Swim with Seals
Brave the refreshing Atlantic waters to swim with Cape fur seals.
Self-drive from Cape Town, through the vineyards and mountains of the Cape to the dazzling oceans and scenery of the Garden Route. Finish with a wildlife safari for an exhilarating end to this South Africa holiday.
Brave the refreshing Atlantic waters to swim with Cape fur seals.
Savour the oenological delights of the Cape vineyards.
Explore the coastal forest and endemic fynbos of the Knysna Heads.
Spot predators and prey on a malaria-free Eastern Cape safari.
The flexible nature of a self-drive trip makes this journey ideal for all ages. From start to finish, there are options to suit young and old, active and relaxed. Each location is packed with activities and sights, whilst the beautiful hotels act as fantastic bases from which to explore.
Days 1-3
Cape Town
Days 4-5
Cape Winelands
Days 6-8
Plettenberg Bay
Days 9-10
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Day 11
Port Elizabeth
Days 1-3
Cape Town
Brave the refreshing Atlantic waters to swim with Cape fur seals.
Days 4-5
Cape Winelands
Savour the oenological delights of the Cape vineyards.
Days 6-8
Plettenberg Bay
Explore the coastal forest and endemic fynbos of the Knysna Heads.
Days 9-10
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Spot predators and prey on a malaria-free Eastern Cape safari
Day 11
Port Elizabeth
Explore Cape Town and the surrounding area. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for spectacular views of the city, visit Robben Island for a poignant insight into South Africa’s dark history or visit the MOCAA for a taste of modern African art.
The city is also renowned for its gastronomy, with countless restaurants and cafes. Dine out on fresh seafood, brilliant French and Indian influenced dishes or menus inspired by the gardens of the cape.
Not far from Cape Town lies the picturesque town of Robertson – boasting one of the area’s finest restaurants, which sources locally and delivers every time. Famous vineyards are found here and the buzzing town of Stellenbosch is not far away.
Join the tour at Babylonstoren to explore the extensive gardens or hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram or Bus. If you are looking for something more active, then keep the family busy at Delvera Farm or Butterfly World.
The drive from the vineyards to Garden Route unveils scenic passes and spectacular ocean views. Between George and Port Elizabeth lie a wealth of activities and excursions into nature. The Knysna Heads protect an abundant lagoon and a town resplendent in the arts. Plettenberg Bay’s golden beaches are the best swimming beaches in the Cape.
As one of the game reserves of the Eastern Cape, Kichaka is not only regarded as free from malaria but also home to the Big Five. The wonderful diversity of the beautiful Karoo landscapes and flora and fauna is what makes this area so different.
Here dedicated guides lead game drives through the bush in search of the reserve’s abundant wildlife. At night, try out a “cosmic safari”, identifying stars and constellations with a high powered telescope.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
A great time to visit around Cape Town and the Garden Route, as it is hot and dry. Further north in the Kruger, it is also hot, but there is a much greater chance of rainstorms.
Peak season in the Cape continues, and it is often the hottest time. It is worth booking well in advance to get your preferred accommodation.
It is an excellent time to visit all parts of the country, as the weather is still warm and the rain eases in the north. In the Kruger, it is lush and green after the rainy season.
Visitor numbers drop, and lower temperatures make for ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg mountains. It is warm and dry across the country, making it a great time to explore multiple regions.
A quieter time of year and a good time to visit, especially if you are not looking for balmy heat. The north and especially the Kruger enters its dry season, with cooler temperatures.
Midwinter brings the rainiest time in the Cape, but it is still pleasantly mild in the day with the sun shining. The dry season in the north makes for excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around watering holes.
Clear skies and crisp sunshine dominate in the north, as it is the driest month. It is low season so parks are generally quiet and it is easier to spot wildlife around the sparse waterholes.
A fantastic time to see KwaZulu Natal as is one of the warmest places in the country at this time. In the Western Cape, it is starting to dry out in time for whale watching season.
The West Coast springs into life as the flowers bloom and temperatures rise across the country. A chance to spot newborns and it is prime time for whale watching in the Cape.
A great time to see both the north and south, as it is relatively dry everywhere. Flowers carpet the countryside as temperatures continue to rise.
The start of the rainy season in the Kruger and the north, as temperatures heat up. Impressive thunderstorms become more regular in the afternoon. The last chance to see whales in the Cape, and a good time to see inland areas before they toast in the summer heat.
Summer approaches and with it visitor numbers rise, especially in the south. If you want to travel around Christmas and New Year, you should book well in advance to secure the best spots.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?