’t have to worry about jet lag when you arrive. You’ll collect your hire car and drive the short distance to your hotel near the city centre. You’ve then got the afternoon free to explore Cape Town at your leisure. You’ll spend three nights at Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens.

Overnight:
Standard: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar
Superior: Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar

Day 2

Today is a full day of exploration in and around Cape Town. You can visit Robben Island, the historic prison island that once held the late Nelson Mandela. Other options include sightseeing buses around the city and cable car trips to the top of the mountain for wonderful views below.

Overnight:
Standard: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar
Superior: Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar

Day 3

Day three is the perfect day for a scenic drive along the coast. You can visit the Cape of Good Hope and then head onto the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. After this, head back to Cape Town via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Overnight:
Standard: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar
Superior: Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar

Day 4

Take a leisurely drive through the heart of the Cape Winelands, to Franschhoek. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, vineyards, and majestic mountain views. Whether you’re there to indulge in fine wine and food, explore the rich history, or simply enjoy the stunning surroundings, Franschhoek offers something for everyone.

Overnight:
Standard: Avondrood Guesthouse or similar
Superior: Franschhoek Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 5

Today you’ll drive along the stunning Route 62 – a kind of South African equivalent to Route 66. On the way you’ll see some lovely colonial-style coastal towns before ending up in the ‘Feather Capital’ of Oudtshoorn where you can visit a working ostrich farm.

Overnight:
Standard: De Opstal Country Lodge or similar
Superior: Rosenhof Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 6

Spend the morning exploration Oudtshoorn and the surrounding area. Cango Caves is a great choice – the huge caverns make for a fascinating place to visit. Now you’ll drive on across the mountains for breath-taking views before descending towards Knysna.

Overnight: 
Standard: Plett Quarter Hotel or similar
Superior: The Plettenberg Hotel or similar

Day 7
 

The seventh day is a full day to spend exploring Knysna including the bustling waterfront and lagoon. You can book boat trips or simply spend the day relaxing – the choice is yours.

Overnight: 
Standard: Plett Quarter Hotel or similar
Superior: The Plettenberg Hotel or similar

Day 8

After another morning in Knysna you’ll head off on the relaxed journey back to Cape Town. Your overnight stop is at Schoone Oordt Country House in Swellendam, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the Overberg area without the crowds.

Overnight:
Standard: Schoone Oordt Country House or similar
Superior: Schoone Oordt Country House or similar

Day 9

After a relaxed breakfast you can explore the surrounding area. Your options include taking a detour to Cape Agulhas before heading on to Hermanus, famous as one of the best destinations in the world for land-based whale watching.

Overnight:
Standard: Harbour House Hotel Hermanus or similar
Superior: The Marine Hermanus or similar

Day 10

Today you can stroll along the cliffs and if you are lucky enough to be here between June and December you will have a chance of spotting whales from ashore. There is also a fantastic seafood tradition so it’s definitely worth taking the time to enjoy some fresh fish. You’ll then head on to your final destination in Stellenbosch. Enjoy a quiet evening enjoying excellent wine and food.

Overnight:
Standard: Majeka House or similar
Superior: Majeka House or similar

Day 11

Today you’ll get a final morning to explore the area before heading back to Cape Town for your return flight.