Carefree South Africa - Self Drive Tours

Want to see all of the best that South Africa has to offer, but are you hesitant of visiting areas where Malaria poses a threat to you and your family's health? Then Carefree South Africa is the best itinerary for you. This South Africa self drive tour combines the Big 5 in Pilanesberg with the adventures of the Drakensberg, Addo Elephant Park, the Garden Route and saves the best visit for last, a visit to Cape Town. Carefree South Africa is ideal for families with children who want an amazing safari experience in South Africa.

Carefree South Africa is an adventurous self drive tour along many of the country's highlights, and a family adventure in a malaria-free area...

Most likely, you'll leave the UK in the evening and arrive in South Africa the following morning. After arrival, you'll pick up your rental car at the airport and meet our local representative (or you'll meet him at the first hotel). Afterwards, you'll drive to your hotel in Pretoria located some 60km from the airport. When you arrive at your hotel you'll have time to freshen up, rest up and visit a few of the sights in Pretoria such as the Buildings of Parliament and their gardens, the Voortrekkers Monument (to commemorate the Boers that trekked north into the heart of the African grassland) and the Paul Kruger House. Invigorated by all of the new impressions and surroundings, you'll probably have enough energy to visit the bars, restaurants and stores in Hatfield in the evening to kick-start your South Africa self drive tours.

Total distance on Day 1 is approximately 60 km.

Note: If you choose a direct flight to South Africa, you may arrive late at night. We'll make reservations for you in Johannesburg, not far from the airport, so that you don't have drive all the way to Pretoria after arrival.

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve lies just north of Johannesburg. Today on your South Africa self drive tour, you'll drive from Pretoria to this malaria-free zone and there is a good chance that you'll spot the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo). The park is less well known than Kruger Park; however it is a great place to spot large wild animals and since the park is less spread out than Kruger, there is a better chance of encountering the Big 5. Pilanesberg is only a two hour drive from Pretoria, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the park by car today. Of course, we can arrange a guided game drive for you if you like. The price is approximately £28 per person.

Total distance on Day 2 is approximately 160km.

Parys is a great location for a rest stop during your drive to Drakensberg. It's a lively town with charming little houses and it's a refuge for those living in big cities (Johannesburg is only 120 km away). You'll spend the night in our game lodge near the Vredefort Dome, a crater with a diameter of approximately 40 km. Parys lies on the banks of the Vaal River, on the border of the North West Province, Gauteng and Free State. There's plenty to do in and around Parys while you're on your South Africa self drive tour. Go for a hike through the impressive Vredevort Dome, go rock climbing or go white-water rafting in the Vaal River. These optional activities are not included in the price of this trip.

Total distance on Day 4 is approximately 220 km.

From Parys, head off early in the morning into the country's interior towards the highest mountain range in the country, the Drakensberg. You'll leave flowing hills behind you and start to see impressive mountainous territory. The Zulus refer to the rugged Drakensberg peaks as Ukhahlamba: ‘a barrier of spears’. The Golden Gate National Park is your final destination for today on your self drive tour, and this park features parts of the Maluti Mountains. The park was named after the gold-coloured reflections created by the sun rising through the sandstone mountain cliffs. The park is known for its' breathtaking views, spectacular sandstone formations (such as Sentinel Rock) and excellent hiking opportunities. The wild animals and birds in the park can only be found in this region. You'll spend the night in a basic, yet comfortable chalet in the Golden Gate National Park camp. 

Total distance on Day 5 is approximately 400km.

From the Drakensberg Mountains, you'll drive east to the beach town of Umhlanga (only 15 minutes from Durban). Spend the night at a charming bed & breakfast near a broad sandy beach. Your room will have a shower, toilet, tv and a fan. Enjoy breakfast on the pool patio, with many different kinds of plants and flowers surrounding you. A very lively city centre is only about 5 minutes away from the bed & breakfast. There are many bars, stores and great restaurants to eat at here. Of course you could also take a quick drive to the Durban boulevard if you're looking for more excitement.

Total distance on Day 9 is approximately 120km.

Tip: If you have a few extra days to spare and you feel like having a relaxing break..... stay at the sandy beaches of Umhlanga for a few extra days. This is particularly enjoyable during November-April. The average temperature during this time of year is 28 degrees Celsius.

Sometime in the morning you'll drop off your rental car at Durban airport and catch a quick flight to Port Elizabeth. After arrival in Port Elizabeth, pick up your new rental at the airport and drive to your family safari's next destination: Addo Elephant National Park. The park is located in the bush at Sunday's River Valley in the Eastern Cape. Spend the night on a fully operational farm, just outside of the park. In the evening you can go on an organized game drive through the Schotia Game Reserve. The staff at your accommodation can provide further details. 

Total distance on Day 10 is approximately 250 km.

From Addo, you'll head west towards Knysna. Along the way you can stop at the beach towns Francis Bay or Jeffrey’s Bay, both well known for amazing surfing opportunities. Later you'll reach the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can stop for a while and go on one of the many hikes or trails set out through the area. For instance, go on a one hour walk to the wobbling Suspension Bridge over Storms River. At the end of the day you'll reach your home base for the next few days, Knysna. Your hotel is centrally located near enjoyable restaurants and the waterfront. 

Total distance on Day 12 of the  South Africa self drive tours is approximately 290 km.

Knysna is one of the most important towns along the Garden Route. Everything you could ever need is nearby, including a beautiful lagoon. The town itself isn't very large, but it definitely requires a couple of days to explore it. There are fun bars, pubs and restaurants featuring live-music until late at night. Daytime activities here include: a visit Plettenberg Bay for dolphin-spotting or whale-watching, kayaking on Knysna lagoon, diving, snorkelling, mountain biking, rock climbing, a visit Tsitsikamma, a visit to the Robberg reserve and much more.

Today you finally get to truly stretch out and recover from all the driving you've been doing during your South Africa self drive tour. About an hour from Knysna you'll find the Tsitsikamma National Park. This is where the famous Otter trail is located; a spectacular 5-day hike from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley. The guided Otter trail hike (which includes overnight stays in huts along the trail) is so popular, especially among South Africans, that it is booked full a year in advance. However the trail can also be hiked independently. The Tsitsikamma is a long narrow stretch of rugged coastline with massive cliffs created by the relentless pounding of ocean waves. It features secluded beaches, waterfalls and native coastal woods known as fynbos in the river valleys.

Total distance on Day 13 is approximately 120km.

This morning, travel from Knysna lagoon through George and on to the arid region of Small Karoo. Here you'll find the world capital of ostrich farming, Oudtshoorn. This is a spread out town with broad lanes and lovely old buildings. You'll spend the night just outside of town, amidst ostrich farms, in our cosy guest house with pool. Breakfast is included.

In the afternoon, you'll have several different options available to you, such as a visit to the nearby Cango limestone caves.

If you prefer to remain outdoors on your South Africa tour, drive a little further until you reach the beautiful 'Rust en Vrede' ('Rest and Peace') waterfall. It's located in a small natural park that closes at 16.30. Another option is to visit the Cango wildlife ranch. This is a small zoo where you not only can look at animals, but you can also pet a cheetah, hold a snake and go cage diving with crocodiles. Click here to find out about visiting an ostrich farm and the Swartberg pass.

Note: If you want to see the ostriches, the caves and the Prince Albert pass, you'll need to book an additional stay in Oudtshoorn.

Total distance on Day 14 is approximately 175km.
 

Today you'll drive through the small Karoo and visit small villages, such as Calitzdorp (known for its fine South African Port) located in the wine territories surrounding Paarl and Stellenbosch. We suggest that you start driving early today; there is quite a lot to see and you'll want to make several rest stops during the day. You'll spend the night near Somerset West, in Helderberg. The guest house has excellent self-catering facilities and there is a small playground for children making it a perfect stop for your South Africa self drive tours.

Total distance on Day 15 is approximately 400 km.

Today, you'll drive to Cape Town at your own pace. It's not so far from Somerset West, so it won't take too long to reach. You may want to take a detour and drive around Cape Point into Cape Town. Follow the beautiful coastal route past Falsebaai, Muizenberg, Kalkbaai and Simons town. If you drive a little further you'll reach the popular Boulders Beach with penguins and white sandy beaches. This would be a great moment for a refreshing dive into the sea. As you continue along the route you'll reach the Cape Nature Reserve, a park with many small wild animals (better known as Cape of Good Hope). There are plenty of spots where you can stop along the way, stretch out for a bit and perhaps enjoy a picnic on one of the secluded beaches. After lunch, continue on the Chapmans Peak route and pass by fisherman's town Houtbaai. From here it's only a 30-minute drive to Cape Town.

In Cape Town you'll be staying at a charming guest house run by friendly owners. Your accommodation is situated in the heart of Greenpoint, Signal Hill and is only an 8-minute walk from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. You'll be staying in the centre of Cape Town but the guest house is located on top of a quiet hill; therefore you'll still be to enjoy a peaceful stay at this accommodation. 

Total distance on day 18 is approximately 150 km- depending on which route is chosen.

Cape Town, is the most beautiful city in South Africa according to many people and in any case it is the most frequently visited city in South Africa. The city features a mix of the western world and the third world, with luxurious suburbs and extreme poverty in the townships. It is also well known for Table Mountain, the wine country surrounding the city and the many outdoor activities that can be participated in here. Above all the city has a wonderful, exciting feel to it; anything is possible! At the very least you should try to visit the city's centre, ride the cable-car up to the top of the Table Mountain, have a picnic at the botanical gardens and drive along the coastal road and through the wine country. Be sure to add a visit to Robben island to your itinerary; this is where Nelson Mandela, among others, was kept imprisoned for so many years during the Apartheid regime.

At some point on Day 20 you'll have to finish your South Africa self drive tours, return your car to the rental office at the airport, and board a plane back home.