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YOU ARE HERE: Home > Tours > Western and Eastern Cape Self Drive (CIAA-ELA)
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Western and Eastern Cape Self Drive (CIAA-ELA)
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The Knysna Lagoon
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Tour Duration: 20 days
Start: Cape Town International Airport
End: East London
Travel at your own pace and explore the beautiful Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces. Visit the magnificent Addo Elephant Park, see the whales at Hermanus and enjoy a variety of picturesque little towns through which you will travel before arriving in East London.
Tour Type: Self drive
Regions covered:
Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Garden Route - WC, Cape Winelands, Cape Town & Surroundings, Garden Route - EC, South Africa, Garden Route
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Rates
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Tour Details
Day 1:
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, guests will be met by our representative and transferred to their accommodation in Cape Town, world famous for the Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Peninsula and many more attractions. Huijs Haerlem is an exclusive guest house situated in Cape Town's charming suburb Sea Point, just 3 km from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its many cozy restaurants and shops, and a 10 minutes drive from the famous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches.
From the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, you can board a vessel to take you to Robben Island for a magnificent tour of the Island.
Enjoy the magnificent views over Cape Town and the Peninsula while traveling up Table Mountain with the cable car. Alternatively, explore the many fascinating museums and historical buildings reflecting the cultures that shaped this city.
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Days 2 to 3:
Your rental car will be delivered to Huijs Haerlem. Explore the beautiful Cape at your own leasure and most of all, at your own pace.
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Days 4 to 5:
Travel into the heart of the famous Cape Winelands to Stellenbosch, the most scenic town in South Africa. Stellenbosch is the ideal place from which to explore both the famous as well as the lesser-known wine estates in the region. Enjoy guided cellar-tours, delicious picnics and taste some of the best wines.
The Protea Hotel Devon Valley is situated on a beautiful working wine farm just outside Stellenbosch with commanding views of the Cape Winelands and the Helderberg Mountains.
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Days 6 to 7:
Continue your travels towards the coast and this time your destination is Hermanus, the heart of the Whale Coast - home to the Southern Right Whale. Hermanus is the best destination to watch these incredible creatures from land.
The Whale Crier is a local attraction in Hermanus. In the months of June through November, when Southern Right Whales come to the warmer waters of the bay, it is his mission to alert the shore-based whale watchers to the whereabouts of whales, by blowing his kelp horn.
Besides whale watching, a variety of path walks and hiking trails are available or you can venture out on a wine tour through the southernmost vineyards in Africa.
Lavender Manor hotel is situated above famous 'Blue Flag' Grotto Beach, with stunning views across the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay and the magnificent mountain backdrop.
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Day 8:
Today's travels take you inland to the third oldest town in South Africa Swellendam, a charming town that is famous for its architecture and outdoor life. Accommodation is in Jan Harmsgat Country House offering exclusive country bed and breakfast guest house accommodation on an historic farm in the beautiful Klein Karoo.
Situated just outside Swellendam, the Bontebok National Park is sheltered by the Langeberg Mountains and borders in the south to the peaceful Breede River. The park is home to many bontebok but also to Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest and grey rhebok.
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Day 9:
In the heart of the Garden Route lies 'the bay of mussels', Mossel Bay. After Hawaii, Mossel Bay features the mildest all-year climate in the world! It was here that in 1500 the first South African post office was created when Pedro de Ataide left a letter of importance in a shoe under a large milkwood tree. The tree is now a national monument and mail is still being posted here.
Tonight you will stay at the Eight Bells Mountain Inn, just outside Mossel Bay at the foot of the Robinson Pass amidst magnificent mountain scenery. All accommodation is set in enchanted gardens with an abundant birdlife.
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Day 10:
Via the impressive Outeniqua Mountains, travel to the 'ostrich-capital' of the world, Oudtshoorn.
Your hotel, the Oudtshoorn Hotel & Resort, lies in the centre of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, tucked away between the Outeniqua and the Swartberg Mountains. The hotel is nearby the famous Cango Caves, an absolute must for all visitors. These magnificent limestone formations are one of the natural wonders of the world which have been formed during millions of years.
A visit to one of the ostrich-palaces around Oudtshoorn is also not to be missed. Enjoy a guided tour on an operating farm where you will see large flocks of ostriches and even have the opportunity to ride on an ostrich!
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Days 11 to 12:
From Oudtshoorn, you drive through the Outeniqua Mountains to the picturesque town of Knysna. Knysna is a favorite holiday destination nestled between lush forests and a most beautiful lagoon that offers many activities and attractions of which the Knysna Heads are the most famous. The Knysna Heads are two sandstone cliffs that connect the estuary with the sea. From The Heads you can enjoy spectacular views of the lagoon, Knysna and Leisure Island.
Knysna offers many activities such as a visit to the beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve or to the workshops where exquisitely handcrafted birds of wood are made.
Accommodation for the next two nights is in the four star Parkes Manor guesthouse, directly situated on the famous Knysna Lagoon. The spacious rooms offer spectacular views across either the lagoon or the magnificent gardens.
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Day 13:
Continue to your next destination in the Tsitsikamma area which is an absolute must see! Tsitsikamma is the khoi-word for 'place of much water’ and a visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park is a truly overwhelming experience. Enjoy one of the shorter hiking trails at Stormsriver Mouth - a photographer's dream.
Overnight at oceanettes that are built right on the edge of the Indian Ocean at Tsitsikamma's Storms River.
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Days 14 to 15:
A beautiful drive through the last section of the Garden Route takes you to St. Francis Bay, a pretty coastal village with a unique architecture; all the houses are white with thatched roofs.
With its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing conditions is St. Francis Bay a paradise for watersport enthusiasts. The village has approx. 8 km. of river and canals for boating, 4 km of sandy beaches and a port for luxury yachts.
The Thatchwood Country Lodge borders an 18-hole golf course and all the luxury rooms enjoy views of either the landscaped gardens or the golf course.
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Days 16 to 17:
Enjoy a scenic drive to the Bushman Sands Game Reserve. Situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland, Bushman Sands Game Reserve offers malaria free sightings of a large variety of animal species. Bushman Sands has reintroduced indigenous animals that once roamed freely over 200 years ago to their natural habitat, and is working towards the restoration of the environment to its natural state.
Three-hour game viewing through the Bushman Sands Reserve take place daily from the hotel. Accompanied by qualified rangers, visitors are introduced to true African big game from open landrovers.
The 4-star Bushman Sands Hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. The Hotel comprises of 39 bedrooms around a pool area overlooking the Bushman Sands Golf Course.
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Days 18 to 19:
Your final destination of this fantastic trip is East London where you will be staying at the Quarry Lake Inn, a haven of peace within the city. The hotel is close to excellent restaurants, swimming beaches and golf courses.
Enjoy the mild climate, the wonderful surroundings of the hotel and venture out to explore the local attractions. A visit to the East London Aquarium is recommendable. The aquarium is relatively small but features some unique displays.
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Day 20:
Return your rental car at East London Airport where you will board your plane back home or from where you will continue with your onward travels.
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