Scenic South African Road Trip and Safari

Hitting the open road across the storied Garden Route on this South Africa safari

South Africa is one of the world’s best road trip destinations. Well-maintained roads, ever-changing landscapes, wide open spaces, and an abundance of things to see and do on this South Africa safari. 

After a few days taking in Cape Town’s delights, jump in your rental car and hit the open road, visiting wine estates, quaint historic towns, and a coastal nature reserve before reaching Port Elizabeth. Finish your trip on safari – a malaria-free one at that – on a private game reserve in the semi-desert expanse of the Karoo.

South Africa safari: 13 days/12 nights

Highlights of this South Africa safari

This 13-day itinerary starts at the Gorgeous George boutique hotel in Cape Town. Take a walking food tour and climb Table Mountain, perhaps with a luxury glamping overnight stay at the top, before descending by cable car
From here, set off on a road trip down Route 62, stopping along the way at wine estates and staying overnight in the Robertson Small Hotel in the quaint historic town of Robertson
Drive to Lekkerwater Beach in DeHoop Nature Reserve and Lodge, which offers some of the world's best land-based whale watching from July to November. See playful dolphins year-round, go on marine explorations, walk to caves and rock pools, and visit a Cape vulture colony
Continue your drive along South Africa's Garden Route or head inland to reconnect with the R62 via Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Explore the impressive Cango Caves before turning back south for a coastal drive to Knysna and the charming Kanonkop House
Drive to Port Elizabeth, where you’ll stay at No. 5, a boutique art hotel brimming with character. Explore the Tsitsikamma National Forest en route and Addo Elephant National Park, which is inhabited by hundreds of elephants. Jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales
Head to the family-run Amakhala Private Game Reserve in the Karoo for a malaria-free safari at HillsNek Safari Camp. Enjoy game drives searching for the Big 5, guided walks, a river cruise, or a night drive

Price

$4,100-$5,200 per person sharing in 2023

Itinerary map