SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - UK to Cape Town

Fly from London to Cape Town, arriving next day.

Day 2 - Cape Town

On arrival in to Cape Town you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, for a three night stay. We have a range of hotels to choose from, and your length of stay in Cape Town is flexible.

We generally don’t suggest you have a car in Cape Town as the traffic can get a little busy, parking can be tricky and most things are easy to get to. If you’d prefer to collect a car when you arrive and have it for your full duration, however, just let us know and we can arrange this for you!

Days 3-4 - Cape Town

You now have the next few days to discover all that Cape Town has to offer. We love the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront and would highly recommend a visit here (especially to see the penguins!)

Day 5 - Cape Town to the Winelands

Collect your car from the Cape Town depot - costs include a Toyota Corolla or similar, although there’s a good selection of options available. Leave Cape Town behind and drive to the Winelands - the direct drive can be done in an hour or so, but we’d really recommend travelling via the beautiful Cape Peninsula, setting off via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive and taking in Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope and the penguins at Boulder Beach - this should take around three hours, plus stops. On arrival, check in to your chosen hotel for a two night stay - this is flexible, of course!

Driving is fairly straightforward in South Africa, with well maintained roads which are generally fairly quiet outside of the main towns. Driving is on the left and most laws and customs are familiar to UK drivers. Do bear in mind that all drivers will need a valid drivers licence plus the DVLA online code and printout, along with a credit card in the name of the main driver for deposit purposes. Other T&C’s apply - just ask for details!

Day 6 - Winelands

There’s more to the Winelands than wine (although it’s top of our list, of course!) and the region is becoming increasingly well-know for its craft beers too. It’s no surprise that the Winelands is probably our favourite part of South Africa!

Day 7 - Winelands to the Whale Coast at Hermanus

It’s around a 90 minute drive from the Winelands to the heart of the Whale Coast at Hermanus, although the 2 hour route around False Bay to the penguins at Betty’s Bay would be our suggestion. On arrival in to Hermanus check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 8 - Whale Coast

Spend the day in and around Hermanus, which is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Whale watching cruises depart mainly from June to November, and it’s often possible to see whales from the shore - just stand on the cliffs in the centre of Hermanus and start looking!

Day 9 - Whale Coast at Hermanus to Swellendam

It’s around a two hour drive from Hermanus to Swellendam in the Little Karoo, although the three hour route via Cape Aghulas - the southernmost point in Africa - and Arniston, would be our suggestion. On arrival in to Swellendam check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10 - Swellendam to Knysna

Continue from Swellendam to the Garden Route and on to Knysna (approx 3 hours), with plenty to see on the way - perhaps take in the history of Mossel Bay, a spot of surfing at Herold’s Bay, stop in Wilderness to see if you can spot any dolphins in the sea, and check out the peaceful beach at Buffalo Bay. On arrival in to Knysna, check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 11 - Knysna

Consider taking a day off driving today and perhaps head to the water - Knysna Lagoon is a beautiful area and boat trips are popular here. Alternatively, sample some of Knysna’s renowned food in one of the numerous restaurants.

Day 12 - Knysna to Tsitsikamma

From Knysna it’s around an hour and a half to Tsitsikamma - stop for coffee in pretty Plettenberg Bay and gawp at the brave (or stupid) people throwing themselves off the Bloukrans Bridge, one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. Tsitsikamma National Park is a beautiful area of forests and coastline, so make time to explore the area. Check in to your accommodation in the village of Storms River for an overnight stay.

Day 13 - Tsitsikamma to Oudtshoorn

Head away from the coast today, crossing on to the drier areas of the Little Karoo on the way to Oudtshoorn (approx. 3 hours). On arrival in to Oudtshoorn check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 14 - Oudtshoorn

Spend a day in and around Oudtshoorn - first stop for many visitors is the Cango Caves, just to the north of town, and one of the most popular attractions in South Africa. There are also numerous ostrich farms on Oudtshoorn, where you can try your hand at ostrich-riding!

Day 15 - Oudtshoorn to Montagu

Follow famous Route 62 - often said to be the world’s longest wine route - from Oudtshoorn to Montagu (approx. 3 hours) via Calitzdorp, the home of South Africa’s Port Wine production. Boplaas is our favourite - pick up a bottle on the way through town! Continue through Barrydale, arriving in to Montagu via the spectacular Cogman’s Kloof Gorge, for an overnight stay.

Day 16 - Montagu to Aquila Game Reserve

Continue in to the Karoo area, driving from Montagu to Touws River (approx 1.5 hours). Arrive in to your next destination in good time as lunch is arranged. Overnight is at the Aquila Game Reserve and you’re on safari, so there’s an afternoon game drive today. Aquila is in a beautiful area and is home to a variety of wildlife, so it’s a great safari taster and an introduction to Africa’s wildlife.

Day 17 - Aquila Game Reserve to the Cederberg at Clanwilliam

It’s an early start for your morning game drive today, taking in more of Aquila’s wildlife. Later, say goodbye to Aquila and drive to the Cederberg Wilderness area at Clanwilliam (approx 3 hours) taking in the beautiful mountain passes of Gydo and Middleberg. On arrival check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 18 - The Cederberg

Clanwilliam is the main town of the stunning Cederberg region, where bizarre rock formations and mountains create a stunning landscape. The wilderness area is also home to San rock art, while Clanwilliam itself is famed for its Rooibos tea production - try a cuppa of this local brew in one of the town’s tea shops.

Day 19 - The Cederberg at Clanwilliam to Paternoster

Head to the coast at pretty Paternoster, (approx 2.5 hours) travelling via sleepy Elands Bay, with its gorgeous white sand - and windswept - beaches. Arrive in to Paternoster and check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 20 - Paternoster

The fishing village of Paternoster is dotted with whitewashed cottages, and has put itself on the map as a foodie paradise, with numerous restaurants offering local, fresh tasty produce - and this being South Africa it’s great value for money too! Spend a little time relaxing in to a slow pace of life. And sampling some of the wonderful food on offer.

Day 21 - Return

Drive back to Cape Town and the airport today (approx. 2 hours), taking in the spectacular views of Table Bay from the opposite shores at Bloubergstrand. You will drop off your vehicle when you arrive at the airport and check in for your flight back to the UK.

Western Cape Explorer

Fly-Drive Holiday

A fabulous itinerary focusing on the diversity of the Western Cape, starting in Cape Town and taking in the Winelands & Whale Coast, Garden Route, Karoo & safari, the stunning Cederberg Mountains and relaxed Paternoster.

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2025/26 fly-drive package holidays to Cape Town and the Western Cape South Africa

Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights, accommodation and car hire, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details. Holiday Code J0525W.