Scenic Western Cape & Safari Self-Drive

Arrive in Cape Town, pick up your hire car and drive to the beautiful neighbourhood of Tamboerskloof, one of Cape Town's upmarket city suburbs. Check into the strikingly beautiful Walden House for a three-night stay. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting to know Cape Town, known to the locals as the Mother City.

The next two days are yours to explore the Mother City and her surrounding attractions.

Self-drive your way down the Indian Ocean coast of the Cape Peninsula to Boulders Beach and visit the penguins before turning into the dramatic and rewarding Cape Point Nature Reserve. Return to the city  via the Atlantic Coast to catch a stunning sunset - if your timing is right, you could have a cocktail in ever-fashionable Camps Bay.

The next day why not head up Table Mountain for a spectacular view of the city before an afternoon ferry ride to historic Robben Island and supper at the wonderful V&A Waterfront, Cape Town's premier entertainment and retail destination.

Leave Cape Town and take a slow easy drive to the historic university town of Stellenbosch for a night at The River Manor Hotel. Situated on the town's famous oak-lined street - The Avenue - the hotel is conveniently located near the city centre.

Stellenbosch is informally known as the capital of the Cape Winelands region and what better way to spend your afternoon than by visiting a few of the town's impressive wine estates, if not for their wine then at least for their grandeur and beautifully landscaped gardens!

Today you'll witness the gorgeous beauty of the Garden Route as you drive along the coast through the towns of Mossel Bay, George and Knysna until you arrive at Lairds Lodge Country Estate.

The estate is strategically situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the two towns at the epicentre of the Garden Route, so you'll be well-placed to access the many attractions of the area. Spend the next two days exploring nearby beaches, hiking along mountain trails, or just kicking back by the lodge's swimming pool.

There are also plenty of family activities in the area, great wildlife destinations and a range of excellent golf courses and other sporting opportunities.

Continue driving east along the picturesque Garden Route coast and past the city of Port Elizabeth where you'll turn inland to check in at The River Bend Country Lodge.

Over the next three days you'll enjoy personalised game drives in a private concession of Addo Elephant National Park, tracking animals and learning about the fascinating local flora on guided nature walks. To wind down, you may want to book a spa treatment at River Bend's Vitality Studio.

Experience a picturesque drive into the Zuurberg Mountains for sundowner drinks as the sun sets over the valley below - spectacular stargazing in the Eastern Cape's big open skies follows.

Drive back to Port Elizabeth Airport after breakfast and return your hire car. Your tour ends officially once you have dropped off your car, though your Africa Safari Expert can help you book any additional services you may need.