South Africa Road Trip Planner

Best times vary by region: Cape Town & Garden Route - October-April for warm weather, whale watching June-November in Hermanus. Kruger National Park - May-September (dry winter) for best game viewing as animals gather at waterholes. Drakensberg Mountains - October-March for hiking, wildflowers in spring. Generally avoid December-January (peak summer holiday, crowded and expensive). March-May and September-November offer best weather with fewer tourists.

Yes, with precautions: Stick to main routes and avoid driving at night. Keep car doors locked, windows up in cities. Don't stop for hitchhikers or at unplanned spots. Park in secure areas only. GPS essential for navigation. Road conditions: Excellent highways, some rural roads unpaved. Watch for animals on roads near game reserves. Toll roads common (have cash/card ready). Drive on LEFT side. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.

Average South Africa road trip costs: Budget (R800-1,200/day or $45-70 USD), Mid-range (R2,000-3,500/day or $110-195 USD), Luxury (R5,000+/day or $280+ USD). Costs include: Car rental (R400-1,500/day), Fuel (R20-25/liter), Accommodation (R500-2,500/night), Food (R300-800/day), National park fees (R300-500/day), Activities (game drives R500-1,500). A 2-week trip costs R11,000-49,000 ($600-2,700 USD) per person. Book accommodations early for better rates.

Not always. Regular car sufficient for: Garden Route, Cape Peninsula, Panorama Route, Drakensberg (main roads), Winelands. 4x4 recommended for: Remote Karoo areas, Sani Pass (mandatory), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Richtersveld, some Kruger camps. Note: Most main routes to Kruger accessible by regular car, but 4x4 allows access to more remote camps and game viewing tracks. Consider your specific route and season (some areas impassable in rain without 4x4).

Yes! Self-drive safaris very popular in Kruger: Pros - Much cheaper than guided tours, drive at your own pace, stop when you spot animals. Tips: Enter at dawn (6am) for best wildlife viewing, animals most active early morning/late afternoon, stick to speed limits (50km/h on tar, 40km/h gravel), never exit vehicle except at designated rest camps, bring binoculars and wildlife guide book. Book rest camps in advance (very popular). Alternative: Combine self-drive with 1-2 guided game drives for night viewing and expert knowledge.

Essential items: Documents - Valid driver's license, passport, car rental papers, travel insurance. Safety - Door/window locks check, first aid kit, emergency contacts, phone with data. Clothing - Layers (temperatures vary), neutral colors for game viewing, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes. Safari specific - Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, insect repellent, sunscreen SPF 50+. General - Reusable water bottles, snacks, offline maps download, South African rand cash (small towns/tolls). Winter (June-Aug) - Warm jacket for early morning game drives.