A South African holiday is not complete without a drive to see the Big Five. Emphases on drive because we’ve found three top self-drive safaris that you will definitely want to check out.

Rent a car and make your way to the game reserve of your choice. We suggest going for an SUV or 4x4 vehicle, which can easily be rented from any of our Woodford branches. An SUV will fair far better off the beaten track, and it will make driving these rocky, dirt roads the best fun you’ve had all year.

You will be spoiled for choice with our range of world-class SUV and 4x4 vehicles at Woodford. Imagine travelling the breathtaking plateaus of the African Savannah in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, or, stealthily tracking the loping giraffe in a Toyota Fortuner.

Take your time to get to your vacation destination and enjoy the highway stops along the way. The general tip for a safari is to adjust to the slower pace of the wilderness, drive slow and take in the natural scenery as well as the majestic game you want to spot.

South Africa is a mix of city and natural greenery. You will definitely want the freedom to make your own way at your own pace without the rigorous demands of pre-scheduled tours and transport.

1.The Kruger National Park

First up on our list is one of the largest and most popular for locals and international tourists, The Kruger National Park.  The Park is located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, covers an area of 19 485km2, and measures 365km from north to south and 65km from east to west.

There are many different gates to enter the park and self-drive is a popular way to get the most from your holiday. Adventure enthusiasts have spotted lion, buffalo, leopards, antelope, elephants and wild dogs.

Plan your route using the map on their website. There are rest stops and viewing points called “Get Out” stops where you can read up on animal facts and really listen to the sounds of the jungle. 

Accommodation ranges from camp tents to self-catering chalets to 5 star lodges. There are many people to meet at these local watering holes, including regulars to the park who will regale you with their safari adventures.

To get here, locals usually travel from Johannesburg using the N4. It takes roughly 5 hours, however we suggest breaking up the trip with a stop at Alzu Petroport.

Take a break and stretch your legs at this literal, lush watering hole where you are sure to see rhinos basking in the sun.

Alzu Petroport has a great selection of restaurants on offer – Nando’s, Spur, Mugg & Bean, Sausage Saloon – including the iconic Waffle Café that is a favourite in the area. 

Another great stop is Blyde River Canyon, which is an hour out from the Kruger National Park. Here you will see spectacular waterfalls and rich green landscapes. This is a fantastic road to drive with your 4x4 vehicle. Take your Toyota Fortuner or Hyundai Tucson for a spin. You will love the challenge of the twists and turns on this mountainous road.

Read up on which routes you would like to take beforehand incase you want to make a day trip out of it. Some routes do range between 2-4 hours. An excellent driving experience that is recommended again and again, in Blyde River Canyon, is the Panama Route, which offers spectacular views.

2. Mountain Zebra National Park

Next up on our list of top self-drive safaris is the Mountain Zebra National Park in Port Elizabeth. The park is 3 hours from Port Elizabeth National Airport.

Rent your SUV at the airport, and enjoy the scenery change from bustling city to picturesque country. Visit the local villages on route and get a true taste of South African hospitality.

You can choose to get your accommodation in the Mountain Zebra National Park at one of their well-equipped camp sites, self-catering chalets or 4x4 mountain cottages or you can get a cozy bed & breakfast in Cradock - just 12km away.

Self-drive at the Mountain Zebra National Park is a must. The Kranskop and Rooiplaat loop give sweeping views of the natural landscape. The 4x4 Sonnenrust Trail is a true driver’s delight. Conquer it with the Mercedes GLE and feel how the SUV hugs the curves of the road while keeping you and your passengers in the highest level of comfort.

The Sonnenrust Trail takes you on a winding dirt road to the very top of the mountain plateau with spectacular views of the many animals in the park.

The park is aptly named after the teeming Mountain Zebra in the area that you are bound to see. Other animals that you are likely to spot are lions, antelope, cheetahs, black wildebeest, owls, falcons and other types of birds. Not to mention the charming, ground squirrels that make a daily appearance.

The Mountain Zebra Park is an unknown gem and it would be well worth your time to plan a self-drive safari through its gates. If you’re looking for a game reserve that is not flooded with tourists then this is the place to go.

3. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve 

The final self-drive safari on our list is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. This Game reserve is about 3 hours north of Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, using the N2. There are many quaint beach towns to stop by along the way.

Grab your SUV from Woodford’s branch at Durban’s airport and take a leisurely drive up the coast. For the undemanding, relaxed roads of KZN, we recommend the luxury crossover SUV – the BMW x1.

While you are on route you might want to stop at St Lucia to get a glimpse of some friendly Hippos. This stop is about midway between Durban Airport and Hluhluwe.

The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is 96000 ha, divided into 2 sections – Hluhluwe in the north and Imfolozi in the south. Accommodation is available in the park or at neighbouring hotels close by. 

The park itself officially opened in 1895 and is Africa’s oldest game reserve. The Imfolozi section, in particular, has a rich history – it was used as King Shaka’s private hunting grounds.  This historical fact is easily brought to life when you consider all five of the big five animals make their home here.

There are many loops to take to get the most from your self-drive safari. The most ideal to catch a glimpse of any game are situated along the Black Mfolozi River.

Each route is equipped with safe picnic spots, camping sites and viewing points. Mpila camp offers excellent accommodation to the weary traveller. Remember, it is as much about the driving experience and the beautiful surrounds as it is about the game.

That being said, you will definitely be able to spot more unique animals than other reserves – such as giraffe, hyena and warthog. Not to mention the lions, wildebeest, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and leopards. You guessed it! Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is a scene straight out of The Lion King.

Prepare to truly embrace the circle of life when you pack your rental SUV for any of our South African national parks and game reserves.

Tips

If you’re heading to one of South Africa’s national parks then consider getting a Wild Card. The Wild Card gets you unlimited access to 80 national parks and game reserves.  There are different packages available to locals and internationals and different clusters of parks included in each package. 

Make the most of your South African self-drive safari adventure, with Woodford.