Arrive in South Africa and collect your 4x4 from the rental company at the airport. From there, drive straight to your accommodation in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.

The first night is deliberately close to the city, giving you time to settle in and get familiar with the vehicle.

The coast gives way to safari country. Drive via Uitenhage to Addo Elephant National Park.

Large elephant herds live here, along with lion, mountain zebra and rhino. After arrival, you can sit on the veranda and look out across the park and, depending on the location, towards a waterhole. Elephants and warthogs may pass by.

As you arrive in the afternoon, you have two options: join a sundowner game drive later in the day, or head out early the next morning under your own steam.

A full day in Addo Elephant National Park.

Drive your own game drives in the 4x4 or book an activity with a guide. There is no need to move camp today.

Today you drive into Baviaanskloof. A 4x4 is essential here.

There is still time to buy supplies on the way. Tonight you stay in a simple campsite beside a small lake.

Distance: 230km

Continue through Baviaanskloof. Around midday, reach the second overnight stop.

From here, you can head out on foot and walk in the surrounding landscape.

Leave Baviaanskloof and drive towards Garden Route National Park, specifically the Tsitsikamma section at Storms River Mouth.

In the afternoon, walk along the rugged coastline. The river mouth and the ocean shape the setting here.

In the morning, visit Storms River Mouth. The rest camp sits beside the river mouth, and the well-known Suspension Bridge can be reached from here.

Then continue to Harkerville. After checking in at Harkerville Forest Lodge, you can take a coastal walk near Kranshoek.

Today is a short driving day. Continue to Wilderness and Ebb & Flow Restcamp.

You can walk from camp, or hire a canoe and paddle along the Touws River.

Another short stage. You can take on a longer hike towards George Peak or Cradock Peak in Outeniqua Nature Reserve.

If you prefer not to walk, visit George or ride the Outeniqua Power Van through the mountains. Check in at your accommodation in George during the afternoon.

Distance 25km

Drive west from George towards Marloth Nature Reserve, close to Swellendam.

Swellendam has several restaurants. Inside the reserve, you can hike towards Twaalfuurkop. It is a very demanding hike. Shorter walking routes are also available.

In the morning, there is still time for a walk at Marloth or a visit to Swellendam.

Then continue to Stellenbosch. Spend the afternoon on an activity or simply slow down at the accommodation.

Distance: 220km

Several options are open today. Visit the wine areas around Stellenbosch or walk in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

A day in Cape Town or a visit to the Cape of Good Hope also fits within this stage.

A second free day around Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

You decide how to use the day.

The journey ends today. First drive to the 4x4 depot and return the vehicle.

You are then transferred to the airport for your flight home.

South Africa

Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4

14
days
from
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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Not quite the trip you’re looking for? This trip can be fully tailored to your preferences.

Self drive Garden Route South Africa. Addo to Cape Town in 14 days.

South Africa
from
1350
p.p.
14
days
Request a quote
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This trip can be fully tailored to your preferences.
SummaryHighlightsItineraryWhat's includedPhoto gallery Reviews

Everything mapped out. The route remains yours.

This active 14-day 4x4 journey runs from Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, to Cape Town. The first night is spent just outside the city. On day two, the route reaches Addo Elephant National Park. Baviaanskloof follows, with 4x4 tracks and time to walk.

At the coast, the route reaches Garden Route National Park and Storms River Mouth. From there it continues through Tsitsikamma, Harkerville, Wilderness and George towards Swellendam, Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Cape Town is the endpoint.

If you want more time there, the journey can be extended by a few days. Camping alternates with self-catering accommodation, B&Bs and lodges.

‍

14
days total
8
nights lodge/B&B
5
nights camping
14
days 4x4 rental
Travel pace:
Rustig
1
-
5
persons per car
From
1350
p.p.
This trip can be fully tailored to your preferences.

Stay longer on the coast or add more time in Cape Town.

This route is a starting point. Stay an extra day somewhere, add another destination or extend the journey after day fourteen in Cape Town.

Everything that makes this trip unforgettable.

Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

Baviaanskloof. South Africa road trip through the mountains.

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Kaapstad

4x4 rental Cape Town: mountain, city, sea.

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Johannesburg

For many self-drive trips, this is the starting or finishing point. Pick up your 4x4 and leave the city behind for the bush, or return it here after your final kilometres. Have some time to spare? Then you can explore Johannesburg itself too.

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Gqeberha

Gqeberha. Your South Africa self drive starts here.

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Stellenbosch

South Africa road trip: Stellenbosch among the vineyards.

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Addo Elephant National Park

South Africa safari tour. Addo Elephant Park.

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A journey filled with memorable stops.

The landscape keeps changing as you travel. From long days on the road through wide-open country to places where you park the 4x4 and lose track of time. Here’s how the journey unfolds day by day.

This trip is a starting point, not an endpoint.

Change a day or destination

Spend more time in one place, add a rest day or cover a little more ground. We adjust the route to suit your pace and the way you want to travel.

Choose a different 4x4

The right 4x4 depends on your route, who you’re travelling with and how much comfort you want along the way. Together, we’ll choose the vehicle that fits.

Add another country

Want to extend your trip into another country? We’ll look at the most practical route, border crossings and what works within the time you have.

Get in touch

Fully prepared, no surprises.

A self-drive trip calls for clarity. That is why we are as transparent as possible about what we arrange and what you bring yourself. Everything you need for a carefree trip is on board; the rest is for you to fill in according to your own taste.

  • Toyota Hilux 4x4 or similar
  • All overnight stays listed in the quotation
  • Two authorised drivers
  • GPS with Tracks4Africa software
  • A clear map of South Africa
  • Advice from experienced self-drive specialists
  • Airport transfers
  • Support
  • Selfdrive4x4.com travel app
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Fuel
  • Meals and drinks
  • Upgrades to fixed accommodation
  • Upgrade to a Toyota Land Cruiser or 4x4 camper instead of a rooftop tent
  • Excess reduction insurance

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Every self-drive trip is a starting point, not an endpoint. You can adapt an existing trip or create your own with us. We’ll help you shape the route, choose the right 4x4, find places to stay and prepare for the journey, so everything fits the way you want to travel.

Get in touch

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