South Africa: Western and Eastern Cape Highlights

Arrive at Cape Town Airport. Pick up your rental car and drive yourself to your accommodation, which is an hour away.

Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town ranks among the world’s most beautiful cities. This cosmopolitan metropolis is known for its diverse culture, pristine beaches, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. From October to March, the region’s untamed coastline is at its best. Highlights include the wild west coast, whale watching in Hermanus, penguins at Simon’s Town, the dramatic Cape of Good Hope, and exceptional wines from acclaimed estates.

Explore Cape Town on your own

Spend a day taking in the best of Cape Town at your own pace. This vibrant city has something for every interest, whether it be natural beauty you are after, cultural heritage, fine art, or world-class cuisine. Stroll through the historic Company Gardens, browse the bustling Green Market Square, and explore the Castle of Good Hope. For a truly iconic experience, ascend Table Mountain and take in sweeping views of the city and coastline.

Drive to the wine region. During this one hour journey take in the picturesque mountains, wineries and Cape Dutch-style buildings.

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town lies the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. This is one of South Africa’s most scenic areas. Explore world-class vineyards, dine at exceptional restaurants offering both local and international fare, and discover charming settlements while here.

Explore the beautiful Winelands Region on your own

Tour the picturesque wine region of the Boland at your leisure, visiting the mountain towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Stop at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch. This is said to be the birthplace of the world’s first bottled Pinotage. Enjoy a tasting amid stunning valley views. You could also ride through forest trails and rivers at Klein Lanzerac Equestrian Club. Sample Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot at Rust en Vrede, and enjoy classic French cuisine in its historic 1785 cellar.

Unwind at Babylonstoren and indulge yourself at the garden spa. You could also swim in the farm dam and stroll through the vast fruit and vegetable gardens. At Delaire Graff, admire a fine collection of South African art and wander the landscaped vineyards, pools, and water features. Or, simply hike the rolling hills and valleys in Sir Richard Branson’s Mont Rochelle estate.

From the Winelands, drive to Little Karoo. This scenic journey that takes you past hills and vineyards as well as the rugged Tradouw Pass is 2-5 hours long.

South of the Swartberg Mountains lies the fertile plateau of the Little Karoo, stretching east to Oudtshoorn and Uniondale. More verdant than the Great Karoo, this region offers varied landscapes. Its small towns retain their historic charm. Highlights include Oudtshoorn, famed for the world’s largest ostrich population, Montagu, the artists’ haven and gateway to the region, and Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town.

Explore Little Karoo on your own

Northeast of the Garden Route, beyond the forested Outeniqua Mountains, lies the Little Karoo. This arid yet remarkably diverse region of the Western Cape showcases dramatic cliffs, desert vistas, clear streams, and fertile vineyards. Flanked by the Langeberg to the southwest and the Swartberg to the north, there is so much natural beauty to discover. Near Oudtshoorn, explore the magnificent Cango Caves, one of the world’s most impressive cave systems. Visit local ostrich farms to learn about the world’s largest bird and its significance in regional craft, culture, and industry.

South Africa’s famed Garden Route stretches 190 miles along a spectacular coastline. As you travel from Mossel Bay to the Storms River mouth, pass pristine beaches, serene lakes, lush forests, and elegant towns. 

At the Wilderness National Park be surrounded by rich birdlife, and at Plettenberg Bay go whale and dolphin watching. There is also the Elephant Sanctuary that provides ethical encounters with rescued elephants.

Explore scenic trails and observe a lively seal colony at Robberg Nature Reserve, and enjoy superb hiking at the verdant Tsitsikamma National Park. 

Explore Garden Route on your own

Discover the highlights of the Garden Route at your own pace. Begin at Tsitsikamma National Park, which is rich in indigenous flora and fauna. It has the Storms River cutting through its forested landscape. Explore the area by mountain biking and hiking down scenic trails. Bungee jumping is on offer as well. 

After, head to Storms River village and have a delicious lunch of American classics at the retro Marilyn’s 60s Diner. In the afternoon, relax on one of Plettenberg Bay’s idyllic beaches, or opt for a day in Knysna. The charming town is known for its gastronomy and you could also visit the Knysna Elephant Park.

Drive yourself to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is a couple of hours away.

Explore the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park, nestled in the northern part of South Africa’s Garden Route. With dramatic coastal scenery, lush forests, rivers, and reefs, it is a paradise for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Hike or cycle along the renowned Otter Trail. You could go snorkelling and kayaking and explore the waters. The world’s highest bungee jump is found here at Bloukrans Bridge. 

Prefer a gentler pace? Walk the Dolphin Trail, and take in the pods in the Indian Ocean and, in season, you could spot Southern Right whales. With its diverse trails and unspoilt beauty, Tsitsikamma is an unforgettable escape into nature.

Drive a couple of hours to reach the wildlife reserve of Eastern Game Parks.

Find the Big Five in the malaria-free game parks of the Eastern Cape. From the arid Great Karoo to the lush Wild Coast, the landscape is as varied as the wildlife. At Addo Elephant National Park, elephant sightings are almost certain year-round. You will also spot lion, leopard, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, warthog, and antelope. 

For a more exclusive safari experience, choose to stay in one of the renowned private reserves in the area such as Kariega, Amakhala, Shamwari, Samara, and Kwandwe.

Drive yourself to Port Elizabeth. This is a couple of hours journey. Once you reach, head to the Port Elizabeth Airport where you can return your rental car.

Port Elizabeth is an ideal family holiday destination, offering scenic nature trails, abundant wildlife, cultural experiences, and numerous watersports. Algoa Bay’s 40 km coastline features protected beaches with warm waters and enjoys one of the world’s best coastal climates. 

The region also boasts remarkable biodiversity, with five of South Africa’s seven terrestrial biogeographic zones found here. Within 45 minutes, you can reach premier game reserves, including the renowned Addo Elephant National Park