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$3,940-US$7,320

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

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.

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari: Summary

Cape Grysbok Safari in a nutshell

This leisurely self-driven safari offers exploration of the Cape’s coastline, with memorable stays in Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst others.

The route encompasses a variety of topography and diverse habitats as well as a range of different atmospheres. From the vibrancy and commotion of Cape Town’s bustling waterfront to the small, sleepy heart of Overberg, nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, you will experience both the region’s warm vitality and its potential for tranquil solitude and relaxation.

Whale-watch from the beachfronts of Hermanus before exploring forested estates near the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay and the vineyards and galleries of the winelands. Bird and wildlife reserves provide ample opportunity for discovery whilst a range of activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, horse-riding and hiking allow for new perspectives. For the more adventurous, you might also venture along the treetop canopy or bungee jump during your stay at Tsala Treetop Lodge.

Whether you wish to join tours of olive farms, indulge in wine-tasting and fine dining or simply relax to a beautiful backdrop of rolling mountains, valleys, lakes or heathlands, this safari offers a spectacular range of activities in breathtaking locations, where you will stay in comfort and style, planning your day as you see fit.

At a glance

Starts: Cape Town International Airport
4 nights Cape Grace - Cape Town, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights The Marine - Hermanus, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Schoone Oordt C. House - Swellendam, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
3 nights Tsala Treetop Lodge - Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Rosenhof Country House - Little Karoo, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Galenia Estate - Little Karoo, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
3 nights The Franschhoek - Winelands, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Strandloper Hotel - Namaqualand, South Africa Bed & Breakfast
Ends: Cape Town International Airport

Cape Grace

Days 1-5

The Cape Grace is set right in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, on its very own quay. It's an ideal location if you want to be very close to the shops, restaurants and nightlife to be found in this area.

View full itinerary

The Marine

Days 5-7

The Marine is a stylish hotel, perched on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay and just a two-minute walk from the centre of Hermanus. It is a beautiful seaside spot, especially good for land-based whale watching between about June and November.

View full itinerary

Schoone Oordt Country House

Days 7-9

Schoone Oordt Country House is located in the historic town of Swellendam, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. A beautiful Victorian house dating back to 1853, it is a convenient halfway stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route. The house is set in landscaped gardens and has been lovingly restored by its current owners as an upmarket guesthouse.

View full itinerary

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Days 9-12

Tsala Treetop Lodge is set on a private forested estate between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's scenic Garden Route. Tsala Treetop Lodge is a romantic and luxurious lodge, privately owned by the Hunter family.

View full itinerary

Rosenhof Country House

Days 12-14

The elegant Rosenhof Country House occupies a mid-19th-century single-storey homestead on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Little Karoo. It is well placed for visits to the Cango Caves and several ostrich farms in the region. During our last visit, the rooms were being renovated and refurbished.

View full itinerary

Galenia Estate

Days 14-16

Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds.

View full itinerary

The Last Word Franschhoek

Days 16-19

Often known as simply ‘The Franschhoek’, The Last Word Franschhoek is a small, smart boutique hotel with just ten rooms, in the town of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape’s winelands. It’s a very short walk from restaurants, shops and art galleries – and a great base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

View full itinerary

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Days 19-21

Set in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster, the privately owned Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is 145km north of Cape Town. It has beautiful views over the vegetated dunes to the sea, and is only steps away from a seemingly endless sandy beach. There is a nature reserve right on the doorstep and the West Coast National Park is about 60km away.

View full itinerary
Cape Grace

Cape Grace

Cape Town, South Africa

The Marine

The Marine

Hermanus, South Africa

Schoone Oordt Country House

Schoone Oordt C. House

Swellendam, South Africa

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa

Rosenhof Country House

Rosenhof Country House

Little Karoo, South Africa

Galenia Estate

Galenia Estate

Little Karoo, South Africa

The Last Word Franschhoek

The Franschhoek

Winelands, South Africa

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Strandloper Hotel

Namaqualand, South Africa

About image

Highlights

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

  • Visiting vineyards in the Cape's winelands
  • Hiking around Hermanus, watching for whales
  • Spotting a myriad species in Plettenberg's bird reserves
  • Exploring the Cango Caves at Little Karoo
  • Witnessing Namaqualand's flowers between Aug & Sep

Activities

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

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

  • Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Kayaking

  • Microlight

  • Mountain biking

  • Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

  • Watersports

About image
CAPE GRACE in CAPE TOWN

Side-trips whilst on this trip

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Cape Grysbok 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)
Whale watching boat trip

Whale watching boat trip

Approximately five hours

Setting out by boat, you’ll head into the marine protected waters of Walker Bay for an exhilarating morning of whale-watching. Here you hopefully get up close and personal to the mighty southern right whale, as well as perhaps, humpbacks and the shy Brydes whale.

More about Whale watching boat trip
100% (1 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call 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

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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

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$3,710 - US$7,710 per person

Read more about the Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

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$2,990 - US$4,420 per person

Read more about the Cape Genet 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$2,450 - US$3,410 per person

Read more about the Waterbuck self-drive

Map

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

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.

Visiting Garden Route | Tsitsikamma, Garden Route | Plettenberg and 3 other areas

US$1,430 - US$1,960 per person

Read more about the Bontebok 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$2,870 - US$4,460 per person

Read more about the Kwandwe 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$3,710 - US$7,710 per person

Read more about the Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

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$2,990 - US$4,420 per person

Read more about the Cape Genet 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$2,450 - US$3,410 per person

Read more about the Waterbuck self-drive

Map

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

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.

Visiting Garden Route | Tsitsikamma, Garden Route | Plettenberg and 3 other areas

US$1,430 - US$1,960 per person

Read more about the Bontebok Self-drive Safari

Map

Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.

Visiting Laikipia, Mara Conservancies

US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person

Read more about the Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

Other trip ideas across Africa

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


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$3,560 - US$4,880 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

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

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$3,330 - US$4,290 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$4,750 - US$5,820 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$4,990 - US$6,810 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$2,900 - US$5,180 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$5,100 - US$6,210 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$2,720 - US$4,160 per person

Itinerary image

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,830 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