Waterbuck self-drive: Summary
Waterbuck self-drive in a nutshell
Discover the awe-inspiring Western Cape on this 12-night self-drive adventure from Cape Town to the Garden Route. Staying in a string of boutique hotels with complete freedom to choose from a great range of activities, this trip can be tailored to your interests, from wine and whale watching to history and hiking.
Begin your journey with three nights the beautiful Cape Town, staying in a leafy suburb of Constantia. Head into Cape Town to wander the V&A Waterfront, visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and indulge in some of its renowned restaurants. The more active can hike through Table Mountain’s Nature Reserve for breath-taking views of the scenic city below, drive the Cape Peninsular in search of sandy beaches home to curious penguin colonies and try some of Constantia’s famous wines.
More oenology and rolling green vineyards backed by rocky mountains await in the Winelands and the quaint town of Franschhoek. Staying at the luxurious Le Quartier Français, enjoy tastings, horse riding and culinary classes as you discover the farms that date back to the French Huguenot refugees who settled here in the 17th century, and enjoy their celebrated fresh produce.
Driving a scenic and quieter route east, spend a night in historic Swellendam, one of the oldest towns in South Africa, en route to Oudtshoorn. Set in a unique semi-arid region between mountain ranges known as the Klein Karoo, its known for picturesque hikes and dramatic passes dotted with arty villages. It’s also the gateway to the Garden Route, which you’ll follow back to the coast.
With the Indian Ocean rolling into bays and beaches to your right and forest-covered hills to you left, spend two nights each in Knysna and Tsitsikamma. Explore the area’s diverse nature reserves to see where the Garden Route gets its name, take a boat out to spot whales and dolphins, and trace the area’s history back 100,000 years at ancient rock art sites.
At a glance
| Starts: | Cape Town International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Cellars-Hohenort - Cape Town, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Le Quartier Francais - Winelands, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 1 night | Schoone Oordt C. House - Swellendam, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Rosenhof Country House - Little Karoo, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Turbine Hotel - Knysna | Garden Route, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Hog Hollow - Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| Ends: | Port Elizabeth International Airport |
Cellars-Hohenort
Cape Town, South Africa
Le Quartier Francais
Winelands, South Africa
Schoone Oordt C. House
Swellendam, South Africa
Rosenhof Country House
Little Karoo, South Africa
Turbine Hotel
Knysna | Garden Route, South Africa
Hog Hollow
Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, South Africa
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Waterbuck self-drive.
- Spotting whales in Plettenburg Bay
- Stunning hikes around Cape Town & on the Garden Route
- Learn about the Cape’s rich history and cultures
- World-class cuisine and wine
- A new incredible view around every corner
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Waterbuck self-drive: talk to us about those which interest you.
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Key species to see on the Waterbuck self-drive
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Waterbuck self-drive. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this holiday
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Waterbuck self-drive. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
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
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
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 MountainPlan 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.
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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.
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