Road trip one of South Africa's most scenic routes. This is truly a showcase of the Cape in all its glory. See Cape Town's famous sights, taste the region's wines, get up close and personal with sharks and whales, enjoy nature-based activities on the Garden Route and end off with a Big 5 safari. South Africa really is a one-stop holiday destination. Self-drive doesn't have to mean a compromise on luxury accommodation. In Cape Town you will explore the city from your base at The Mount Nelson, a historic institution in the city and pinnacle of sophistication.
In the Cape Winelands you will be perfectly positioned in the Franshhoek Wine Valley at Leeu Estates, an exclusive 5-star boutique hotel offering fine dining and exquisite gardens. At Grootbos Forest Lodge enjoy panoramic views of mountain and sea in a luxurious pristine paradise showcasing the splendour of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the incredible marine life of the southern tip of Africa. In the scenic Garden Route region, you will be based at The Plettenberg Hotel, the ultimate South African seaside escape, and your safari will take place at Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. 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 - The Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
2 nights - Leeu Estates, Winelands, South Africa
2 nights - Grootbos Forest Lodge, Hermanus, South Africa
3 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
14 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
Low Season from {: 13000|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 16700|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
Highlights
At-your-own pace road-trip adventure
The finest South African wine and cuisine
Malaria-free Big 5 safari experience in a private reserve
Luxurious hotels in pristine settings
The chance to go shark-diving and whale-watching
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
International flights as specified
Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified
Drinks (excluding premium brands) on safari
All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
Car hire, group B car (Toyota Yaris or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
One way drop off fee for hire car plus 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
Whale Watching
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 Club
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.