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Imagine Africa  >  Destinations  >  South Africa  >  Self-driving South Africa
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Introducing South Africa

Watch our video to see why our specialists love South Africa...

Free South Africa Guidebook

We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about South Africa. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a link by email which will allow you to download your own copy.

Self-drive

Nothing beats taking on the open road and exploring all the ins and outs of a destination at your own pace, taking in shifting landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas.

South Africa safari guide

From the premier game viewing of the Kruger and malaria-free options in Madikwe and the Eastern Cape, to riding safaris in the Waterberg and getting off-the beaten-track in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve – there is truly something for everyone. Here we give our lowdown on all that South Africa has to offer safari-wise – now all you have to do is decide which one(s) will suit you best!

South Africa for families

South Africa is without doubt the most family-friendly country in Africa and offers a wide-range of experiences to suit all ages and interests. From an exciting malaria-free safari to exploring the beautiful Cape to the warm Indian Ocean beaches along the Garden Route, we can help you put together the perfect holiday for your family. Here we give our rundown on our favourite spots for families to get you started.

South Africa honeymoons

Contemporary Cape Town hotels, beautiful Cape Dutch wine estates and luxurious private game lodges, all combine to make South Africa the perfect honeymoon destination. Here we give our top ideas for making South Africa the perfect honeymoon destination for you.

South Africa on horseback

One of our South Africa specialists, Jen, recently saddled up for an exciting riding safari taking part in game census week at Ant’s Hill in the malaria-free Waterberg region of South Africa. Read on for more about Jen’s experience and all you need to know about exploring South Africa on horseback…

Self-driving South Africa

Self-driving in South Africa is how a number of people decide to travel as it tends to prove a more adventurous and affordable option, as well as giving you the freedom to explore. Self-driving is a hugely rewarding way to travel and appreciate the always stunning and ever-changing scenery. Here we give you our tips for taking to the open road.

Our Classic Self-Drive Garden Route itinerary covers one of the most popular areas to explore in South Africa.

Type of car

When renting a car it is likely that budget will determine which class of vehicle you choose. Small hatchbacks are the cheapest. Above this are large estate vehicles which offer more space. Finally, and most expensive, are 4x4s and people carriers. For most areas the main determinant will be the number of people and how much boot space you require for your luggage! 4x4s are not necessary apart from for reaching the most remote places, but the higher the car the more comfortable the ride will be.

Road conditions

Good quality tarmac and gravel roads make up the majority of South Africa’s infrastructure. The tarmac roads are very good and direct, explaining the profusion of well-hidden police speed traps along their length! Control points before major towns and when crossing regional borders are common and friendly.

Top Tips:

• Never drive at night.
• Check with fellow self-drivers, lodge staff or locals about road conditions ahead.
• Inform your destination of your expected arrival time, and inform your origin of your destination.
• Check all tyres, including the spare, have sufficient tread depth before setting off.
• Be prepared to change a tyre – especially if you are travelling on gravel roads. Although most locals are also experts at changing tyres if you encounter problems!
• 60-80km/hour is the recommended safe speed.
• Speed limit outside of urban areas is 120km/hour and fines for breaking it are substantial.
• Stop for fuel wherever you can.
• On gravel the best tracks are in the middle of the road – just remember to move left when approaching oncoming traffic or at the brow of a hill!
• Beware of the dust kicked up by your vehicle as well as others, as it can obstruct your view.
• Beware of wildlife – especially on tarred roads where baboons or warthogs are hidden in the long grass by the road side.
• Seasonal rains can damage and sometimes wash away large sections of roads – slow down and pick your path carefully (usually already well worn).
• Some roads that lead to remote lodges can be bad – if concerned, arrange for a lodge vehicle to pick you up.

Checklist:

• Good map (available on request from most rental car companies) and directions (provided by us)
• Driving licence (an international licence is not necessary, but recommended)
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Cash for fuel – most petrol stations, especially in remote areas, only accept cash as payment
• Credit card for rental deposit (in the name of the person hiring the vehicle)
• Mobile phone
• An iPod or CDs
• Common sense and patience!
• A sense of adventure!

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Our Price Promise

We want to be really clear about this. We offer amazing value. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive, it simply means attention to every detail of your trip that will be designed by a true expert.

Here at Imagine Africa, we are so confident that we offer the best value on the market that we have a price promise. If you find the exact same holiday cheaper with another UK tour operator, then we promise to beat their price by £50.

Financial Protection

Rest assured that all our holidays are 100% financially protected. Our ATOL bond protects holidays booked in the UK with flights. Our ABTOT bond protects holidays which are booked without flights or those booked outside the UK, either with or without flights.

Protection means that in the unlikely event that we become insolvent; your holiday will be refunded or you will be repatriated if already travelling or have flights with us.

Financial Protection

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