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9 Day Self Drive Cape Town, Garden Route & Malaria Free Safari
Explore the incredible views in the most scenic regions on the planet. Cape Town & The Garden Route are famed for dramatic landscape, gracious mountain peaks and world class beaches.
This is a family friendly self-drive safari trip which will leave you breathless from the beauty and all the attractions this region has to offer. End the trip with a big five safari at one of the most reputable game reserves in South Africa.
Check with our safari experts for whale watching season and events taking place in the region so you are prepared for one of the best road trips on the African continent.
9 Day Self Drive Cape Town, Garden Route & Malaria Free Safari - Image Gallery
Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read moreOur experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
...read moreWe’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read moreRecommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
Price Includes
* Luxury accommodation * Car Hire including full insurance * Unlimited mileage on car hire * Meal plan as per itinerary
Price Excludes
* Flights * Visas * Personal purchases * Gratuities
ITINERARY - 9 Day Self Drive Cape Town, Garden Route & Malaria Free Safari
This Tour Is Good For
NATURE & HIKING WILDLIFE & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY SIGHT-SEEING
Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant city where stunning scenery meets a lively food and cultural scene. Visitors can ride the cable car up Table Mountain, relax on the beaches of Camps Bay, or take in panoramic views from Signal Hill.
The V&A Waterfront is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, while nearby Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers peaceful walking trails surrounded by native plants. Food lovers can explore everything from casual seaside fish shacks to high-end restaurants serving Cape fusion cuisine.
A day trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive or to the Cape of Good Hope offers unforgettable coastal views and wildlife spotting. Whether you're sampling local wines, browsing artisan markets, or enjoying sunset dinners by the sea, Cape Town delivers an unforgettable travel experience.
Garden Route
The Garden Route, starting near Cape Town and stretching along South Africa's southeastern coast, is a scenic drive known for its lush landscapes, rugged coastline, and charming towns.
The route winds through dense forests, coastal cliffs, and tranquil lagoons, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
Popular stops include Knysna, with its famous lagoon and forest, and Plettenberg Bay, a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park to bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge.
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy whale watching in Hermanus or visit nature reserves that are home to elephants, birds, and more. With a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, the Garden Route is one of South Africa's top travel destinations.
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Malarie Free - Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park offers an authentic safari experience, with several malaria-free private reserves and lodges ideal for families and couples alike. These lodges provide comfortable, often luxurious accommodation ranging from family-friendly suites to romantic private villas.
Guests can enjoy guided game drives led by expert rangers, with excellent chances of spotting the Big 5 and other incredible wildlife. Many reserves, such as those in the Waterberg or Madikwe areas, are completely malaria-free, making them perfect for those traveling with young children.
Beyond game viewing, lodges often include activities like bush walks, cultural experiences, and stargazing for a well-rounded safari. Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic escape or a family looking for adventure, these malaria-free options deliver the full safari experience in safety and style.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – 4 : Cape Town
Upon arrival at Cape Town airport, you will proceed to collect your car hire. Drive to the V & A Waterfront where you will be staying for the next 3 nights.
Explore Cape Town and everything it has to offer, from the bustling waterfront to the gracious peaks for Table Mountain. Enjoy beautiful beaches and dramatic landscape. Take a visit to Cape of the Good Hope nature reserve, Boulders Beach and its penguins, Cape Town regularly features in many lists of world must-visit destinations, take a drive to Stellenbosch and discover the wine route by visiting some of the best wine estates in Africa.
Recommended: Cape Point, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands, Museum of District Six, Robben Island and Camps Bay Beaches.
Accommodation: The Portswood Hotel – V & A Waterfront – Bed & Breakfast
Day 4-6: Garden Route
You leave Cape Town behind and enjoy a scenic drive over the mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass, through the apple orchards of Grabouw and over undulating wheat fields to historic Swellendam. You continue through Wilderness and the Lakes District to reach Knysna. Check into your hotel for a 2 night stay.
Driving time: ± 5½ hours
Knysna is the perfect base for exploring the Garden Route. Set on the shores of the beautiful Knysna lagoon and surrounded by the Knysna Forest, which form part of the Garden Route National Park, Knysna is blessed with great scenic beauty. This quaint seaside town is brimming with quirky arty-crafty shops and markets. Find yourself in foodie-heaven – with superb fine dining restaurants, legendary Knysna oysters and bustling wholefood markets.
Recommended: Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms, Cango Cave & much more!
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate – Bed & Breakfast
Day 6-9: Big Five Safari – Malari Free
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free safari destinations, offering an authentic Big 5 experience in a safe environment for families and couples. With luxurious lodges, diverse wildlife, and guided game drives, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking adventure without the health concerns of traditional safari areas.
Accommodation: Madikwe Game Reserve – All meals & 2 game drives per/day
Day 9 - Departure:
After your morning game drive & breakfast, you will drive to the airport to drop off your car hire and proceed to your onward flight.
End of itinerary.
** This tour can be done in guided style if you don't prefer self drive option. Please enquire with us and let us know your preference.
What to pack:
- Comfortable light clothing for summer months, including a swimming costume.
- A very warm jacket for game drives during winter – conditions can be chilly!
- Walking shoes and socks.
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen (the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body).
- Camera and plenty of film/ memory space.
WHY BOOK WITH SABI SANDS LODGES RESERVATIONS?
Variety of Accommodation
Safari Drives & Bush Walks
Tailor-made Experience
Best Price Guarantee
Enquiry Form
Please contact us for assistance
Our team is available
+27 (0) 21 6969615
+27 (0) 606191220
+27 (0) 642831384
