South Africa Self Drive Honeymoon

You will be met by a Wayfairer representative upon arrival and collect the keys for your hire car.  Before your arrival, you will receive a digital copy of a detailed set of driving directions as part of your pre-departure documents. 

Your self-drive journey will begin with a short drive to your city hotel where you stay for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. We recommend a bed and breakfast basis so that you get the chance to experience Cape Town's incredible food and drink scene.

You will spend 3 days exploring Cape Town and enjoying the comforts of your hotel. The city itself offers a fantastic array activities and day trips with the option of a city tour being arranged. This is a great way to see the top attractions through the eyes of a local - Cape Town is full of surprises and has a fascinating history.

As well as an organised tour, Cape Town is also a city that offers you the opportunity to explore on your own accord. From a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain to tasting seafood at one of the city's incredibly trendy food markets you will never be short of things to do. With the freedom of a hire car you can also explore the Cape Peninsula, including a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach and some wonderful view points along the coastal highway to Cape Point.

After breakfast and one last gaze at Table Mountain you take a short drive into the stunning winelands that surround the city. Franschhoek is a charming town with a fascinating history, world-class restaurants and local wine plus stunning scenery.

As well as the stunning food and drink, Franschhoek is also a great base to explore the surrounding mountains and valleys by road, bike or on foot.

Today you will begin to drive the world famous Garden Route. The scenery opens up before you as you cruise through rolling hills and pass picturesque lagoons. The journey to Oudtshoorn takes 4 hours but we recommend taking your time and stopping off to stretch your legs and take some pictures along the way. You will arrive at your hotel in time to relax for the rest of the day or to visit some of the local sites - we highly recommend a trip to the Cango cave system about half an hour from your hotel before a romantic dinner at your hotel.

The two and a half hour drive to Plettenberg Bay is another fascinating stretch that takes you down to coast. A popular holiday spot for locals, Plettenberg Bay is a stunning beach in itself but with the hire car you can explore the less visited coves and lagoons that make up this coastline. We recommend three nights here to take advantage of all the area has to offer.

Whale watching is the blockbuster activity along this coastline but it is seasonal with July-November being the best months to see humpbacks and Southern Right whales. Horse riding, golf, zip lines through canopies, bungee jumping and kayaking with resident dolphins are just some of the huge array of activities on offer in the area.

It is also important to relax and the properties we have chosen in this region are great spots to unwind with spectacular views of the ocean and access to the surrounding forests. A particular highlights is the 'Birds of Eden' sanctuary - the largest free flight bird sanctuary in the world.

Today you will drive along the coastal highway to Amakhala Game Reserve. We recommend a pit stop at the quaint and picturesque St Francis Bay. The drive will take three and a half hours before you reach the entrance to the game reserve. Here you will be met by your guide and your 'big 5' safari adventure will begin. You will enjoy a short game drive en route to the lodge before being shown to your accommodation. Once settled you will be able to enjoy an afternoon game drive with a sundowner overlooking Amakhala's stunning landscape before a sumptuous dinner and your first night in the bush.

Amakhala is a 'big 5' game reserve and has a healthy population of both black and white rhino as well as being a leader in cheetah conservation. With the help of your local guide and tracker you will be up early in the morning for a game drive and picnic breakfast. An early morning safari is a great chance to view the big cats in action and provides the best light for photographers. Other activities include night drives, bush walks, boat trips and a chance to see Amakhala's brilliant conservation schemes in action.

Your final day on safari can be spent out on safari activities, relaxing by the pool or sitting on your private deck soaking up the magical sounds and sights of the South African bush. All meals are included and the incredibly high standards of food and drink you will have become used to continue in these spectacular surroundings.

This morning you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before being driven back to your vehicle with a last chance to glimpse Africa's stunning flora and fauna. You will then drive 45 minutes to Port Elizabeth for a domestic flight to Cape Town before connecting onto your international flight.