South Africa Nomads

Discover the Garden Route in 11 days, spot wild animals, and stay in unique places in nature.

Inclusive
  • Your own 4x4 with a rooftop tent or SUV
  • Stay at unique campsites or in cozy lodges.
  • Access to Addo Elephant NP & Tsitsikamma NP
  • Detailed roadbook
  • Support in advance and in case of on-site issues
Exclusive app with navigation and travel information
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Your route through South Africa

Your adventure begins in the vibrant Cape Town, where you'll enjoy everything this cosmopolitan city has to offer for two nights. From there, you'll head to the charming coastal town of Hermanus – known for whale watching from June to November – and then drive on to Swartvlei. This hidden gem is an oasis of pure tranquility.

Our route will take you along the famous Garden Route towards the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, you'll get up close with wildlife during a (self-drive) safari.

Next, you'll drive to Jeffreys Bay, a surfer's paradise with world-famous waves. Kayak among the cliffs in Tsitsikamma National Park and spot seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve near Mossel Bay.

Your 11-day road trip concludes in Franschhoek, nestled among vineyards and surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains.

Check out the offerings for 2026.
South Africa Road Trip Map

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 want to spend there.

Want to learn how to surf during your road trip?

Your car and accommodation 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)

Pre-register now for the spring editions of South Africa Nomads 2026. We’re also introducing a new concept where you'll be staying in lodges. Indicate your preference through the pre-registration form.

What's included?

You can secure your South African adventure starting from € 1,195 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
  • Sleeping materials: 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 materials: cutting board, pots, gas stove, plates, cutlery, and cups

Included with lodge-to-lodge: 

  • A compact SUV
  • 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 complete route, explanations of all attractions, and useful tips & tricks
  • Access to an exclusive app with all sorts of information and an interactive map
  • Entry to Addo Elephant NP + Tsitsikamma NP
  • Pre-trip support and assistance on-site in case of problems

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

Additional options

You can add the following options to your trip:

Flights

Option 1: Affordable flights through us

  • Specially selected, budget-friendly flights from Brussels
  • Get your entire trip sorted out directly
  • Perfect connection to your travel itinerary

Option 2: Flexibly choose your own flight

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

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

Insurances

Car Insurance

Accidents can happen at any time, so we recommend adding a damage waiver to your booking. This insurance costs you €37 per day 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 haven't taken out a damage waiver, you will need to pay a deposit of €1000, and the deductible can 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 take out a cancellation insurance.

Food and drinks

In the roadbook, you'll find all sorts of nice restaurants where you can enjoy delicious and often affordable meals. Perfect for when you're staying in lodges or want to go out for the evening.

Are you heading out with the 4x4? In your jeep, you'll find supplies to cook. Along the way, you can shop at various places. The supermarkets we recommend can be found in the app.

FAQs

Want to know 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 experiences during your road trip? Complete your adventure with one or more activities tailored to your itinerary!

(Learn to) surf during your road trip?

Want to take multiple lessons to learn to surf during your road trip?

Then go for a surf package with 3 surf lessons, where you'll learn to surf at three iconic surf spots: Muizenberg, Mossel Bay, and Jeffreys Bay.

With the surf package, you get 3 surf lessons of 1.5 to 2 hours at three different locations, including rental of a surfboard & wetsuits. The lessons are available for all skill levels and the cost is €99 per person.

Where are you expected and how do you get there?

Your journey begins 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 various options to get there. 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 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and you will arrive in South Africa the next day. This overview shows the 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 aligned with 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? Be sure to keep the weekly schedule in mind, and don't hesitate 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.

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 then 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, feel free 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 equipment. 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, the must-sees, and the extra activities.

Road trip tips

Why choose South Africa Nomads?

Join the road trip in South Africa!

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

The new offerings are now online! Preregister now to be the first to book on September 9th, and take advantage of the lowest prices and free Superflex conditions.

Opting for the lodge-to-lodge option? You'll pay an additional €100 per person on the base price!

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  • Amalfi
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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  • Amalfi
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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    € 1450
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  • Amalfi
    Monday 20 Jan 2025
    Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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    € 1450
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Gift 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, don't hesitate to contact us via email.

What documents do I need to travel to South Africa?

To drive during the road trip in South Africa, you'll need the following:

  • A valid international passport that is at least 6 months valid after your trip.
  • A (international) driver's license.
  • Traveling with the 4×4 + rooftop tent? Then you need to have a driver's license that has been valid for at least 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 combined with a national license.

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

Traveling with the 4x4 + rooftop tent?
You must be at least 23 years old and have held your driver's license for at least 3 years to be allowed to drive the 4x4. Please note: there will be an additional cost of 79 euros per person if you are 23 or 24 years old to drive the car.

Are you 25 years or older and have held your driver's license for 3 years? Then there are no additional costs.

Choosing lodge-to-lodge?
Then you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.

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 suggestive: you can choose which attractions to visit and how much time to spend there.

Additionally, our roadbook also includes various great spots where you can grab something 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 change the duration and schedule of the trip. You're, of course, free to extend your journey on your own by staying a few extra days in Cape Town or by traveling to another country afterward.

Where will I be staying exactly?

4×4 + rooftop tent
You will stay 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 electricity connection. If there isn't one, you can use 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 stay 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 join us on this trip?

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

Choosing lodge-to-lodge?
We offer a VW Polo or similar for 2-3 people.

There is space for one group of three people on every departure date. If you're traveling with three people, the base price drops by €50 per person.

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

Traveling alone?
Check out WeAdventures. They offer a similar route as a group trip to South Africa.

How does the payment process work?

Within 5 days of your registration, you'll 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, you'll need to pay a security deposit shortly before departure. The amount of the deposit depends on the car insurance you've chosen (more info under the car insurance section).

There are various payment options. If your payment failed, there may have been an error when entering the reference number, or you may have exceeded your account limit.

Can I still cancel my trip?

You can always cancel your road trip in South Africa. Here you can find the terms and conditions.

What are the Superflex cancellation policies?

These conditions are available for anyone who books early. You can use them to move your road trip to another date within the same season (subject to availability) or cancel free of charge until October 24, 2025 (for the spring edition in 2026).

Is there support on site?

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

During your trip 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, but there will also always be someone from the team available and on-site in case of emergency.

Do I need vaccinations for my trip to South Africa?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for South Africa, unless you have stayed in a high-risk yellow fever country within 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 duration 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 are traveling in primitive conditions.
  • If you have not 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'll always be 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 every night, so there's always someone around. Plus, 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 worry-free!

What about wildlife along the Garden Route?

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

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, so you can enjoy nature up close in a safe way. It's important to stay in your car, not to get out at non-designated areas, and to keep 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, you can travel to Brussels Airport in about 2 hours 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 at €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 starts at €16 per day in the official airport garage. Additionally, you'll need to consider fuel costs and any tolls in Belgium.

Drop-off
Of course, you can also be dropped off by family or friends at the departure hall. The kiss & ride zone is located directly in front of the departure hall.

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

Use your official name when registering, exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.

Would you like 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 donation.

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