Adventurous road trip along the highlights of Botswana

15 days
rooftent + lodges
2 people

South Africa Nomads

Discover the highlights in 15 days, spot wildlife, and spend the night in unique natural locations.
Highlights
  • Explore the wilderness from your own 4×4 SUV
  • Stay in unique spots in nature
  • Spot The Big 5 in the national parks
  • Visit the famous Victoria Falls
  • Discover wildlife in Nata Bird Sanctuary
Explore the Okavango Delta from a Mokoro.
Sleep under the stars in a rooftop tent and lodges.
Show more (2)

The ultimate road trip through South Africa

Embark on an 11-day adventure through South Africa. Drive from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park and back, stopping at all the must-see spots.

You’ll start in the vibrant Cape Town and drive via the coastal town of Hermanus to the tranquility of Swartvlei Lake. Along the way, you’ll discover the famous Garden Route – South Africa's most spectacular coastal road filled with lush forests, golden beaches, and charming villages.

The highlight is a self-drive safari through Addo Elephant National Park, where you’ll come face to face with wildlife. Explore the green Tsitsikamma National Park, learn to surf in Jeffreys Bay, and wrap up your trip among the vineyards of Franschhoek.

Experience this adventure exactly the way you want: in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent at unique campsites, or comfortably in an SUV with stays in our carefully selected lodges.

Your itinerary through South Africa

This is the overview of your 11-day road trip through South Africa. Our route will take you to the most beautiful spots in the country. The overnight stays are already set, but during the day you choose which attractions you want to visit and how much time you spend there.

Your vehicle and accommodations in South Africa

We offer two accommodation options in 2026.

Practical Information

Periods

South Africa Nomads 2025 is completely sold out!

Spring 2026 (March to May)

The spring editions for 2026 will take place on the following dates:

  • W1: March 7-17, 2026
  • W2: March 14-24, 2026 – sold out
  • W3: March 14-24, 2026 – sold out
  • W4: March 21-31, 2026
  • W5: March 28 – April 7, 2026
  • W6: April 4-14, 2026
  • W7: April 11-21, 2026 – sold out
  • W8: April 18-28, 2026
  • W9: April 25 – May 5, 2026 – sold out
  • W10: May 2-12, 2026

Sign up now to take advantage of the lowest prices and free Superflex conditions.

What’s included?

Your South African adventure starts from € 975 per person (excluding flights). This price is based on 2 people per car.

Included with the 4x4 with rooftop tent: 

  • A fully equipped 4x4 with a rooftop tent
  • 1 hotel night in Cape Town excluding breakfast
  • 9 nights at unique campsites
  • Bedding: a double mattress (210 x 120 cm), sleeping bags, pillows, and sheets
  • Camping gear: towels, camping table and chairs, small fridge, shovel, jerrycan with water, and USB charging system
  • Cooking gear: cutting board, pots, gas stove, plates, cutlery, and cups

Included with lodge-to-lodge: 

  • A Suzuki Jimny 4x4 for 2 people
  • An SUV for 3 or 4 people
  • 2 hotel nights in Cape Town excluding breakfast
  • 10 nights in charming guesthouses & hotels including breakfast

The following items are always included:

  • A comprehensive roadbook with the full route, explanations of all sights, and useful tips & tricks
  • Access to an exclusive app with various information and an interactive map
  • Entry to Addo Elephant NP + Tsitsikamma NP
  • Support before and during any issues on site

*When you choose the lodge option, breakfast (8x) is included in the price

Extra options

You can add the following options to your trip:

This is what you will pay on-site:

  • Your lunch, breakfast* and dinner: on average about €15-20 per person per day
  • Snacks, drinks, souvenirs
  • Tips for guides and locals
  • Sights and museums
  • Fuel: ± €300 per car for the entire road trip.
  • Toll roads: ± €10 for the entire road trip.
  • Local SIM card: ± €20.
Flights

Option 1: Affordable flights through us

  • Specially selected, budget-friendly flights from Brussels
  • Directly arrange your entire trip
  • Perfect connection to your travel schedule

Option 2: Choose your own flight flexibly

  • Depart from your preferred airport
  • Flexible travel dates
  • Extend your trip as you wish
  • Use your airmiles or other reward programs

Booking your own flights? Make sure that the flight times match the start time of the road trip.

Insurance

Car Insurance

An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why we recommend adding a damage waiver to your booking. This insurance costs you €30 per day (totaling €330) and covers the vehicle when a member of your team is behind the wheel. By choosing this insurance, you won’t have to pay a deposit.

If you don’t take out a damage waiver, you will need to pay a deposit of €1000, and the excess will be up to €3000 in case of damage.

Travel and Assistance Insurance

Want to travel without worries? Then take out a personal travel and assistance insurance.

Cancellation Insurance

Worried that your trip might not go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances? Then get a cancellation insurance.

Food and drinks

In the roadbook, you'll find all sorts of nice restaurants where you can eat deliciously and often at a good price. Perfect for when you're staying in lodges or want to go out for the evening.

Heading out with the rooftop tent? You'll find cooking supplies in your jeep. Along the way, you can shop at various places. The supermarkets we recommend can be found in the app.

FAQs

Want to learn more about this road trip? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions.

Four unforgettable activities in South Africa

Are you looking for some extra excitement during your road trip? Complete your adventure with one or more activities tailored to your itinerary!

Where are you expected and how do you get there?

Your journey starts in Cape Town.

We expect you on the first day between 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the airport to pick up your car.

There are several options to get there. You can book your flights affordably through us or book your own flights.

Book your flights through South Africa Nomads.

We offer flights in 2026 with Ethiopian Airlines from Brussels (Zaventem) starting at €615 per person (excluding checked baggage).

If you book your flights through us, you'll have a layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for about 2 hours.

Flight times and prices

Your outbound flight is scheduled for the day before your road trip starts. The flight departs between 21:00 and 22:00, and you'll arrive in South Africa the following day. This overview shows flight times and prices per week.

Plan for 2 extra travel days before and after your road trip (these days are already included in the weekly schedule).

Help Center

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about flights for you. Do you have specific questions about your flights? Feel free to send us an email!

When you book your flights through us, they are tailored to your travel program, and you can count on our support in case of any issues.

Book your own flights

Are you booking your flights yourself? Then be sure to keep the weekly schedule in mind, and feel free to contact us via email if you have any questions.

We expect you in Cape Town on the first day of your road trip in the afternoon.

For example: if you book a road trip for spring from April 13 to April 23, you would fly to South Africa on April 12 and be back home on April 24.

Of course, you can also choose to fly to South Africa a bit earlier or return home later, but you'll need to arrange your own transportation and accommodations for the period before or after your road trip.

If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to contact us via email.

Where and when can you pick up the car?

On day 1, you can pick up the car between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM at our starting point at Cape Town airport. Here, you'll receive instructions about the car and any camping gear. From here, your road trip can truly begin. Your first hotel is in Cape Town, about a 30-minute drive from the airport.

On day 11, you need to return the car between 8 AM and 11 AM at the same location.

South Africa Nomads Magazine

Check out our brand new magazine and learn more about the route, must-sees, and extra activities.

Road trip tips

Why choose South Africa Nomads?

Join the road trip in South Africa

Autumn 2025: The autumn edition is completely sold out.

Are you already dreaming of a trip to South Africa in 2026?

The new offer from South Africa Nomads 2026 for spring is now available for booking! Take advantage of the lowest prices and free Superflex conditions.

Are you going for the lodge-to-lodge option? Then you'll pay an additional €150 per person on the base price!

  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info
  • Example trip
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
    Available
    € 1450
    Available
    More info Less info

Give the gift of an adventure

Looking for a unique gift?

With the Travelbase voucher, you can give someone an unforgettable experience and lifelong memories!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you'll find some frequently asked questions about the road trip in South Africa. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us via email.

What documents do I need to travel to South Africa?

To be able to drive during the tour in South Africa, you need the following:

  • A valid passport that is at least 30 days valid after your trip.
  • (international) driver's license that has been valid for 3 years.

Our rental partner does not require an international driver's license; a national driver's license B/EB is sufficient. An international driver's license in English is also valid when paired with a national driver's license.

How old do I need to be to drive in South Africa?

You must be at least 23 years old and have held a driver's license for 3 years to be allowed to drive the 4x4. Please note: there will be additional costs of 79 euros per person if you are 23 or 24 years old in order to drive the car.

If you are 25 years or older and have held your driver's license for 3 years, there are no additional costs involved.

What’s in the roadbook?

Our roadbook contains all the information you need for a successful road trip in South Africa.

On one hand, it includes the complete route, featuring all the hotspots and hidden gems that you won’t find in large travel guides. It also provides information about safety in South Africa and the safest routes. The places we recommend are always suggestions: you can choose which attractions to visit and how much time to spend at each one.

Additionally, our roadbook includes various fun spots where you can grab a bite to eat or drink.

Is the car manual or automatic?

All cars are automatic.

Can I customize the trip to my liking?

We offer a fully planned road trip in South Africa, so it's not possible to adjust the duration and schedule of the trip. Of course, you're free to extend your journey on your own by staying a few extra days in Cape Town or by traveling to another country afterwards.

Where will I be staying exactly?

4x4 + rooftop tent
You'll be staying at unique campsites along the route in nature or by the coast. The campsites are secure, so you don't have to worry. All campsites have sanitation facilities, and almost all of them also have an electrical hookup. If there's none, you can rely on the power from the power bank for a night. The campsites in South Africa can sometimes feel a bit quaint and European. You won't encounter large wild animals, but keep your food and belongings out of sight from the monkeys. Sometimes there's a swimming pool available.

Lodge-to-lodge
You'll be staying in carefully selected B&Bs, hotels, and guesthouses. You'll always have your own bathroom, and breakfast is included in most places. All accommodations we partner with are rated at least 8.5 or higher and are small-scale. Sometimes there's a swimming pool available.

How many people can we take on this trip?

Traveling with the 4x4 + rooftop tent?
The Suzuki Jimny 4x4s are suitable for 2 people.

Want to travel with 4 people? You can book two cars by making two separate bookings. Just send us an email, so we know you're traveling together.

Choosing lodge-to-lodge?
Then you can travel with 2, 3, or 4 people.

2 people
Your trip in a Suzuki Jimny with 2 people.

3 people
We’ll book an SUV for you. You’ll stay in larger rooms with enough beds each night. The base price is €30 per person lower.

4 people
We’ll book an SUV for you. You’ll stay in two separate rooms. The base price is €40 per person lower. Prefer to hit the road with a Jimny? You can book two cars then.

Traveling solo?
Check out WeAdventures. Here, we organize almost the same trip through Travelbase, but specifically aimed at solo travelers who want to join a group trip to South Africa.

How does the payment process work?

Within 5 days of your registration, you will need to pay a 35% deposit to confirm your road trip. After that, you have until 45 days before departure to change your options and pay the remaining amount. If you make changes, the deposit will be automatically recalculated.

Additionally, shortly before departure, you will also need to pay a security deposit. The amount of the deposit depends on the car insurance you have chosen (more info in the car insurance section).

There are various payment options. Did your payment fail? Then there was probably an error when entering the reference number, or you may have exceeded your account limit.

Can I still cancel my trip?

It's always possible to cancel your road trip in South Africa. You can find the terms and conditions here.

What are the Superflex cancellation policies?

These terms are available for anyone who books early. You can use them to change your road trip to another date within the same season (subject to availability) or cancel for free until December 1, 2025 (for the spring edition in 2026).

Is there support on-site?

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you'll be warmly welcomed by our local partners. They will greet you and provide you with information before your journey begins.

During your tour in South Africa, you can find all sorts of useful information in our app. Additionally, just before your departure, you'll receive an invitation to join a WhatsApp group with all participants leaving on the same date. In that group, you can communicate with each other, and there will always be someone from the team available and on-site in case of emergency.

Do I need vaccinations for my trip in South Africa?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for South Africa, unless you have stayed in a high-risk yellow fever country within the seven days before entering South Africa or have been in transit (at an airport) for 12 hours. In that case, a yellow fever vaccination is required. Are you flying through Ethiopia? Then you will need a yellow fever vaccination in case your flight is delayed.

Regardless of the length of your stay, the following vaccinations are recommended for South Africa:

  • DTP vaccination (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio)
  • Hepatitis A vaccination (infectious jaundice). Hepatitis A is only important if you're traveling under primitive conditions.
  • If you haven't had measles or a measles vaccination, a MMR vaccination is recommended for South Africa.

You can check this website for more information or contact your doctor or the GGD (Public Health Service) in the Netherlands.

 

 

Is the Garden Route safe to travel?

The Garden Route in South Africa is generally a safe and popular area to explore, especially for travelers who are well-prepared. During your trip with Travelbase, you’re always in good hands: a local partner is ready to help with any questions or issues, and you’ll be traveling with other adventurers, staying in the same places each night, so there’s always someone nearby. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive roadbook with practical tips, including safety advice and which neighborhoods or roads to avoid. This way, you can enjoy your adventure without worries!

What about wildlife along the Garden Route?

Along the Garden Route in South Africa, you'll mainly encounter smaller wildlife, such as birds, monkeys, and sometimes hyraxes (rock hyraxes). You won't find large wild animals like lions or elephants here in the wild. They only live in enclosed reserves that you can visit. At campgrounds, you don't have to worry about dangerous animals, but it's important to store food properly, as curious monkeys or other animals may sometimes go looking for snacks. Keep nature in mind by not feeding the animals and leaving your surroundings tidy. This way, you stay safe and respect the local wildlife.

Is it safe to drive around Addo Elephant National Park on your own?

Yes, it's safe to drive around independently in Addo Elephant National Park. The park is well organized with clear roads and signage. The animals are used to vehicles, allowing you to enjoy nature up close in a safe way. It's important to stay in your car, not to get out in non-designated areas, and to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially elephants. For those who prefer to be guided, it's also possible to book a guided safari. An experienced guide can tell you more about the flora and fauna in the park and ensure you discover the best spots without any worries.

How do I get to Brussels from the Netherlands?

Our flights depart from Brussels. Flights from Brussels are often much cheaper than from Amsterdam. What's the easiest way to get here if you live in the Netherlands?

By train
The fastest and most comfortable option is the IC train from NS International. From Amsterdam Central, it takes about 2 hours to Brussels Airport for around €44-56 (one way). From Rotterdam Central, it takes about 1.5 hours and costs between €35-45.

By FlixBus
A budget-friendly option is the FlixBus. It departs from various Dutch cities and takes you directly to Brussels Airport. Tickets start from €15, but the travel time is a bit longer (3-4 hours).

By car
Prefer to drive yourself? From Amsterdam, it's about a 2.5-hour drive (215 km). Parking is available from €16 per day in the official airport garage. You'll also need to consider fuel costs and any tolls in Belgium.

Drop-off
Of course, you can also have family or friends drop you off at the departure hall. The kiss & ride zone is located right in front of the departure hall.

What name should I enter when booking the flight tickets through South Africa Nomads?

When registering, use your official name exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.

Do you want to do your part for nature?

Through our partnership with Greentripper, you can offset the CO2 emissions from your trip. Your contribution goes to the certified Wildlife Cambodia project, which protects various forests and the wildlife that inhabits them. Additionally, Travelbase also contributes to every contribution.

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