Self-drive family holidays in South Africa

Finding the right transportation options for each trip is essential, whether that means using public transport or arranging private transfers. In South Africa, many families opt for the flexibility of a rental car, which allows them to enjoy their stays at their own pace and discover more off-the-beaten-path locations, perfect for spotting wildlife! We definitely recommend self-driving if you like turning the journey into part of the fun.

Driving here is easier than you might think as you’re on the same side of the road as in the UK, and all the road signs are in English, making it simple to get around.

Aside from just helping you get to your destination, a sat nav is your go-to buddy for finding those out-of-the-way restaurants, petrol stations, and even giving you a heads-up about any “dangerous bridge ahead” signs. Just load it up with all your hotel names before you start your adventure, and you’re ready to go!

Driving in South Africa is not as daunting as you may think. It is on the same side of the road as the UK, and all the road signs are in English, which certainly helps! The speed limits are clearly marked and typically 60km/h in towns, 100km/h on secondary roads and 120km/h on highways. Most road signs follow international standards with the addition of animal warnings along the way. Petrol stations are common in built-up and rural areas but can be harder to come by in remote regions so plan your refuelling as needed. In South Africa, you won’t have to fill the car yourself as the attendants will do this for you, along with cleaning your windscreen and they might even check your oil or tyres. A small tip of 5-10 ZAR is customary.

Main roads and highways in South Africa are generally very well-maintained but it is always best to be cautious of potholes and uneven surfaces in more rural or less-travelled areas. We do not recommend driving at night, especially in more rural areas, due to poor lighting, animals on the road or other hazards such as pedestrians crossing. Keeping any bags and valuables out of sight is advisable to prevent thefts, especially in urban areas or when stopped at traffic lights, which is standard practice in many countries.

Self-driving is very common for travellers in South Africa, so routes to popular attractions are well-signposted and easy to navigate, with thousands of tourists safely driving across the country every year. Using some common sense precautions and staying aware of your surroundings will allow you to have a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in this wonderful country!

• 3 litre – automatic or manual
• Air-conditioning
• Room for 2x large and 2x small pieces of luggage
• Maximum 5 people
• Wifi and satnav included

Parking – We’ve rarely had any problems parking in South Africa – you can almost always leave the car outside your accommodation. This will usually be free and parking on the streets is usually fairly easy as well.

Allow time – Leave an hour earlier than you need to. South Africa is a beautiful country and as you drive through it, you’ll see many opportunities to stop and admire the scenery. By giving yourself a bit of extra time you’ll be able to appreciate these moments rather than speeding on towards your next destination. It also gives some space for any pee breaks in between.