Garden Route and Vineyards, Self-drive
Garden Route and Vineyards, Self-drive
$1351
Garden Route and Vineyards, Self-drive
8 Days Starting in Paarl and ending in Cape Town
Visiting: Paarl, Oudtshoorn, Addo, Knysna, Cape Town, Hermanus
Tour operator:
Tour code:
36020
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the stunning coastline of South Africa during this 8-day self-drive tour, filled with amazing spots and activities. Drive through the picturesque wine lands of Paarl and admire its colourful architectural mix of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian influence. Join a tour to the winery of Bon Courage Wine Estate in Oudtshoorn, and experience the taste of local wine homemade products, or get yourself well taught about the life of ostriches, which are so representative for this area, by taking a trip to one of the ostriches’ farm. Admire the beauty of Mother Nature in Greater Addo reserve, perhaps go to see the Addo Elephant Park and experience the real safari adventure. Lay back in Knysna surrounded by its magical lagoon and lakes, or take a sip of the wine marvelously combined with the nice meal. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Paarl: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the pearl of the wine lands and the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Greater Addo: Explore the incredible Greater Addo, with a chance to visit the world-famous Elephant Park. Cape Agulhas: Visit the southernmost point of the African continent, look out at the ocean with the entire African continent behind you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Cape Town – Paarl (65 Km – 1 H)
Location: Paarl
Accommodation Name: Paarl Boutique
Welcome to beautiful South Africa! Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, our representative awaits to greet you and assist you to collect your rental car before your departure to Paarl, picturesque wine lands of the Western Cape, for your first night in South Africa. Once you check-in to your hotel, you can stay in the hotel to put your feet up and make the most of the available services, or you could choose from one of our optional tours and activities. Fairview Wine Estate is one of the most popular stops along the Paarl wine route, Fairview is more than just a winery, it’s also famous for its range of cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses, which have won numerous awards and are distributed countrywide. A range of local produce can be purchased directly from the farm – cheese and olive oil from the deli, fresh bread from the bakery and vino from the cellar (not included, optional extra).
Overnight in Paarl.
Day 2 : Paarl – Oudtshoorn (375 Km 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation Name: De Zeekoe
Enjoy your tasty breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to your following destination, Oudtshoorn settled on the banks of Grobbelaar's River. Upon your arrival check-in to your hotel and choose from the wide variety of the optional tours and activities. As Oudtshoorn boasts the largest ostrich population in the world, featured at a number of excellent ostrich show farms around the town, like Safari Ostrich Showfarm. It is a working farm where visitors see large flocks of ostriches learn about their life and behaviors from the egg all the way to being an adult. The tour also covers facts about different types of Ostrich feathers and the processing of Ostrich skins, showing you the different parts of the skin and their uses (not included, optional extra). Bon Courage Wine Estate visit can be another option. Situated in the scenic Breede River Valley at the base of the Langeberg Mountains, it makes up part of the Robertson Wine Route. Five distinct wine ranges are produced here, incorporating red, white, fortified and sparkling wines, which are sold both at home and abroad. The estates Café Maude restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch (not included, optional extra).
Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Day 3 : Oudtshoorn – Greater Addo (400 Km 4 Hrs)
Location: Addo
Accommodation Name: Chrislin African Lodge
Wake up to breakfast at your hotel, after which you can book an optional excursion to Cango Caves which starts at 10:00 am (not included, optional extra). The Cango Caves are situated in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, 30 kilometres outside of Oudtshoorn. The cave system with more than 80 caverns extends 5 kilometres into the mountain showcases various stalagmites and stalactites. If you do not feel like speleologist, check-out from the hotel and drive to your next stopping place, Greater Addo, largely dominated by the Addo Elephant Park. It is an incredibly diverse, beautiful region in the Eastern Cape Province that still remains largely ‘undiscovered’. Check-in to your hotel, and explore this gorgeous place at your own rhythm.
Overnight in Greater Addo.
Day 4 : Greater Addo
Location: Addo
Accommodation Name: Chrislin African Lodge
Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for today´s adventure. This day is all about the Safari and Wildlife Experience. Travel to Addo National Park in your own vehicle, complete the Park’s indemnity form and you are in for an adventure of a lifetime. You may also wish to opt-in for the Addo Elephant National Park, considered to be one of the most scenic parks in South Africa. Apart from the elephants that it is famous for, it is also home to large herds of buffalo, black rhinos, a variety of antelope species, and other South African wildlife (entrance not included). One out of the jungle, return to your hotel with the remainder of the day free to enjoy the area.
Overnight in Greater Addo.
Day 5 : Greater Addo – Knysna (320 Km 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: The Graywood
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before your early drive (not later than 9:00 am) to Knysna. You may wish to visit Tsitsikamma Nationalpark, which is part of the Garden Route National park and take a leisurely walk to its suspension bridge. Breath-taking views reward you for the approximate 30 minutes’ walk. The park also houses a restaurant (not included). Proceed to Knysna, the Pearl of the Garden Route and discover charming Knysna´s waterfront at your own leisure at check in. Knysna is a paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, and golden beaches.
Overnight in Knysna.
Day 6 : Knysna – Cape South Coast (365 Km 4 Hrs)
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: The Arniston Spa
After breakfast, hop in your car and drive along the Garden Route. If you wish, before a long drive, you could book a featherbed John Benn cruise on the famous Knysna lagoon. The John Benn is a double-decker floating restaurant on a fully enclosed luxury ferry. The upper and lower decks are constructed from Yellowwood – sourced from the Knysna Forest. This wonderful floating restaurant offers a wide dining selection from the a la carte menu and has a bar on each of the upper and lower decks (not included, optional extra). Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, and run parallel to a coastline featuring lakes, mountains and colourful rivers and beaches.
Overnight in Cape South Coast.
Day 7 : Cape South Coast – Cape Agulhas – Hermanus (115 Km 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Hermanus
Accommodation Name: The Windsor
After breakfast at your hotel, continue to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent, receiving its name form Portuguese seafarers, derived from the word needle due to sharp cliffs just off the coast. It also houses the only lighthouse museum in South Africa. Afterwards, travel to Hermanus, and check in to your hotel. One of Hermanus best kept secrets is Hemel en Aarde Wine Route Experience. Join this optional activity in Creation Wine Estate, which is offering exciting wines paired with excellent food (not included, optional extra).
Overnight in Hermanus.
Day 8 : Hermanus Depart Cape Town (110 Km 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Cape Town
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to South Africa. Enjoy your last breakfast, after which you will make your way back to Cape Town International Airport for your flight back home. Drop off your car at the car rental office and proceed to your onward destination. Today you still have the possibility to book optional activity of whale watching excursion or Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai (not included, optional extra).
What's Included
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7 night's hotel accommodation
Accommodation for 7 nights in various hotels during the tour.
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7 Breakfasts
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Unlimited mileage
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
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TP (Theft Protection)
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PAI
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Road assistance 24/7
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Replacement vehicle in a case of accident or breakdown
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Safety equipment (triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher)
Safety equipment including triangle, high visibility vest, and fire extinguisher provided with the rental car.
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Tax
What's Not Included
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Domestic nor International flights
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Optional Activities
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Porterage and gratuities
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Local guide (unless optional tour booked)
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Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Personal expenditures, drinks, meals, and items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Travel insurance and any loss or extra cost due to unforeseen circumstances are not included.
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Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
Fuel, fines, tolls, and parking fees are not included.
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Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
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Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
Loss or damage to specific vehicle components is not covered.
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Damage to the engine through negligence.
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Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
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Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
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Incident Report Fee
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Refueling Service Charge
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Late Return Fee and Change of Return Station Fee
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Young driver surcharge (driver must have valid unendorsed driver’s license for at least two years
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If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent Car installations.
Customers are responsible for any costs and damage if the car is left outside the designated area on drop off.
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One way fee of within South Africa between the following depots: Johannesburg, Nelspruit KMIA, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town
One way fee applies for drop off between specified depots within South Africa.
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Each additional driver.
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Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc.)
Extra equipment such as GPS and baby seats are not included.
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
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Fuel Fines Tolls Parking
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Loss or damage to aerials jack safety triangles and vests windscreen wipers petrol cap luggage covers or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
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If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent Car installations.
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One way fee of within South Africa between the following depots: Johannesburg Nelspruit KMIA Durban Port Elizabeth Cape Town
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Any extra equipment (GPS baby seat etc.)
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, PAI, 24/7 road assistance, replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown, safety equipment, tax, and one additional driver.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation, including stays at Paarl Boutique, De Zeekoe, Chrislin African Lodge, The Graywood, The Arniston Spa, and The Windsor.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of vehicle support is provided during the tour?
The tour includes unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), 24/7 road assistance, a replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown, safety equipment such as a triangle, high visibility vest, and fire extinguisher, and one additional driver.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour. For example, in Paarl, you can visit Fairview Wine Estate. In Oudtshoorn, you can visit Safari Ostrich Showfarm or Bon Courage Wine Estate. In Greater Addo, you can book an excursion to Cango Caves or visit Addo Elephant National Park. In Knysna, you can book a featherbed John Benn cruise. In Hermanus, you can join the Hemel en Aarde Wine Route Experience at Creation Wine Estate. On the last day, you can book a whale watching excursion or Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of hotel accommodation. Specific hotels mentioned in the itinerary include Paarl Boutique in Paarl, De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn, Chrislin African Lodge in Greater Addo, The Graywood in Knysna, The Arniston Spa on the Cape South Coast, and The Windsor in Hermanus.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Paarl and ends in Cape Town.
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What are some of the key attractions visited during the tour?
Key attractions include Fairview Wine Estate in Paarl, Safari Ostrich Showfarm and Bon Courage Wine Estate in Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves and Addo Elephant National Park in Greater Addo, Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna Lagoon in Knysna, Cape Agulhas and Hemel en Aarde Wine Route in Hermanus.
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Is there any support provided at the airport upon arrival?
Yes, upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, a representative will greet you and assist you in collecting your rental car.
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What are some of the exclusions in the tour package?
Exclusions include domestic and international flights, optional activities, porterage and gratuities, local guide (unless optional tour booked), personal expenditures, drinks and meals not stated in the program, travel insurance, fuel, fines, tolls, parking, damage due to negligence, and various fees such as incident report fee, refueling service charge, late return fee, and young driver surcharge.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Oct 31, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.