Duration
8-Day
Accra, South Africa
8-Day Cape Town & Garden Route Low-Key Self-Drive Tour
Overview
The Cape and the Garden Route are known as some of the most beautiful and diverse areas in South Africa. Spanning an area of +-750km, this self-drive holiday will take you to beautiful places such as Table Mountain, Hermanus, the Winelands, the Karoo desert (where ostriches are farmed), and the scenic town of Knysna. The itinerary is also highly customizable, with possible safari add-on options like a safari in the Eastern Cape.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Cape Town to Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (City)
Via Cape Peninsula, Hermanus (Whales), Franschhoek (Winelands)
Country & park
South Africa
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
La Splendida - Mid-range hotel in Cape Town (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
ZAR
Rates
Rates Per Person
ZAR
Start datesSingle2+ people
May 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
R 21,305 ZAR
R 13,380 ZAR
Sep 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
R 26,755 ZAR
R 15,575 ZAR
Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
R 28,890 ZAR
R 16,785 ZAR
Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
R 30,240 ZAR
R 17,460 ZAR
Dec 25, 2026 - Jan 5, 2027
R 36,890 ZAR
R 19,040 ZAR
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 4 people.
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
This tour accepts children of all ages.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
South Africa
Start
Cape Town (Day 1)
Day 2
Cape Peninsula
Day 3
Hermanus (Whales)
Day 4
Franschhoek (Winelands)
Day 5
Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)
Day 6-7
Knysna (Garden Route)
End
Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses guest houses and hotels.
Self-drive tour
Drive a vehicle yourself and travel without a tour guide. Rental vehicle is included.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
Game drives: self-drive
Getting around: self-drive
We can book some international flights, depending on the country of origin and the country being visited, but most of the time we advise clients and they book the flights themselves.
Clients collect and return their self-drive vehicle at the airport
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
La Splendida
Mid-range hotel in Cape Town (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse
Luxury guest house in Hermanus (Whales) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Avondrood
Luxury guest house in Franschhoek (Winelands) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
De Zeekoe
Mid-range guest house near Oudtshoorn (Garden Route) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-7
Belvidere Manor
Luxury hotel in Knysna (Garden Route) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
Clients collect their self-drive vehicle at the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Cape Town
Upon arrival in Cape Town, collect your rental car at the airport and head to your hotel to kick off your first night in this vibrant city. If you find yourself with some extra time, seize the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace with your rental car or consider adding a city tour to your itinerary for a guided adventure. Driving time: ~60km/30 minutes *Price is subject to change until rental car is booked and confirmed *Sharing supplement at La Splendida of ZAR 1,035 per person and solo/single supplement of ZAR 2,815 for period 1-6 February and 8-10 March 2026. Mid-range hotel located in Cape Town (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Cape Town (City) Stay: La Splendida Mid-range hotel located in Cape Town (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Cape Town
Discover the Cape Peninsula at your own pace with the flexibility of a self-driven excursion, or add a guided tour to your itinerary. Journey along the picturesque Chapman's Peak Drive, reaching the iconic Cape of Good Hope. On your way back towards the city, make a worthwhile stop in Simon's Town to observe the charming penguins. A visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is recommended for those with a penchant for botanical beauty. Mid-range hotel located in Cape Town (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Cape Peninsula Stay: La Splendida Mid-range hotel located in Cape Town (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
Cape Town - Hermanus
After breakfast, leave Cape Town and make your way to the charming seaside town of Hermanus, known as one of the best whale-watching places in the world. From here, you can even watch whales from shore. Whale season is typically from June - November. But also outside of whale season, Hermanus has a lot to offer, with its stunning scenery, which can be taken in on beautiful coastal walks; its rich history, and vibrant culture. Check in at 138 Marine Beachfront Guest House, or Auberge Burgundy if you choose an accommodation upgrade. Driving time: ~120km/2 hours *Supplement upgrade for Auberge Burgundy is ZAR 1,965 in September 2025, ZAR 2,325 October 2025 - April 2026 & October 2026, ZAR 2,565 May - August 2026, ZAR 2,195 in September 2026 & November 2026 - 5 January 2027. Luxury guest house located in Hermanus (Whales) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Hermanus (Whales) Stay: 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse Luxury guest house located in Hermanus (Whales) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 4
Hermanus - Cape Winelands
After breakfast, leave Hermanus and make your way to the stunningly beautiful landscapes of the Cape Winelands. Check-in at Avondrood Guest House in the centre of town and then head out for a wine tasting. We highly recommend joining a tour aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. Driving time: ~100km/1 1/2 hours. Luxury guest house located in Franschhoek (Winelands) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Franschhoek (Winelands) Stay: Avondrood Luxury guest house located in Franschhoek (Winelands) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 5
Cape Winelands to Oudtshoorn
Plan for an early departure from Franschhoek for the scenic drive along Route 62 through the Little Karoo. Your destination today is Oudtshoorn, which is known for its ostrich farms and the famous Cango Caves. If you arrive early enough, you can still visit both this afternoon, if not, you can visit one in the morning before making your way to Knysna. Driving time: ~380km/5 hours. Mid-range guest house located near Oudtshoorn (Garden Route) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Oudtshoorn (Garden Route) Stay: De Zeekoe Mid-range guest house located near Oudtshoorn (Garden Route) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 6
Oudtshoorn to Knysna
Before you depart for Knysna, it is highly recommended that you join the 'Into the Wild' tour from De Zeekoe to encounter their little Meerkat colony (can be prebooked through us, but must be paid directly). Drive through George, Wilderness and Sedgefield on your way to Knysna. Driving time: ~120km/2 hours. Luxury hotel located in Knysna (Garden Route) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Knysna (Garden Route) Stay: Belvidere Manor Luxury hotel located in Knysna (Garden Route) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 7
Knysna
There is so much to see and do in the areas surrounding Knysna! You will relax on one of the Garden Route's unspoiled beaches. You will visit the Featherbed nature reserve, or take a drive to Tsitsikamma, home of some of the most beautiful hikes and ocean views in South Africa. Luxury hotel located in Knysna (Garden Route) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Knysna (Garden Route) Stay: Belvidere Manor Luxury hotel located in Knysna (Garden Route) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 8
Knysna to George
On the final day of your itinerary, you will drive to George and drop off your rental car before you begin your journey back home. If you are not ready to go home yet, please inquire about a safari extension to one of the wild Eastern Cape Game Reserves. Some additional options are to drop off the car in Port Elizabeth or self-drive back to Cape Town. Driving time: ~70km/1 hour. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. Clients return their self-drive vehicle at the airport.
Included
Rental vehicle
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, South Africa
We can book some international flights, depending on the country of origin and the country being visited, but most of the time we advise clients and they book the flights themselves.
Fly to Cape Town Airport (CPT - Check price)
Fly back from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ - Check price)
Clients collect and return their self-drive vehicle at the airport
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Indigo Safaris
4.9 operator rating
213 reviews
Indigo Safaris are experts in bespoke travel in Africa. We know every place we sell, having lived in Southern & Eastern Africa, and having travelled extensively in the countries we promote. With team members in SA, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, the UK, & the USA, we only work with the best, tried and tested local suppliers, and sell at the same rate, or less, as if you contacted them directly. We visit suppliers regularly to maintain delivery standards and find new locations for your adventures
Offices In
United Kingdom, United States, Seychelles, South Africa
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2009)
Member Of
ASTA, APTA, FGASA & DEMA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Botswana, Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children of all ages.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
La Splendida - Mid-range hotel in Cape Town (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Indigo Safaris, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Indigo Safaris.
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