Trip Info
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self-drive & normal 4x4 vehicle
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2-20
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To be provided for during the trip
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Cape Town
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game drives
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English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic
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To be provided for during the trip
Overview
This self-drive journey is designed with families in mind, offering a mix of fun activities, learning opportunities, and memorable wildlife encounters. Highlights include enjoying the beautiful beaches of Cape Town, taking in panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain, and trying out adventure activities in the seaside town of Hermanus. The trip continues along the breathtaking Garden Route and ends with thrilling Big Five sightings at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.
Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
- Self-drive tour: Drive a vehicle yourself and travel without a tour guide. Rental vehicle is included.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Can be customized: You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
- Suitable for solo travelers: Solo travelers can book this private tour.
- Suitable for all ages: This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be met by a Wayfairer representative and you'll collect the keys to your hire car.
Your self-drive journey will begin with a short drive to your waterfront accommodation.
During the afternoon, you may wish to summit Table Mountain in a rotating cable car or visit Robben Island and the District Six Museum to learn about South Africa’s history and Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
*Optional accommodation upgrades are available for an extra cost.
Main Destination: Cape Town (City)
Accommodation: Waterfront Apartments
Mid-range self catering accommodation located in Cape Town (City)
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
Today you have a free day to enjoy South Africa's gem, Cape Town. You may wish to see ‘the real South Africa’ on a walking or cycling tour of Langa Township, spend the day at one of the Atlantic Seaboard beaches or say hello to the African penguins at Boulders Beach.
Main Destination: Cape Town (City)
Accommodation: Waterfront Apartments
Mid-range self catering accommodation located in Cape Town (City)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Today you’ll leave Cape Town and head south to Hermanus where you’ll spend the next three nights. Here your family can join the whale watching excursions or an ocean safari where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the playful Cape fur seals, African penguins and other marine life. Alternatively, you may prefer to participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, forest treks and zip-lining.
*Optional accommodation upgrades are available for an extra cost.
Main Destination: Hermanus (Whales)
Accommodation: Coot Club
Mid-range lodge located near Stanford (Town)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
You’ll have another two days to explore Hermanus and the surrounding area and enjoy the activities and excursions on offer here.
From July-October southern right whales can be seen along the coast of Hermanus as they migrate from Antarctica to mate and rest in the Western Cape’s waters. If you’re visiting Hermanus between July-October, we can include a whale watching trip in your itinerary. Please ask your Wayfairer Travel Consultant about this and its extra pricing.
Main Destination: Hermanus (Whales)
Accommodation: Coot Club
Mid-range lodge located near Stanford (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
After breakfast, you’ll leave Hermanus and drive through stunning vineyards and mountainous landscapes to Mossel Bay on the coast. We recommend that you stop for lunch in Mossel Bay and then continue your drive on to Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s stunning Garden Route.
You’ll spend the next two nights at an exclusive boutique hotel on the banks of the Bitou River, 7km outside of Plettenberg Bay.
*Optional accommodation upgrades are available for an extra cost.
Main Destination: Garden Route
Accommodation: Emily Moon River Lodge
Luxury hotel located in Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Today is a free day to explore Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding area. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding in the surrounding mountains and forests, or join a guided kayaking trip from Central Beach to the seal colony in the Robberg Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Birds of Eden, the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkeyland or the nearby elephant sanctuary.
Main Destination: Garden Route
Accommodation: Emily Moon River Lodge
Luxury hotel located in Plettenberg Bay (Garden Route)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Today you’ll leave Plettenberg Bay and drive for approximately 4 hours along a stunning coastal road to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. A guide will meet you at the entrance of the reserve and you’ll transfer from your rental vehicle to the lodge's 4x4 Land Cruiser.
You will stay is at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge which is a family friendly, luxury property, with accommodation in 9 rooms and providing a very good range of safari activities. The lodge is perfect for families as it's non-malarial and child-friendly.
*Optional accommodation upgrades are available for an extra cost.
Main Destination: Kwandwe Game Reserve
Accomodation: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Kwandwe GR
Meals & Drinks:
Drinks not included
All meals included
Today you’ll have two more game drives where you’ll have the opportunity to spot large numbers of giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and other wildlife.
Your family may wish to participate in fun activities including a scavenger hunt. Whilst on your game drives you’ll follow a map and clues which have been strategically placed around the reserve and you’ll collect various items which will then be used in an activity e.g. making fire with sticks, art activities etc. You can also do a treasure hunt (this is also incorporated during a game drive and requires navigation skills as you’ll be using a sun-compass and major landscape features in order to find the treasure hidden around the reserve).
On the second day of your safari, you’ll have another full day to explore Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, including two game drives. In between game drives, you can join a guided bush walk or you can simply relax by the pool.
Main Destination: Kwandwe Game Reserve
Accommodation: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Kwandwe GR
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
On the last day of your South Africa Family Adventure tour, you'll have the morning to enjoy your surroundings and beautiful accommodation. Following your breakfast, you will pick up your car and drive for one hour to Port Elizabeth from where you will fly home via Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Main Destination: Port Elizabeth (City)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Rental vehicle
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (No tip expected)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
FAQs
A South Africa Self-Drive Adventure offers travelers the freedom to explore at their own pace while still enjoying a carefully planned route through the country’s most iconic destinations. Unlike group tours, you can decide how long to spend at each stop, whether it’s exploring Cape Town’s beaches, driving along the scenic Garden Route, or venturing into wildlife reserves. The adventure combines flexibility, independence, and comfort with the thrill of discovery.
Yes, a South Africa Self-Drive Adventure is considered safe when travelers follow recommended routes and practice common-sense safety precautions. The roads are generally well-maintained, signage is clear, and major tourist destinations are accessible by car. Most self-drive itineraries are designed with traveler safety in mind, ensuring routes pass through secure areas and include accommodations in trusted lodges, hotels, or guesthouses.
The ideal vehicle for a South Africa Self-Drive Adventure depends on your itinerary. For city exploration and the Garden Route, a standard sedan or compact car is usually sufficient. However, if your adventure includes safari game drives in Kruger National Park or traveling on gravel roads in rural areas, a 4×4 or SUV is recommended for added comfort and safety. Rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles tailored for these journeys.
For a South Africa Self-Drive Adventure, an international driver’s license is recommended, especially for non-English-speaking licenses. However, if your license is in English and has a photo, it is generally accepted. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, though most rental companies require drivers to be 21 or older with a minimum of one year’s driving experience. Always check with your car rental provider in advance.
A South Africa Self-Drive Adventure offers an incredible mix of experiences, from summiting Table Mountain in Cape Town to spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park. Travelers can drive along the famous Garden Route, visit the Drakensberg Mountains, explore cultural landmarks in KwaZulu-Natal, or enjoy wine tasting in Stellenbosch. The itinerary can be as adventurous, relaxing, or family-friendly as you choose, making it a versatile way to see the country.
The best time to embark on a South Africa Self-Drive Adventure depends on your interests. For wildlife safaris in Kruger and other reserves, the dry winter months from May to September are ideal for spotting animals as they gather around water sources. For the Cape Town region and the Garden Route, the summer months from November to March offer warm weather perfect for beaches, wine estates, and outdoor adventures. Many travelers design their trip to experience both safari and coastal highlights.
