11 Day Cape & Winelands Self Drive

Ask our expert Sarah Jayne about this destination

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Day 1

Fly overnight to Cape Town. On arrival collect your hire car and drive the short distance into the city centre. As there is no jet-lag to content with you can feasibly spend the afternoon exploring this ‘Mother City’, perhaps a stroll around the V&A Waterfront. Overnight De Waterkant on Bed & Breakfast

Day 2

A full day of exploration today. Perhaps you could take the hop on hop off sightseeing buses for a better understanding of the city and what is has to offer. Weather permitting a trip on the cable car to the top of the mountain for spectacular views or a short boat trip to Robben Island famous for being where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for many years. Overnight De Waterkant on Bed & Breakfast

Day 3

Suggest today that you take the car and drive through wonderful coast roads south along the peninsula experiencing the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Visit the rugged Cape of Good Hope and marvel at the point where these 2 oceans meet. Visit the penguin colony at boulders beach before return to the city via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens famous the world over for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Overnight De Waterkant on Bed & Breakfast

Day 4

A leisurely drive today north east to the world famous Winelands. Overnight Batavia Boutique on a B&B basis

Day 5

Depart after breakfast for the fascinating drive along Route 62 South Africa’s equivalent of the famous Route 66. A chance to explore some lovely little towns as you meander through ever changing landscapes on the way to your next stop Oudtshoorn. The capital of the feather industry this is the epicenter of ostrich farming and a visit to one of the farms along the way is highly recommended. Overnight De Opstal Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 6

A morning of exploration in and around this fascinating town. Perhaps a visit to the Cango Caves with some of the biggest Stalagmites in the world. These huge caverns have attracted visitors for hundreds of years and are easily accessed and professionally guided. Set off across one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world as the road winds its way with breathtaking views at every turn. As you start to descend the other side you will notice how the vegetation changes dramatically as you head towards Knysna. Overnight Protea Hotel Knysna on a B&B basis.

Day 7

Perhaps today you would like to explore Knysna’s bustling waterfront with its array of colourful shops and fine dining places. You can sit and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine whilst eating fresh water oysters from the lagoon before taking a boat trip on the lagoon to enjoy the sights and sunsets. Overnight Protea Hotel Knysna on a B&B basis.

Day 8

Another morning to partake in some of the many exciting activities that Knysna and its surrounds have on offer before your leisurely drive south towards Cape Town. Your overnight stop tonight is in the quaint town of Swellendam. Sometimes overlooked by the more well known towns of Mossel Bay and Hermanus this town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Overberg area without the crowds. Overnight at The Hideaway on a B&B basis.

Day 9

After a leisurely breakfast this morning you explore this lovely area. Perhaps take a detour off the main road to Cape Agulhas the true Southern tip of Africa. This area is completely off the beaten track and you enjoy the slower pace of life as you meander through pretty villages. On to Hermanus and probably the best land based whale watching in the world. Overnight at at Les Baleines on a B&B basis.

Day 10

Why not take a stroll along the cliffs looking for whales in the bay. Alternatively look out for the Whale Crier who wanders the town announcing the daily sightings. Sample some of the many seafood delicacies on offer before your short picturesque coast drive towards your final destination, Spier Wine Estate. An evening of good wine and food and time to reflect on the many wonders you have seen. Overnight Spier Hotel on a B&B basis.

Day 11

A final morning to explore the estate and all it has to offer, shop for those must have souvenirs or why not visit the cheetah outreach programme on site where you can have the opportunity to learn more about the valuable work they do in conservation and get up close with these magnificent creatures for a stoke. Short drive to the airport to drop off your car and your overnight flight back to the UK.