Self-driving tours are among the best ways to explore, offering the freedom to discover the country behind the wheel of a vehicle.
If you book with us, certain aspects are guaranteed regardless of whether you choose a Classic Self-Drive Tour or a Guided Self-Drive Tour.
You’ll receive attentive service from our Travel Experts. They will answer your questions, assist you in selecting the perfect tour, and book your vehicle and accommodations.
Our itineraries include accurate driving times and exclusive insights, providing an experience like travelling with a local.
If an unlikely situation arises while on the road, our in-country operational team is ready to assist you.
Book with us and enjoy South Africa, knowing you’re well prepared and supported.
What’s the difference between a Classic Self-Drive Tour and a Guided Self-Drive Tour?
What is a classic self-drive tour?
On a Classic Self-Drive Tour, you arrive in either Cape Town or Johannesburg, collect your vehicle, and begin your adventure.
New to driving in Africa? No problem—South Africa has an excellent road network and infrastructure, making self-driving safe and enjoyable. Plus, there’s no need for off-road driving, as you’ll be on well-maintained roads, even within national parks.
You will travel independently along some of the world’s most scenic routes, experiencing a mix of culture, activities, and wildlife at iconic sites along the way.
You can also enjoy guided experiences, such as game drives, arranged through your accommodation.
What is a guided self-drive tour?
Guided Self-Drive Tours are unique adventures off the beaten track.
Tours depart on specific dates throughout the year. As places are limited to six vehicles, booking early is recommended; however, private tours can be booked on request and offer flexible dates.
Your guide will introduce you to your 4×4 vehicle, support team, and fellow participants. They will outline the journey ahead. Yet most of what you learn will come from firsthand experience on the road.
As you veer off the beaten path, your guide will share valuable tips tailored to your off-road experience. They will also provide insights into local wildlife and communities, making your journey not just adventurous but deeply immersive.
Long hours behind the wheel amidst breathtaking scenery are deeply rewarding, though it requires stamina – an aspect of the tour that shouldn’t be underestimated.
At remote campsites, your team will set up the camp and prepare the meals, leaving you free to gather around the campfire to share stories beneath the stars.
What to see and where to stay on our different types of self-drive tours in South Africa
On a Classic Self-Drive Tour, we have three classic self-drive tours to choose from.
South Africa and the Garden Route is a 15-day circular route starting and ending in Cape Town, and is ideal for those wanting to visit the Garden Route, the Cape Winelands, and see the Big Five.
South Africa’s North and East Coast 18-day tour, starting and ending in Johannesburg, is perfect for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Highlights include the Drakensberg Mountains, driving along the Panorama Route, and visiting several parks, including Kruger National Park.
South Africa Highlights 21-day tour combines both areas. It starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town. You’ll visit the northeast, and when you get to Durban, you’ll catch a flight to Port Elizabeth to travel along the Garden Route to Cape Town.
On a Guided Self-Drive Tour, you’ll venture beyond popular routes into remote areas to experience local cultures, wildlife and landscapes that connect you to nature.
Cross-border self-drive tours: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa & Zambia
With sister companies in Namibia and Botswana, we arrange numerous cross-border adventures into Namibia, Botswana, and even Zambia.
We offer a selection of Classic Self-Drive Tours beginning in Windhoek, Namibia, which you can explore here.
Guided self-drive cross-border tours depart from Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
An excellent example is the 14-day West Coast Explorer, which follows South Africa’s remote West Coast north and crosses into Namibia to visit the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, and the coastal town of Swakopmund.
Who should go on a self-drive tour in South Africa?
Our self-drive tours suit different types of travellers.
A Classic Self-Drive Tour is perfect for travellers who like to travel independently and comfortably, without the hassle of organising the details.
They are also ideal if you want to travel with family and friends because they offer something for everyone.
On the other hand, Guided Self-Drive Tours suit those who love driving off-road and camping in remote locations.
They offer an immersive experience by travelling with expert guides, and best of all, no prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn.
Let’s start planning your self-drive in South Africa. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation.
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