South Africa has one of Africa's best road networks and is one of the most rewarding self-drive destinations on the continent. The combination of world-class scenery, excellent infrastructure and incredible wildlife makes it perfect for a hire car holiday.
The Garden Route
The N2 highway from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is South Africa's most famous drive — and justifiably so. Key stops:
- Hermanus — the world's best land-based whale watching (July–November)
- Knysna — a beautiful lagoon town with excellent restaurants and the Knysna Heads sea cliffs
- Tsitsikamma National Park — ancient forests, dramatic coastline and the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge
- Addo Elephant National Park — accessible by car, 600+ elephants, lions, rhinos and more
Allow 5–7 days for the full Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
Cape Town and the Winelands
Cape Town is superb to explore by car:
- Chapman's Peak Drive — one of the world's great coastal roads
- Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope — the south-western tip of Africa
- Boulders Beach — penguin colony accessible by car
- Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — world-class wine country, 45 minutes from Cape Town
Safari drives
Many South African game reserves allow self-drive safaris. Kruger National Park — South Africa's largest and most famous — is entirely self-drive and one of the best safari experiences in Africa at a fraction of the cost of private reserves. You'll need a standard car — no 4WD required for the main Kruger roads.
Practical driving tips
- Drive on the left
- Fuel stations are plentiful on main routes but fill up in towns before rural drives
- Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities — livestock, pedestrians and potholes are hazards
- Car hijacking can occur in cities — keep windows up and doors locked in traffic; don't stop in isolated areas
- Most roads are good quality; some rural roads are dirt/gravel — check your hire car's cover
Compare car hire prices in South Africa — Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and more.