Self-Drive

Self-drive holidays in Africa

Cruising down less-travelled roads, setting your own pace, and changing your journey to match your mood – this is the sheer joy of not being on a schedule. A self-drive holiday in Africa is the perfect way to discover the continent at your own rhythm. You can stop to photograph sweeping landscapes, detour through charming villages, or enjoy a leisurely lunch in a small roadside restaurant, taking time to absorb the beauty of your surroundings.

Self-drive holidays provide an almost unrivalled opportunity to experience Africa’s vast diversity — from savannahs and mountain passes to deserts and coastlines — all from behind the wheel.

Fly-drive South Africa and Namibia self-drive holidays

A fly-drive South Africa itinerary allows you to explore one of the world’s most scenic countries with complete independence. After landing, collect your hire car and embark on a flexible South Africa fly-drive route, travelling from Cape Town along the spectacular Garden Route, or inland towards the winelands, the Drakensberg, or the Eastern Cape’s game reserves.

For those seeking wide horizons and untamed landscapes, Namibia self-drive holidays offer a true sense of adventure. Roads wind through surreal desert scenery, past dunes in Sossusvlei and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Namibia’s excellent road network, friendly lodges, and low traffic make it one of the easiest and safest destinations in Africa for a self-drive experience.

Each region offers its own rhythm — South Africa with its mix of coastal towns and national parks, Namibia with its silence and space — both ideal for travellers who want to move freely and explore at their own pace.

Accommodation for self-drive holidays in Africa

With a wide choice of accommodation across Southern and Eastern Africa, we ensure every self-drive itinerary is as comfortable as it is adventurous. You’ll stay in luxury camps, lodges, or boutique hotels with high-quality facilities, exceptional service, and views that reflect the landscapes you’ve travelled through.

From vineyard lodges on South Africa’s Garden Route to remote desert retreats in Namibia, we can match your travel style precisely. Whether you prefer self-catering lodges, family-friendly hotels, or romantic retreats, Africa Travel uses decades of experience and trusted partnerships to secure your perfect base.

Why book self-drive holidays with Africa Travel

With over 30 years’ experience in designing dream Africa holidays, there’s no better partner for planning your self-drive or fly-drive adventure. Our specialists combine first-hand local knowledge with personalised service to create bespoke itineraries that balance comfort, safety, and discovery.

We arrange your vehicle hire in advance — whether you prefer a 4x4 for Namibia’s gravel roads or a compact car for South Africa’s highways — ready for collection at the airport or hotel. Our detailed route guidance and expert tips make your African road trip effortless, ensuring you spend less time planning and more time exploring.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email 

info@africatravel.co.uk