Plan your South Africa Fly Drive Holiday
Planning a South Africa fly drive holiday often raises practical questions about routes, driving distances, car hire, safaris and the best time to travel. Our FAQs answer the most common questions to help you choose the right self drive itinerary and make the most of your time in South Africa.
What is a South Africa fly drive holiday?
A South Africa fly drive holiday combines flights, car hire and pre-booked accommodation, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace while following a pre-planned route. It is also often described as a South Africa self drive holiday, particularly when the focus is on the itinerary and accommodation without the flights. Freedom Destinations can book both options for you.
Is South Africa good for a fly drive holiday?
Yes, South Africa is one of the best long haul destinations for a fly drive holiday. Roads are generally good on the main tourist routes, driving is on the left, and many of the country’s most popular regions are easy to combine, including Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Kruger National Park.
What are the best South Africa fly drive routes?
The Garden Route is the classic South Africa fly drive route, usually starting in Cape Town and travelling through the Winelands, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and the Eastern Cape to Port Elizabeth. Other popular options include, Johannesburg to Kruger, or a KwaZulu-Natal fly drive combining the Drakensberg Mountains, battlefields, beaches and safari reserves.
How long do you need for a good South Africa slef drive holiday?
Most South Africa self drive holidays work best over 10 to 14 nights, depending on the route. A week is enough for a shorter Cape Town and Garden Route holiday, while two or three weeks allows time to add a safari, the Winelands, KwaZulu-Natal or a beach stay.
Can you include a safari on a South Africa fly drive holiday?
Yes, a safari can easily be included on a South Africa fly drive holiday. Many travellers add a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape after the Garden Route, or fly to the Kruger region after exploring Cape Town and the coast. Some safari lodges can be reached by road, while others work better with a short internal flight and transfers. National Parks such as Kruger and Addo, do allow self drive safaris, although we still receommend a guided safari drive to make the most of your safari.
Is the Garden Route good for a self drive holiday?
Yes, the Garden Route is ideal for a South Africa self drive holiday. The distances are manageable, the scenery is varied and there are plenty of places to stop, including coastal towns, beaches, forests, lagoons, wildlife experiences and country hotels. It is a good choice for first-time visitors to South Africa and one of the most scenic driving routes in the world.
Do I need a 4×4 for a South Africa fly drive itinerary?
In most cases, you do not need a 4×4 for a South Africa fly drive holiday. A standard hire car is suitable for the main self drive routes, including Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and many coastal areas. A larger vehicle may be more comfortable for families or longer journeys, while only some more remote lodges with gravel-road areas may require a specific vehicle type.
Is it safe to drive in South Africa?
South Africa is one of the world’s most popular long haul destinations for self drive and fly drive holidays, welcoming millions of international visitors each year. Most visitors enjoy safe and straightforward self drive holidays in South Africa, especially when following well-planned routes and driving during in daylight hours. As with any destination, it is important to take sensible precautions, keep valuables out of sight, use secure parking where possible and follow local advice, especially in urban areas.
When is the best time for a South Africa fly drive holiday?
South Africa can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your route. Cape Town and the Garden Route are especially popular from October to April, when the weather is warmer and drier. The winter months from May to September can be excellent for safari, particularly in the Kruger and KwaZulu-Natal regions, when wildlife is often easier to see.
Can a South Africa fly drive holiday be tailor made for me?
Yes, all South Africa fly drive holidays can be tailor-made around your travel dates, budget and interests by Freedom Destinations’ Africa Travel Experts. You can choose to amend one of our suggested routes, or ask our Africa Experts to create a personalised itinerary with flights, car hire, accommodation, safaris, tours and beach extensions arranged for you.
