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FROM US$3,010-US$4,440

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Cape Genet Self-drive Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.


Day 1

Starts: Cape Town International Airport

About image
Day 1

Pick-up car: Cape Town International Airport

12:30
Cape Town International AirportSouth Africa

On your arrival into Cape Town your hire vehicle will be ready and waiting for you at the car hire desk.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Days 1-5

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

4 nights
Bed & BreakfastCape Town, South Africa

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It's just minutes away from the bustling city centre with many shops and restaurants, and only a short drive from some of the country's most stunning beaches. It was built in 1904 as a warehouse, and converted into a luxury hotel – named after the former Queen of England and her son – in 1990.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It's just minutes away from the bustling city centre with many shops and restaurants, and only a short drive from some of the country's most stunning beaches. It was built in 1904 as a warehouse, and converted into a luxury hotel – named after the former Queen of England and her son – in 1990.

"This hotel is great!"

Caro GfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 4 nights

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in a very central location with secure parking and close to many local attractions. It's an ideal base for a relaxing city break in Cape Town. See our full report on Victoria & Alfred Hotel

93%
25 reviews of Victoria & Alfred Hotel by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Dune-boarding

Fishing

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Hot air ballooning

Kayaking

Microlight

Mountain biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Watersports

Ocean Eleven
Days 5-7

Ocean Eleven

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastHermanus, South Africa

Ocean Eleven – occasionally written as ‘Ocean 11’ – is set on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, in a quiet residential area of the small coastal town of Hermanus. It’s a comfortable guesthouse in Cape Cod style with stunning views and a good chance to watch whales (from June to November) from the veranda, the cliff top or the comfort of your own room.

Ocean Eleven

Ocean Eleven – occasionally written as ‘Ocean 11’ – is set on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, in a quiet residential area of the small coastal town of Hermanus. It’s a comfortable guesthouse in Cape Cod style with stunning views and a good chance to watch whales (from June to November) from the veranda, the cliff top or the comfort of your own room.
NOTE - Ocean Eleven is currently closed with no date set for when it may re-open.

"This place was beautiful with gorgeous ocean views. "

Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 9 Jul 2019, 1 night

This small, owner-run guesthouse offers a warm, friendly atmosphere in a modern colonial setting. Situated on the clifftop path within walking distance of Hermanus, it is a great spot in the winter months for whale-watching, and in the summer months for a beach break. See our full report on Ocean Eleven

93%
35 reviews of Ocean Eleven by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Dune-boarding

Fishing

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Kayaking

Mountain biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Watersports

De Hoop Opstal
Days 7-9

The Opstal

2 nights
Room OnlyDe Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

De Hoop Opstal

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

"a remote, wild area of fynbos, wildlife, vast sand dunes, beautiful beaches ... "

safari loversfromUK

Arrived 13 Feb 2022, 5 nights

The Opstal has a wide variety of accommodation, which is all good value – from self-catering cottages, which appeal to families, to the historic, elegant rooms in the Opstal Manor and other smart suites. It's a great base from which to explore the real attraction: the fantastic De Hoop Reserve; it’s perfect for those who like to head off the beaten track and explore nature. Come for stunning scenery, outstanding birdlife and a spectacular coastline – to drive a little and explore a lot; it's a real gem of a park. See our full report on De Hoop Opstal

88%
24 reviews of The Opstal by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Guided walking safari

Mountain biking

Self-guided walking

Hunters Country House
Days 9-12

Hunters Country House

3 nights
Bed & BreakfastPlettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa

Set in a piece of heaven that you’d never know existed, Hunter's Country House lies along South Africa's Garden Route between the popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Its extensive gardens, on a private estate, just off the N2 freeway, originally housed a homestead called Pear Tree Farm. The homestead became a B&B, then went on to open as one of the area's first luxury lodges.

Hunters Country House

Set in a piece of heaven that you’d never know existed, Hunter's Country House lies along South Africa's Garden Route between the popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Its extensive gardens, on a private estate, just off the N2 freeway, originally housed a homestead called Pear Tree Farm. The homestead became a B&B, then went on to open as one of the area's first luxury lodges.

"Wonderful grounds with excellent accommodation all round."

Mr & Mrs HfromManingtree

Arrived 14 Apr 2019, 3 nights

Hunter's Country House offers truly elegant and comfortable accommodation, with luxurious suites in extensive, beautiful surroundings, and superb food. The lodge has many services and facilities, and caters particularly well for families – although couples seeking privacy will also be very happy here. It also makes an excellent base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding Garden Route area. See our full report on Hunters Country House

97%
13 reviews of Hunters Country House by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Mooiplaas Guesthouse
Days 12-14

Mooiplaas Guesthouse

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastLittle Karoo, South Africa

In the heart of the Klein Karoo, only 10km from the town of Oudtshoorn, the family-run Mooiplaas Guesthouse is situated on the owner’s working ostrich farm. Bound to the north by South Africa’s Swartberg Mountains and to the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains, there are three spectacular passes in the area – the Swartberg, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort.

Mooiplaas Guesthouse

In the heart of the Klein Karoo, only 10km from the town of Oudtshoorn, the family-run Mooiplaas Guesthouse is situated on the owner’s working ostrich farm. Bound to the north by South Africa’s Swartberg Mountains and to the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains, there are three spectacular passes in the area – the Swartberg, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort.

"Good launch pad to the Caves"

Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 29 Jun 2019, 2 nights

Mooiplaas Guesthouse is warm and welcoming and has incredibly friendly staff, making for a delightfully relaxing stay. Adults will enjoy the rural setting, informal atmosphere and opportunities to venture out and explore the beautiful scenery. It is also a firm favourite with families, for whom it caters well, with suitable room types, outdoor space, a jungle gym and the ostrich farm visit – which was a huge hit with our child. See our full report on Mooiplaas Guesthouse

80%
3 reviews of Mooiplaas Guesthouse by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Galenia Estate
Days 14-16

Galenia Estate

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastLittle Karoo, South Africa

Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds.

Galenia Estate

Just 3km from Montagu, on the scenic South African Route 62, the Galenia Estate is encircled by the Langeberg Mountains, and enjoys beautiful views from its guesthouse across the Klein Karoo. The estate is predominantly covered by indigenous fynbos and renosterbos, along with a large olive grove, but it also features the Boontjiesrivier and five picturesque dams, which attract an array of birds.

"Galenia is nicely appointed & comfortable... evening meals all very good..."

Mr AfromSt Albans

Arrived 9 Nov 2021, 4 nights

A high-quality guesthouse offering a welcoming and charming atmosphere, a high level of service and food, and stylish and comfortable accommodation. See our full report on Galenia Estate

100%
8 reviews of Galenia Estate by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Oude Werf
Days 16-19

Oude Werf

3 nights
Bed & BreakfastWinelands, South Africa

Set on one of South Africa's oldest and best-preserved streets, in the middle of Stellenbosch, Oude Werf (formerly known as D' Ouwe Werf) is a national monument and said to be one of the oldest inns in South Africa, dating back to 1802 (though remains of a 1687 church lie under the restaurant). The hotel has a very established, solid feel and its cobbled courtyard leads to one of the Cape's best restaurants.

Oude Werf

Set on one of South Africa's oldest and best-preserved streets, in the middle of Stellenbosch, Oude Werf (formerly known as D' Ouwe Werf) is a national monument and said to be one of the oldest inns in South Africa, dating back to 1802 (though remains of a 1687 church lie under the restaurant). The hotel has a very established, solid feel and its cobbled courtyard leads to one of the Cape's best restaurants.

"The room was very comfortable, highly recommend."

Mr MfromStockport

Arrived 4 Nov 2022, 1 night

Oude Werf has the most convenient location for walking into town and exploring the little lanes of Stellenbosch, filled with art galleries, museums, historic sites, boutiques, jewellery stores and restaurants. It's a little gem, tucked away on the popular Church Street. It's a lovely option for staying somewhere other than a wine farm. See our full report on Oude Werf

86%
7 reviews of Oude Werf by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Farmhouse Hotel
Days 19-21

Farmhouse Hotel

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastNamaqualand, South Africa

The Farmhouse Hotel is an old renovated farmstead located in the quiet seaside town of Langebaan, 134km's from Cape Town. It is located up on a hill with uninterrupted views of the tranquil Langebaan Lagoon.

Farmhouse Hotel

The Farmhouse Hotel is an old renovated farmstead located in the quiet seaside town of Langebaan, 134km's from Cape Town. It is located up on a hill with uninterrupted views of the tranquil Langebaan Lagoon.

"The hotel is comfortable"

Mr & Mrs OfromSomerset

Arrived 28 Sep 2018, 3 nights

Don't expect the ultimate in luxury, but rather a fairly dated, albeit traditional and slightly quirky old farmhouse feel. Not much has changed in the decor over the years, but it's a comfortable place to stay, offering friendly service and a good base to explore the West Coast Nature Reserve and surrounding towns of Yzerfontein, Paternoster and the likes. See our full report on Farmhouse Hotel

87%
17 reviews of Farmhouse Hotel by travellers since August 2007

Activities

About image
Day 21

Drop-off car: Cape Town International Airport

16:00
Cape Town International AirportSouth Africa

After three weeks and many miles together it is time to hand in the keys to your vehicle back at the airport where you collected it.

Day 21

Ends: Cape Town International Airport

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Experiences you can add to this trip.

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.


Winelands Private Tour

Winelands Private Tour

Full day

Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer

More about Winelands Private Tour
100% (2 reviews)
Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Full day - normally nine hours

Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

More about Cape Point and Peninsula
91% (7 reviews)
City and Table Mountain Tour

City and Table Mountain Tour

Approximately four hours - AM or PM

From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.

More about City and Table Mountain
93% (3 reviews)
Whale watching boat trip

Whale watching boat trip

Approximately five hours

Setting out by boat, you’ll head into the marine protected waters of Walker Bay for an exhilarating morning of whale-watching. Here you hopefully get up close and personal to the mighty southern right whale, as well as perhaps, humpbacks and the shy Brydes whale.

More about Whale watching boat trip
100% (1 reviews)

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