Welcome to South Africa! You arrive in Cape Town and pick up your rental car directly at the airport. You have three days to thoroughly explore the beautiful metropolis of Cape Town on your self-drive tour through South Africa. The rest of the first day is for relaxation. Standard accommodation: De Tafelberg Guesthouse Accommodation Deluxe: Abbey Manor Luxury Guesthouse.

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The guesthouse is located in Oranjezicht on the slopes of Table Mountain with breathtaking views of the city, Table Mountain, the harbor, Signal Hill and Lion's Head. Eight comfortable and beautifully furnished rooms, offering views of either Table Mountain or the city, feature a private bathroom, television, mini-safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a minibar. A swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a lounge complete the amenities. Laundry service is available (for a fee). Breakfast (included) is served on the terrace when the weather is nice. Enjoy warm hospitality in a cozy atmosphere. WiFi and fax connection available at reception. De Tafelberg Guesthouse is ideally located for exploring Cape Town's many attractions, including Table Mountain, the city center, the famous Alfred & Victoria Waterfront, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Your hosts will be happy to provide tips and assist you with restaurant reservations.

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Abbey Manor is located in the beautiful Oranjezicht district, at the foot of Table Mountain, with views of the harbor and the Hottentots Holland Mountains to the north. Cape Town's many attractions, including the Waterfront, the city center, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants, are just a short drive away. This over 100-year-old guesthouse offers nine individually furnished rooms and suites, equipped with all modern comforts while retaining the charm of a bygone era. All have en-suite bathrooms – some with bathrooms en-suite – and several feature a private balcony. Each room includes a television, air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer, telephone, and tea/coffee making facilities. Internet access is available. Enjoy a delicious breakfast (included) before exploring Cape Town. In the lounge, you can start your evening with a sundowner. A swimming pool and sun loungers complete the amenities.

The second day of your tour is dedicated to what is arguably the most beautiful metropolis in Africa – Cape Town. We have put together the following excursion ideas for the second day of your South Africa trip (entrance fees optional): V&A Waterfront A major tourist attraction awaits you at South Africa's oldest port – the V&A Waterfront. Here you can experience culinary highlights in one of the over 80 restaurants or at the food market, go shopping in over 450 shops and of course admire authentic African designs and creative handicrafts. You can also explore the area with a rented bicycle (approx. €20 per day) or book a guided tour (approx. €160). Two Oceans Aquarium At the Two Oceans Aquarium, you can get to know the impressive inhabitants of two oceans without a diving suit. The underwater world off the coast of South Africa is unique, as the cold Atlantic Ocean meets the warm Indian Ocean. Admission prices: For adults approx. €13 (220 ZAR) For children (4-17 years) approx. €5-9 (105-165 ZAR) Free entry for children under 4 years old Table Mountain You'll visit Cape Town's iconic landmark – Table Mountain. A cable car ride to the summit is a wonderful opportunity to get a first overview of Cape Town. The gondolas rotate around their own axis during the ride, allowing you a unique panoramic view during the approximately 5-minute journey. You can buy tickets for the Table Mountain cable car at the tourist office on Adderley Street in Cape Town. A one-way trip costs approximately €12 (200 ZAR). For a round trip, approximately €18 (300 ZAR) Hop-on/Hop-off bus Since it is almost impossible to explore the very sprawling city on your own, you can also participate in a city sightseeing tour. There are various tours available, and tickets cost between €15 and €20 per person.

Today we recommend a trip to the world-famous Cape of Good Hope (entrance fees for the attractions are optional). The coastal road from Cape Town along the sea to the Cape of Good Hope is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. It passes Hout Bay, from where you can take a tour to see the seals. Along your route, you can discover several attractions such as: Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope The Cape of Good Hope has been a national park since 1939 and occupies a very large part of the Cape Peninsula. Climb Cape Point together on foot or use the cable car. The entrance fee for the national park is approximately €11 per person. Boulders Beach You'll make a stop in Simon's Town to observe the famous South African African penguins. The entrance fee is approximately €10. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden The botanical garden was founded in 1913 and provides protection for approximately 7,000 plant species. In 2004, it became the first botanical garden to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The entrance fee is approximately €12 (200 ZAR) per adult.

Your South Africa road trip continues along the well-known and easily accessible Garden Route. You'll then venture into nature to the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. De Hoop still offers some unspoiled areas. Many travelers skip this stunning region due to their often tight schedules, but it's well worth a visit. The reserve's high dunes invite you to climb and linger, while in some places you might encounter a tortoise on the road. Within the reserve you can take several excursions (optional, bookable at reception): Guided Eco Boat Trip Explore De Hoop Vlei and enjoy spotting birds, deer, otters and even porcupines. The morning cruises include tea, coffee, pastries, and croissants with jam and cheese. Guests who opt for the early afternoon cruise can enjoy house wines, local beers, juices, and savory snacks. (Duration 1 1/2 - 2 hours) Interpretive Marine Walk A hiking trail that explores rock pools and sandy beaches along the coast, while a qualified guide points out interesting forms of marine life. Also a great opportunity to see southern right whales in the bay between June and December. Duration approx. 2 hours Birdwatching A wonderful hiking experience with a qualified field guide who focuses on the identification and behavior of the numerous bird species in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Duration approx. 1-3 hours Mountain biking Mountain bikers are encouraged to explore the magnificent terrain with one of our guides or on their own, which preserves part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom – the Cape Floral Kingdom. Close encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebras, eland, baboons, and ostriches are a highlight. Duration approx. 2-3 hours Standard accommodation: De Hoop Equipped Cottage Accommodation Deluxe: De Hoop Opstal Manor Suites.

2 nights · Cottage · Half board De Hoop Equipped Cottages are located in the heart of the De Hoop Nature Reserve and offer simple, self-catering accommodation in a natural setting. The detached cottages blend harmoniously into the landscape and feature a well-equipped kitchen, living areas, and a private veranda. From here, hikes, birdwatching excursions, and trips along the coast are easily undertaken. The peaceful location makes the cottages an ideal base for exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve.

2 nights · Suite · Half board The Opstal accommodations, the central area of the De Hoop Collection, are surrounded by magnificent fynbos vegetation and are located near the main office, restaurant, deli, and shops. The Opstal accommodations feature a tennis court, pétanque court, and swimming pool. Opstal Manor House features yellowwood floors and ceilings and has three en-suite bedrooms. Each room can also be booked individually. The Fig Tree Restaurant and Deli, within walking distance, offers meals, tea, and coffee daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Your stay is on a half-board basis. Picnic baskets are available upon request (not included).

Your road trip continues to a region that will reveal entirely new facets of South Africa. Your accommodation is located on a 2,000-hectare farm with beautiful views. Enjoy the panorama of Outeniqua and the Swartberg Mountains. We have put together the following excursion ideas for you (entrance fees optional): Meerkat Safari An unforgettable experience – the meerkat safari in Oudtshoorn. Even before sunrise, you have the opportunity to observe the adorable meerkats up close. Price approximately €53 per person In winter the tour starts around 7:30 am, in summer at 5:30 am. Ostrich farms You can learn all about ostrich farming at the local ostrich farms. Thanks to international efforts, ostriches are now protected, and riding them was banned in 2017. You can book tours for such a farm; the entrance fees are between approximately €8 and €10, and you can choose from 3 different farms. Cango Caves Visit one of the world's largest cave systems – the Cango Caves. There are two different tours with varying levels of difficulty, and the temperature inside the caves is approximately 18°C. The entrance fee is approximately €8 (140 ZAR). Standard accommodation: De Zeekoe Guest Farm Accommodation Deluxe: Rosenhof Country House.

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast De Zeekoe Guest Farm is a peaceful accommodation in the heart of the semi-desert landscape of the Little Karoo near Oudtshoorn. The former farm has been lovingly converted into a guesthouse, combining rural charm with modern comforts. The rooms and cottages are individually furnished and blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings. Large gardens, a swimming pool, and sweeping views of mountains and plains create a relaxed atmosphere. The property is particularly renowned for its proximity to nature and for special experiences such as guided wildlife viewing at sunrise. De Zeekoe is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, authenticity and personal hospitality while also wanting to explore the sights of the region.

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Rosenhof Country House is located in Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo and is one of the most stylish country hotels in the region. The historic 19th-century manor house combines classic charm with elegant comfort and is nestled in a well-maintained garden on the outskirts of town. The rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully furnished. Warm colors, high-quality fabrics, and thoughtful details create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. Some rooms also feature a private terrace or a small garden area. After a day exploring the Garden Route or the Cango Caves, the garden with its swimming pool invites you to relax. The restaurant serves refined cuisine with regional influences and fresh ingredients from the Karoo. Thanks to its peaceful location and personalized service, the Rosenhof Country House is ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.

From the hinterland, your South Africa trip takes you back to the coast and the beautiful resort town of Plettenberg Bay. Here you can stroll along the beach, relax, and leave everyday life behind. There are numerous activities available in the surrounding area (entrance fees optional): Tsitsikamma National Park Cross the mouth of the Storms River on an impressive suspension bridge. Let the bracing breeze whip around your ears and enjoy the sound of the surf. Along the way, there are numerous viewpoints that invite you to linger. You can also explore the rugged mountain and coastal landscape on various hiking trails. Entry fee per person on site: 248 ZAR (approx. €15) Knysna Lagoon In this beautiful lagoon, you have the chance to spot dolphins year-round and can enjoy boat trips, kayaking, or even stand-up paddleboarding. From here, you can also explore the unique coastal areas of the Featherbed Reserve. Robberg Nature Reserve This nature reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Depending on the season, you might even spot whales, dolphins, and seals. There are three different hiking trails to suit various skill levels. Entrance fee per person: 40 ZAR (approx. €2) Standard accommodation: The Robberg Beach Lodge, from 2027: Bosavern Guesthouse Accommodation Deluxe: Hog Hollow Country Lodge.

3 nights · Double room (2 beds) · With breakfast The Robberg Beach Lodge boasts comfortable and stylish accommodations in a prime beachfront location on Robberg Beach. The rooms and suites are modern and tastefully furnished, featuring air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities; many also offer a balcony or terrace with ocean or garden views. The complex comprises several villas and features two outdoor pools with sun terraces, comfortable lounge areas, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. A bar and breakfast area cater to guests' needs, while complimentary parking, daily housekeeping, and optional extras such as laundry service and excursion arrangements complete the pleasant stay.

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Hog Hollow Country Lodge is situated on a private natural estate near Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route. Surrounded by forests, hills, and native vegetation, the lodge offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of nature. Many of the region's attractions, such as Tsitsikamma National Park and the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, are easily accessible from here. The spacious suites are spread across the grounds and furnished in a cozy country style. Large windows, private wooden decks, and some even have outdoor showers, ensuring that nature is ever-present. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal without sacrificing comfort. Between excursions, the pool area with its views of the surrounding greenery invites guests to unwind. Meals are often enjoyed on the terrace with its sweeping views across the valley. Hog Hollow Country Lodge is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to combine tranquility, nature, and stylish accommodation along the Garden Route.

On your way to the last stop of your South Africa self-drive tour, you can visit Tsitsikamma National Park. The main attractions are the view from the Storms River Bridge, the coastal hiking trails, and the beach at Nature's Valley. At the end of your trip, the grand highlight awaits you: Addo Elephant National Park. You'll experience many African animals in their natural habitat. This includes elephants, zebras, buffalo, lions, and many more. You'll take game drives in your own rental car. The Addo Elephant National Park was originally established to protect the endangered elephants in the region. Entry fee per person approx. €20 (360 ZAR) There are various excursion ideas (entrance fees optional): Guided game drives You have the opportunity to participate in guided game drives of approximately two hours at various times. A fee of 435 ZAR, which is approximately €25, will be charged. Hop-on guides The guides come from the communities bordering the park and offer tours to visitors in the comfort of their own vehicles. The fee is approximately €18 for standard vehicles (higher for buses, etc.) and is payable directly to the guide. Self-drive game drive Of course, you can also enjoy wildlife viewing from your own vehicle and only have to pay the park entrance fee. Hiking trails In Addo Elephant National Park you also have the opportunity to go on various hikes. For example: Zuurberg hiking route (duration 1 hour or 3 hours depending on the variant) Alexandria hiking route - but only for groups - and over two days (32km total) Standard accommodation: Addo Dung Beetle Accommodation Deluxe: Woodall Country House.

3 nights · Double room (2 beds) · With breakfast De Old Drift Guest Farm is located on a lemon plantation, approximately a 15-minute drive from Addo Elephant National Park. The property offers a variety of tastefully decorated rooms, each with meticulous attention to detail. Enjoy the tranquility on your private terrace, which boasts breathtaking views of the garden and mountains, or relax by the pool. The exquisitely furnished rooms feature handcrafted pine furniture and other amenities.

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Woodall Country House is tucked away in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, right next to Addo Elephant Park and close to the Shamwari and Schotia game reserves, on a peaceful lemon farm surrounded by wonderful rose and native plant gardens. The guesthouse offers comfortable, understatedly elegant guest rooms and cottages, all with private entrances from the garden. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower, as well as an outdoor shower and a private veranda. Amenities include a ceiling fan, air conditioning, heating, minibar, electronic safe, telephone, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. A tastefully furnished lounge features satellite TV, a fireplace, and a good selection of books. A delicious breakfast (included in the price) is served in the thatched dining room, which is situated by the water and offers beautiful views of native herons, cormorants, and other South African birds. Guests can relax by the swimming pool or enjoy a drink on the sundowner deck, watching the birds at the pond with a view of the magnificent rose garden. A fully equipped health center consisting of a gym, sauna, hydrotherapy bath, steam bath, and a beauty center (various beauty treatments and massages are available) complements the offer (not included in the price).

You say goodbye to South Africa, return the rental car, and begin your journey home. We hope you had a fantastic time in South Africa! SOUTH AFRICA GARDEN ROUTE: RENTAL CAR JOURNEY FROM CAPE TOWN TO ADDO.