MENU

South Africa Self-drive Tour

A South Africa self-drive tour is when you hire a car to drive to where you want to go. This is for adventurous people looking to do things at their own pace as a couple or ideal for families. Distances traveled daily are up to you. As are where you decide to stop.

The roads in South Africa remain generally well maintained, and the freedom to stop at a farm stall that catches your eye, or linger at a leopard sighting in the Kruger is unmatched.

However, we really recommend this to people visiting the Cape (including Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route). Here, you don’t need a 4×4 on these main tourist routes. Also, map apps work well in the Cape.

In the Kruger, it is recommended to have an SUV or similar for better visibility and to handle the occasional potholes on the smaller roads.  Unfortunately, in the Kruger area, the map apps don’t really work.

Top tips for a South Africa self-drive tour

  • We drive on the left side of the road. At a four way stop, the first person to arrive has the right of way.
  • You must carry a valid driver’s license in English. If yours is in another language, you must carry an International Driving License.
  • Almost all gas stations are not self-service! An attendant will pump your fuel, check your oil/water, and wash your windshield. They do rely on tips (R5-R20 is appropriate).
  • When you park your car, you usually will be greeted by a friendly car guard! They watch your car while you eat at a restaurant, sight see, or shop. They also rely on tips (R5-R10 is appropriate). Please remember this is not a guarantee that your car will be safe so you still need to lock it and only tip on the way out.
  • Avoid driving long distances (don’t try fit too much into a days drive – you will miss out on being able to stop).
  • Do not drive after dark. Hazards include unlit roads, wandering livestock, and pedestrians.
  • Never leave your bags, phones or other valuables visible on seats. Lock them in the trunk. Keep this in mind when booking your car type.
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
  • Many national highways have tolls. Most rental cars come with an e-tag that automatically bills your credit card later.

South Africa self-drive tour examples

Let Africa A-Z help you plan your South Africa self-drive trip. This means at least someone knows where you are and where you are going to at all times. Some roads have little traffic or no mobile phone signal, so if you have an accident or something and haven’t arrived at your intended destination, we can send assistance.

Here are some examples of self-drive tours but let us customize your tour for you.

Are you ready to book your South Africa self-drive tour now?