South Africa 20-day motorhome self-drive trip

Cape Town

Tag 1: Arrival in South Africa

You'll be welcomed at the airport, where you'll pick up your rental vehicle, complete the paperwork and drive off to your hotel in Cape Town.

Relax and unwind from your journey at a boutique hotel near the centre of town. Take a stroll around the local area and soak up the atmosphere of Cape Town before a good night's sleep. 

Swellendam - Bontebok National Park

Tag 2: Road trip to the Western Cape

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to hit the road for the first leg of your South Africa road trip.

Today’s destination is Swellendam in the Western Cape, one of the oldest towns in the country and approximately 220 km from Cape Town. Stop off to pick up some supplies before heading to your camp. You have three nights at the Lang Elsie's Kraal Rest Camp in the lovely Bontebok National Park. These will be your first nights of camping with a power hook-up and just a few other neighbours. The site has spaces for 10 vehicles within the pristine scenery of the park, with views of the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountains: a perfect rest stop for visitors.

Bontebok National Park

Tag 3: Spend time in nature

Wake up to the sound of birdsong in this tranquil natural setting. Today you have the opportunity to try some of the activities offered at Bontebok National Park. There’s a varied and easy 4 km walk following a clear path through the funbos and the aloes with lovely views. Bird enthusiasts should look out for some of the 200 or so species of birds that frequent the park. Your camp also makes a great base from which to explore the towns of Swellendam and Buffeljags, along with the famous Route 62 and all its attractions. Don't forget: the park offers several good braai spots to grill your meat or sausages for lunch or dinner.

Bontebok National Park

Tag 4: Relaxing around Swellendam

This morning, you have various choices on how to fill your day, depending on how you spent yesterday. Perhaps mix it up with an angling excursion on the Breede River. If you decide to visit Swellendam today, check out the interesting Drostdy Museum, introducing the history of the town. Stop for lunch in one of a variety of cafes and restaurants, then spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the centre and visiting local pottery studios and independent shops.

Later, head back to the camp for another evening of tranquility.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tag 5: The glorious Garden Route

After breakfast, start the leisurely drive to your next destination, the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp on the southern coast.

The camp is within the Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the wider Garden Route National Park on South Africa’s southern coast. It encompasses a marine reserve and deep forest-clad gorges. There’s so much to enjoy in the area, with wonderful walking trails and adventure activities to choose from.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tag 6: Coastal trails & activities

Wake early this morning and breathe in the fresh sea air. Enjoy a full day in the Tsitsikamma National Park, soaking up the natural beauty and amazing scenery. You might like to take a self-guided hike or join a guided excursion to learn more about the history and ecology of the area. Your group might try mountain biking, kayaking, snorkelling or abseiling and climbing. Stop by the camp reception desk for information and help for planning and booking your activities.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tag 7: Fresh air on the southern shores

After a good sleep at the camp, you might like to take a morning hike along the Waterfall Trail, the first section of the world-renowned Otter Trail. This is one of the more adventurous hikes but there are plenty of more leisurely trails.

Spend the day as you choose, revelling in the great outdoors of South Africa’s stunning southern shores.

Addo Elephant National Park

Tag 8: See the elephants

Set off this morning for your drive to the Addo Elephant National Park. This diverse wildlife conservation park is close to Port Elizabeth and ranks third in size after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This afternoon, you might like to book a game drive or simply take a leisurely drive in your motorhome through the national park.

You’ll be spending the next three nights at the Addo Main Rest Camp, which has great facilities, including a pool and restaurant and several wildlife viewing areas.

Addo Elephant National Park

Tag 9: Animal safari

Today, you could choose to explore the beautiful Addo Elephant National Park on an optional safari game drive to see elephants, lions, Black Rhino and more. A guided full-day Safari gives you the benefit of experienced guides who’ll help you spot more wildlife and share their local knowledge. Ask them about animal identification, local history, vegetation and culture: they’ll be more than happy to fill you in.

Whatever you opt for today, there will be plenty to fill the day, whether it's relaxation or adventure. 

Addo Elephant National Park

Tag 10: Last day with the elephants

Enjoy your last day in the Addo Elephant National Park, perhaps setting off on a self-drive safari along well-marked tracks.

Alternatively, you could try horse riding, a 4x4 excursion or hiking. In the evening, stoke up for a traditional braai, a typical South African barbecue, then sit around the fire as night falls in the park. Night-time wildlife watching at the illuminated watering hole is also a great option for your last night here.

Mount Zebra National Park

Tag 11: Seeing stripes in the Eastern Cape

Your next destination is the Mount Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape. This park was inaugurated in 1937 to provide a nature reserve for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra.

You'll be spending two nights in a local camp getting to know the park and its wildlife, which includes cheetah. This afternoon, you might like to book a sunset game drive and experience a guided excursion across the park for an evening of animal spotting. Cheetah tracking is another option and there's a range of guided walks, too, if you feel like stretching your legs.

Mount Zebra National Park

Tag 12: Hiking Mount Zebra's trails

Today, take time to explore the park at your leisure, perhaps taking a safari in your vehicle on almost 70km of tourist roads.

There are also two short walking trails within the fenced camp that can be self-hiked. The Black Eagle Trail (2.5km) is the more challenging hike, with a climb to the top of a rocky outcrop for spectacular views over the park. Meanwhile, the Imbila Trail (1km) is an easy, flat trail if you're in the mood for something less strenuous.

Camdeboo National Park

Tag 13: Journey to the Karoo

After breakfast, your journey continues to the Camdeboo National Park in the Karoo. Formed millions of years ago, the Karoo of South Africa is one of the natural wonders of the world, with unique landscapes and ecosystems to explore.

You'll spend three nights here, at the Nwqeba Camp in the heart of the park, where you'll be able to enjoy a host of possible activities. Take it as easy – or as busy – as you like, relaxing in the great outdoors and encountering the local wildlife.

Camdeboo National Park

Tag 14: Wildlife & stargazing

After a leisurely breakfast cooked at the camp, spend the day wildlife watching in the park. Explore in your vehicle or book a game drive with a local guide/driver. You will be amazed at how much you learn about the Karoo animals, landscapes, culture and people. There are roughly 250 bird species that call the Camdeboo National Park home, so it’s a magnet for avid birders. Keep your eyes peeled for African Goshawks, Rock Kestrels and Verreaux's eagle. You’ll also get some stellar sightings at the hide close to the Nqweba Dam, such as Blue Cranes and Brown-hooded Kingfishers.

If the skies are clear tonight, the park is one of the best spots for stargazing in South Africa.

Camdeboo National Park

Tag 15: The stunning Valley of Desolation

Today, explore the amazing landscapes and rock formations of the Valley of Desolation on one of its varied hiking trails. If you want to explore off-road, you will need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle.

There are also several opportunities for water sports here and the Nqweba Dam provides cool relief during hot summer days. Boating, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing are all allowed on the dam (permit fees apply). For information on local ecosystems, the Camdeboo Environmental Education Centre is enlightening to visit.

Karoo National Park

Tag 16: Deeper into the Karoo

Today you'll be driving to the heart of the Karoo National Park for a three-night stay. There is a multitude of activities to enjoy here, including mountain biking, guided and self-guided walks, a selection of fun 4x4 trails, guided game drives and more.

You’ll park up at the Karoo National Park Rest Camp, which offers trails and activities, as well as picnic areas and several bird-hides.

Karoo National Park

Tag 17: Wildlife watching & road trips

The Karoo offers breathtaking landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. We recommend starting with a drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass, with its scenic lookout point at Rooivalle. There is also the opportunity to discover the town of Beaufort West, 12km from the camp. This is the largest town in the arid Great Karoo region and is known as the capital of the Karoo. Fine examples of the town’s early architecture can be seen on a walk through its historic centre. There's an interesting mix of styles, with flamboyant Victorian, elegant Georgian, Edwardian, Romanesque, Cape-Dutch, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Classic and contemporary buildings. Quite a cocktail and a must for anyone interested in architecture. 

Karoo National Park

Tag 18: Last day in the wilderness

You might like to spend today on a hike through the Karoo bush. Staff at the camp will be happy to offer information on which hikes are safe and where best to go. Alternatively, rent a 4x4 vehicle and test your off-road skills on various trails.

For an interesting walk, immerse yourself in a primaeval world on the Fossil Trail. This short trail showcases the geology and palaeontology of the great Karoo, displaying genuine fossils and petrified wood along a paved walkway (accessible to wheelchair users). Later, take advantage of the picnic facilities to stoke up for your last South African braai in the bush.

Stellenbosch

Tag 19: Journey to the Cape Winelands

This morning, hit the road to Stellenbosch, the last stop on your South Africa road trip. Stellenbosch is a university town surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Tonight you’ll stay at a welcoming guest house ideally located between the beautiful Stellenbosch mountains and the lush cape vineyards.

Cape Town International Airport

Tag 20: Homeward bound

After a delicious breakfast at your guest house, it's time to head for the airport. Get behind the wheel of your camper one last time and drop it off at a depot not far from Cape Town International Airport, then get ready for your flight home.