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South Africa

South Africa is a country where no two days feel the same. One morning you are driving past wildlife in Kruger National Park. A few days later, you are crossing a mountain pass in the Drakensberg or looking out over the ocean near the Cape of Good Hope. For many travellers, South Africa is the first step into self-drive travel in Southern Africa.

View trips from
South Africa

Southern Africa

Johannesburg or Cape Town
as a starting point

Best time to travel

All year round

Driving skills

Beginner-friendly to intermediate

A country of constant contrasts.

Savannah, mountain passes, semi-desert and coastline all fit into one journey. Every region changes the character of the road.

South Africa

is the right choice if.

  • Want to combine wildlife, mountains, coast and open landscapes.
  • Are planning your first self-drive journey through Southern Africa.
  • Enjoy variety within one trip.
  • Have around 14 to 24 days or more.
  • Prefer travelling independently with a well-planned route.
Please take into account:
  • Distances between regions can be greater than they look on the map.
  • Beyond the main roads, you may encounter gravel, sand and roadworks.
  • A 4x4 is essential in Kgalagadi and Richtersveld.

You don't want to miss this.

There are places that simply cannot be missing from any itinerary. Below are the absolute highlights—the images you already have in your mind before you even set off, which turn out to be even more breathtaking in reality.

Kruger National Park

The road disappears into bush and savannah. Sometimes an elephant stands beside it. Sometimes there are only tracks. In Kruger, you decide how long to stop and watch.

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Kaapstad

Table Mountain above the city. The Atlantic beside it. Cape Town is the start or finish of many self-drive journeys, but it deserves a few days of its own.

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Drakensberg

High peaks, green valleys and rough cliffs shape the Drakensberg. Time behind the wheel gives way to hiking trails, mountain passes and wide views across the range.

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Garden Route National Park

Mountains on one side, a rugged coastline on the other. Garden Route National Park stretches across around 68 kilometres of coast and gives you every reason to leave the 4x4 parked for a while.

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Blyde River

Along the Panorama Route, the landscape opens up at Blyde River Nature Reserve. From the canyon rim, you look across layered rock walls, the Three Rondavels and the Lowveld plain.

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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Rolling hills, long views and a park where rhino are part of the story. In Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, you can drive yourself among the Big Five and other wildlife.

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Everything you need to know before you go.

No surprises along the way—that’s our motto. That’s why we’ve outlined the most important practical information about Namibia below. You will receive more details in your personal travel documents and via the app.

Driver's license

You need a valid driving licence and an International Driving Permit.

Traffic

Traffic drives on the left. Outside major cities, traffic is often light.

Roads

Many roads are paved, but gravel and unpaved routes appear beyond the main network. A 4x4 is essential in Kgalagadi and Richtersveld.

Currency

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Best time to visit by region

Due to the different climate zones, the best time to visit varies from region to region.

Vaccinations

Seek current advice from a travel health clinic or healthcare provider.

Which

South Africa

trip is right for you?

From changing landscapes to routes with a pace of their own. Explore our self-drive trips and find a starting point that suits the way you want to experience the country.

View all  trips from
South Africa
South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
This self-drive journey crosses three countries and combines camping with fixed accommodation. Walking, game drives, diving and snorkelling are all part of the possibilities along the way. You travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, continue into Mozambique, then return to Johannesburg via eSwatini.
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South Africa
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
This 14-day route starts and finishes in Cape Town, combining rugged landscapes, the Atlantic coast, active days and 4x4 tracks. The first days are based in Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town. From here, hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route then runs north to the Cederberg, where Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch, Maalgat and Maltese Cross are all listed as walking options. Tankwa Karoo National Park changes the setting completely.
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South Africa
Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Addo gives the journey a safari opening. Then the road changes. Baviaanskloof calls for a 4x4, and the pace drops to match the tracks and the terrain. On the other side lies the coast. Storms River Mouth, Harkerville and Wilderness bring together ocean, forest and river. George and Swellendam then lead into Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
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