Planned by Zorica,
local expert for South Africa
5.0/5
Starting at USD 4500 per adult / 17 days
International flights not included. Price details
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Embark on an epic self-drive adventure from Cape Town to the Northern Cape. Witness the breathtaking floral displays of Namaqualand, marvel at the diverse wildlife in Karoo National Park, and be captivated by the awe-inspiring cascades of Augrabies Falls.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Zorica today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Cape Town 4 nights
Paternoster 1 night
Namaqualand 3 nights
Augrabies Falls 2 nights
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 3 nights
Karoo National Park 3 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-5

Cape Town

Cape Town Travel guide

DAY 1

Welcome to Cape Town - pick up rental car

Welcome to beautiful Cape Town!Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your selected hotel for the night.

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this Transfer: Pick up rental car  at - 0 h

DAY 2

Visit Cape Town on your own

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and historical tapestry of Cape Town during a leisurely day of exploration. Marvel at the city's multi-ethnic character, shaped by the fusion of diverse nationalities and indigenous tribes. Admire the well-preserved architectural styles, from Edwardian and Victorian to Cape Dutch, harmoniously juxtaposed with modern high-rises. Wander through cobblestone streets and soak in the Islamic charm of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, adding to the cosmopolitan ambiance. Don't miss the City Hall, the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa's oldest surviving building), the Company's Garden (once Jan van Riebeeck's vegetable garden), and Signal Hill, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city.

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DAY 3

Cape Peninsula tour - Self Drive

Embark on a captivating self-drive tour along the Cape Peninsula, starting from Cape Town. Journey towards the iconic Cape of Good Hope, savoring the breathtaking coastal scenery. Take a leisurely stroll on the picturesque Buffelsbay beach and indulge in a delicious lunch (at your own expense) at the renowned Two Ocean Restaurant in Cape Point Nature Reserve. Explore an ostrich farm near the Reserve, then visit the enchanting African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Conclude your adventure by returning to Cape Town via the awe-inspiring Chapman's Peak Drive, treating yourself to panoramic vistas along one of the peninsula's most scenic routes.

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DAY 4

Self Drive Whale Route & Boat Trip

Take your car and drive to Hermanus, via the R44 Panoramic Route.During the southern hemisphere winters, the whales' feeding areas are drastically reduced by the increase in ice flow from the antarctic. These mammals migrate to warmer waters near Hermanus where they can be seen in large numbers and where they co-habit the waters with dolphins, seals, penguins and great white sharks. Pass through the coastal towns of Gordon's Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay. Visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens with its flowers which are found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting at the Hamilton Russel Estate,famous for its Pinot Noir which resembles the French wines from Burgundy (no tastings on Sundays). Experience the fascinating whale sanctuary in Hermanus before returning to Cape Town via Sir Lowry's Pass.Cruise the waters of Hermanus to spot southern right whales. Take an invigorating cruise out into the Atlantic ocean to watch whales, dolphins and seals frolic in the ocean. The charming village of Hermanus is not only appealing due to its coastal fisherman ambience but also for its reputation as one of the best whale-watching regions in the world. The cool, shallow coastal waters attract southern right whales from June to November as the sandy-bottomed, sheltered bays of the coastline are perfect for mating, calving and nursing their young. Your whale cruise will depart from New Harbour and head off to the most recent location of whale sightings. Whale cruises operate from June to December and snacks and soft drinks are available on the boat.

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DAY 5

Self Drive to Paternoster (Namagualand)

Embark on a self-drive adventure to Paternoster, a picturesque fishing village along South Africa's West Coast. Enjoy a scenic 160 km drive to reach this charming destination, renowned for its traditional fishing heritage and iconic white-washed cottages against the backdrop of the azure ocean. As you journey, you'll pass through the captivating West Coast National Park, encompassing the pristine waters of Langebaan Lagoon. Marvel at the beauty of the undulating hills adorned with unique granite rock formations, and witness the mesmerizing desert bloom, a rare sight near Cape Town.

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Accommodation: Abalone House & Spa

DAY 5-6

Paternoster

Paternoster Travel guide

DAY 6

Drive to Namaqua National Park

A long self drive day today, to Namaqua National Park, covering a scenic 440 km drive. Along the way, take a delightful lunch break in the charming town of Clanwilliam (175 km from Paternoster), nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg. Discover the town's significance as the hub of the Rooibos tea industry, where you can savor this unique beverage made from the indigenous Aspalathus Linearis plant found only in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Appreciate the tea's caffeine-free nature, low tannin content, and reputed healing properties. Please note that lunch expenses are not included. Resume your journey, continuing to the enchanting Soebatsfontein in Namaqua National Park.

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DAY 6-9

Namaqualand

Namaqualand Travel guide

DAY 7

Visit Namaqua National Park

Visit Namaqua National Park, spanning an expansive 1,030 square kilometers. The park is famous for its breathtaking floral displays, which typically emerge from mid-August to mid-September. Witness the remarkable transformation of this arid landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colors, adorned with daisies, grasses, aloes, lilies, and a multitude of native plant species. Experience the awe-inspiring sight of approximately 4,000 flower species blooming during the spring season in this magnificent region.

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DAY 8

Day at leisure at Namaqua National Park

Enjoy a day at leisure in these gorgeous surroundings.

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DAY 9

Drive to Augrabies Falls

Continue your journey to Augrabies Falls, located 270 km away on the border with Namibia. These captivating waterfalls are created by the mighty Orange River, South Africa's longest river, and are encompassed by Augrabies Falls National Park. Explore the park's semi-desert vegetation, soak in magnificent vistas, and immerse yourself in unforgettable hues. Encounter diverse wildlife, including giraffes, antelopes, rare mountain zebras, African lynxes, black-backed jackals, elusive leopards, flat lizards, and a remarkable array of bird species.

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DAY 9-11

Augrabies Falls

Augrabies Falls Travel guide

DAY 10

A full day at Augrabies Falls National Park

Embark on a full-day visit to Augrabies Falls and the national park, where we highly recommend exploring additional highlights. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the remarkable Moon Rock, Ararat viewpoint, Oranjekom Gorge, and the captivating Echo Corner. These sites offer unique perspectives, stunning landscapes, and memorable experiences within the park.

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DAY 11

Drive to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Embark on a scenic self-drive journey to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Upington, covering a 370 km drive. Enjoy a smooth road with minimal traffic throughout the trip. As you traverse the undulating landscape adorned with alternating red and white dunes, dotted with shrubs and cactus plants, anticipation builds for your arrival at the main gate and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, your accommodation for the trip. Please note that lunch expenses are not included. Upon reaching the camp, we recommend immediately setting off on your first day of safari. The initial 25 km stretch from the camp towards Nossob offers excellent opportunities to spot majestic lions and swift cheetahs.

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Accommodation: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

DAY 11-14

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Travel guide

DAY 12

Full Day for wildlife spotting

The park, nestled between Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa's Northern Cape, stands as one of the few remaining untouched ecosystems on Earth. Enduring harsh climates and frequent droughts, it unveils a mesmerizing panorama of ever-shifting red and white sands, interrupted by thorny shrubs and dry riverbeds. Surprisingly, this seemingly desolate landscape thrives with abundant life, making it a prime destination for observing majestic big cats. With approximately 200 cheetahs, 450 lions, and 150 leopards, alongside hyenas, a rich avian population, reptiles, rodents, small mammals, and antelopes, the park showcases a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

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Accommodation: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

DAY 13

Second Safari Day at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Enjoy another day exploring the wildlife of the park.

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Accommodation: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

DAY 14

Drive to Karoo National Park

Embark on an early morning journey to Karoo National Park, covering a distance of approximately 873 km with an estimated driving time of around 8 hours and 30 minutes. As you traverse the road, you'll have the opportunity to venture through the captivating and lesser-known Karoo region of South Africa. This semi-desert area offers mesmerizing views and a captivating array of colors, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

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DAY 14-17

Karoo National Park

Karoo National Park Travel guide

DAY 15

Safari Day at Karoo National Park

Encompassing an expansive area of 33,000 hectares, the park is a haven for wildlife. With 61 mammal species, including nimble hyraxes, bat-eared foxes, graceful antelopes (such as springbok, kudu, oryx, red hartebeest, and mountain zebra), and majestic rhinoceros, it offers a diverse animal kingdom. Additionally, the park hosts a plethora of reptile and bird species, including the impressive black eagle.

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DAY 16

Second safari day at Karoo National Park

Enjoy another day at leisure to spot wildlife at Karoo National Park.

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DAY 17

Return to Cape Town airport - drop off your rental car

Depending on your flight time, we suggest making a stop for lunch in Matjiesfontein, a quaint village located approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from the airport. Step into a bygone era as you immerse yourself in the nostalgic ambiance of the 1890s. Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, return your rental car and board your return flight home.

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this Transfer: Drop off rental car  at - 0 h

End in Cape Town

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