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.
Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK 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
South Africa
13 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored 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
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High Season from {: 13200|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
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
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.
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
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
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Helicopter Flights
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Quad Biking
Scenic Flights
Shark Diving
White Water Rafting
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Horse riding
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Watersports
Kids Bushcraft
Food Experiences
Photography Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
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
Wildebeest
White Rhino
Rock Hyrax
Ostrich
Pangolin
Orca
Lion
Leopard
Humpback Whale
Hippo
Great White Shark
Elephant
Crocodile
Cheetah
Cape Fur Seal
Buffalo
Brown Hyena
Bottlenose Dolphin
Black Rhino
Baboon
African Fish Eagle
Giraffe
Aardvark
Aardwolf
African Penguin
Southern Right Whale
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
+1 347-708-1755
South Africa
13 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Scenic
Includes flights from JFK
Big 5 Safari
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Helicopter Flights
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Quad Biking
Scenic Flights
Shark Diving
White Water Rafting
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Horse riding
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Watersports
Kids Bushcraft
Food Experiences
Photography Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
Wine Tour
