Self Drive Tours & Trips in Africa
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10 best Self Drive Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar
- MOROCCO – Casablanca to Chefchaouen
- 10-Day Dubai and Egypt tour
- Let's Explore Ghana
- 10 Days Beauty of Namibia | Auto Tour Lodge
- Cape Town, Kruger and Garden Route, Self-Drive
- 12 Days Namibia in Plus | Auto Tour Lodge
- Namibia the Finest Way, Self-Drive
- Garden Route & Safari Self Drive - 10 days
- Best of Tanzania - 5 days Lodge Safari
- EGYPT Group Travel Pyramids Nile Cruise
The route winds through Africa's diverse terrains, from Casablanca's coast through Atlas Mountains to Sahara dunes at Erg Chebbi. Visitors can wander Chefchaouen's blue streets and Marrakech's historic medina at their own pace, with comfortable transportation provided.
Duration 9 days Destinations Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$2,790
10-Day Dubai and Egypt tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were provided with 5 star hotel. What an amazing architecture of the buildings.”
Rosario, traveled in May
The Egyptian adventure unfolds at your own rhythm. Self-guided visits to Valley of Kings and Karnak Temple await. Steigenberger El Tahrir serves as an elegant base for wandering through bazaars and ancient sites.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dubai, Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operator Vacations to go travel From $3,300
30% Off- US$2,310You save $990
Let's Explore Ghana
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had the most awesome experience booking through Pro Tour Africa. I feel like not only was she my tour guide but I also made a new friend.”
Darryl, traveled in March
The road leads from Accra to the Volta Region, featuring Mount Afadjato and Kakum National Park's canopy walkway. Scenic routes connect Cape Coast's historic castles to Akosombo's Lake Volta, with 3-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 10 days Destinations Accra, Cape Coast, Ho, Akosombo Age Range 3 to 89 year olds Operator Pro Tour Africa From
30% Off- US$2,800
A 4x4 vehicle provides access to Africa's wilderness, from Etosha's wildlife to Sossusvlei's dunes. The package includes detailed routing, emergency support, and carefully selected lodge accommodations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Windhoek, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Tsumeb, Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, SwakopmundSee all destinations Age Range 7 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Motema Tours and Safaris From
30% Off- US$2,525
South Africa unfolds before you, from Blyde River Canyon to Chapman's Peak Drive. A Toyota Corolla Quest with unlimited mileage enables discovery of hidden gems along the Garden Route.
Duration 12 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hazyview, Pretoria, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Montagu, Stellenbosch, Cape Town Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator ATC Group From $5,366
15% Off- US$4,562You save $805
The 4x4 adventure spans Africa's dramatic landscapes, from Etosha's wildlife paradise to Sossusvlei's towering dunes. Visitors can freely explore Twyfelfontein's ancient rock art, track desert elephants, and capture Fish River Canyon's beauty. Carefully selected lodges provide comfort throughout.
Duration 12 days Destinations Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei, Aus, Fish River Canyon National ParkSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian Operator Motema Tours and Safaris From
15% Off- US$3,028
A fully-equipped Toyota 4x4 Double Cab carries you from Windhoek through the Kalahari Desert to Sossusvlei's massive dunes. Premium lodges like Hansa Hotel and Desert Hills Lodge offer comfortable rest stops.
Duration 10 days Destinations Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator ATC Group From $3,058
15% Off- US$2,600You save $458
South Africa's beauty unfolds from Cape Town's Table Mountain to Port Elizabeth's coastline. Route 62 winds through wine country, past Knysna's estuary, and reaches Tsitsikamma National Park's suspension bridge.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port Elizabeth Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$2,255
Duration 5 days Destinations Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Age Range 5 to 90 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator theKili-Guides From $2,380
30% Off- US$1,666You save $714
Egypt's historical treasures await your personal exploration. Following guided tours of the Pyramids and Nile temples, Hurghada offers optional Red Sea diving and water sports.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Hurghada Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
30% Off- US$2,590
What people love about Self Drive Tours in Africa
- 10-Day Dubai and Egypt tour
If you have been thinking about going to Egypt & Dubai do not wait because of what you hear from the media. Our group spent 2 weeks traveling throughout Egypt and felt totally safe, even walking around at night in Cairo and Dubai. People were very friendly and quite surprised by the lack of tourists. Many incredible historic sites were almost deserted.
- Let's Explore Ghana
I really loved this tour. We visited so many interesting places and I had the opportunity to bond with locals we met.
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Africa
What are the most popular Self Drive routes in Africa?
Two routes stand out for self-drive adventures in Africa. The Namibian circuit leads travelers from Windhoek through the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the coastal town of Swakopmund and the red dunes of Sossusvlei in a 9-12 day journey. Along South Africa's coast the Garden Route connects Cape Town to Port Elizabeth with stops in the whale-watching town of Hermanus and the lagoon-side Knysna before reaching Addo Elephant Park. A typical day's drive covers reasonable distances such as the 450km stretch from Windhoek to Etosha with comfortable stops at places like Damara Mopane Lodge or Elegant Desert Lodge.
When is the best time to go on a Self Drive tour in Africa?
Each region in Africa offers distinct prime seasons for self-drive tours. Namibia's dry winter season from May to October provides clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing conditions at Etosha National Park. The Garden Route in South Africa welcomes visitors year-round though September through November brings mild weather and peak whale watching near Hermanus. Properties like Toshari Lodge near Etosha and Hollow on the Square in Cape Town welcome guests throughout the year with consistent service standards.
What type of vehicle is recommended for an African Self Drive tour?
The varied terrain of Africa calls for robust 4x4 vehicles with the Toyota 4x4 Double Cab being a popular choice. These vehicles come equipped with high clearance essential for navigating areas like Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Rental packages through companies like Avis or Europcar include GPS navigation unlimited mileage and emergency support. Vehicles are available at major entry points such as Windhoek International and Cape Town International airports with comprehensive insurance coverage for peace of mind.
How are accommodations arranged on African Self Drive tours?
Lodging on self-drive tours spans a network of pre-selected 3-5 star properties strategically placed along driving routes. Places like the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge in Namibia offer rooms overlooking vast plateaus while the Knysna Hollow Country Estate provides a luxurious stop along the Garden Route. Most properties include breakfast in their rates while select locations such as Kariega Main Lodge offer full board packages with added activities like game drives.
What driving requirements are needed for a Self Drive tour in Africa?
Drivers must be at least 18 years old (21+ for some operators) and hold a valid international driver's license in English for at least one year before the trip. Tour operators such as DERTOUR require a credit card for the vehicle deposit and provide standard insurance coverage. Additional coverage options are available particularly for remote sections through the Namib Desert or along the Garden Route.
What happens if there's a vehicle breakdown during an African Self Drive tour?
Support networks run 24 hours a day with replacement vehicles available when needed. Local service providers partner with tour operators like ATC Group to maintain coverage throughout the routes. Major cities such as Windhoek Swakopmund and Cape Town offer full mechanical services while remote locations like Sossusvlei maintain basic repair facilities to handle common issues like flat tires or minor mechanical problems.
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