Drive South Africa

31/08/2026

From 7–13 September 2026, SA National Parks Week gives South African citizens free day-entry access to many of the country’s national parks - which sounds like a pretty good reason for a road trip.

Whether you’re heading to Addo for elephants, Golden Gate for mountain scenery, the Karoo for wide-open landscapes or one of the Cape’s national parks for the day, the right vehicle can make the journey a lot easier.

That’s where Drive South Africa comes in. Compare rental options and find a vehicle that suits your route, travel style and group size. Pack your South African ID, pick a park and make a trip of it.

Just remember: free access applies to day entry only and doesn’t include accommodation or paid activities. Some parks, including Kruger, West Coast and Augrabies, have shorter free-access dates, so check before you leave.

Which national park would you drive to first?

Read more here: https://www.sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026

SA National Parks Week offers free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors. This initiative aims to encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership.

16/02/2026

25 years. 30,000 km. 20 countries. One legendary partnership.

Kingsley Holgate and the Land Rover Defender are celebrating a silver jubilee of purpose-driven exploration with the Africa Traverse – a continent-crossing journey delivering life-changing aid across Africa.

From malaria prevention to clean water and restored sight, the Defender hasn’t just conquered terrain – it’s carried hope to some of the continent’s most remote places.

Read more about this here: https://bit.ly/3Msuw76

Photo credits: Kingsley Holgate Foundation

07/01/2026

Explore one of Africa’s most remote and hauntingly beautiful coastlines the right way.

Hire a fully equipped 4x4 and take on Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast with confidence.

Find out more here - https://www.drivesouthafrica.com/

22/10/2025

Cape Town’s wild spaces are calling – and this weekend, they’re free to explore! 🌸🌿

From 24–27 October, all City of Cape Town nature reserves are open at no cost as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz – a global biodiversity challenge inviting you to discover and record local wildlife.

📍 Where to go:
Blaauwberg • Bothasig Fynbos • Botterblom • Bracken • Durbanville • Edith Stephens • False Bay • Harmony Flats • Helderberg • Steenbras • Table Bay • Tygerberg • Uitkamp Wetland • Witzands Aquifer • Wolfgat • Zandvlei Estuary

📸 Bring your camera or smartphone, download the iNaturalist app, and help showcase Cape Town’s incredible biodiversity.

Let’s get outdoors, reconnect with nature, and put Cape Town on the biodiversity map! 🌍




Photo credits: Cape Bird Club

22/10/2025

It wasn’t just a road trip – it was 7,700 km of rediscovery.

Through Namibia’s deserts, Zambia’s rivers, and Botswana’s endless plains, Steve and his family found something rare: time, silence, and togetherness.

Because sometimes, Africa is the medicine we didn’t know we needed.

A journey that turned the Wi-Fi off… and the family on.

Read more here - https://www.drivesouthafrica.com/blog/a-family-self-drive-safari-7700-km-from-south-africa-to-zambia/

01/10/2025

Thinking about your first self-drive adventure? 🚙✨

Namibia is the perfect place to start! With wide open landscapes, rugged terrain, and endless horizons, all you need is the right set of wheels. For two travellers, a Toyota Single Cab 4x4 is the ultimate choice – reliable, sturdy, and built for the journey, with plenty of space for all your gear.

Pack your sense of adventure and hit the road – Namibia is waiting. 🌍🦒

26/09/2025

🌸✨ Spring has arrived and the Cape is showing off! ✨🌸

For just a few magical weeks, fields, dunes and gardens explode into a rainbow of colour, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the very best spots to catch the wildflower spectacle this season.

For just a few magical weeks, fields, dunes and gardens explode into a rainbow of colour and we’ve rounded up 10 of the very best spots to catch the wildflower spectacle this season.

Postberg Nature Reserve (West Coast NP) R116 SA adults / R272 international

Ramskop Nature Reserve (Clanwilliam) R50 adults

Columbine Nature Reserve (Paternoster) R35 adults

Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve (Darling) Free

Citrusdal (N7) Free

Renosterveld Reserve (Darling) Free

Harold Porter Botanical Garden (Betty’s Bay) R60 adults

Fernkloof Nature Reserve (Hermanus) Free (donations welcome)

Karoo Desert Botanical Garden (Worcester) R55 adults

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (Cape Town) R100 SA adults / R250 international

🌼 Blink and you’ll miss it, the Cape’s floral magic is here for only a few short weeks each spring.

Did we miss your favourite? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to add it to our flower-spotting bucket list!🌼

24/09/2025

Great Stops Along the Garden Route 🚗

Slow things down and drift into pure tranquillity with a Wilderness River Safari. Just outside the village of Wilderness, you can glide along the reed-lined Touw River or catch a sunset cruise on Island Lake, binoculars in hand for flashes of kingfishers, coots and herons.

It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it’s one of those experiences that remind you why a Garden Route road trip is best taken at a gentle pace. Cruises start from R250 per adult (SANParks permit extra), and everything’s included, from lifejackets to blankets.

Add this to your Garden Route itinerary for a dose of calm between the caves, markets, and mountains.

Photo credits: Wilderness River Safari

19/09/2025

🌿 It’s SA National Parks Week! 🌿

From 16–22 September, South Africans get FREE entrance to all national parks nationwide (excludes accommodation & paid activities).

✨ Where to go:
🐘 Addo Elephant National Park – Self-drive safaris, Jack’s Picnic Site, bird hides & hiking trails.
🌄 Camdeboo National Park – Valley of Desolation, Nqweba Dam picnics, bird hides & 4x4 trails.
🦴 Karoo National Park – Famous fossil trail, 4x4 adventures, picnic spots & the Ou Schuur Centre.
🦓 Mountain Zebra National Park – Spot 250+ bird species, game drives, walking trails & swimming pools.

This is your chance to explore South Africa’s wild beauty for free - while supporting conservation and community partnerships. 🌍💚

15/09/2025

Great Stops Along the Garden Route 🚗

Saturday mornings in Sedgefield mean one thing: the Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market. 🌸 Under the trees, with the Swartvlei Lagoon nearby, you’ll find locals and travellers gathering over coffee, fresh bread, free-range produce, and just-picked flowers.

It’s more than a market, it’s a Garden Route tradition. Grab breakfast, stock up on goodies for the road, and soak up the laid-back vibe before heading on to your next stop.

Open every Saturday, rain or shine - arrive early for the best treats! 🍞☕🌿

Have you been? What was your favourite stall?