This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
FROM US$1,800-US$1,940

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

Bontebok Self-drive Safari: Summary

Bontebok self-drive in a nutshell

Beginning in a beautiful guesthouse at the foot of Table Mountain, you'll be able to explore the city with convenient access to Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront as well as Kloof Street’s range of fantastic restaurants and cafés.

A short drive into South Africa’s winelands leads to an elegant guesthouse on a working wine estate. You’ll have stunning views over the valley and the surrounding mountains from here, yet you’re only a 5-minute drive from the heart of the small town of Franschhoek. Enjoy fine dining, guided wine tours and a leisurely exploration of the local wineries.

Swapping heritage for breathtaking coastlines and lusciously rich national parks, this safari then visits De Hoop Reserve, Plettenberg Bay and Tstitsikamma Coastal National Park. From here, a variety of walking and water activities are available, where guests might opt to seek out the 260 bird species, observe the local flora and fauna from hiking trails or watch for diverse marine life under the waves.

The Bontebok Self-drive is a comprehensive exploration of some of South Africa’s favourite highlights, giving visitors a varied choice of activities, including the chance to simply relax in some stunning locations.

At a glance

Starts: Cape Town International Airport
3 nights Acorn House - Cape Town, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights La Petite Ferme - Winelands, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
3 nights The Opstal - De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa Room Only
2 nights Periwinkle Guest Lodge - Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Storms River Restcamp - Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, South Africa Room Only
Ends: Port Elizabeth International Airport

Acorn House

Days 1-4

Acorn House is a lovely old house, built in 1904, and situated at the foot of Table Mountain. Its location in the Cape Town suburb of Oranjezicht is very convenient for many restaurants and cafés in nearby trendy Kloof Street. The city centre is only a short distance away and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront only ten minutes by car.

View full itinerary

La Petite Ferme

Days 4-6

Situated a short way up the Franschhoek Pass on the Middagkrans Mountain, just 5 minutes by car from the centre of Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme has stunning views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s an elegant guesthouse on a working wine estate, offering a wide choice of rooms, which range from fairly rustic, self-catering cottages to deluxe suites.

View full itinerary

De Hoop Opstal

Days 6-9

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

View full itinerary

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Days 9-11

The nautically themed Periwinkle Lodge is a stylish guesthouse with a lovely setting overlooking Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay. In the last year the lodge has been revamped and refurbished and now has a much fresher look. The main colour scheme of pastel greens, blues and sand colour still remains and together with other beach decorations like shells and wood artifacts gives the lodge that beachy, casual atmosphere.

View full itinerary

Storms River Restcamp

Days 11-13

The Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park is best known for its walking trails through the forests and dramatic coastal scenery which is part of Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve.

View full itinerary
Acorn House

Acorn House

Cape Town, South Africa

La Petite Ferme

La Petite Ferme

Winelands, South Africa

De Hoop Opstal

The Opstal

De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa

Storms River Restcamp

Storms River Restcamp

Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, South Africa

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Bontebok Self-drive Safari.

  • Exploring vineyards beneath the mountains
  • Summiting the dunes of De Hoop Reserve’s coastline
  • Seeking De Hoop Reserve's 260 bird species
  • Marvelling at a 37-metre 700-year-old yellowwood
  • Watching for whales, dolphins & porpoises from land

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Bontebok Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Kayaking

  • Microlight

  • Mountain biking

  • Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

  • Watersports

About image

Key species to see on the Bontebok Self-drive Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Bontebok Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Eland

100% chance

Zebra

75% chance

Leopard

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this holiday

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Bontebok Self-drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Winelands Private Tour

Winelands Private Tour

Full day

Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer

More about Winelands Private Tour
100% (2 reviews)
Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Full day - normally nine hours

Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

More about Cape Point and Peninsula
91% (7 reviews)
City and Table Mountain Tour

City and Table Mountain Tour

Approximately four hours - AM or PM

From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.

More about City and Table Mountain
93% (3 reviews)

Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa

All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call or email us now!
We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

Inspire me

Other ideas for South Africa trips

Look at these ideas in South Africa: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Waterbuck self-drive

12 days • 6 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.

Visiting Cape Town, Winelands and 4 other areas

US$2,980 - US$3,380 per person

Read more about the Waterbuck self-drive

Map

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$3,650 - US$4,370 per person

Read more about the Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

Map

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

Visiting Grootbos Reserve, Namaqualand and 2 other areas

US$4,520 - US$7,630 per person

Read more about the Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

Map

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$4,810 - US$7,240 per person

Read more about the Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

Map

Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

3 days • 1 location • 1 country
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.

Visiting Kwandwe

US$3,120 - US$4,420 per person

Read more about the Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

Map

Waterbuck self-drive

12 days • 6 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.

Visiting Cape Town, Winelands and 4 other areas

US$2,980 - US$3,380 per person

Read more about the Waterbuck self-drive

Map

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$3,650 - US$4,370 per person

Read more about the Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

Map

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

Visiting Grootbos Reserve, Namaqualand and 2 other areas

US$4,520 - US$7,630 per person

Read more about the Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

Map

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$4,810 - US$7,240 per person

Read more about the Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

Map

Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

3 days • 1 location • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.

Visiting Nyerere

US$2,560 - US$3,090 per person

Read more about the Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

Other holiday ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a holiday that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$3,060 - US$3,670 per person

Itinerary image

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$3,020 - US$4,120 per person

Itinerary image

Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

US$3,600 - US$5,120 per person

Itinerary image

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person

Itinerary image

Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

Itinerary image

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$4,410 - US$4,830 per person

Itinerary image

Utaka Cichlid Safari

10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person

Itinerary image

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$5,270 - US$5,760 per person

Itinerary image

Flamingo Fly-in Safari

6 days • 3 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.

US$5,330 - US$6,740 per person

Itinerary image

Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,670 - US$6,200 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa