16 Day Self Drive Bush & Garden Route

Enquire Now

Enter into your adventure through some of South Africa's most prominent locations, blending luxurious stays with immersive experiences. This curated itinerary promises unparalleled comfort, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a dive into the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival, you will experience the vibrant heart of South Africa's largest city. With proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport, the Radisson Hotel is the perfect start to your onward journey. Enjoy a restful stay in a junior suite and the hotel's home-cooking-inspired dining experience, where they celebrate both Afro-Asian and South African favorites. Breakfast is included.

Day 2

After your delicious breakfast, it is time to collect your car and embark on your adventure to Welgevonden Game Reserve. Dive deep into the African bushveld, enjoying the tranquility of the wild.

Day 4

After breakfast with a typical African flair, it is time to move on to your next destination, the friendly city of Gqeberha. Your flight awaits. Once in Gqeberha, you will collect your vehicle and head to Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel to enjoy the authentic South African art.

Day 5

After breakfast, you set off on a 2-hour drive to Plettenberg Bay. Nestled in the Piesang River Valley, you'll find the perfect place just 5 minutes from the golden blue flag beach at Barrington’s Small Hotel. Staying in a Deluxe room with your private balcony, it's time to spend the next day exploring the onsite craft brewery, restaurant, and bar at your own pace.

Day 7

As you rise with the sun, get ready for checkout at 11:00 am. Your next stop is Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn, offering a true African experience. Enjoy a unique tented adventure in your luxury waterhole tent, frequently visited by local wildlife. For the next two days, enjoy the wildlife on morning and afternoon safaris. Savor the authentic Karoo cuisine with the full board option included.

Day 9

After breakfast, prepare for the road trip down to Franschhoek, nestled in the heart of South Africa's wine region. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, world-class wines, and breathtaking views of vineyards and mountains at Angala Hotel. In the luxury room, you have a private veranda with a secluded garden, complete with outdoor showers.

Over the next two days, enjoy the vibrant bars, restaurants, and art galleries of the beautiful Franschhoek.

Day 11

After breakfast at the private guest-only hotel, get ready to move to your next destination. The coastal town of Hermanus offers scenic beauty, whale-watching opportunities, and a serene escape from city life. Harbour House Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Hermanus. You will stay in the romantic room at Manor House and enjoy a bed and breakfast experience. Spend the following two days lounging next to the crystal blue pool or exploring the nearby town, just minutes away.

Day 13

Your next three days will be dedicated to discovering Cape Town's iconic landmarks, from Table Mountain to Robben Island. With the beach at your doorstep in Camps Bay, you'll experience the best of city and seaside life at The Bay Hotel. Your sea view room allows breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the comfort of your private balcony. At this hotel, you are spoilt for choice with four uniquely different restaurants to dine in.

Day 16

Explore the beauty of South Africa at your own pace. Drive through picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, and along scenic routes that the country has to offer before you drop off your rental car.

Read more ›

Location and getting there

Please note that all itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs. We can easily adjust the length of your stay or include additional destinations upon request.

Rates & Pricing

  • Radisson Hotel OR Tambo: 1 Night in 4-star in Johannesburg
  • Radisson Hotel OR Tambo: Breakfast only
  • Mhondoro Game Lodge: 2 Nights in 5-star in Welgevonden Game Reserve
  • Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel: 1 Night in 5-star in Gqeberha
  • Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel: Breakfast only
  • Barrington's Small Hotel: 2 Nights in 3-star in Plettenberg Bay
  • Barrington's Small Hotel: Breakfast only
  • Buffelsdrift Game Lodge: 2 Nights in4-star in Oudtshoorn
  • Buffelsdrift Game Lodge: All Meals and Local Drinks
  • Buffelsdrift Game Lodge: 2 Safari Activities Per Day
  • Angala Hotel: 2 Nights in 5-star in Franschhoek
  • Angala Hotel: Breakfast only
  • Harbour House Hotel: 2 Nights in 4-star in Hermanus
  • Harbour House Hotel: Breakfast only
  • The Bay Hotel: 3 Nights in 5-star in Camps Bay, Cape Town
  • The Bay Hotel: Breakfast only
  • Flight From OR Tambo Airport (JNB) to Gqeberha 
  • Car Rental with GPS
Oct 1st, 2025
to
Oct 31st, 2025
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
4472
USD
4472
USD
to
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
USD
USD
to
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
USD
USD
to
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
USD
USD
  • The rate is for the complete package, per person.
  • A single supplement may apply for solo travelers.
  • We offer a price match guarantee; please contact us for details.
  • Consult our travel specialists for the best available rates and offers.

SEAMLESS SAFARI PROMISE

Since 2006, we’ve arranged unforgettable safaris for over 58,000 travelers, handling every detail with precision. Learn more about our Seamless Safari Promise

Plan Your Dream Safari

You can also call on 1-888-SAFARIS
(Toll-free in the U.S. & Canada)

We’ll coordinate trip details and send your custom quote to this address.
Used only for trip coordination - no sales calls.
Example: 14 – 21 Nov 2025 · 2 adults · departing NYC · “Big Five” focus

No obligation • Expert reply within 24 h
View our privacy policy

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Time is luxury. We streamline your choices for the perfect safari.

✅   Free travel insurance before 30 Nov 2025

✅   An expert will reach out to you within 24 hours

✅   SAFARI.COM voted Africa's Leading Safari Company in the World Travel Awards 2024 + 2025

✅   Same price as booking direct, with expert care included

✅   With you before, during and after your safari

✅   We handle it all. Flights, transfers, lodging & activities

Meet our resident expert

Get in touch with Sara, who can book all aspects of your trip including flights, lodging and tranfsers. For fastest response get in touch on WhatsApp.
Sara Van Coillie

What our guests say about Sara

October 6, 2025
The booking experience with Sara Van…
The booking experience with Sara Van Coillie at safari.com was really a wonderful experience. Sara is so knowledgeable and kind and patient and provided us with many options and flexibility.She was happy to discuss on a call as needed and very responsive to emails and texts. I would highly recommend booking your trip with her for a superior experience.
CA
,
US
October 6, 2025
Great experience planning itinerary with Safari.com
We had a fantastic experience with Safari.com! The team was incredibly responsive, collaborative, and flexible throughout the planning process. They took the time to understand our preferences and provided thoughtful feedback and recommendations, resulting in an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to what we wanted. A special shoutout to Sara, who went above and beyond to make everything seamless and stress-free. Highly recommend!
Sam
,
SG
September 29, 2025
Fast and Useful
Assistance from Mrs. Sara van Coillie was incredibly fast, most attentive and useful, despite our many requests to change our itinerary. We had a group of 4 people (2 grandkids and 2 grandparents) to satisfy with the programme. Sara managed to balance out city with bush activities.
Jose
,
BR
Start Planning

Customer Testimonials

A Curated Collection of Africa's Finest

Crafting your journey from a curated portfolio of Africa's 500+ finest lodges and operators.

VIP service
Your own personal travel assistant
19 years in business
Attention to every detail
Relationships with 500+ operators through Africa
Consultants available 24/7
58,000+ customers and counting
Read more