Traveling in South Africa: organized tour or DIY? (page 2 of 2)

There’s no problem traveling on your own in South Africa, especially for a Canadian who’s generally much better at English than a French person.

It’s like going to the USA.

However, it’s wise to take a few precautions in cities (ask your host for advice), mainly at night and in certain neighborhoods.

It’s also worth noting that not renting a vehicle can be limiting and quickly become more expensive.

Depending on the route and budget, it’s best—even mandatory—to book accommodations inside the parks in advance.

(Mandatory: Kgalagadi at all times except for camping in January–February, Kruger between Christmas and New Year’s, local long weekends, and certain camps or types of bungalows like Balule or bush camps)

Accommodation costs in the parks range from around twenty euros for two people camping in public reserves to several hundred in the luxurious lodges of private reserves.

For basic lodging, prices range from 25 euros to around a hundred in public reserves (always for two people).

The most basic option is a cabin with bedding, sheets, and towels included. The minimum includes access to shared facilities (hot showers and toilets), usually clean, a barbecue, a table, chairs, and access to a kitchen block (electric stoves, sink, boiling water dispenser). Some have a sink, fridge, and kettle.

The top-end basic option is a unit with a bedroom, living room, private summer kitchen with equipment, bathroom, private toilet, and a view.

For Kruger, I’d recommend Balule, Pretoriuskop, Shingwedzi, Tamboti, and Letaba for tight budgets.

For those with more flexible budgets: Biyamiti, Tamboti, Talamati, and Olifant bungalows with a view.

Plan to bring your own groceries—some of the more "wild" camps don’t have restaurants or fast food.

Outside Kruger, I really like Kgalagadi, Mountain Zebra, Mapungubwe, the Drakensberg, Tankwa, and Richtersveld. The last one is only accessible by 4x4.

Also great: Imfolozi, Cape Vidal, Karoo NP, Ithala, Augrabies, and Marakele.

Hi Johanne,

In October and November 2018, my wife and I (both 60) loved our 4-week trip to South Africa. Like you, we enjoy nature, and South Africa offers a great diversity of beauty and activities—all in complete safety in the places we visited. Here are the highlights of our stay: - Flight from Montreal to Johannesburg via Doha - Rental of a compact car (you have to drive on the left, but you get used to it quickly). - Scenic route to Kruger Park via Bourke's Luck Potholes - 2 extraordinary nights at Camp Shindzela, which has only 8 tents. It’s a bit expensive, but what an experience to explore the park in a jeep with a guide and a tracker. - 4 more nights in the Satara and Lower Sabie camps. Beautiful roads in Kruger Park to discover many animals on our own. - Headed to St. Lucia. iSimangaliso Park and its stunning Cape Vidal beach. - Flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth - The Garden Route along the coast. Stops in Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness (6 nights) - Oudtshoorn. Cango Caves and Swartberg Pass - Franschhoek: vineyard visits and wine tastings. Gourmet meal and romantic sunset at Roca restaurant in the Dieudonné vineyard - Cape Town. Kirstenbosch Garden and Table Mountain - Return flight to Montreal

On an organized tour, this itinerary would have cost much more—and without the freedom to explore and stop whenever we wanted. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Thanks so much for your info—I’m taking note of the camps! 😊👍

Hi Johla,

We took this trip to South Africa in April 2019 and had the exact same question as you. After reading lots of blogs and suggestions on this forum, we decided to do it ourselves—and honestly, what a great decision. We planned our itinerary, booked our guesthouses, hotels, campsites, car rentals, international and domestic flights, safaris, and a few activities before we left.

Everything was perfect for half the price of an organized trip, and we didn’t have to follow a group. You’re free to choose your meals, movements, and activities. I’d strongly recommend 4 weeks to fully enjoy your trip. It’s true that this kind of trip requires a lot of research compared to an organized tour, but it’s totally worth it. I kept notes on my itinerary, accommodations, activities, and great restaurants. I’d be happy to share them if you’re interested. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions, and have a great day!

Hi Johanne, We’ve been to South Africa five times, always on our own. At our own pace—small chunks each time, from Kruger Park all the way to Cape Town. We’ve never run into any problems, but you do need to follow basic safety tips, avoid downtown areas (they’re not that interesting anyway, except for Cape Town). People are welcoming, the food is excellent, the wines are great, the road network is in good shape, and drivers follow the rules. If you’re hitting the road, a GPS (under 100 €) can come in handy. Happy travels! Michèle & Philippe

Only 6?

What a lightweight you are! 😉😉😉

And may I kindly and without any aggression offer some advice instead of orders?

😏😏

What a lightweight you are! 😉😉😉

I have a handicap: my daughter, who isn’t too keen on it.

And you allow yourself, kindly and without any aggression, to give advice and not orders? 😏😏

Yeah, that’s just how I am 😏 😏

Hi :)

Thanks for your reply! Once everything’s sorted after the Forum’s comment, we’re planning to do it on our own. We’ll be there for two weeks—it’s not long, but as you mentioned, it’s a trip you need to do a few times to really appreciate each place.

We went as a group of four to explore this amazing country in September 2019. We organized the entire trip ourselves and returned without any hiccups. However, for our visit to Johannesburg, we hired a private French-speaking guide who exceeded our expectations. Here are his details if you're interested: tchapaalain@yahoo.co.uk. I highly recommend him! Also, to make the most of the best sites and cut down on long road trips, I suggest flying between Durban and Port Elizabeth. Happy travels!

Thanks so much for the reference 😊 Did you rent a car?

To really enjoy the country and visit the parks, a car is a must.

You don’t really have a choice but to rent a car in South Africa. There’s no well-organized public transport. Rentals aren’t expensive, but be aware that driving is on the left—though you get used to it quickly, and the road signage is excellent.

We actually rented a car twice based on our route, but we didn’t drive in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Hi, regarding the practical side of things, I guess you need to bring your own towels and bed linens... Thanks

No, the beds are made like in a hotel and towels are provided. (Except if you choose the camping option, of course)

The dish towel, though...