Travelling with kids & adhering to set schedules can be challenging for some, so if you are an independent family who loves to explore at your own pace – why not rent a car & self-drive through South Africa or Nambia?
Both these countries have fantastic infrastructure & spectacular scenery to enjoy along the way – the ideal combination for an exciting road trip adventure!
South Africa stands out above the rest when it comes to family-friendly lodges & activities – so of, course we’ll recommend that you make this beautiful country your first pit stop.
Curious about which destinations to include in a self-drive holiday? Hop on board as we steer you in the right direction.
1. Cape Town – South Africa
Nestled between the Indian & Atlantic Oceans with iconic Table Mountain as backdrop, lies one of the world’s most vibrant & breathtaking cities. Cape Town is a multi-faceted destination that deserves to be explored by everyone – from romantics & honeymooners who will love the luxurious accommodation & idyllic views to adventure lovers & families looking for an action-packed holiday.
2. Wine Route – South Africa
Nestled between sun-kissed vineyards & majestic mountains, the picturesque valleys of the Wine Route (also referred to as the Cape Winelands) are renowned for its exquisite wines, grand old estates, pretty towns & award-winning restaurants. Within only a 60-minute drive from vibrant Cape Town, you reach one of the most breathtaking regions in South Africa where Alpine-style views, art galleries & quaint side-walk cafes are seen from almost every street.
3. Whale Route – South Africa
The scenic Whale Route is the Overberg region’s Indian Ocean coastline - & also considered one of the most breathtaking drives in the country. The Whale Route’s claim to fame is that it offers the best land-based whale watching in the world! Each year between July & November, Southern Right whales & Humpback whales migrate here to calve & mate, so visitors can marvel at these gentle giants from one of the walking paths overlooking the ocean or from the comfort of a boat.
4. Garden Route – South Africa
South Africa’s world-renowned Garden Route is a sunny stretch of coastline that lies just a few hours’ drive from the vibrant city of Cape Town, featuring a wonderful blend of beautiful beaches, lush forests, tranquil lagoons & bustling seaside towns. The malaria-free Garden Route is a big drawcard to independent families who prefer to do self-drive holidays & explore at their own pace as well as nature lovers & outdoor enthusiasts who are eager to tick off a list of exciting activities.
5. Panorama Route – South Africa
The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s hidden gems & a destination that you should not travel to without a camera! Just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Kruger Park, this breathtaking region consists of dramatic landscapes as far as the eye can see. Unspoilt mountains, majestic waterfalls & interesting canyons are just some of the natural wonders you will encounter on a Panorama Route holiday. The road conditions are easy & safe, so independent-minded self-drive guests will love exploring the Panorama Route at their own pace.
6. Eastern Cape – South Africa
Just around the corner from the popular beaches & seaside towns of the Garden Route lies South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, a place of abundant wildlife, friendly service & plenty of fun-filled activities. A focal point of the Eastern Cape is its game reserves, most of which is home to the famous Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino. Moreover, this malaria-free region is a wonderful option for families who are looking for child-friendly activities that can keep the little ones active.
7. KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is all about diversity. Set along the coast in the southeast of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal (or KZN) offers an amazing blend of experiences, including game reserves, mountains, battlegrounds & oceans. Two areas in KwaZulu-Natal have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park & the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park – both popular stops to the discerning traveller in search of scenic experiences. The region boasts warm, sunny weather throughout the year & road conditions make it easy to explore the KZN via self-drive.
8. Madikwe Game Reserve – South Africa
The 75,000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest Big 5 reserves. Lying on the edge of the Kalahari & close to the Botswana border, Madikwe is home to the coveted Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino – as well as an abundance of other wildlife. The reserve is malaria-free & is, therefore, the perfect choice for families with young children. Guests can choose from a wide selection of family-friendly safari lodges that offer exciting children’s activities, meals & even babysitting services.
9. Pilanesberg Game Reserve – South Africa
Only a stone’s throw from the famous Sun City resort & a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, the easily accessible Pilanesberg National Park offers its guests an abundance of wildlife & a wide selection of activities for the whole family. Located in a malaria-free region, Pilanesberg National Park is the top choice for families, particularly knowing that the adventure-packed Sun City is right next door!
10. Welgevonden Game Reserve – South Africa
Welgevonden Game Reserve is a 36,000-hectare private game reserve in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The reserve is one of the most accessible premier malaria-free wilderness reserves in the country. After a pleasant 2,5-hour drive from Johannesburg, guests will arrive in Big 5 territory.
11. Kruger Private Reserves – South Africa
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most acclaimed safari destination & consistently ranks among the best of Africa’s parks & reserves. Roughly the size of Israel or Wales – just under 20,000 square km - the Kruger National Park spans 2 of South Africa’s provinces & is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the coveted Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino.
12. Sossusvlei – Namibia
Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s top safari destinations. Set at the heart of the Namib Naukluft National Park, the clean-lined, curving slopes rise to a remarkable 300m & are – without a doubt – one of the most astonishing sights in the world. Since Sossusvlei can be reached by road, it is the ideal destination to include in a self-drive holiday through Namibia & most definitely, one for the bucket list!
13. Damaraland – Namibia
Situated amongst rugged mountains, between the Skeleton Coast, the Etosha National Park & the even wilder & more remote Kaokoveld, lies the largely uninhabited Damaraland. Damaraland is tucked away under a canopy of stars & offers endless views over the dramatic, harsh landscape that consists of acacia woodland & rolling grasslands.
14. Etosha National Park – Namibia
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. This 23,000square km reserve is one of the easiest, safest & most rewarding big game reserves in Southern Africa. Safari enthusiasts have called this reserve a ‘photographer’s dream.’ - & rightly so. Etosha is famous for its many game-packed waterholes that attract an endless amount of wildlife. The reserve can easily be reached by self-drive, so travellers can explore Namibia at their own pace & end their trip with a safari to Namibia’s premier wildlife destination.






























