WC Garden Route & Eastern Cape Self-Drive Tour – 18 Days

Your self-drive adventure safari starts in Bloemfontein and takes you to a fantastic retreat nestled amongst the natural beauty of the scenic Kuruman Hills, a small town located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
This area is known its scenic beauty and the Eye of Kuruman, a geological feature that brings water from deep the underground. The abundance of water produces an unexpected swathe of green amidst the barren plains and is known as the “Oasis of the Kalahari”.

The road takes you to the heart of the barren green Kalahari and the mighty Orange River.  From here you can head out for a day visit to the Augrabies Falls National Park.
The Augrabies Falls are set on the Orange River, South Africa’s largest river at around 56 m. Since 1966 the waterfall, set in a desolate and rugged milieu, is enclosed by the Augrabies Falls National Park. Some would argue the approximate height is 146.3m; but this is the height from the base of the canyon to the top of the walls, and not that of the falls themselves.

Discover a wide variety of game and bird life when out on guided nature and game drives. This area boasts with a large variety of mammals, including leopard, giraffe, zebra, and a large variety of antelopes. Expect delicious cuisine, accompanied by fine local wines.

The road takes you to the Cederberg Mountains today. Boasting with raw and rugged beauty this area offers predominant vegetation consisting of Mediterranean fynbos. San Bushman Paintings can be seen in caves and overhangs throughout the area.

You have the day at leisure to relax at the lodge pool and enjoy the natural beauty of the Cederberg. There is a wide range of excursions and activities, like hiking, mountain biking, rock art, and plenty of other excursions, on offer.

Today you will make your way to Stellenbosch, located along the banks of the Eerste River, at the foot of the majestic Stellenbosch Mountain. Stellenbosch is home to several corporate headquarters of large and small companies including viticulture and wine making.

You have the day to explore this quaint little student town. Stellenbosch has a rich history and architecture where you can come face to face with South African contemporary art, shop at unique boutiques and gift shops, as well as have the best wines the Western Cape has to offer.

Today you will make your way to the quaint holiday town of Hermanus located on the southern coast of the Western Cape province.
This town is famous for Southern Right whale watching during the southern winter to spring seasons and is a popular retirement location, too.

You have the day at leisure to explore Hermanus. Take a walk on the Cliff Path, visit the Old Harbour, or just have a relaxed meal at any of the many great local restaurants.

Head out to your next destination via the Cape Garden Route. This scenic drive stretches from the south-eastern coast, Witsand located in the Western Cape all the way to the border of Tsitsikamma Storms River, situated in the Eastern Cape.

There are plenty of adventure activities on offer in this area. From guided game drives and hikes, private dining to picnics in the reserve. There is much to see and do!

Today you will head to Plettenberg Bay (known to locals as Plet or Plett) a holiday town that offers a large proportion of second homes used exclusively during peak holiday periods. This location a very popular destination to domestic and foreign tourists alike.
Many make it a stop along the garden route to visit local attractions such as Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve.

You will be located just five minutes from the bustling town that offers plenty of restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, and bars on Plett’s Main Street. Spend the day at the beach or explore on foot.

Bordering the beach at Cape St Francis and just 90-minutes from Port Elizabeth Airport, Cape St Francis Resort ticks all the boxes as a perfect beach holiday destination. Situated on a headland in the Eastern Cape Province, this is popular destination for its clean beaches and gnarly surfing locations.

Renowned as a water sports paradise with surfing, kite surfing, surf ski, and canoe paddling on the beautiful waters off both Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay’s as well as on the nearby Kromme River.

This is the last day of your self-drive adventure. Head back to Bloemfontein via Graaff-Reinet, the oldest South African town located in the Eastern Cape. This town home to more national monuments than any other town or city in South Africa.