9.4/10 based on 42 reviews
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South Africa & eSwatini trip 

A 23-day trip with a 4×4 through South Africa and eSwatini, former Swaziland. This self-drive is a combination of camping and fixed accommodations. You will start in Johannesburg and visit Kruger Park, eSwatini, the Indian Ocean, Hluhluwe National Park, the Drakensberg and Golden Gate National Park.

In this trip we arrange your entire journey, including car rental, insurance, accommodations and bookings. The trip is available for 2 to 4 people per car. The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel. The price for 5 people or more can be requested and depends on the local possibilities.

Advantages of self-drive 4×4 package trips

  • Inclusive support and professional advice safari trip
  • Inclusive GPS with Tracks4Africa software and all 4×4 waypoints and destinations for your trip
  • Inclusive CDW2 insurance with Zero Excess
  • A perfectly mapped route with optimal travel distances
  • SGR cover for pre-paid funds (incl. Sicherungsschein for Germany)
South Africa & eSwatini
South Africa
Elephants South Africa

Itinerary

  • 1: Johannesburg
  • 2: Graskop
  • 3: Swadini
  • 4: Kruger National Park (Letaba)
  • 5: Kruger National Park (Satara)
  • 6: Kruger National Park (Lower Sabie)
  • 7: Kruger National Park (Berg en Dal)
  • 8: Malolotja National Park (eSwatini)
  • 9: Malolotja National Park
  • 10: Mlilwane Game Sanctuary
  • 11: Mkuze Game Reserve
  • 12: Mkuze Game Reserve
  • 13: St. Lucia
  • 14: St. Lucia
  • 15: iSimangaliso Wetlands
  • 16: iMfolozi National Park/Hluhluwe
  • 17: iMfolozi National Park/Hluhluwe
  • 18: Drakensbergen National Park
  • 19: Drakensbergen National Park
  • 20: Golden Gate National Park
  • 21: Golden Gate National Park
  • 22: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
  • 23: Return flight
house icon white 6 nights B&B, Lodge or Self Catering Chalet
tipi tent icon white 16 nights camping
car icon white 23 days 4x4 car rental

Route & itinerary

23days
1

Day 1: Johannesburg

The first day of your journey, and your arrival in Johannesburg. Arrival time of course depends on your flight: KLM arrives in the evening while most other airlines fly by night. Collect your 4×4 car the next morning and receive some instructions. You can then leave for your first day of adventures. You stay at Somabula Nature Reserve.

Accommodation: B&B. Travel distance: arrival day.

2

Day 2: Graskop

Travel from the Gauteng heights to South Africa’s east along a panoramic route. On the way, you might want to stop at the picturesque Pilgrim’s Rest, where time seems to have been frozen. You stay at Panorama View Restcamp.

Accommodation: Self-catering chalet. Travel distance: 385 km.

3

Day 3: Swadini

Discover the famous panorama route today. God’s Window, Bourke’s Potholes & Blyde River Canyon, which is the biggest (green) canyon in the world. At the end of the day, enjoy Swadini’s hot thermal springs. You stay at Forever Swadini Resort camping.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 160 km.

4

Day 4: Kruger National Park (Letaba)

After the beautiful vistas of the panorama route, it’s now time to visit the vast Kruger National Park. Stay in four different camps and discover a large part of the park. Go one game drives with the 4×4, and if you like you can join the SANPARKS activities, like going on a ranger-guided hike or a night drive, where you’ll drive in the dark and encounter remarkable nocturnal animals. You stay at Letaba Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 170 km.

5

Day 5: Kruger National Park (Satara)

A second day in Kruger Park. Travel south to the next camp, Satara Restcamp. Feel free to choose your own route and speed. Driving around in Kruger Park is one big game drive, and if you’re lucky you’ve even seen the big five already!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 90 km.

6

Day 6: Kruger National Park (Lower Sabie)

Spend the third day in Kruger on the Lower Sabie in the southern part of the park. The Sabie and Sand rivers have created beautiful vegetation along their course, and the area has much wildlife. You stay at Lower Sabie Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 100 km.

7

Day 7: Kruger National Park (Berg en Dal)

Travel to the southernmost point of Kruger Park today. This region is characterised by small rocky mountains and is generally somewhat more elevated that the rest of the park, which makes the temperature slightly more pleasant in summer. Travellers often encounter wild dogs and rhinos. You stay at Berg-en-Dal Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 120 km.

8

Day 8: Malolotja National Park (eSwatini)

After Kruger Park, cross the border to the little kingdom of eSwatini. You stay at Malolotja Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

9

Day 9: Malolotja National Park

Another day at Malolotja Campsite. A full day to discover Malolotja National Park. Malolotja is characterised by a beautiful landscape and is a true hiker’s paradise!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

10

Day 10: Mlilwane Game Sanctuary

A small but very good Game Reserve! Walking, 4×4 tracks, horseback riding and even mountain biking is among the many possibilities. You stay at Mlilwane Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 60 km.

11

Day 11: Mkuze Game Reserve

This Game Reserve is a well-kept secret. You won’t find any lions, bison and elephants here, but there are rhinos, leopards and many types of antelopes. You stay at eMshopi Campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 240 km.

12

Dag 12: Mkuze Game Reserve

Second day at eMshopi Campsite. A day full of game drives!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

13

Day 13: St. Lucia

Visit the beautiful coast of KwaZulu-Natal and touristic little town of St. Lucia today. There are vast beaches as far as the eye can see, From St. Lucia you should really consider a boat safari to see the many hippos and crocodiles from up close. You stay at Sugar Loaf campsite.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 130 km.

14

Day 14: St. Lucia

Another day in St. Lucia and Sugar Loaf campsite. Take the boot-safari or go for a hike along the beaches.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

15

Day 15: iSimangaliso Wetlands

Unique flora and fauna can be found here, and rhinos will often block your path. The campsite Cape Vidal is close to the beach.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 40 km.

16

Day 16: iMfolozi National Park/Hluhluwe

Take the 4×4 back west from the Indian Ocean, back into the hills. The next stop is Hluhluwe/iMfolozi National Park. This wildlife reserve is known for its large population of black rhinos. If you’re lucky you will see them a lot, but you can also spot the Big Five here. You stay at iMfolozi Mpila Campsite.

Accommodation: self-catering safaritent. Travel distance: 110 km.

17

Day 17: iMfolozi National Park/Hluhluwe

Another day at iMfolozi Mpila Campsiteand a day full of game drives. Try to spot the black rhino!

Accommodation: Self-catering safaritent. Travel distance: resting day.

18

Day 18: Drakensbergen National Park

Rise up to the powerful Drakensberg after the wildlife reserves. You can take a relaxing walk here, or go on an adventurous hike. You stay at Didima Camp.

Accommodation: Lodge. Travel distance: 380 km.

19

Day 19: Drakensbergen National Park

Second day at Didima Camp. A full day to discovery Drakensbergen. Go for a hike or relax near the lodge.

Accommodation: Lodge. Travel distance: resting day.

20

Day 20: Golden Gate National Park

A unique area with extraordinary rock formations. A day of walks and pictures! You stay at Glen Reenen Restcamp.

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: 110 km.

21

Day 21: Golden Gate National Park

Second day at Glen Reenen Restcamp. Golden Gate National Park is a perfect place for walks and pictures!

Accommodation: camping. Travel distance: resting day.

22

Day 22: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

The last destination of this self-drive 4×4 journey. Take a break from three weeks of adventures and organise your trip. You stay at Suikerbosrand Campsite.

Accommodation: chalet. Travel distance: 320 km.

23

Day 23: Return flight

Unfortunately, this is the end. Back to the Depot of your 4×4 supplier and your transfer to the airport.

Changing the itinerary?

It is always possible to adapt this journey to your personal wishes. Limiting the journey or adding an extra destination, is no problem at all.
We are happy to help!

Your 4x4 rental car

The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel.

The Toyota Hilux double cab is the most perfect 4×4 rental car for a self-drive safari in Africa.

It has much space and comfort, and has sleeping places in the roof tent. This Toyota Hilux Double Cab 4×4 has a separate boot where you can safely store your travel bags, together with all the camping equipment for your self-drive journey in Southern Africa.

Available for both 2 and 4 people, the Hilux is the best choice. For travels with 5 people (two adults and three children) the Hilux double cab can also be used.

If you’re with just two people, the back seat is especially useful for photo bags, day packs and supplies.

It is possible to upgrade car at extra costs.

Check here all our 4×4 rental cars.

Rates

Prices per person for various dates in 2024 and 2025. The South Africa and eSwatini Drive trip is available for 2 to 4 people per car. The default car is a Toyota Hilux 4×4 double cab 2.4 Diesel. The price for 5 people or more can for example be requested and depends on the local possibilities and space in the preferred car. 4×4 cars (Land Cruiser or 4×4 camper) other than the default 4×4 car are available upon request.

5 January - 19 March, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 1.990,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.665,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.385,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 440,- per trip.

20 March - 30 June, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.180,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.790,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.475,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 440,- per trip.

1 July - 10 November, (2024)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.680,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 2.145,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.740,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 440,- per trip.

11 November - 4 January, (2025)

  • 2 people Rate per person € 2.180,-
  • 3 people Rate per person € 1.790,-
  • 4 people Rate per person € 1.475,-

Optional CDW (Zero Excess) insurance incl. tires and glass € 440,- per trip.

Included

Toyota Hilux 4x4 Double Cab with complete camping & safari equipment
All accommodation during the journey
Two drivers
GPS & Tracks4Africa software
Advise by experienced self drive specialists
Airport transfers
Support

Not included

International Flights
Entry Fees
Fuel
Food & Drinks
Upgrades to fixed (luxury) accommodations
Upgrade to Toyota Landcruiser or 4x4 camper unit instead of roof-top tent
Zero Excess insurance

Highlights

Somabula Nature Reserve

A small nature reserve just outside of Pretoria

Graskop

The ideal stopover when driving the Panorama route

Blyde River Nature Reserve

Impressive canyons along the Panorama Route

Kruger National Park

The most famous game park of South Africa

Malolotja Nature Reserve

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Great hikes and good game

UMkuze Game Reserve

St. Lucia

Discover the watery wilderness of Greater St Lucia

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A unique diversity of flora and fauna on the South African East Coast

Hluhluwe-Imfolozipark

The oldest wildlife park in Africa

Drakensberg National Park

High peaks and cliffs - a spectacular hiking area

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Johannesburg

The economical centre of South Africa
10 / 10

Skillful people

It was a really good experience and they are skillful to plan and give quick response with answers.

Good knowledge of Africa and the countries there. What to visit and they plan the trip so it suits the customer.
Quick response when you have questions.

Christer Jonson

10 / 10

Adequate hulp

Selfdrive4x4.com biedt adequate en deskundige hulp bij zowel het plannen van het reisschema, het regelen van autohuur en het daarbij horende papierwerk (verzekeringen, transfers) en het vastleggen van de camping- en lodge-locaties.

Anonymous

10 / 10

Perfect organization

Selfdrive4x4.com offers the perfect organization of the trip for selfdrivers.

Strengths

Very easy handling, good communication.

Franziska

10 / 10

Perfect

Perfect, I would recommend it to everybody to work together with it.

Strengths

Friendly people – very fast in answering questions – high knowlede about the things you need at your destination and for a 4×4 driving holiday – easy to comunicate with.

Improvements or suggestions

Right know for my use it was perfect. Especially since I am not next door, and just worked together via internet and phone.

 

Niedereder Raimund

10 / 10

We would recommend Selfdrive4x4.com to our friends

We booked a last minute 17 day self drive trip through Namibia with this company and everything was just perfect. Contact with the company was very pleasant and they kept us posted with updates about the progress of our trip. Gps, maps, book and 12V equipment was sent to our home as soon as our trip was confirmed.

Price wise it was a great deal and everything in Namibia (car and layovers) were to our satisfaction. We would definitely book again with this company and we would recommend it to our friends.

Reinier