The Cape Escape

Always wanted to explore South Africa but have always been put off by taking malaria medication? Well look no further as I am about to give you an example itinerary where malaria medication is not compulsory. Driving route: Cape Town - Winelands - Hermanus - Garden Route - Eastern Cape game reserves. Total distance: 1,200km; 14 days Cape Town: Days 1-4 After renting a car from Cape Town International Airport it is just a 20 minute drive into Cape Town. Here are some recommendations for you to do while in Cape Town; Table Mountain - A must visit, its two disabled-friendly cable cars each take 65 people and run all day. Journeys to the summit take just three minutes and the cars rotate for 360-degree views. TOP TIP: Head up Table Mountain at the first possible opportunity. Strong winds and low clouds can prevent the cable car from operating. Afternoons are quieter. Other must do activities are: Robben Island; District Six Museum; Hop-on, hop-off bus; V&A Waterfront; Get with the beat Winelands: Days 5-6 Take in the Cape's southern wine areas such as Constantina, the closest to Cape Town at just 20 minutes away, the Southern Hemisphere's oldest wine-producing region Stellenbosch & the historic Franschhoek which is regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa due to it's many restaurants. Other must do activities are: Vine Hopper; Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Hermanus: Day 7 A 70-minute drive from Franschhoek, bustling Hermanus is also a wine-growing area and has been listed by WWF as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. From July to November, southern right whales come to mate and calve in Walker Bay and can be viewed just metres offshore as well as on boat tours. Other must do activities are: Dine & whale-watch; Sea kayaking; Wine hopper; Cage diving with sharks Garden Route: Days 8-10 From Hermanus, the 300km drive to Mossel Bay takes around three hours. Beyond Mossel Bay, the spectacular Garden Route coastline stretches over 200km to Storms River. Destinations to visit along the way & driving times are: George - great for golfers; 35 minutes Wilderness - A seaside resort with a lagoon and long sandy beach; 50 minutes Knysna - An adventure playground with a lagoon & ancient forests; 1.5 hours Plattenberg Bay - Nature & activities are close by this seaside town; 2 hours The Crags - A mountainous area with attractions including Birds of Eden; 2 hours Storms River - A scenic river offering outdoor adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park; 2 hours 30 minutes Other must do activities are: Knysna Township Tour; Knysna Oyster Cruises; Bramon Wine Estate; Tenikwa Wildlife; Storms River sea kayaking. Eastern Cape game reserves: Days 11-13 End this road trip with a safari in a malaria-free Big Five reserve. There are many games reserves in this area and include; Addo Elephant National Park Shamwari Amakhala Kwandwe Lalibela Kariega Pumba Depart from Port Elizabeth: Day 14 Today you return the rental car to Port Elizabeth International Airport before your connecting flight home.