Driving in South Africa gives you the freedom to discover the wonders of this magnificent country at your own pace. Self-drive touring is an obvious choice as the country boasts a vast modern highway system and extensive road network, has clear road signs and not forgetting that you drive on the left-hand side of the road! Petrol in South Africa costs a fraction of what you would pay in the UK which makes this type of holiday outstanding value for money.

An international driver's licence or an unendorsed British photo licence is required by law in South Africa. The licence must carry a photograph as well as the signature of the holder. These licences can be obtained from UK motoring organisations.

At AwayGay we recommend Europcar for their extensive modern fleet and free use of a mobile phone.

There are limitless possibilities when considering touring the Cape, whether you opt for a few days rental to explore the Winelands or take an organised self-drive itinerary along the Garden Route.

Along the Garden Route we have put the following itinerary together using only Gay friendly properties. Throughout this tour you will be able to enjoy some spectacular scenery, from indigenous forests and dramatic headlands to superb Indian Ocean beaches. There are lakes and forests to be experienced, and plenty of activities to keep the most energetic traveller satisfied!

The following tour is merely a suggestion and can be altered or amended to suit your own requirements.

Day 1
Collect your vehicle and leave Cape Town on the magnificent southern coastal road heading via Hermanus and Cape Agulhas, Africa's most southerly point, to Swellendam.

Overnight accommodation at Klippe Rivier Country House

Day 2
Continue along the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay, probably the most popular resort on the Garden Route boasting wide, white sandy beaches and trendy restaurants and cafés.

3 nights accommodation at the luxury Astron Resort, Plettenberg Bay.

Days 3 and 4
Spend time discovering the beauty of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area. We would suggest a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park, an outing to sample the superb local cheeses, a day's hiking or take one of the various boat trips available in the area.

Day 5
Drive via Prince Alfred's Pass and Uniondale to Oudtshoorn.

2 nights accommodation at Hlangana Lodge.

Day 6
Drive over the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert for lunch; return through spectacular mountain scenery via Meiringspoort to Oudtshoorn.

Day 7
Travel via the historical Route 62 through stunning rugged mountain scenery to Montagu. In the valleys you will find interesting places to pause, at fruit orchards, pretty rural towns, vineyards and elegant Cape Dutch wine estates.

Overnight at the Montagu Country Inn

Day 8
Return to Cape Town via the Breede River Valley where you meander through the vineyards of this wine producing area.

Overnight at your choice of hotels.