How to Plan a Self-Drive Holiday in South Africa: Safety, Routes, and Hidden Gems
Safety is understandably the first question most people ask. South Africa is a fantastic destination for self-drive holidays, but selecting the right routes, timings, and overnight stops is essential. Roads between main regions such as Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape are generally very good, with well-signposted highways and plenty of conveniences. The trick is avoiding certain urban areas where traffic and navigation can feel overwhelming. A tailored itinerary will ensure you avoid stress points while making the most of the country’s scenic routes.
If you are planning a first-time trip, one of the most popular routes is a loop beginning in Cape Town before continuing through the coastal towns of the Garden Route and finishing in the Eastern Cape for a malaria-free safari. It delivers a mix of beaches, mountains, vineyards, and wildlife without covering unmanageable distances. For those returning to South Africa or seeking something quieter, the Western Coast, Route 62, or the Klein Karoo can be a dream, offering big skies, wide-open roads, and charming small towns filled with character.
Driving conditions are generally excellent during daylight hours. Roads are paved and well kept, but distances can be longer than visitors from the UK or Ireland might expect. Most travellers prefer to cover inter-regional journeys in the morning or around lunchtime, when visibility is good and the scenery is at its best. It is also worth building in regular comfort stops for tea, viewpoints, or simply to stretch. Fuel stations are frequent on main routes and usually have attendants who assist with filling your tank and checking tyres.
To make the most of your trip, I choose properties with secure parking, easy access, and relaxed surroundings. Guesthouses and boutique hotels often provide superb hospitality and simple logistics once you arrive. Some standout stays include quiet Winelands estates in Paarl and Franschhoek, seaside guesthouses in Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, and the beautiful Tsala Treetop Lodge, where luxurious suites sit high in the forest canopy for a peaceful retreat just outside the busier Garden Route hubs.
Hidden gems in South Africa often lie just off the usual trail. Small Winelands towns such as Tulbagh or Wellington offer excellent food and wine with far fewer crowds than Stellenbosch. The coastal reserve of De Hoop is a favourite for nature lovers, home to dunes, fynbos, and whale sightings in season. Inland, the Karoo provides a sense of timeless tranquillity, ideal for those who enjoy wide landscapes, stargazing, and slow travel. Even within the Garden Route, quieter corners such as Storms River Village or the Crags allow you to settle in and enjoy the scenery at a gentler pace.
One of the biggest advantages of a self-drive holiday is that it can be completely shaped around your personal interests. Some travellers want to focus on food and wine, others on scenery, and others on wildlife. For example, whale watching is one of the country’s most remarkable experiences, but there are certain times of year when sightings are far more reliable. Similarly, game viewing conditions can vary depending on the season, rainfall, and vegetation. When planned properly, your route and timing can be set to maximise the experiences you value most, whether that is coastlines, wildlife, or cultural highlights.
Many travellers over 50 also ask whether a safari can be included as part of a self-drive itinerary. The answer is a definite yes. In the Eastern Cape or the Western Cape, private reserves offer luxury lodges that are malaria free and easy to reach by road. You simply park your car at the lodge and switch straight into full safari mode. For those wanting to visit Kruger National Park, it is often better to combine a domestic flight with a transfer to your lodge rather than driving longer distances.
A self-drive trip in South Africa works best when every day is planned with purpose. Distances, timings, weather patterns, seasonal wildlife considerations, restaurant reservations, and even which direction to drive certain coastal stretches can make a real difference to the journey. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your pace, mobility, interests, and confidence behind the wheel all shape what the perfect itinerary should look like.
If you are dreaming of a South African adventure but want reassurance, expert guidance, and a plan shaped around your comfort levels, a personalised consultation can help you decide what route suits you best. Whether you picture vineyard lunches, coastal drives, quiet wildlife reserves, or a mix of all three, the right planning will turn your trip into something truly special.
Get in touch for a personal consultation and let’s start planning a trip that offers freedom, confidence, and unforgettable experiences from the moment you land.