Cape Karoo Self-Drive Discovery: Cape Town, Great Karoo & Beyond
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Self Drive adventure through the heart of South Africa! Your journey begins as you leave the vibrant city of Cape Town behind, diving into the captivating landscapes of the Great and Little Karoo. Experience the thrill of Inverdoorn Game Farm, where you’ll encounter incredible wildlife during guided nature walks and exhilarating evening game drives, followed by stargazing under the vast, glittering African sky. Travel through historic towns like Prince Albert and Matjiesfontein, each brimming with charm and rich history, and navigate the world-renowned Swartberg Pass, where breathtaking vistas await around every curve. Continue your exploration in Karoo National Park, where you can spot diverse wildlife such as eland and springbok while enjoying the stunning scenery. Visit Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, and immerse yourself in fascinating encounters with these remarkable birds. As your adventure draws to a close, spend your final night in Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa, where you’ll indulge in exquisite culinary delights and savor the finest wines. This carefully curated tour offers a seamless blend of the region’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and thrilling experiences, promising memories that will last a lifetime as you discover the enchanting beauty of the Karoo!
Highlights
- Champagne Sunset CruiseBegin your adventure in style with a luxurious sunset cruise. Sip on sparkling champagne while basking in the golden glow as you take in breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island.
- Scenic Drive along the Cape PeninsulaEmbark on a mesmerizing journey along the captivating Cape Peninsula. Stop at vibrant Hout Bay to witness playful seals at Seal Island, before marveling at the dramatic cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope. Wrap up your day with an enchanting visit to Boulders Beach, where you’ll mingle with the African penguin colony in their natural habitat.
- Vibrant Bo-Kaap District & Majestic Table MountainDive into the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, rich in cultural heritage, and indulge your taste buds with authentic Cape Malay cuisine. Then, ascend the iconic Table Mountain for panoramic views that will take your breath away.
- Inverdoorn Game Farm AdventureImmerse yourself in the wonders of nature at Inverdoorn Game Farm. Guided nature walks lead you through the stunning landscapes, while evening game drives offer thrilling wildlife encounters under the stars.
- Stargazing in SutherlandJourney to Sutherland, famous for its crystal-clear night skies. Enjoy a guided tour of the South African Astronomical Observatory, followed by an awe-inspiring stargazing experience using high-powered telescopes—an unparalleled chance to explore the cosmos.
- Karoo National Park ExplorationExperience the thrill of exhilarating drives through Karoo National Park, spotting diverse wildlife like eland and springbok. Relish a traditional South African braai under the vast, star-studded African sky, and then embark on a thrilling night drive to witness the captivating nightlife of the bush.
- Charming Prince Albert & Timeless MatjiesfonteinDiscover the picturesque village of Prince Albert, brimming with charm, and step back in time in the historical hamlet of Matjiesfontein. Immerse yourself in Victorian elegance during your stay at The Lord Milner Hotel.
- Scenic Swartberg Mountain PassDepart the Great Karoo as you navigate the world-renowned Swartberg Pass, where breathtaking vistas await around every curve as you descend into the Little Karoo.
- Oudtshoorn: The Ostrich CapitalDive into the fascinating world of ostriches at a renowned farm, engage in a thrilling cheetah encounter at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, and explore the mesmerizing Cango Caves, with their stunning stalactite formations.
- Meerkat AdventureRise early for an enchanting experience as you watch meerkats emerge at sunrise, offering a unique glimpse into their playful morning routines and vibrant social interactions.
- Culinary Finale in FranschhoekConclude your tour on a delectable note in Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa. Relish exquisite cuisine at top-notch restaurants, celebrating the culinary delights that make this region truly special.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport, be met by your guide and transfer to your accommodation (B&B). Leisurely stroll around the V&A Waterfront, explore shops and local crafts, and enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Embark on a luxurious Champagne Sunset Cruise with panoramic views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the vibrant coastline as the sun sets. Dinner at a fine Cape Town restaurant.
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Explore V&A Waterfront
- Champagne sunset cruise
- Dinner at a Cape Town restaurant
Day 2: Cape Peninsula Tour
Depart for a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula. Stop at Hout Bay for a boat trip to Seal Island, enjoy a café or picnic lunch at Hout Bay Beach. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope and ascend to Cape Point. Capture breathtaking views from the lighthouse and explore the reserve. Head to Boulders Beach to marvel at the local penguin colony. Return to Cape Town for dinner and overnight.
- Scenic drive along Cape Peninsula
- Boat trip to Seal Island
- Visit Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
- Boulders Beach penguin colony
- Dinner in Cape Town
Day 3: Exploring Cape Town
Discover the vibrant Bo-Kaap district, visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, and try traditional Cape Malay cuisine for lunch. Ascend Table Mountain via cable car (weather permitting) for breathtaking views. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan markets and Cape Town’s CBD. Dinner at a renowned Cape Town restaurant.
- Explore Bo-Kaap district and museum
- Cape Malay lunch
- Table Mountain cable car
- Visit artisan markets and CBD
- Dinner at a top restaurant
Day 4: Inverdoorn Game Farm
Depart Cape Town and drive to Inverdoorn Game Farm (Full Board). Arrive and settle in. Enjoy a guided nature walk or relax at the lodge, followed by an evening game drive. Experience a bush dinner under the stars and stargazing (weather permitting).
- Drive to Inverdoorn Game Farm
- Guided nature walk
- Evening game drive
- Bush dinner under the stars
- Stargazing experience
Day 5: Stargazing in Sutherland
Depart for Sutherland and check into your accommodation (B&B). Visit the South African Astronomical Observatory for a guided tour and insight into astronomy. Enjoy a special stargazing experience at night with high-powered telescopes.
- Drive to Sutherland
- Tour South African Astronomical Observatory
- Night stargazing experience
Day 6: The Historical Hamlet of Matjiesfontein
Depart from Sutherland to Matjiesfontein. Check into The Lord Milner Hotel (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) and explore the historical village, learning about its Victorian history and pristine landscapes. Dine at the hotel’s restaurant.
- Drive to Matjiesfontein
- Explore historical village
- Dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 7: Karoo National Park
Depart Matjiesfontein for Karoo National Park. Enjoy scenic drives through the park, spotting wildlife such as eland, springbok, and ostriches. Enjoy an authentic South African Braai (barbecue) and join a guided night drive to witness the nightlife of the Karoo.
- Drive to Karoo National Park
- Wildlife viewing
- Traditional braai
- Guided night drive
Day 8: Prince Albert
Depart for Prince Albert, a quaint village at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. En route, visit an olive farm and have a light lunch. Check into your Karoo Guesthouse (B&B), explore the town and art galleries, and enjoy dinner with locals or at your accommodation.
- Drive to Prince Albert
- Olive farm visit and lunch
- Explore town and galleries
- Dinner and socializing
Day 9: Scenic Swartberg Pass to Oudtshoorn
Depart Prince Albert and drive the picturesque Swartberg Pass. Explore the Cango Caves, marveling at the impressive stalactite formations. Arrive in Oudtshoorn, visit an ostrich farm, and participate in a cheetah encounter at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. Settle into your accommodation (B&B) in Oudtshoorn and enjoy a traditional dinner.
- Drive Swartberg Pass
- Explore Cango Caves
- Ostrich farm visit
- Cheetah encounter at Cango Wildlife Ranch
- Traditional dinner
Day 10: Meerkat Adventure & Depart to Franschhoek
Wake up early for a meerkat adventure at sunrise. Enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse before departing Oudtshoorn. Drive to Franschhoek via Route 62. Check into your accommodation (B&B), participate in a wine blending and tasting experience, and dine at a top Franschhoek restaurant.
- Meerkat sunrise adventure
- Drive to Franschhoek via Route 62
- Wine blending and tasting
- Dinner in Franschhoek
Day 11: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight.
- Breakfast
- Transfer to airport
- Departure
What's Included
- Mid-range accommodation throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast and selected lunch/dinner as outlined in the itinerary
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Mid-range car hire including GPS
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Tour Costs
For quotes, inquiries, or customization options, contact us today! Your adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Join us for this exciting itinerary that seamlessly blends culture, adventure, and wildlife in one unforgettable journey!
