Imagine this: you, relaxing behind the wheel, while others have long since continued their journey in a crowded coach. Leopard spotted? No problem, you can stay as long as you like. This is your moment, your pace. It's all about you and the open road. No fixed routes, no rush. Just you, your steering wheel, and a curious ostrich waving hello every now and then.
The charm of a self-drive adventure through Southern Africa
Cruising in a rented bakkie, changing tyres as if you're in a Formula 1 cockpit, and then navigating the stars as if the sky is your personal GPS – "Take the third star on the left at Orion and turn right at the Milky Way." "Grab the wheel of your bakkie, embrace the unpredictability, and let Africa overwhelm you." Welcome to the world of a self-drive adventure, where many relationships are tested or strengthened – it all depends on your driving or navigation skills. This is an authentic African adventure! Grab the wheel of your vehicle, embrace the unpredictability, and let Africa amaze you as you enjoy every bump in the road.What can I expect from the car?
We hope you understand that the car has four wheels and a steering wheel, but for all the other extra information, here’s a short and concise explanation about the car type. When you book the trip, you'll receive an even more detailed overview of all the ins and outs of the car and its accessories. Disclaimer: Please note! Details and exact specifications may vary by country and car rental company, so don't hold us 100% accountable for the information below!Toyota Hilux
The most common bakkie you'll be using for your road trip adventure nine times out of ten is the Toyota Hilux (or a similar model). Hilux, what now? What's in a name? Here’s what you can expect:- 4x4 drive
- Manual transmission
- 2.4 diesel engine
- Approximately 140-litre diesel tank
- Airbags
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Central locking
- Audio system
- Year of manufacture from 2019
- Average fuel consumption of 1 in 10
- Spare tyre
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Tool kit
- First aid kit
- Compressor
- Jack
- Shovel
- Warning triangle
- Tow rope
- Fire extinguisher
- Water tank
Single Cab or Double Cab?
The difference between these two options? Very simple! Whether or not there’s a back seat, 5 doors or 3 doors. So, if you're with 5 people and don't want Grandma sitting on your lap for three weeks, you opt for the Double Cab. But if you'd like your luggage, binoculars, camera, or twenty bottles of cola within easy reach (instead of tucked away in the boot), the Double Cab is the way to go – much more practical and comfortable. If you prefer the coziness of a Single Cab, you’ll still arrive at your next destination just fine with that.With or without rooftop tent?
This seems pretty obvious, but just to be clear. If you're going camping, with that iconic rooftop tent under the starry sky in the middle of nowhere, you opt for the version with the rooftop tent, also known as "equipped." If camping's not your thing and you'd rather indulge yourself in the comfort of lovely lodges, go ahead! We'll simply remove the rooftop tent – no hassle!
Even more comfort?
Then you'll land in the category of Landcruisers, Prados, Fortuners, and Land Rovers. Bigger, sturdier, heavier, better, stronger (and yes, much more expensive!). In our view, the upgrade doesn’t really justify the extra costs. What could be a benefit for some less experienced drivers is having an automatic instead of a manual car.What about that tent on the roof and the camping gear?
That rooftop tent is your flying carpet to adventure! With all the camping gear provided to host a gastronomic feast on the roof. Don't ask me if the forks included are three-pronged or four-pronged, or whether the teaspoons are soup spoons, tea spoons, or dessert spoons. But you can generally expect the following items to be included with the camping gear:- One or two rooftop tents or ground tents
- Mattress, blanket, and pillows
- Fridge
- Table and chairs
- Pots and pans
- Glasses
- Plates
- Bowls
- Chopping board
- Cooking utensils
- Cutlery
- Lighter
- Corkscrew
"Are there enough places to refuel and do some shopping, how do I set up the rooftop tent, is camping in the bush dangerous, and other questions will all be answered by us during the preparation for your road trip. Our Travel and Operations Consultants will do everything they can to ensure your road trip goes smoothly."
Self-driving in Namibia and Botswana
Self-driving in Namibia and Botswana is a bit different from Mozambique and South Africa. This is mainly due to the fact that Namibia and Botswana are vast countries, with even larger travel distances. You definitely want a spacious, comfortable vehicle under you, and sometimes even a rooftop tent on top of the car.Self-driving in Mozambique and South Africa
Do you fancy such a self-drive adventure in South Africa or Mozambique? Good for you, both are great countries for a road trip. It's worth knowing that a self-drive trip to Mozambique is usually combined with a journey to South Africa. So, the vehicle you'll be driving through Mozambique depends on your South African adventures. We rarely use a 4x4 with camping gear here, as this self-drive often includes pit stops at comfortable lodges for a good night's rest.Self-driving in South Africa: the Eastern Loop
For a self-drive along the Eastern Loop, we often use the Toyota Hilux Single or Double Cab – it depends a bit on your group size. But it's good to know: you'll be driving a 4x4 for sure, as you never know where the road will take you. We rarely use a 4x4 with camping gear here, as this self-drive often includes pit stops at comfortable lodges for a restful night’s sleep.Self-driving in South Africa: Cape Town & the West Coast
Along the South African west coast (where the 'Cape Town loop' crew hangs out), we keep it simple with regular cars. Just four wheels and a steering wheel, just like Uncle Bob's car.What about car insurance? – Don't worry, we got you covered!
With all that adventure, bumps, and all those elephants stomping on your bakkie, we understand better than anyone that you want to get behind the wheel with peace of mind. No worries, we got you covered, literally! From "standard cover" to "full cover," car insurance is always included with the car rental, covering your scratches and dents. Essentially, what it comes down to is that you'll book an insurance through the rental company that reimburses your "excess" in case of damage (either partial or full). We strongly recommend the full cover, in fact, at some car rental companies, it’s the only option.
