Before You Start: A Quick Insider Tip

Choosing a self-drive trip in the Cape doesn’t mean committing to it for your entire journey.

In fact, many of our clients mix things up. Some of the best South Africa itineraries combine:

• Starting with a guided tour or two in Cape Town as you acclimatize…
• A relaxed self-drive in the Cape Winelands or Garden Route
• With perhaps the occasional guided excursion when it adds depth
• Flights and road transfers to safari lodges

The South Africa Road Trip Quiz

– to Find Your Perfect Travel Style

In just a few minutes, you’ll get a clearer sense of:

• Whether a South Africa road trip suits you
• Or whether a mix of guided touring and transfers would work better

And if you’re somewhere in between (most people are), we’ll help you find that sweet spot.

1. How much do you value your independence?

How much do you like to be alone with your loved ones versus with other people?

a) I like to do things on my own terms , at my own pace. ( I want to spend most of my time with my travelling companions and chat with other people only when I want to.)

b) Generally I enjoy my independence, but I’m happy to mix in some guided elements if it eases the stress of travelling or gives me something extra.

c) I like the security of travelling with others. I also find it more sociable to be with other people.

d) I’d rather relax and let someone else take me around, not having to worry about directions and how long it will take to get to a place.

2. How flexible do you like to be?

You don’t have to like flexibility to enjoy a self-drive. It’s more a case than if you do like flexibility, then You don’t have to like flexibility to enjoy a self-drive. It’s more a case than if you DO like flexibility, then self-drive may be the best way to get around for you, (at least for part of your trip.)

a) No fixed plans – I decide each day as it comes.  I may want to lie in. Or if the weather’s good, I might want to go to the beach or lie by the pool. Spontaneity is essential.

b) A loose plan works best, with room to change. I like to have a rough plan in my mind, but I may change it on the day depending on weather & how I feel.

c) I like to some structure: with planned out daily excursions ahead of time. But it’s great to have a bit of flexibility built in, to stay longer over lunch or change out something.

d) I prefer a detailed, pre-planned itinerary. I like to know exactly when things are going to happen, what I am going to see and what time I am going to get to the hotel.

3. How do you like to learn about a destination?

This is a vital part of answering which mode of transport is for you. I’m an independent soul. I like to read tThis is a vital part of answering which mode of transport is for you. I’m an independent soul. I like to read, get touring advice online and I like to figure things out for myself. What are you like?

a) I enjoy discovering things myself. I don’t really like being told things as it reminds me of school trips. Plus the information goes in one ear and out the other.

b) A mix of independent exploring and occasional guidance. I don’t mind receiving information from a guide sometimes, especially if I am unlikely to learn about it easily otherwise.

c) I value guides for insights, but perhaps not every day, as they can give me valuable insights.

d) I prefer expert-led experiences to learn about an area from an informed local guide. I get an insider feel and a more nuanced understanding of the country.

4. How big is your budget?

Again this both is  – and isn’t – a big consideration. Some people think this is THE key reason to choose a self-drive as it is by far the least expensive option. For us, we think it’s just one consideration.

However a South Africa road trip using car rental may usefully free up money to spend on other excursions.

a) My budget is fairly tight. I want to see and do as much as possible with my money.

b) Value matters, but I’ll spend where it counts.

c) I’m happy to invest in standout accommodation or unique experiences.

d) Budget isn’t a concern; I prioritise ease and expertise.

5. How do you feel about driving on the left?

(All British, Australian, Indian and Kiwi readers can skip this one…)

This is a personal one for you to decide. No amount of us telling you that it is easy to drive on the other side of the road will help.

Note: if you are keen on a South Africa road trip, but slightly nervous, you can always pick up a rental car later in your trip when you’ve settled in.

a) No problem – I’ve done it before in the Uk, Australia or elsewhere.

b) Slightly unfamiliar, but I’m confident it’s manageable.

c) I’d try it in quieter areas first. I may not want to try it immediately in Cape Town but I’m happy to give it a go in country areas such as the Winelands or Whale Coast.

d) Absolutely not!

Your South Africa Road Trip Results – And What They Really Mean

Mostly A’s – The Natural Road-Tripper

Self-drive is your natural travel style. You’ll thrive on the freedom and flexibility to shape each day as you go. Both in easy self-drive areas such as the Cape, and – if you’ve had some road trip experience – in more remote areas.

But here’s where we add value:
We help refine your route, so you don’t miss the hidden gems – and let you know how long the drive to your next hotel is.

Mostly B’s – The Flexible Explorer

Self-drive will suit you well, especially combined with occasional guided tours or excursions, either in the city, either before you start a self-drive or along the way.

We can tell you when its worth taking the private tour. And when the road trip option is super-easy.

Mostly C’s – The Hybrid Traveller

Self-drive would suit you but so would other options such as scheduled or private touring, or transfers from place to place. It may depend on your budget. Or a hybrid trip could be ideal: some self-drive, some guided touring. The best of both worlds.

Mostly D’s – The Effortless Traveller

A full South Africa road trip probably isn’t your best fit. And that’s fine. You’ll likely enjoy South Africa more with private guides and transfers. Less navigation, more immersion.

If you have the budget, private touring and transfers would be the perfect solution for you.

If money is an issue, look at scheduled tours in Cape Town with some private transfers to other towns. (But note that South Africa is a country where having access to wheels counts.)

Comparing the Costs of Self-Drive versus Other Modes of Getting Around

Self-drive is always the most cost-effective way to explore. But the real question is:

What would you do with the difference?

For example (assuming a tour of the Winelands from Cape Town):

• Self-drive: ± £51 / $68 per person – with an allowance for petrol and win-tasting entrances (included on a tour)
• Scheduled tour: ± £116 / $154 per person
• Private tour if 2 people: ± £212 / $280 per person

(But this come down to only a little more than scheduled touring if you are 4 or more people)

That difference in price could mean:

• Upgrading some of your hotels or safari lodges
• Adding a helicopter flight or an unusual standout excursion
• Or simply traveling at a more relaxed pace so you can stay longer in a place you love.

In short: it’s not just about saving –  it’s about reallocating.

Frequently Asked Questions about South Africa Road Trips

Is it safe to self-drive in South Africa?
Yes especially when planned properly with a specialist operator like us. We guide you on routes, timing, and practical tips to ensure a smooth experience.

Can I combine self-drive with a safari?
Absolutely. Many travellers enjoy a South Africa self-drive in non-safari regions like the Garden Route, or Whale Coast then fly or road transfer to a safari lodge.

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?
Hardly ever  in South Africa. Most popular routes are accessible with a standard vehicle. If you are going further afield, we recommend a mid-sized SUV (2×4).

Can you plan a road trip for me?
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary based on your pace, interests, and comfort level.

Ready to plan your South Africa self-drive? Here’s how we help:

• Tell us your travel style and where you want to go, (or share your quiz result)
• We design a tailored self-drive route, balancing freedom with ease,  perhaps adding some guided experiences if needed.
• You can relax – knowing your final travel docs describe each region in detail with every road direction included.

“Are you ready for a Self-Drive in South Africa” quiz was written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa?

Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has spent over 30 years exploring Southern Africa. She – and the Cedarberg Africa team – have driven many of the country’s most iconic routes and helped thousands of clients with seamless, well-paced journeys. Her expertise lies in knowing exactly when a South Africa road trip works beautifully. And when a different approach creates a better experience.

Why Work With Cedarberg Africa?

We don’t just “book trips”. we design journeys that flow.

• Over 30 years of on-the-ground experience
• Deep knowledge of driving routes, distances, and hidden pitfalls
• First-hand testing of lodges, routes, and experiences
• Honest advice on when not to self-drive

In short: we help you get it right the first time.