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6 Days Garden Route Self Drive

Our 6-day self-drive adventure along the Garden Route offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal charm and is recommend as an add-on to Cape Town Itinerary.

Beginning in the heritage-rich town of Swellendam, your journey winds through lush forests and breathtaking landscapes to the tranquil lagoon town of Knysna and the beachside haven of Plettenberg Bay.

With the freedom of your own rental car, you’ll travel at your own pace—stopping to explore charming towns, hike forest trails, unwind on pristine beaches, and indulge in local cuisine. Whether you’re seeking quiet moments in nature or the thrill of outdoor activities, this tour offers a flexible and immersive way to experience the best of South Africa’s southern coastline.

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  • 1 night at Bloomestate Swellendam (Bed & Breakfast)

    This trendy guesthouse is two hours drive from Cape Town and offers the restful feel of a country retreat with the style of a chic design hotel. Smart chic in balance with natural surroundings.

  • 2 nights at Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

    Overlooking the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua mountains. The theme of the Lodge is one based on natural beauty with stone and wood architecture combining to give that comfortable earth feel.

  • 2 nights at Lion Roars The Robberg Beach Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

    Robberg House offers guests all the luxuries of penthouse living, just stone’s throw from the beach. Enjoy sundowners on the rooftop deck of Robberg House, with panoramic views of the ocean and Robberg Nature Reserve.

  • Flexible departures any day

    Although it is possible to book this tour as shown above, it is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements.  Contact one of our team to discuss your travel requirements.

Explore Historic Swellendam: Discover one of South Africa’s oldest towns, nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, known for its Cape Dutch architecture, rich heritage, and tranquil charm.

Drive the Scenic Garden Route: Experience one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, with ever-changing landscapes of mountains, forests, coastlines, and rolling farmland.

Unwind in Knysna’s Natural Beauty: Spend time in the heart of the Garden Route surrounded by indigenous forests, peaceful lagoons, and vibrant waterfront life—perfect for nature lovers and foodies alike.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventure in Plettenberg Bay: Hike, paddle, swim, sail, or simply soak up the sun along the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of this coastal paradise.

Freedom of the Open Road: Travel at your own pace with a self-drive itinerary that combines comfort, flexibility, and discovery—ideal for those who love independent exploration.

Price Includes:

  • Airport arrival assistance, 6 Days Car rental in a Toyota Corolla or similar with Automatic Transmission including GPS Unit and Wi-Fi Router.
  • 1 Night at Bloomestate in a Luxury Garden Room on Bed & Breakfast basis.
  • 2 nights at Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest House in a Standard Suite on Bed & Breakfast basis.
  • 2 nights at Robberg Beach Lodge in a Standard Room on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Price Excludes:

  • All flights (International and Domestic) for passengers and tour leader.
  • All other meals and beverages.
  • One way drop-off fee and Security deposit for the car rental.
  • Optional tours.
  • All items of a personal nature – i.e. all drinks, laundry, telephone calls, curios, etc.
  • All gratuities.
  • Any other services not mentioned above.

For more  information view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF) – A detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.

Prices are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control namely, fuel, supplier increases, Government Taxes etc

LENGTH

5 nights / 6 days

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

ALL YEAR

FROM

US$792

LENGTH

5 nights / 6 days

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

ALL YEAR

FROM

US$792

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

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Tour Experiences

garden route

DAY 1 – Swellendam

From Cape Town Airport you will collect your Avis rental car and drive through to your first destination, Swellendam (a drive of approximately two hours).

After Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Swellendam is the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Laying at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg mountains this place is famous for its architecture and its history. 

Overnight at Bloomestate Swellendam (Bed & Breakfast)

DAY 2–3 - Knysna

After breakfast this morning you will leave Swellendam and drive through to Knysna. This is a beautiful, scenic drive of approximately three hours and thirty minutes.

Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s best known travel destinations – situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful estuary. It offers many activities and attractions to a wide variety of people. 

Overnight at Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge (Bed & Breakfast).

DAY 4-5 - Plettenberg Bay

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today before heading off on a short drive to your next destination – Plettenberg Bay. This drive should take you approximately forty-five minutes. The area of Plettenberg Bay is a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots.

Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. 

Overnight at Lion Roars The Robberg Beach Lodge (Bed & Breakfast).

DAY 6

This morning you will depart Plettenberg Bay and drive to George Airport (a drive of approximately one hour) where you will check-in for your onward flight. 

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Tour Experiences

garden route

DAY 1 – Swellendam

From Cape Town Airport you will collect your Avis rental car and drive through to your first destination, Swellendam (a drive of approximately two hours).

After Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Swellendam is the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Laying at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg mountains this place is famous for its architecture and its history. 

Overnight at Bloomestate Swellendam (Bed & Breakfast)

DAY 2–3 - Knysna

After breakfast this morning you will leave Swellendam and drive through to Knysna. This is a beautiful, scenic drive of approximately three hours and thirty minutes.

Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s best known travel destinations – situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful estuary. It offers many activities and attractions to a wide variety of people. 

Overnight at Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge (Bed & Breakfast).

DAY 4-5 - Plettenberg Bay

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today before heading off on a short drive to your next destination – Plettenberg Bay. This drive should take you approximately forty-five minutes. The area of Plettenberg Bay is a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots.

Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. 

Overnight at Lion Roars The Robberg Beach Lodge (Bed & Breakfast).

DAY 6

This morning you will depart Plettenberg Bay and drive to George Airport (a drive of approximately one hour) where you will check-in for your onward flight. 

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What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris Clients posted on Trip Advisor.

What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris clients posted on Trip Advisor.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Man feeding a giraffe in a wildlife park with other giraffes in the background
Rick McIntyre

Rick McIntyre

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.

You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers

Rachel Chambers

Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams! 

You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com 

Smiling woman in a woven cowboy hat posing in front of rustic wooden cabin wall
Julie Roggow

Julie Roggow

Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.

Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. 

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure. You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre
Rick Mcintyre
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me. My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience. Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Hi, I'm Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams! You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
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