15 Day Cape Town & Garden Route Self-Drive Itinerary

Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and the capital of the Western Cape province. Cape Town is also affectionately known as the "Mother City" due to its importance as the first city to be founded during the South African colonial era. The city is characterized by a cultural diversity that can be traced back to the influences of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. These have influenced not only the architecture and language, but also the country's cuisine and winemaking methods. These diverse influences have made Cape Town a unique city that keeps its rich history alive to this day.

THINGS TO DO

The city offers countless wonderful opportunities to tailor your stay according to your preferences. Here are our personal highlights:

Scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town: Explore the beautiful landscape of the Cape Peninsula from above! Private helicopter flights are becoming increasingly popular, and especially during a visit to Cape Town, it's an unforgettable experience! Depending on the tour, you'll fly over the most popular regions and beach coves in Cape Town, always with Table Mountain in view. We can book you a private flight or join with other guests, but please note that these helicopter rides are weather-dependent. (www.helicopterscapetown.co.za)

City tour on the red double-decker: With the Open Top Bus, you can comfortably take a city tour combined with a leisurely stroll on foot. During your tour, you'll see historical buildings (e.g., the Parliament, the City Hall, the colorful Bo-Kaap Quarter, and Company's Garden). Keep your camera ready. (www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town)

Constantia Winelands: The Constantia wine-growing region is, so to speak, Cape Town's "home vineyard," about 15km from the city center. Discover Cape Town's most hidden wine route and learn about the history of the oldest wine-growing region in South Africa! Our personal recommendation: a wine tasting at the historic Groot Constantia estate. (www.groot-constantia-wine-estate)

The Lion Trail: The Lion Trail is a guided walk through fynbos, forests, and beaches, ending with a beautiful ride on an electric scooter along the Sea Point Promenade. With fascinating stories, ever-changing views, and delicious local cuisine, the Lion Trail is the perfect way to explore Cape Town's biodiverse nature and discover what makes the city unique. (https://www.theliontrail.co.za/)

Hike or Cable Car Ride on Table Mountain: Enjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town and the ocean with a hike or a relaxed cable car ride. During peak season (October to March), we recommend the Fast Track for the cable car to avoid long waits. Climb to the summit and be enchanted by the beauty of nature and the city. Table Mountain is a must-see for any South Africa visitor.

Township Tour - Uthando: If you want to engage in social activities during your vacation, consider a township tour to support Uthando, a non-profit organization. Uthando uses custom tours to advance social projects, particularly in the areas of HIV, drug and alcohol abuse, and support for abused women and children. (www.uthandosa.org).

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: This renowned garden on the picturesque eastern slopes of Table Mountain preserves and showcases South Africa's flora, especially the fynbos. With around six thousand well-maintained plant species, including ancient cycads, proteas, ericas, pelargoniums, and ferns, the garden offers a diverse array of blooms year-round. During summer, visitors can enjoy popular Sunday concerts. Tip: Free guided tours of the Botanical Garden are available Monday-Friday at 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00, and Saturdays at 10:00. Duration: approximately 90 minutes. (https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch/visitor-information/guided-tours/)

For more activities and ideas, check out Inside Guide: www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town

E-Bike Tours: Cape Town offers beautiful destinations for cycling tours. For longer distances, using an e-bike is recommended. (www.ebikecapetown.com).

Best Beaches in Cape Town: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/best-beaches/

SHOPPING TIPS IN/AROUND CAPE TOWN

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (www.waterfront.co.za)
• Tribal Trends (www.tribal-trends.business.site)
• Baraka Gifts & Décor (www.barakashop.co.za)

Markets:

Here you'll find organic fruit and vegetable stands, street food from around the world, and local art. Often, there's live music or a DJ on site.

• Old Biscuit Mill (Woodstock (www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za)
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market (www.ozcf.co.za/market-day)

RESTAURANT TIPS

Fine Dining:

• FYN Restaurant (www.fynrestaurant.com)
• Pier Restaurant (www.pier.restaurant/food)
• La Colombe at Silvermist (www.lacolombe.co.za)

Stylish & Hippe Restaurants:

• Willoughby & Co (Sushi, www.willoughbyandco.co.za)
• TANG (Japanese, (www.tanghospitality.com)
• Dorp Hotel Restaurant (www.dorp.co.za)
• Grand Africa Café & Beach (Beach-Bar, www.grandafrica.com)
• Bilboa (www.bilboa.co.za)
• Ramenhead (run by the team from FYN Restaurant, www.ramenhead.co.za)
• Belly of the beast (www.bellyofthebeast.co.za)
• The Strangers Club (Breakfast, www.thestrangersclub.co.za)

A special Cooking Tour in Bo-Kaap allows you to experience South African culture through its cuisine. (http://www.bokaapcookingtour.co.za/)

The 20 Best Bars in Cape Town: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/bars/

Find more restaurant tips in and around Cape Town here: www.insideguide.co.za/cape-town/restaurants-in-cape-town

We recommend reserving your spots at top restaurants in Cape Town and the Winelands 1-2 months before your trip via www.dineplan.co.za.

Often, a deposit via credit card is required, which will be deducted from your bill at the restaurant.

OUR TIP

First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town's art galleries stay open until 9 PM. Locals gather, stroll through galleries with a glass of wine, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere along Bree Street and Church Street in the city center, all year round, regardless of the weather. (www.first-thursdays.co.za)

On the third Thursday of every month, the event takes place in studios, galleries, and museums on Roeland Street, Buitenkant Street, and Harrington Street.

And here are some more insider tips for Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/hidden-gems/ & recommendations for hiking trails: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/hiking-trails/

Franschhoek, meaning "French Corner," was founded in 1688 by Huguenots who fled persecution in France due to their Protestant-Calvinist beliefs. The French settlers found a new home at the Cape, significantly boosting the quality of South African wine production. The Huguenot Memorial in Franschhoek commemorates these immigrants, who gave their names to many places and families in the region. Families such as Du Toit, De Villiers, and Le Roux are common in South Africa, especially around Franschhoek. The town offers a French-inspired atmosphere along the Main Road, with stylish cafés, French restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

THINGS TO DO:

• Wine tasting at one of the many wineries, including the Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za).
• Visit Babylonstoren & take a garden tour – also, check out the new tour at the historic working farm Soetmelksvlei (www.babylonstoren.com).
• Hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
• E-bike tour through the Franschhoek Winelands with wine tasting and lunch: (www.vinebikes.co.za/franschhoek-bicycle-wine-tour/).

RESTAURANT & WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:

The 17 Best Restaurants in Franschhoek in 2025: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/franschhoek-restaurants/

• Le Lude Estate, near the Huguenot Memorial – excellent cuisine (www.lelude.co.za).
• Boschendal, especially for the picnic (www.boschendal.com).
• La Petite Colombe (Top 10 South Africa, www.lapetitecolombe.com).
• Le Chêne (www.lechene.co.za/restaurant).
• La Motte (www.la-motte.com).
• Grande Provence (www.grandeprovence.co.za).

OUR TIPS:

Franschhoek Village Market - Every Saturday, 09:00h - 15:00h

Address: 29 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 (www.franschhoekvillagemarket.co.za)

In South Africa's Overberg region, you can experience pristine nature, picturesque coastal landscapes, charming villages, and unique wildlife. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches at Pearly Beach, this area is one of the best spots for whale watching (June to November), whether from land or by boat. The mysterious and graceful great white sharks around Dyer Island attract visitors from all over the world, earning De Kelders and Gansbaai the title of South Africa's great white shark capital.

THINGS TO DO

• Recommended Whale Watching Tour: www.whaleviewing.co.za
• Recommended Marine Big 5 Safari: www.whaleviewing.co.za/trips/eco-marine
• Visit Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary
• Hike the Hermanus Cliff Path, visit Klipgat Cave
• Explore the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Manor House (www.stanfordvalley.co.za/eat)
• Schneider’s Cape Floral (www.schneiders-kitchen.com)
• The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Top 10 South Africa, www.newtonjohnson.com)

OUR TIPS

• Botanical tour through the Fynbos: www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium
• Shark tours & shark cage diving: https://www.sharkcagediving.co/

Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.

Knysna is a charming small town on the Garden Route, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and waterskiing. Surrounded by dense forests, a lagoon, and mountains, Knysna offers a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts. The town also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene. The top attractions are the Knysna Heads, a narrow passage to the lagoon where many ships have sunk, and the Knysna Forest, renowned for its biodiversity and majestic tree species.

THINGS TO DO

• Sunset cruise on the lagoon (www.magiclagooncharters.co.za)
• Visit the art galleries and craft markets in Knysna
• Brenton-on-Sea Beach and Noetzie Castles
• Whale watching tour (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)
• Stand-up paddling on the lagoon (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)

RESTAURANT TIPS

• Freshline Fisheries (http://freshlinefisheries.co.za/)
• Sirocco Restaurant (www.sirocco.co.za)
• île de païn – authentic artisans (www.iledepain.co.za)
• East Head Café (www.eastheadcafe.co.za/)
• Cruise Café (www.knysnafeatherbed.com/cruise_cafe.htm)

OUR TIPS

• Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market every Saturday, 7:30 am - 12 pm (www.wildoatsmarket.co.za/)
• Stroll through the small waterfront and enjoy oysters afterward (www.oystersonline.co.za/)

Port Elizabeth, also known as "PE," is a charming coastal city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Renowned for its stunning beaches like Humewood Beach, the city invites visitors to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. The historic Donkin Reserve with the Donkin Lighthouse and Pyramid offers insights into colonial history. The diverse culinary scene reflects the multicultural population, while the bustling port adds economic significance. With its beaches, culture, and commerce, Port Elizabeth is a charming coastal city that attracts visitors with its unique flair.

THINGS TO DO:

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• City tour of Port Elizabeth for approximately 2 hours (www.afroventures.co.za/activities/port-elizabeth-city-tour).
• Shopping at Baywest Mall

OUR RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS:

• De Kelder Restaurant (www.dekelder.co.za)
• MUSE (www.muserestaurant.co.za)
• Ginger - The Restaurant (www.ginger-restaurant.co.za)

ANKE'S TIPS:

The Good-night Market: Every last Thursday of the month, you can enjoy a culinary feast and purchase artisanal souvenirs at the Good-night Market. The