There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with a road trip: the ability to travel at your own pace, stop for impromptu photo ops, chat to locals and veer off the beaten path whenever you want. For families, a self-drive holiday through Southern Africa offers a unique opportunity to explore the continent’s beautiful landscapes and really feel the beating heart of the country you are in. With mainly well-maintained roads and incredible lodges to stay in along the way (or campsites if your family are happy campers!), a self driving adventure is easier than most people think.

Top Countries for a Self-Drive Family Holiday

1. SOUTH AFRICA

With its excellent infrastructure, well-paved roads, and diverse scenery, South Africa is often voted one of the best countries in the world for a road trip. Depending on the time of year and your families interests, we can put the perfect itinerary together for you.

Our favourite routes:

The Garden Route – Western Cape (1-2 weeks)

A picturesque drive along South Africa’s southern coast, packed with beautiful places to stay, family activities, wildlife, and stunning beaches. Starting in Cape town and ending in Port Elizabeth or return to Cape Town via Route 62, a beautiful inland route with wildlife sanctuaries and wine farms surrounded by mountains.

Best time of year: November – April

KwaZulu Natal – Beach, Bush and Mountains (2 weeks)

Starting in Durban, driving up to one of the Big 5 reserves of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi or Phinda, where you can enjoy game drives and conservation experiences, then you can explore Isimagaliso Wetland park and the pristine beaches near Mozambique. Return to Durban via some time in the beautiful Drakensburg mountains.

Best time of year: May – August

Kruger and Panorama Route (1- 2 weeks)

The Panorama route is one of the most scenic drives in South Africa. You wind past dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and the iconic Blyde River Canyon, perfect for family hikes, boat trips and picnic stops. At the end of the Panorama route you can enter the Kruger National Park for a self drive safari, where you can either head into the wild, beautiful, north Kruger, or head south, with a higher density of animals but more tourists!

Best time of year: June – October

2. NAMIBIA

Namibia’s wide, open spaces and stunningly diverse landscapes make it one of the best self-drive destinations in Southern Africa. For families who love adventure and don’t mind a bit of off-roading, Namibia is a dream. Driving through the desert is an unforgettable experience, with towering dunes on either side and the vast blue sky stretching overhead. Just be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water, and fuel.

Our Favourite Route:

Namibia Highlights (2 weeks)

Begin your journey in Windhoek, and head north to Etosha National Park, which is the perfect park for self drive safaris. Kids will be thrilled to spot lions lounging by waterholes and giraffes wandering across the plains. Then head south West into Damaraland, where there are beautiful lodges surrounded by boulders – if feels like you are part of the flintstones set! Continue South to Swakopmund for some sea and Desert activities, then finish off with some time in the incredible Namib Naukluft Desert and visit the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei.

Best time of year: June- October

The Namib-Naukluft National Park

3. BOSTWANA

Botswana’s self-drive opportunities cater to families who are up for a challenge and keen to experience true wilderness. While the country is known for its high-end safari camps, self-driving through Chobe National Park or the Makgadikgadi Pans can be a thrilling family experience. You’ll need 4×4 driving experience should you wish to take the route through the Chobe and Moremi (the Okovango Delta) as some routes require navigating sandy tracks, but the reward is unparalleled: incredible wildlife sightings and the feeling of being truly immersed in nature.

Our Favourite Route:

Loop from Maun – Safari and Pans (2 weeks)

Starting your journey in Maun (can fly directly from Johannesburg to Maun) the gateway to Botswana’s safari paradise, you drive north through the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, into the Chobe Game Reserve where you’ll witness so much game. We recomend staying in Lodges through these parks rather than camping with kids as the campsites aren’t fenced. From Kasane in the North you can take a day trip to Vic Falls, or stay there a few days to enjoy some river rafting or other activities. On your way back Maun you visit the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats. You’ll experience the magic of sleeping under the stars, quad biking across the pans, and visiting the meerkat colonies for a truly unique safari adventure.

Best time of year: April – October

The Moremi Game Reserve Botswana