On this self-drive family holiday along South Africa’s Garden Route – from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town – enjoy beautiful beaches, watch wildlife and explore 'The Karoo’ as you travel along this famous coastline.
- Dolphin & whale watching boat trip
- Take a cable car to Table Mountain
- Explore the De Hoop Nature Reserve
- Kayaking & ziplining
- Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony
- Big 5 Safari in Addo Elephant National Park
Begin your holiday on safari in Addo Elephant National Park, before travelling through Tsitsikamma National Park’s native forests to the golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay. Stay in a beachfront lodge within De Hoop Nature Reserve and enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean where it is possible to watch whales from the shore in season, before finishing your trip with tours around the Cape Town peninsula.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1: Depart UK
Take an overnight flight to Port Elizabeth. Most flights arrive into Port Elizabeth the following afternoon.
-
Day 2: Arrive Port Elizabeth, transfer to Addo Elephant National Park
Once you have arrived, collect your car and drive to your accommodation just outside Addo Elephant National Park.
-
Day 3: Family safari in Addo Elephant National Park
Enjoy a day of guided safaris in search of the Big 5, in Addo Elephant National Park, one of the best places in the world to see large herds of elephants. In addition to elephants, you can expect to see lion, leopard and Cape buffalo.
-
Day 4: To Plettenberg Bay
Make your way to your lodge in Plettenberg (‘Plett’) Bay, perhaps visiting Tsitsikamma National Park en route.
-
Day 5: Optional Activities in Plettenberg Bay
Today is kept free for you to do as much or as little as you like. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of your lodge, or if you want to be more active, a number of options are available such as horse riding, stand up paddle boarding, a coastal hike or visit to one of the region’s a beautiful golden sandy beaches.
-
Days 6-7 : De Hoop Nature Reserve
Make your way to De Hoop Nature Reserve and your lodge, which is situated on a 6 kilometre long stretch of pristine white-sand beach with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. A variety of activities are available at the lodge including visits to the nearby Cape vulture colony, land-based whale watching (in season), marine walks among tidal pools and caves looking for fish and marine life, exploring sand dunes, nature walks and birdwatching.
-
Day 8: To Hermanus
Continue your tour, driving inland to Hermanus. This coastal town is known for the large numbers of southern right whales that make their way to the area between June and December.
-
Day 9: Whale Watching Boat Trip
Today you will head out on a comfortable boat, designed specifically for whale watching. Visit a protected area that helps with the conservation of bird species, including African penguins. Visit a Cape fur seal colony and a channel of water known as ‘shark alley’ before heading out to find the best whale viewing opportunities.
-
Day 10: To Cape Town
Make your way to Cape Town, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
-
Days 11-12 : Explore the Cape Peninsula
Spend two days exploring Cape Town and the peninsula on various tours such as visits to Robben Island, a former prison – Nelson Mandela was its most famous inmate – which is now a World Heritage Site and museum, Cape Point, Table Mountain and Boulders Beach.
In the city, you may want to visit the colourful buildings of Bo-Kaap district, the Company Gardens, a public park in the heart of the city, or take a cable-car ride up to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views over the city.
-
Day 13: Depart Cape Town
Sadly, it is time to depart. Return your hire-car to Cape Town International Airport in time for your onward flight back to the UK. Most flights arrive the following morning.
-
Day 14: Arrive UK
Please note: The whale watching season for southern right whales is from June until early November.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
-
Oct
-
Xmas
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the date ranges below, on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
| Daily Departures | Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | From | To | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Options |
| 2026 | 1 Oct | 31 Dec | 12 days | £3,395 | £1,495 | 14 days | £4,795 | £2,595 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Mar | 30 Apr | 12 days | £3,595 | £1,425 | 14 days | £5,095 | £2,625 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Oct | 31 Dec | 12 days | £3,795 | £1,495 | 14 days | £5,325 | £2,625 | Book or Enquire |
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
