Description
The Tour
A self-drive tour taking in the best of the South African coast, including Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, the Garden Route and game drives at Shamwari Game Reserve. Staying in quality hotels, this holiday is ideal for those in search of excellent standards of delivery and service in amongst some of the best locations we have seen.
Day 1: London - Cape Town
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Cape Town with Virgin Atlantic or South African Airways (Apr-Oct).
Days 2-6: Cape Town
On arrival into Cape Town, collect your hire car. Enjoy the stunning scenery, fantastic seafood dining and great shopping of Cape Town with a 5-night stay at the Winchester Mansions Hotel. This charming, old world style hotel has both a swimming pool and spa, so is the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring either the sights of the city or the Cape Peninsula. Popular with repeat visitors to the city, Winchester Mansions is located in Sea Point, enjoying immediate access to the long promenade that stretches towards the V&A Waterfront. Away from the waterfront promenade, Sea Point also boasts a large number of cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. (B)
Days 7-9: Lake Pleasant, Knysna
Leave the city behind you today as you head for one of the most scenically beautiful areas in the world, the Garden Route. En route, try lunch in Mossel Bay on the Cape Whale Coast. If you travel between Jul-Oct there's every chance you could spot some whales before you travel on to Lake Pleasant for your 3-night stay at the Lake Pleasant Hotel. Situated between Knysna and Sedgefield, on the edge of a freshwater lake and next to the Goukamma Nature Reserve, this hotel is ideally placed for you to soak up the splendours of the Garden Route. This tranquil setting allows time to relax after your drive from Sea Point and Cape Town, yet is comfortably located for quick trips in and around Knysna and George. (B)
Days 10-11: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Next head to the Eastern Cape for 2 nights for some wildlife spotting at Shamwari Private Game Reserve where you can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. This malaria-free, 20,000-hectare reserve offers a range of accommodation, and your itinerary includes a stay in Long Lee Manor which has 2 swimming pools, sumptuous rooms and splendid views over the plains. You may upgrade your stay to any one of Shamwari's wonderful lodges, nestling amongst the rolling hills and riverside settings within the reserve. If travelling in a family or group of friends, Riverdene is perfect for exclusive use and comes with your own safari ranger/guide and chef. Staying at Shamwari you'll also be contributing to the welfare of wild cats, many of which are rescued and kept within the reserve. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Port Elizabeth - London
Drop off your hire car in Port Elizabeth before taking a morning flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, ready to catch the evening flight back to London Heathrow with Virign Atlantic. (B)
Tour Notes
- Departs daily from Heathrow.
- Prices are based on a grade P hire car.
- There is a one-way drop-off charge of ZAR406 for the hire car, payable locally.