10 Day South Africa Self-Drive Tour

This 10-day self-drive tour through South Africa is a spectacle for the senses and is perfect for travellers who wish to experience the true diversity of the country’s landscape at their own leisurely pace. This tour sees you sipping on outstanding wines in Cape Town, going shark cage diving in Gansbaai, floating amongst the clouds in a hot air balloon over the bushveld, and peacefully listening to the birds and animals of the bush in the famous Kruger National Park.

10 Day South Africa Self-Drive Tour

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

  • Day 02

    Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

  • Day 03

    Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

  • Day 04

    Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai

  • Day 05

    Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai

  • Day 06

    Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit

  • Day 07

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

  • Day 08

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

  • Day 09

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

  • Day 10

    Kruger Park to Johannesburg

Day 01

Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will collect your rented car (Group C - Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning and a GPS Unit) from the Avis desk, and make your way to the luxurious Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront.
Known for its outstanding service and timeless beauty, this centrally located hotel will be a memorable introduction to your tour across South Africa and your time in the “Mother City”. You will be spending the first three (3) nights of the tour at this relaxing retreat nestled amongst the city buzz, on a bed and breakfast basis.

V&A Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Easy walking to shops & restaurants from the V&A Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Day 02

Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

Today, time belongs to you as you get to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town, perched between mountains and oceans thriving with cultures, cuisines and friendly faces. Experience the city’s charm from one of many viewpoints including a cable car up the renowned Table Mountain, a drive along Chapmans Peak or a sunrise hike- up Lions Head. You can also make your way around the rugged Cape Peninsula which marks the southernmost point of the African continent.
Here white, sandy beaches meet rocky outcrops and quaint coastal towns. If you are brave enough to brace the cold, head for a swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simons Town, or treat yourself to a delicious fish and chips in the seaside neighbourhood of Hout Bay.

Cape Point from the ocean

Day 03

Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town

Today is all about discovering the idyllic Cape Winelands. A 45-minute drive from Cape Town places you at the base of the Boland Mountains where beautiful long-standing Cape Dutch wineries are dotted. Sip your way around this region with some world-class wine tasting or stroll through some of Franschhoek’s charming galleries and museums.
You may also enjoy the network of hiking and biking trails in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch or horseback riding through the vineyards of Paarl. Moreover, the Cape Winelands are home to some of the country’s finest restaurants, allowing you to truly indulge before heading back to the city.

The Franschhoek Valley, Cape Winelands, South Africa

Day 04

Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai

After an early breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will travel along the Garden Route towards the fishing village of Gansbaai, known as ‘The Great White Shark Capital of the World’. En route to Gansbaai, stop off for lunch in the attractive town of Hermanus- a destination situated at the heart of the Cape Whale Route, where whale watching is at its best from July –November. During these months, you can often catch the majestic Southern Right Whales frolicking offshore with their calves.
In Gansbaai, you will spend the next two (2) nights at the highly rated Saxon Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis, offering up spectacular views of the Gansbaai harbour and Walker Bay.

Room Interior, Saxon Lodge
Saxon Lodge, Gaansbaai, outside Cape Town
Southern Right Whales visit Gaansbaai around July - October

Day 05

Saxon Lodge, Gansbaai

This morning, after breakfast you get to head offshore and enjoy a unique White Shark Cage Diving Experience with Marine Dynamics. With the presence of a Marine Biologist on board, you will not only witness these amazing apex predators up close but also have the opportunity to learn about the vital role they play within an aquatic ecosystem. This nail-biting full-day activity can be professionally recorded and purchased via a link after the completion of the trip.

White shark, Gaansbaai, South Africa

Day 06

Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, Hoedspruit

After an early morning breakfast in Gansbaai, you will head back to Cape Town International Airport and return your rented vehicle before boarding your flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you collect your rented vehicle and GPS from the Avis desk and begin your journey north along the scenic Panorama Route towards Graskop. This route comprises of multiple attractions and scenic viewpoints that are worth visiting, including the Mac-Mac Falls, Gods Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Hereafter, you travel to the Rietspruit Game Reserve situated near the small town of Hoedspruit in the Lowveld, where you spend (1) night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at the magnificent Khaya Ndlovu Manor House.

Aerial view of Khaya Ndlovu, near Kruger Park
View from the pool at Khaya Ndlovu

Day 07

Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Make sure you have your cameras ready this morning as you head out at the break of dawn to a hot air balloon launch site. Here you get to embark on a beautiful hot air balloon sunrise safari over the Lowveld region with views of the opulent Blyde River Canyon in the distance.

Once you have soaked up the sights and sounds of the awakening bush below, you arrive back on land to indulge in a delicious breakfast and reflect on your time floating amongst the treetops. After breakfast, it is time to head to the Kruger National Park where you will be spending your final three (3) nights at the environmentally conscious Rhino Post Safari lodge, on a half-board basis, including dinner, bed, breakfast and activities.

Hot Air Ballooning at sunrise
In flight over the Greater Kruger

Day 08

Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Today is spent on safari in one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries- the Kruger National Park. Situated in the north of the country, this vast expanse of land is home to over 130 mammal species, including elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and the African wild dog, as well as over 500 bird species, some being the rare Lappet-faced Vulture, Pels Fishing Owl and the Southern Ground-Hornbill.
With over one million hectares to explore, a safari through the Kruger’s changing landscape is bound to be an exciting one filled with an array of flora and fauna.

Room Interior at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger Park, South Africa
Elephants and other wildlife sometimes pass the deck at Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Day 09

Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

You have yet another day to enjoy a safari through the Kruger National Park. Make sure you have your binoculars and checklist ready to make the most of your game-viewing spectacle before heading back to the friendly atmosphere of the Rhino Safari Lodge for your final evening.

Game Drive at Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Cheetah, Kruger Park, South Africa

Day 10

Kruger Park to Johannesburg

Today marks the end of your 10 self-drive tours across South Africa. Your journey will end with a drive back to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport where you will return your rented vehicle and GPS before boarding your late afternoon/evening outbound flight back home.

Tour Cost

2025
Jan - Mar 2025
R57,200 per person sharing

Apr 2025
R56,370 per person sharing

May - Aug 2025
R56,335 per person sharing

Sep - 17 Dec 2025
R62,155 per person sharing

Tour Includes

05 Night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
01 Night’s accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
03 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis:  Rhino Post Safari Lodge only:  Brunch, high tea, dinner, teas/coffees, twice daily game viewing activities and the services of professional ranger and camp staff.

01 Hot Air Ballooning Experience as per itinerary in the Hoedspruit region
01 White Shark Cage Diving Experience as per itinerary in the Gansbaai area

Flight: Cape Town - Johannesburg one way excl. taxes

10 Days use of a Group C Vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning), including:
Car Rental Includes:
10 days use of a Group C Vehicle (Toyota Corolla or similar with manual gears and air-conditioning), including:
Premium Collision Damage Waiver (zero liability)
Premium Theft Loss Waiver (zero liability)
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Unlimited Mileage
Third-Party and General Public Liability Insurance
Windscreen/Tyre Damage Waiver
Location Surcharge/Tourism Levy
1 X GPS Rental
Claim Admin Fee - in the event of an accident or theft
Value Added Tax 15%
Young Driver Surcharge

Tour Excludes

Visas if required
Flights not specified
Airport taxes
Meals not specified
Bar accounts / beverages & premium imports
Laundry
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees
Personal items and gratuities
Kruger National Park Entry Fees

Car Hire Excludes:
Optional Equipment: Baby Seat, Bicycle Rack etc.
One-way drop-off fees
Delivery/ Collection fees
Traffic Fine Administration Fee
Sandblasting/Water and Undercarriage/Rim and hubcap damage
Fuel
E-tolls / Toll fees
Additional Driver

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Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell
01 May 2025
We asked for a holiday of a lifetime for my wife's birthday ... and Lize Enderstein and ATG certainly delivered!!! We could not have experienced such a magnificent trip without all Lize's organisation and planning. It was an absolute dream! So much so, we're looking to visit again and will certainly be using Lize for our next adventure. Nothing was too much trouble and all the planning made everything work so very smoothly. We felt like royalty throughout our trip with all sorts of birthday surprises already booked at every location. Incredible!!! We are so very grateful for everything Lize arranged and can't thank her enough and would heartily recommend Lize and ATG. Jim and Melanie xxx
Teresa Harrison
Teresa Harrison
29 January 2025
I have been using African Travel Gateway for about 30 years and not once have they let me down. My travels have been varied, visiting different countries and cultures in Africa, but with their help, it is always a magic carpet ride. Lize has been my contact for many years, and the intineries devised have been spectacular. She really understands our requirements and goes the extra mile to ensure all is OK. This time, we visited South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything was amazing. Our highlights, however, were La Fontaine in Franshoek and Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We HIGHLY recommend African Travel Gateway
Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
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