10 Day South Africa Self Drive Family Safari

On this adventurous 10 Day South Africa Self Drive Family Safari, you will go on a self-drive trip with your family through Cape Town, onto the Garden Route and ending off on a malaria free safari in the Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. This trip starts in Cape Town and ends either back in Cape Town or in Johannesburg depending on your onward flights. This can be discussed in more detail with one of our expert consultants.

Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1 – Arrive in Cape Town, transfer to the Commodore Hotel
Day 2 – Rental car is delivered, Cape Town City Tour
Day 3 – Travel to Knysna, Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Day 4 – Tsitsikamma Forest Tour
Day 5 – Animal Encounter Tour
Day 6 – Free day in Knysna
Day 7 – Travel to Kariega Game Reserve, Kariega Main Lodge
Days 8 & 9 – On safari in the Kariega Game Reserve
Day 10 – Drop rental car at Port Elizabeth Airport, departure

 

Day 1 – Arrive in Cape Town, transfer to the Commodore Hotel

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to the Commodore Hotel.  The Commodore Hotel is situated at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, an exciting destination full of restaurants, and shops, home to the Cape Town Aquarium and much more.  Rooms at the Commodore Hotel are all eloquently decorated and furnished with all the amenities you could require for a relaxing and comfortable stay.  The afternoon is yours to explore the V&A Waterfront or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

There are countless activities and sights to see at the V&A Waterfront within walking distance from the hotel for the children, from the Cape Town Aquarium to the ships and Cape Fur Seals in the harbour.

Day 2 – Rental car is delivered, Cape Town City Tour

This morning after breakfast you will be collected for a private tour of Cape Town city centre and a trip up the iconic Table Mountain.  Discover the vibrant suburb of Bokaap, explore the markets at Greenmarket Square and take a tour through the Castle of Good Hope before heading up Table Mountain by cable car.  This afternoon your rental car will be delivered to your hotel and the afternoon is yours to explore the V&A Waterfront or head to the beautiful Camps Bay beach for a stroll along the sand.

Day 3 – Travel to Knysna, Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort

Today takes you on a very scenic drive along the coastal road to the seaside town of Knysna. The drive will take you through some quaint towns with beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, the drive will take you around five and a half hours.  You will check into Brenton Haven Beach Resort for the next few nights.  The rooms at Brenton Haven Beach Resort all have spectacular views over the ocean and are equipped with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Day 4 – Tsitsikamma Forest Tour

This morning after breakfast you will be collected for a full-day private tour of the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park.  During this tour you will visit an 800-year-old yellowwood tree, Stormsriver Mouth, walk across the Suspension Bridge over Storms River, visit the Bloukrans Bridge (the world’s highest bungee jump), and stroll through the lush forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park, ziplining is an added extra if you and the kids want to be adventurous.  After your tour, you will be transferred back to your lodge where the evening is yours to relax.

Day 5 – Animal Encounter Tour

Today you will be taken on an Animal Encounter Tour to three wildlife sanctuaries in the Knysna area – Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Birds of Eden Sanctuary and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.  This is a wonderful tour, especially for children as they get to be up close with a variety of animals.  During your tour of each sanctuary, you will be shown the animals in their care and learn about the conservation of these species.  We will stop for lunch at a restaurant along the way and you will be transferred back to your lodge after the tour.

Day 6 – Free Day in Knysna

Today is yours to explore the town of Knysna.  With a vibrant town square, the Knysna Heads, many delicious seafood restaurants to choose from and some stunning beaches to take a stroll on there is plenty to keep your family busy with during the day.  There are lovely craft markets in the neighbouring towns that are well worth a visit.

Day 7 – Travel to Kariega Game Reserve, Kariega Main Lodge

Today you leave behind Knysna and begin the safari portion of your holiday.  Your drive today takes you further into the Garden Route ending at the Kariega Game Reserve, a malaria-free safari destination.  Kariega Main Lodge is located in the centre of the game reserve, nestled within the surrounding bush with views over the Kariega River Valley.  Each chalet has a private patio with beautiful views and is furnished with all the amenities to make your stay luxurious and comfortable.

Days 8 & 9 – On safari in the Kariega Game Reserve

A typical day on safari will begin with early morning tea and rusks before you head out on your morning activity, either a game drive or a guided walking safari where you will have the chance to do some game viewing and a chance to spot some or all of the Big 5.

Kariega has a wide variety of activities tailored to all ages of children.  There is a playroom full of games and wildlife videos.  During midday there is a Kids on Safari programme which is full of exciting activities, they will go on a guided walk in the main lodge premises where they will get taught all about the surrounding bush, learn how to make moulds of animal tracks, create bushman paintings and so much more, at the end of your stay they will receive a junior ranger certificate.

A delicious brunch is served on arrival back from your activities and then the afternoon is yours to relax in camp, take a dip in the pool, game watch from the deck or have an afternoon siesta. 
Afternoon tea is served before you head out on your afternoon safari, you will stop along the way for some sundowners as you watch the sun slip beneath the horizon before heading back to camp for another tasty dinner around the boma.

Day 10 – Drop rental car at Port Elizabeth Airport, departure

As all good things do, your time in South Africa draws to a close.  After breakfast and a morning activity (if time allows) you will begin your drive to Port Elizabeth Airport.  Ensure to leave enough time to hand back your rental car and check-in for your onward flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Tour Costs:

2024:
Sep
R140,270 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

Oct – Nov
R152,300 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

2025:
4 Jan – Feb
R175,720 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

March - April
R175,110 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

May
R158,700 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

June - August
R151,840 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

September
R169,860 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

Oct – 12 Dec ‘25
R181,940 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

Costs Include:
02 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (The Commodore Hotel)
04 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort)
03 nights accommodation on a full board plus activities basis (Kariega Main Lodge):
All meals
Teas, coffees & snacks
Twice daily game viewing activities
Park fees
The services of a professional ranger and camp staff

All road transfers as per itinerary
Tourism levy of 1 %

Flights:
Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg/Cape Town excl taxes (economy class)

Car Rental Includes:
10 days use of a Group I car (Toyota Fortuner or similar with Automatic drive & air-con), including:
Premium Collision Damage Waiver (zero liability)
Premium Theft Loss Waiver (zero liability)
Unlimited Mileage
Third-Party and General Public Liability Insurance
Windscreen/Tyre Damage Waiver
Location Surcharge/Tourism Levy
1 x Additional Driver
Claim Admin Fee - in the event of an accident or theft.
Value Added Tax 15%
Young Driver Surcharge
Rim and hubcap damage

Costs Exclude:
Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Bar accounts not specified
Meals not specified
Flights not specified
Table Mountain tickets (weather dependent)

Car Rental Excludes:
Optional Equipment: Baby Seat, GPS Unit etc.
Sandblasting/Water and Undercarriage
One-way Drop-off fees in South Africa
One-way Cross-border fees (like Swaziland)
Delivery/Collection fees
Traffic Fine Administration Fee
Fuel
E-tolls / Toll fees
Contract Fee
GPS