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.

10 Day South Africa Self Drive Family Safari

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.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Bo Kaap Houses, Cape Town
Shops & Restaurants, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Commodore Hotel room interiors
Restaurant at Commodore Hotel

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.

Brenton Haven Beach Resort, Room Interiors
Lounge area, Brenton Haven Beach Resort
Beach in front of Brenton Haven Beach Resort
Aerial view, Brenton Haven Beach Resort

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.

Tsitsikamma Forest, Garden Route, South Africa

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.

Ring-tailed lemurs on your animal encounter 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.

A view of the iconic Knysna Heads
Southern Wright Whale, Cape south coast

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.

Enjoy your free time game viewing from the deck at Kariega Main Lodge

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.

Lion sighting at Kariega Game Reserve
A safari guide engaging with children, Kariega Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve
Room interior, Kariega Game Reserve
Animal spoor casting

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 Cost

March - April 2025
R175,110 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

May 2025
R158,700 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

June - August 2025
R151,840 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

September 2025
R169,860 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

Oct – 12 Dec 2025
R181,940 per family (2 adults and 2 children under 12)

 

Costs Includes

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 Excludes

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

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Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell
01 May 2025
We asked for a holiday of a lifetime for my wife's birthday ... and Lize Enderstein and ATG certainly delivered!!! We could not have experienced such a magnificent trip without all Lize's organisation and planning. It was an absolute dream! So much so, we're looking to visit again and will certainly be using Lize for our next adventure. Nothing was too much trouble and all the planning made everything work so very smoothly. We felt like royalty throughout our trip with all sorts of birthday surprises already booked at every location. Incredible!!! We are so very grateful for everything Lize arranged and can't thank her enough and would heartily recommend Lize and ATG. Jim and Melanie xxx
Teresa Harrison
Teresa Harrison
29 January 2025
I have been using African Travel Gateway for about 30 years and not once have they let me down. My travels have been varied, visiting different countries and cultures in Africa, but with their help, it is always a magic carpet ride. Lize has been my contact for many years, and the intineries devised have been spectacular. She really understands our requirements and goes the extra mile to ensure all is OK. This time, we visited South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything was amazing. Our highlights, however, were La Fontaine in Franshoek and Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We HIGHLY recommend African Travel Gateway
Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
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