DAY 1 - 5: CAPE TOWN

Upon your arrival at Cape Town International airport, you will be met by an African Signature representative, whom will provide you with your rental car details and a comprehensive self-drive documentation pack. Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and yours to explore for the next 4 days. Dominated by Table Mountain it is surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and ringed with fine white sandy beaches. Apart from its outdoor charms Cape Town entices visitors enjoy its wide variety of excellent restaurants, nightclubs and shopping malls such as the V&A Waterfront – a working harbour filled with a wonderful mix of shops, restaurants and exciting activities for all ages.

We then recommend you spend at least one day visiting the magnificent winelands just a short distance outside of Cape Town. Here you will be able to sample some of the world’s finest wines and learn about the intricate processes used to produce them. Leave room in your suitcase to take home some superb wines at staggeringly low prices. The wine farms are situated in the beautiful mountainous areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek –historically important towns in South Africa – and the streets still capture the beauty and tranquillity of the old Cape Dutch farming lifestyle.

DAY 5 - 6: HERMANUS

Situated only one hour’s drive from Cape Town, is the coastal town of Hermanus, this section of the coast is famous for its high concentration of whales, pleasant swimming, beaches and nature walks.

The peak of the whale watching season is in September, although the season stretches from July to November. While Hermanus is known to be the whale watching capital of the world, Gaansbaai (less than 20 kms away) is the premier shark cage diving area. Day tours can be arranged, but this one is not for the faint of heart.

DAY 6 - 9: THE GARDEN ROUTE

From Hermanus, you will drive approximately 4 hours to Knysna along the world famous Garden Route. Knysna is situated in an area of dense forests, unique flora, wide bays, rocky sea cliffs and numerous rivers all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The town itself is a postcard perfect, vibrant seaside village. Fresh oysters and champagne make for lazy days at the picturesque waterfront and the lagoon can be explored via water taxi’s and sunset cruises.

Take a trip to Featherbed bay where, on the opposite side of the lagoon, right near the Knysna heads, you can either go for a guided hike or race around on quad-bikes. Knsyna is also a popular shopping destination with many arts and crafts on sale. There are a host of different beaches nearby with some excellent scuba diving, surfing, whale and dolphin watching tours.

Near to the town are many peaceful walks in the indigenous forest where you will be enveloped in an ancient silence. Yellowwoods, Ironwoods and Stinkwood trees dwarf the visitor. Be sure to pay a visit to the ‘Garden of Eden’ - an aptly named area of the forest - before you leave for your safari.

DAY 9 - 12: BIG 5 SAFARI

3 Hours drive up the coast you will come face to face with the Big Five in one of South Africa’s malaria free Eastern Cape game reserves.

Your typical day on safari starts with an early morning game drive where experienced rangers in open 4x4 safari vehicles will soon have you within an arms length of Africa’s wildlife.

Afterwards it’s back to the lodge where a sumptuous breakfast awaits you and then the day is yours until lunch and the late afternoon game drive with another chance to see some of the more nocturnal animals. Sundowners in the open bush will be remembered for years to come and back at the lodge for dinner exciting tales of the days adventures are shared over a glass of fine South African wine and excellent meals. Once your stay is over you will drive to Port Elizabeth airport for your flight back to Cape Town and the end of your Cape Signature tour.

Your dedicated African Signature Consultant will amend your itinerary and recommend various options for accommodation, activities and additional tours on each leg of your journey, ensuring unforgettable memories are created along the way.