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Babylonstoren farm hotel swimming pool and spa area 2400

Cape Town Winelands and Garden Route Self Drive

Inspirational self drive honeymoon to South Africa

A fabulous taster of South Africa covering the main bases of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and finally finishing on a malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape. If you like the independence of self-drive but don't want to compromise on luxury, this is the trip for you. Start your vacation at the Cape Grace, one of Cape Town's most prestigious hotels. Situated within the V&A Waterfront there is no better position from which to soak in the natural beauty of the Mother City. The famous city sights, including Table Mountain, are all close by.

When you have had your fill of wine, penguins, mountains and culture, it's time for the best food and wine South Africa has to offer. Set within the Franschoek wine valley is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, Babylonstoren offering unique accommodation, organic gardens and fine dining. From here make your way towards the scenic Garden Route to the ultimate South African seaside escape, The Plettenberg Hotel. With views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand, it's the perfect place to kick back and relax in after a day of nature-based activities in the area. Cap off this self-drive adventure in the Eastern Cape staying at the tranquil Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge in the private Kwandwe reserve. Fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy day and night game drives in search of the Big 5.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Cape Town International
  • 4 nights - Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa
  • 2 nights - Babylonstoren Farm Hotel, Winelands, South Africa
  • 4 nights - The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
  • 3 nights - Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
  • Ends - Transfer to Port Elizabeth for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon South Africa
  • Nights Icon 13 Nights
  • City Icon City
  • Beach Icon Beach
  • Safari Icon Safari
  • Scenic Icon Scenic

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 7700|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 10500|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from Chicago O'Hare International
Cape grace tapas on the terrace 1280
The plettenberg dinner in the wine cellar 1280
Kwandwe great fish river lodge dinner by candlelight 1280

Highlights

  • At-your-own pace self-drive adventure
  • The finest South African wine and cuisine
  • A showcase of the Cape in all its glory
  • Cape Town, voted the worlds most instagrammable city
  • Malaria-free Big 5 safari experience in a private reserve
Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Cape Town International

Cape Grace Suite 2
Cape Grace Suite
Cape grace marina view from bascule
Cape Grace Suite 2 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1 - 5

Your self drive luxury vacation begins at Cape Town Airport where your hire car will be ready and waiting. From here you will make your way to your hotel at the V&A Waterfront.

  • 4 nights
  • Star Created with Sketch. Iconic

Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Bed & Breakfast | Fairmont Harbor View
South Africa

Cape Grace remodel
Babylonstoren farm hotel greenhouse restaurant at night 1280
Babylonstoren farm hotel outdoor swimming pool 1280
Babylonstoren farm hotel wine cellar 1280
Babylonstoren farm hotel greenhouse restaurant at night 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 5 - 7

After a leisurely breakfast take +-1 hour drive through the picturesque Cape winelands to Babylonstoren Wine Estate near Franschhoek.

  • 2 nights
  • Star Created with Sketch. Iconic

Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Bed & Breakfast | One Bedroom Farmhouse Suite
South Africa

Babylonstoren farm hotel cottage bedroom 1280
The plettenberg dinner in the wine cellar 1280
The plettenberg the sandbar 1280
The plettenberg beach house lounge 1280
The plettenberg dinner in the wine cellar 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 7 - 11

Another scenic drive today, this time +- 5.5 hours, towards the famous Garden Route of South Africa and to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay.

  • 4 nights

The Plettenberg
Bed & Breakfast | Luxury Sea View Room
South Africa

The plettenberg villa bedroom 1280
Kwandwe great fish river lodge dinner by candlelight 1280
Great Fish River Lodge outdoor shower
Great Fish River Lodge private deck swimming pool
Kwandwe great fish river lodge dinner by candlelight 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 11 - 14

Depart early on the +-4 hour journey today towards Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. You will be in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.

  • 3 nights

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
All Inclusive | Suite
South Africa

Great Fish River Lodge bedroom at sunrise

Day 14

Give yourselves 2 hours to drive to Gqeberha Airport (previously Port Elizabeth) where you will drop off your hire car and connect with your onward flight home.

Make it yours

Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

We've got you covered

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Included icon

Includes

  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as specified
  • Car hire, group L car including full cover, unlimited km and taxes, one way drop off and GPS
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

Excludes

  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visas and visa fees where relevant
  • Petrol
  • Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
  • Additional activities not included as scheduled at hotels, lodges or camps
Indulge your passions

ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

  • Big 5 Safari Icon Big 5 Safari
  • 4 WD Safari Icon 4WD Safari
  • Birdwatching Icon Birdwatching
  • Boat Trip Icon Boat Trip
  • Guided Walking Safari Icon Guided Walking Safari
  • Night Drive Icon Night Drive
  • Ocean Safari Icon Ocean Safari
  • Helicopter Flights Icon Helicopter Flights
  • Hot Air Balloon Flights Icon Hot Air Balloon Flights
  • Quad Biking Icon Quad Biking
  • Scenic Flights Icon Scenic Flights
  • Shark Diving Icon Shark Diving
  • White Water Rafting Icon White Water Rafting
  • Conservation Experience Icon Conservation Experience
  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Canoeing Kayaking Icon Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cycling Icon Cycling
  • Fishing Icon Fishing
  • Golf Icon Golf
  • Hiking Icon Hiking
  • Horseriding Icon Horse Riding
  • Snorkelling Scuba Diving Icon Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
  • Watersports Icon Water Sports
  • Kids Bushcraft Icon Kids Bushcraft
  • Food Experience Icon Food Experiences
  • Photographic Safari Icon Photographic Safari
  • City Sights Icon City Sights
  • Natural Wonders Icon Natural Wonders
  • Wellness Spa Icon Wellness/Spa
  • Wine Tour Icon Wine Tour
Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick off the Big Five or encounter specific safari species and sea creatures on your safari and coastal stay, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

  • Zebra
    Zebra
  • Wildebeest
    Wildebeest
  • White Rhino
    White Rhino
  • Rock Hyrax
    Rock Hyrax
  • Ostrich
    Ostrich
  • Pangolin
    Pangolin
  • Orca
    Orca
  • Lion
    Lion
  • Leopard
    Leopard
  • Humpback Whale
    Humpback Whale
  • Hippo
    Hippo
  • Great White Shark
    Great White Shark
  • Elephant
    Elephant
  • Crocodile
    Crocodile
  • Cheetah
    Cheetah
  • Cape Fur Seal
    Cape Fur Seal
  • Buffalo
    Buffalo
  • Brown Hyena
    Brown Hyena
  • Bottlenose Dolphin
    Bottlenose Dolphin
  • Black Rhino
    Black Rhino
  • Baboon
    Baboon
  • African Fish Eagle
    African Fish Eagle
  • Southern Giraffe
    Giraffe
  • Aardvark
    Aardvark
  • Aardwolf
    Aardwolf
  • African penguin
    African Penguin
  • Southern right whale
    Southern Right Whale
Sample Itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

  • Bespoke itineraries
  • Flights and transfers included
  • Best rates guaranteed

Ready to
explore more?

Our travel experts are ready to start creating your tailormade trip.