Luxury family self-drive along the Garden Route

Day 1-4

Cape Town

Staying at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Arrive in Cape Town and collect the vehicle at the car rental counter. We will provide you with the directions to your hotels, a local map can be provided on request. Should you be using a digital map, please chat to the hotel concierge to ensure you have the correct routing. You will spend 4 nights at the Mount Nelson including your breakfasts. Your days are at leisure to explore the area - from the vibrant city center, to Cape Point with a visit to the penguins and Kirstenbosch. A day can be spent in the winelands with a hop on train journey in Franschhoek. Weather permitting, spend some time at the beach. If you want to stay active, there is kayaking, hiking up Table Mountain, rent a bike along the promenade or simply lounge at the pool.

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Day 5-6

Hermanus

Staying at Birkenhead House

Depart for a short drive to the Overberg, we suggest traveling along Clarens Drive, one of the most scenic route in Southern Africa. You will arrive in Hermanus and continue unto Birkenhead, your home for the next 2 nights. Your meals and local beverages are included. Chat to the House Manager to set up your days and visit the area. During season (July - October) you have the opportunity to see the whales that are typically in the bay. Possibility to walk around Walker Bay, or book a cruise. Aside from being one of the best whale watching destinations on the planet, Hermanus is renowned for its wild beauty, artisanal food producers, ocean safaris and its proximity to the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde wine route.

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Day 7-8

St Francis Bay

Staying at The Sands @ St Francis

Continue along the Garden Route. Depart early for the drive through George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to arrive late afternoon in the little village of St Francis. Spend 2 nights at The Sands, a great base to relax and enjoy the beach and the warm water of the Indian Ocean. Waking to the sound of waves crashing on the beach below; enjoying the view of the surfers making the most of the waves while being located a few minutes from the center of the village, you will love your stay.

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Day 9

Port Elizabeth

Staying at Hacklewood Hill Country House

Today is a drive to "the end" of the Garden Route with the windy city, Port Elizabeth, now called Gqeberha. This is a convenient stop before the drive to the game lodge. It allows you to do some shopping and rest in between the activities. It is also possible to drop the vehicle in town/airport and book a road transfer or a charter flight to the lodge, should you prefer not to drive there and back. Overnight at the luxurious Hacklewood Hill, located on the outskirt of town.

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Day 10-12

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Staying at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Breakfast and drive the 2 hours to the lodge. On arrival, you can park the vehicle at the main gate and you will be collected by the ranger. The next 3 nights are spent at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge including all your meals, local beverages and 2 game drives per day. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a walking safari (adults only), try some fishing or a gentle bush walk. The team of expert rangers are always on hand to help you discover the very best of the 22,000 hectares of wilderness and create a journey tailored entirely to your interests. This pristine wilderness is home to the famous Big 5 as well as a diverse number of smaller and more unusual species. Thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and cheetah roam these expansive plains. The Reserve is also sanctuary to numerous other threatened and endangered species.

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Day 13

End Of Itinerary

The holidays are coming to an end; after breakfast transfer back to the main gate to collect your vehicle. Drive back to Port Elizabeth and drop the car at the airport on time for your onward flight.