South Africa Self-Drive Tours

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South Africa Travel Insights

Bloukran's Bridge
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

View of the Atlantic from Table Mountain, Cape Town
Map of South Africa and Victoria Falls Adventure - 14 Days
South Africa and Victoria Falls Adventure - 14 Days

This itinerary is sure to satisfy any adventurer looking to explore the best of Southern Africa's natural scenery. From the coast of Cape Town up along the Garden Route and into the deserts of the Great Karoo, you will be able to experience all the defining ecoregions of South Africa and beyond.

Chapman's Peak outside of Cape Town
Map of Scenic South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town & Garden Route - 13 Days
Scenic South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town & Garden Route - 13 Days

Spend 13 days in South Africa enjoying the highlights of Cape Town, plus a jaunt through wine country and down to the Cape of Good Hope. You'll then embark on an epic road trip along the Garden Route, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stop in national parks, visit charming towns, hit the waves in surf towns—you'll even have time to search for the "Big Five" on multiple safari game drives.

Drakensberg
Map of South Africa Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days
South Africa Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Hit the road on this 10-day self-drive adventure to explore the highlights of South Africa's eastern region. First, travel along the Panorama Route, one of the most scenic drives in the country, then continue to the majestic plateaus of the Drakensberg escarpment. After enjoying nature hikes and mountain fun, travel to the coast for boat tours and safaris to spot exotic animals like leopards and rhinos.

Relax and reconnect on a family holiday to South Africa
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days

This two-week wildlife and adventure-packed family vacation takes you from the Western to the Eastern Cape via South Africa's stunning Garden Route. Start in lively Cape Town, where you and the kids will scale Table Mountain, make pals with the penguins at Boulders Beach, and relax in the surrounding wine country. If that sounds too sedate, you'll also plunge the depths of Shark Alley in a reinforced cage, meet the Big Five during a luxury safari, and tour the Stone Age Cango Caves.

Sunset over Clifton Beach, Cape Town
Map of Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Coast: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 10 Days
Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Coast: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 10 Days

From bustling Cape Town to secluded St Lucia, you'll see the best that South Africa's Atlantic and Indian coasts have to offer on this 10-day self-drive itinerary. Experience golden beaches in Durban, take in stunning views from atop Table Mountain, and come face to face with hippos and crocodiles in iSimangaliso Wetland Park as you create lasting memories on this South African adventure.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Africa
Travel specialist Nadia Albertus
active 4 mins ago

Nadia Albertus

I’m a lifelong adventure hunter with a serious soft spot for unforgettable trips! Designing travel experiences that make people smile (and want to come back!) is my favorite thing to do. I’m always...

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Travel specialist Nokuthula Khumalo
active 1 hour ago

Nokuthula Khumalo

Specializes in the Southern Africa travel market, expertly planning, quoting, and crafting personalized itineraries from start to finish based on travelers' needs. She handles quotes and bookings...

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Travel specialist Janneke Van Schalkwyk
active 2 hours ago

Janneke Van Schalkwyk

As a country girl from South Africa, I have a deep love for the diverse tapestry that makes up our beautiful region of Southern Africa. South Africans are not just people to me; they are a part of...

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Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 2 hours ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

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Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

This trip was more amazing than I could ever imagine!
South Africa | May 12 - May 19, 2026

J
Jay O.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 22, 2026

This trip was more amazing than I could ever imagine! Every facet of this trip was well thought out and carried out in a highly professional manner. Every interaction with staff, drivers, security was pleasurable and in some way rewarding. Our contact at Kim Kim, Anna-marie', was able to give us information on the fly whenever we reached out to her. SO MUCH behind the scenes work was done in order to make this trip a smooth vacation of a lifetime!

Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on May 22, 2026

Hello Jay

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I truly appreciate it. It was an absolute pleasure helping you and Val plan this trip, and I’m so happy you were able to share the experience with Larry and Julie as well.

I hope Southern Africa will welcome you back again one day.

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

Read all South Africa reviews

Fantastic trip! All accommodations were outst...
South Africa | May 5 - May 15, 2026

Kimberlee
Kimberlee S.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on May 22, 2026
Fantastic trip! All accommodations were outstanding. Clean, very friendly and organized with excellent food. Our Kimkim representative Nadia was always available and flexible with any concerns. All of my expectations were met and exceeded. Read more

Fantastic trip! All accommodations were outstanding. Clean, very friendly and organized with excellent food. Our Kimkim representative Nadia was always available and flexible with any concerns. All of my expectations were met and exceeded.

Hotel Reviews
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls

A little confusing to get around and a tremendous number of stairs

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shiduli Private Game Lodge
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
All staff were excellent but the safari tour guides were exceptional. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed having our tour guide join us for dinner on some evenings
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ocean View House
Cape Town

Beautiful facility with outstanding breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Victoria Falls Township Tour
Victoria Falls Township Tour
Victoria Falls
Quality of Experience
P
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Victoria Falls
Tour Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On Safari
On Safari
South Africa

Incredible experience finding and observing animals in their natural setting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outstanding!!!
Transport
Panorama Highlights + Boat Cruise Tour
Panorama Highlights + Boat Cruise Tour
Kruger National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Activities at Shiduli
Activities at Shiduli
South Africa

Received excellent message. Great pressure and very relaxing in very calm environment

Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Boutique Winelands Tour
Full Day Boutique Winelands Tour
South Africa

Guide did not appear to know what was expected

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day penguin safari - Cape Peninsula
Full day penguin safari - Cape Peninsula
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was outstanding. Tremendous amount of information and knowledge about the area. Went above and beyond to provide us with an excellent experience
Transport
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on May 23, 2026
Hi Kimberlee, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic trip and that all of the accommodations and experiences met your expectations. It truly means so much to know that you felt well looked after throughout your journey. It was such a pleasure assisting you with your travels, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thank you as well for your wonderful communication throughout the planning... Read more

Hi Kimberlee,

Thank you so much for your kind words.

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic trip and that all of the accommodations and experiences met your expectations. It truly means so much to know that you felt well looked after throughout your journey.

It was such a pleasure assisting you with your travels, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thank you as well for your wonderful communication throughout the planning process.

I hope you returned home with many unforgettable memories, and I would love the opportunity to assist you again with another adventure in the future.

Warmest regards,
Nadia

Read all South Africa reviews

WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure.
South Africa | May 4 - May 19, 2026

Larry
Larry R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 21, 2026
WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure. As my wife said this was the best vaction ever and will be hard to beat. Seeing different areas and aspects of S. Africa, Zimbabwie and Bostwana was so facinating in many different ways its hard to answer what our best part of the trip was. Seeing everything from Penguins to Lions and interacting with local people made everything so special. I can not thank our local specialist Anna-marie enough, from the very start of our trip planning process all... Read more

WOW WOW WOW.. a trip to remember for sure. As my wife said this was the best vaction ever and will be hard to beat. Seeing different areas and aspects of S. Africa, Zimbabwie and Bostwana was so facinating in many different ways its hard to answer what our best part of the trip was. Seeing everything from Penguins to Lions and interacting with local people made everything so special. I can not thank our local specialist Anna-marie enough, from the very start of our trip planning process all the way to the end of our journey. She was always availble before and during our trip to answer quick questions and made sure that we were completely taken care of during our journey and often followed up to check in. Her contribution was far more than a travel agent, she made us feel like family and we never thought of ourself as customers. The Garden route was fabulous as well as our other activites in S Africa. Elton and his staff at the Tree House lodge in Cape Town were absolutely fabulous in welcoming us and making sure everything was in order. Pinky and her staff at One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel in Hermanus was absolutely a riot. They all started dancing and singing in the lobby for us , just because... That was a cool surprise. Our first Safari in Kruger was very nice and Abigail and her team at Umkumbe Bush lodge treated us like royalty and at the same time being friendly and smiling all the time. Our final Safari in drive at the Muchenje Safari Lodge in Botswana was a epic finish to the trip. Maria and her staff were top notch and our guide Tip was fabulous in making sure that all our needs were met. His attention to us and our needs was top notch and our interaction was alway in a fun and happy manor. And last but not least our first guide Rochelle traveled with us for 7 days to start out our trip in S Africa can not say enough she was fabulous. During our time together we grew to be like family and she was absolutely fantastic. I could keep going but i think you get the point. Already starting to think of our next trip with KimKim. Job well done!!!!!

Thanks
Larry & Julie Romero

Hotel Reviews
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Kasane, Chobe

The staff made it all. Marie and everyone on her team were there to make our stay memorable. The design fit in well, the hut like tents dropped right in the evironment

Authenticity & Character
Dopped right into the environment with ease. Our hut looked out over the Chobe River
Location
Our guide Tips was fabulous and was very knowledgable. He was very attentive to our needs and made sure that we seen
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shongwe Lookout
Victoria Falls

Only stayed one night so not much to report on. The place was nice and clean and had good lodge bar

Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Sabie Park

5 star +. We got in a superior tent and they treated us like royalty. Abigail and her team were fantastic. The meals and entertainment were unreal.

Authenticity & Character
very bush like excellent.
Location
Our guide Derek as excellant. The tents were amazing and the entire staff from the guides, to dinner staff to cleaning staff were all top notch.
Staff
Top notch met and exceeded all our needs
Cleanliness & Comfort
very well done everyday we were there
Chapter House Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek

Storms caused us to re-route our trip bypassing the Chapter House but ending up back at the friendly Tree House

The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Knysna

Hotel was very nice and the room was fantastic. Open concept and a view over the lagoon was great

Authenticity & Character
They kept the original nauticle design concepts and included nice modern touches
Location
everything was quite close and being on the water was a huge bonus
Staff
Short stay there didnt really get to know them.
Cleanliness & Comfort
met our needs
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
Hermanus

Pinky and her team was so welcoming and alway jovial with smiles a plenty. The entire staff throughout treated us very well during our stay

Authenticity & Character
Simple but solid.
Location
The place was right on the main street with a look out over the ocean. It was very near shopping and restaraunts and shops
Staff
Pinky and her staff nailed it.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Met all of our requirements. The dining area, lobby and bar were all done nicely.
Tree House Boutique Hotel
Cape Town

Elton and team was fabulous. The welcoming message and initial interaction was top notch. The entire team always so kind, professional and funny with smiles. Meals were great and service was second to none. I would highly recommend it. Great job Elton John

Authenticity & Character
Small nice boutique experience. The staff makes it tick
Location
A little off the beaten path but well worth it.
Staff
Amazing... Amazing
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was bright and clean and bed turndown and room clean up was alway performed on time
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on May 22, 2026

Hello Larry

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review. It truly means the world to me, and I appreciate the time you took to write it.

I am also just so happy that I finally got to meet you and Julie in person after planning this trip together for so long. That was such a special highlight for me, and I loved spending a little time with the two of you.

Thank you again for trusting us with your trip to Africa. It was such a pleasure planning it for you both.

Warm greetings
Anna-marié

Read all South Africa reviews
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