Wondering whether to go all-in on a luxury safari or try a budget-friendly self-drive safari in South Africa? This is your essential beginner’s guide to exploring South Africa’s best self-drive safari parks on a budget, packed with tips on how to do it and what to expect.

Have you dreamed of wide-open roads, wild rugged landscapes, and exceptional wildlife encounters of the Big Five? If guided tours aren’t your thing, a self-drive safari in South Africa might be your kind of adventure.

From the iconic Kruger National Park to the best-kept secrets like Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa offers some of the best safari opportunities for every traveller, whether you're on a tight budget or in search of the ultimate luxury safari experience.

We cover the best self-drive safari destinations in South Africa, what to expect, safety tips and whether this is the experience for you. While countries like Namibia, Tanzania, and Botswana also promise fantastic self-drive experiences, South Africa stands out for its varied scenery, well-connected roads, and wide choice of parks and nature reserves.

The option of a self-drive safari makes an African safari more accessible for everyone to experience the magic of wildlife encounters in the bush without the high price tag. Driving in South Africa can be an wonderful adventure, but you have to be prepared to put in some effort. It doesn’t replace an all-inclusive luxury safari lodge experience, but if you’re a traveller who enjoys the freedom to make your own choices and prefers being alone, then this might be for you.

A white vehicle drives along a winding dirt road through tall grass and sparse trees in a serene landscape in Kruger.

What is a self-drive safari?

A self-drive safari is the ultimate wildlife adventure, like stepping into an episode of The Wild Thornberrys. If you grew up in the ‘90s, picture yourself as Eliza Thornberry, cruising through the bush testing your wildlife tracking skills.

Unlike traditional guided safaris, a self-drive safari puts you behind the wheel. You set the pace, follow your chosen route through game reserves, and stay as long as you want at each sighting. It’s all about testing your wildlife-spotting skills, driving through the heart of the African bush and enjoying a budget-friendly way to experience an African safari.

You don’t need a premium off-road vehicle or Eliza’s ComVee campervan to do it. Whether you’re in a small rental car or a fully equipped 4x4 (we’ve tried both), you’ll have the freedom to stop when you see an elephant bathing in a watering hole or watch a lion sleeping in the grass for as long as you’d like.

A white vehicle parked on a bridge overlooking a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky in Kruger.

When is the best time for a self-drive safari in South Africa?

South Africa is a year-round destination with sunny weather and activities to enjoy in every season. We’ve done self-drive safaris in both March and August; each visit offered something special.

The best time for wildlife viewing in South Africa is during the dry season, from May to September, when the vegetation is sparse and animals tend to gather around watering holes. That said, during our visit to Kruger National Park in March, we still saw an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five, all without a guide.

We’ve visited Addo National Park in both March and August and spotted plenty of elephants alongside other wildlife throughout the park. On our most recent visit to South Africa, we opted for March for our 3-week road trip. Visiting in March allowed us to drive through the Western Cape, enjoy Kruger National Park with fewer tourists, and take advantage of the warm weather - especially when compared to temperatures back in the UK!

It's best to be prepared for a mixture of weather conditions; bring a warm fleece and rain jacket for early morning game drives and cool evenings.

A crocodile's head partially emerges from calm water, surrounded by faint ripples reflecting its textured skin and piercing eyes in Kruger.

What to expect on a self-drive safari?

When going on your first self-drive safari, it’s completely normal to feel both excited and a little nervous. Like trying anything for the first time, you may feel a little bit of apprehension to begin with, and then if you love it, you keep dreaming of the next opportunity. Here are some useful things to know before you plan a self-drive safari.

Conservation fees | You have to pay a daily conservation fee to enter a South Africa National Park (SAN Park). Later in the article, we cover how much a self-drive safari costs, including conservation fees and SAN Park campsite prices.

READ MORE | How much does a self-drive safari cost?

Camp in the park | For the best chances of wildlife sightings, get up early and stay inside the game reserve. This reduces the amount of time driving to and from the gate. Campsite gates usually open a little before the main gate to the reserve giving you a chance to get the best sightings with fewer vehicles.

Safety is your responsibility | While there will be park rangers patrolling the parks, mostly to monitor for any breakdowns, emergencies and monitoring driver behaviour. Most of the time you will be responsible for your safety and it’s down to you to stick to the rules.

Learn about animal behaviour | Understanding animal stress and aggression is critical to staying safe on safari, especially without a guide. Be confident in knowing when to move on, especially with elephants, which can flip and crush a car. Remain quiet, turn off your engine when stopped, and keep your windows closed.

Never approach a male in musth (shown by tear-like marks on the side of the head) or get in between a herd and a baby elephant. Signs like trumpeting, shaking their head violently, false charge, dust-kicking or aggressive ear flapping mean it’s time to get outta there.

Learn more about elephant behaviour on the SANParks website and take a look at this useful info card.

Two zebras stand in tall golden grass, facing different directions, with lush greenery in the background under a clear blue sky in Kruger.

Long drive days | Most days will start early in the morning. This is when animals are most active, being one of cooler parts of the day. It’s worth the effort of getting up that bit earlier for the best chances to see wildlife. Usually, this is the best time to spot big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the move. On a self-drive safari, you will be driving for most of the day, make sure to schedule breaks at camps to stretch your legs.

Think like a tracker | Scan the horizon, check dirt roads for tracks, and learn to look for signs of animal movement. It takes a lot of patience and experience to learn patterns and signals from animal behaviours. It’s always worth going on a guided safari first to learn from an expert tracker for tips and tricks when you go solo.

Plan a route | When out on safari, toilet breaks can be few and far between. It’s worthwhile planning a route for the day with rest stops and time to eat. Most parks provide a paper map and it’s worth downloading offline maps for areas without signal. It can be easy to get lost, but don’t worry there are signs at most main junctions to lead you back to being on track.

Bring snacks and water | Designated picnic spots don’t have a café or icecream stall so you need to bring food and drink with you in the car. At most of the rest camps there is a shop and a restaurant but make to check this beforehand. The satellite camps usually have toilets and limited resources designed for those staying the night off-grid.

Every day is different | For the best opportunities, do a self-drive safari over a few days or a week if you can. One day you may mostly spot elephants, giraffes and buffalo all within a short distance and other days you may drive for a while without seeing anything and sightings can be less frequent.

Self-drive safaris are immersive | It’s all down to you to track down wildlife and with the unpredictability of it all, makes the experience especially rewarding when you put in the effort. Guided safaris usually have the advantage of being able to speak to other guides on a walkie-talkie and share sightings which increases chances to see animals.

Your first won't be your last | Going on a self-drive safari is addictive, it fills you with excitement for when you have a sighting and at the end you will likely talk about the next time you want to go!

Each park is different | You might think that all the South Africa National Parks will have similar animals and while that may be partly true, the diversity and chances to spot certain animals change from park to park. For example, in Zebra National Park we spotted meerkats by going on a 4x4 route, whereas other parks such as Addo are excellent for large herds of Elephants.

What are the rules for self-drive safari?

Don’t be that person on a self-drive safari. A self-drive safari provides freedom but is not a free-for-all. Driving without a guide means you are solely responsible for your own safety. If you’re not comfortable with this, a self-guided safari isn’t for you.

Before setting off on a self-drive safari adventure, you should be aware of some ground rules that will help you be the most responsible visitor possible, respecting wildlife and those around you for the best possible experience.

Keep the roads clear | Stay alert of other cars and avoid blocking the road. When stopping for a sighting, pull over to the side allowing other cars to pass. If the other side is already blocked, move forward or pull over on that side.

Don’t drive on the grass verges | Only drive on the road; stick to the marked tarmac and dirt roads when on a self-drive safari to minimise erosion and disturbing the landscape.

Be familiar with wildlife spotting etiquette | If you spot wildlife first, then you are first in the queue, and if you are in the queue waiting for a good sighting, then turn your engine off and be patient for your turn.

Be aware of your surroundings | Other vehicles may stop ahead of you, and if someone looks like they want to overtake, let them.

Don’t get out of your vehicle | Stay in your car unless you want to be part of the food chain or the circle of life! Don’t lean out of your window or sit on the window to get a better view. There are strict rules about staying within your vehicle at all times. There are designated picnic spots and viewpoints where you can exit your vehicle at your own risk.

Drive only on designated roads | Some tracks can only be used by guides or park rangers; these are usually clearly marked with a no-entry sign. You are not permitted to drive off the road into the bush to get a better sighting.

Respect wildlife | You are coming into their home; give animals distance to enjoy their surroundings and not feel threatened or scared by your presence. When driving, stay alert of wildlife crossing the road or making sudden movements.

Keep to the speed limits | Speed limits are usually 50 km/h on tarmac roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Drive slowly for the best chance to spot wildlife; don’t zoom from location to location. There is no tolerance for speeding cars, and fines will be issued.

Keep to gate and camp gate times | Check park gate times and ensure you exit the park before closing hours to avoid fines. There can be considerable times between gates, and while keeping to the speed limit, it may take longer than you think. The gate times are there for a reason: for your safety. You can be fined if you don't stick to these times.

Avoid loud noise or music | For the best chances of wildlife spotting and minimising disturbance, keep voices to a minimum and don’t play loud music.

Be prepared breakdowns | Note down emergency numbers and be equipped for a breakdown. In Kruger, you should have enough food and water with you in case you don’t have signal to call for help. Wait for another car to pass and do not attempt to get outside your vehicle.

A vibrant blue and orange kingfisher perched on a slender branch amidst lush green foliage, showcasing its striking colors in kruger.

Wildlife sightings are never a guarantee

When heading out on safari, it’s important to manage your expectations. While documentaries like Planet Earth bring you face-to-face with extraordinary natural encounters, these projects take years or even decades to complete, and many of them are rare opportunities to experience. As it should be, nature can be unpredictable, untamed, and wild.

While on a self-drive safari many may think they will witness a kill, when in reality it can be quite a rare and even traumatic event to see. As amazing as it would be to see animals in action or baby lions walking past your car, it really all comes down to timing and luck. Being in the right place at the right time, is the name of the game.

The key is to approach each drive with an open mind and appreciate that nature doesn’t run by a strict schedule. The more time you spend out in the bush, the better your chances. As with any probability, the more opportunities you give yourself, the higher the likelihood of encountering something unforgettable.

INSIDER TIP | Instead of focusing on a checklist of must-see animals, embrace your individual experience and enjoy the little moments too. Allow yourself to notice your surroundings and South Africa is home to over 800 species of birds and many different types of antelopes (bok). Challenge yourself to learn the different types of bok and see if you can name them!

A solitary elephant grazes in a golden grassy field, surrounded by trees under soft evening light in Kruger.

Tips for spotting wildlife on a self-drive safari

To help boost your chances, we’ve included useful tips for spotting wildlife, especially helpful for beginners on your first self-drive safari.

Talk to other drivers | Don’t be shy or afraid to ask others what they have seen and where on the day, including how recently.

Use online groups and apps | Join Facebook and WhatsApp groups for recent sightings where many share exciting spots that day.

Get a guidebook | Look for guidebooks specific to the park giving useful insights into the best areas to spot certain wildlife. We saw plenty in gift shops at rest camps if unsure where to buy.

Get a wildlife book | We bought a safari specific book with most of the most common sightings. This was really helpful when out on the drive and we’d usually take a picture and identify it later on.

Be patient and give yourself time | Wildlife doesn’t stick to a schedule; the more time you spend out in the park, the better your chances.

Go early and later in the day | Animals are most active at dawn and at sunset; plan game drives around these times.

Pack plenty of snacks | Bring enough food and water will allow you to stay out for longer. The best snacks are biltong, nuts, biscuits, dried fruit, crisps - anything that doesn’t melt and lasts out of the fridge all day.

Plan a route | Take time to plan a route that will allow you to focus on spotting wildlife.

Watch out for parked cars | A stationary car often means a sighting. Ask nicely what they have seen, but don’t block their view or drive in front of their shot.

Look out for tracks on dirt roads | Animal tracks on the road could lead to potential exciting sightings.

Observe animal behaviour | Listen carefully when animals are on alert, such as impalas or zebras, this could indicate a predator nearby.

Visit water holes | These are excellent places to sit and wait, especially when you are tired of constantly driving. We found a lovely small, remote watering hole in Kruger National Park where we saw a crocodile, terrapin, kingfisher and beautiful weaver birds building their nests.

Consider hiring a 4x4 | Some parks have dedicated 4x4 routes which allow you to get to quieter spots and often better sightings. We experienced some of the most unique sightings at Mountain Zebra National Park, including a cute family of meerkats!

Check the sightings map | Most of the parks have a sightings map at each camp. These may not always be up to date or reliable, so it’s best to verify with park rangers and others driving in the park. Remember animals can be on the move, so they may have moved on by the time you get there.

A vibrant yellow weaver bird in mid-flight hovers near its intricately woven nest, suspended from a leafy branch against a blurred green background in Kruger.

Self-Drive vs Guided Safari

One of the biggest decisions when planning a safari is choosing between a self-drive or a guided experience. It’s best to understand the differences between self-drive and guided safaris to help choose which experience will suit your travel preference and budget. We’re not suggesting one is better than the other. If possible, we recommend trying both to see which you prefer.

Pros of a self-drive safari

🦒 Family-friendly with no age limit, most guided safaris and luxury lodges have age restrictions.

🦒 Completely independent in choosing your route and schedule.

🦒 Can get away from other guided safari vehicles, as sometimes if there is a sighting cars may congregate together.

🦒 Stay at a sighting for as long as you like within the gate times.

🦒 Budget-friendly option, saving money on accommodation and guide fees.

🦒 Camp under the stars overnight inside the park and hear the lions roar at night or see a hyena patrol the fence. A unique experience you won’t forget!

🦒 4x4 and car rentals are affordable.

🦒 Ideal for passionate photographers or videographers who are happy to patiently wait for the best moment and lighting.

🦒 Opportunity to be the first in the park before the main gates open.

🦒 Be in the comfort of your car with everything you need.

🦒 Enjoy longer viewing times with better chances for encounters.

A majestic elephant stands on a dirt path, surrounded by lush green vegetation, with its trunk raised and dust swirling around its feet in Kruger.

Cons of a self-drive Safari

🐘 Driving can be stressful if you don’t understand animal behaviour and can put you in a dangerous situation.

🐘 If you have poor navigation skills, it’s possible to get lost.

🐘 Limited access to specific roads and can’t drive off into the bush.

🐘 Don’t have expert knowledge of a guide or tracker for unique sightings.

🐘 A guided safari usually works with a network of other guides for better wildlife-spotting chances.

🐘 Taking photos and videos can be easier on a guided safari without worrying about driving.

🐘 Spotting wildlife can be more difficult without animal experience and knowledge of the local area for usual spots.

🐘 Safety is your responsibility, and you could miss a warning signal from an animal.

🐘 Be prepared for any potential breakdown or emergency.

🐘 Be aware of the timing for gate close times and ensure you have enough time to get back to the camp or entrance gates in time.

🐘 Must be a confident driver in most road conditions.

🐘 You can’t rely on Google Maps to take you around the parks; the signal can be patchy, and it’s best to use paper maps and follow signs.

A majestic baobab tree with a thick trunk and wide canopy stands against a blue sky with fluffy clouds, surrounded by green vegetation in Kruger.

Is a self-drive safari the best option for you?

You need to be a confident driver and comfortable with driving on the LHS. An automatic makes driving much easier, as you will be spending long days behind the wheel.

You must be happy to be in the same space with those you are travelling with for most of the day in a small space. You can’t just get out of your car at any time in the park and need to plan stops at camps for toilet breaks.
Be prepared for days where wildlife watching isn’t what you expected. When we stayed in Satara Camp, we were told it was the best place to see lions, and we didn’t see any – we saw plenty of elephants, giraffes, buffalo and many other incredible encounters. You might just be unlucky!
If you love independent travel, confident behind the wheel and enjoy taking your time to spot game, then a self-drive safari could be ideal for you.

A white Ford pick-up truck with a rooftop tent and solar panel parked in a grassy area at sunset in Satara camp Kruger.

Best places for a self-drive in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Often considered the premium choice for a self-drive safari, The mighty Kruger offers over 19,000 km² of wilderness, home to over 47 mammal species, and more than 500 bird species. Stay overnight inside the park for an immersive experience, a chance to camp ‘in the wild’.

We’d recommend choosing an area either far northern, north, central or south for your self-drive safari in Kurger National Park. Watch our self-drive safari through central Kruger in a 4x4 Ford Ranger, staying in Satara and Balule camps.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo is an wonderful self-drive destination, especially for first-timers, perfectly positioned as your final destination along the Garden Route. Our love for self-drive safaris began back in 2014 driving around Addo and we’ve been hooked ever since!

Addo is the third-largest national park in South Africa, well known for its large elephant herds, dung beetles, and warthogs. One special experience that sets it apart from other parks is the chance to watch animals at a watering hole at night while staying in the camp.

Mountain Zebra National Park

One of the lesser-known parks in South Africa is the Mountain Zebra National Park — a place that truly deserves more recognition.

When we were planning our 3 week road trip, we found very little written about Mountain Zebra park online. We stopped on the off chance there’d be space to camp overnight and we weren’t disappointed!

The mountaineous scenery alone makes it worth a visit, but there’s also plenty of wildlife to see, including 4x4 trails and a unique cheetah tracking experience.

A colorful bird with a turquoise body and brown wings perches on a branch, surrounded by green foliage beneath a clear sky in Kruger.

What to pack for self-drive Safari?

Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need for a self-drive safari. Don’t worry too much if you forget something, most items can be found at one of the main camp shops, which also gives you a chance to pick up a souvenir. We had a fuse blow on our battery and managed to find a replacement at the Satara camp shop – a total lifesaver!

Clothing

Bring plenty of layers - Since you’ll be sitting inside your car, it’s good to have something warm for those chilly mornings and evenings.
Wear light colour clothes - Helps you blend in with your surroundings and reduces the chance of insect bites.
Long sleeve shirts and trousers - Ideal for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn.
Comfy closed-toe shoes - Protect your feet, especially when walking around camp.
Hat - For sun protection.
Sun cream - Protect your skin from the sun.
Sunglasses - Essential for long drive days in the sun.
Mosquito and Insect repellant - Some areas of Kruger have a low malaria risk, so it’s best to come prepared.
Swimwear - Many camps have swimming pools, perfect for a break from driving and a chance to cool down.

Food and Drink

Snacks and drinks - Bring your favourite non-perishable snacks like nuts, biltong, energy bars, fruit— anything that won't melt and can keep you going during those long drives.
Avoid strong smelling foods - Animals have an excellent sense of smell, avoid citrus fruits and other strong smelling foods.
Reusable water bottle - Bring plenty of water and drinks with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Safari Essentials

Animal identification book - A great way to learn about the wildlife you see and test your knowledge!
Camera - Capture those memories and a chance to identify later that evening. Do not bring a drone, they are not allowed in national parks. If you do have one with you, keep it securely stored in a bag that can be closed — rangers will issue a tag and may check that it remains unused.
Binnoculars - Especially useful for spotting wildlife further away and at viewpoints.
Headlamps and torches - Handy for navigating around the campsite when it’s dark.
Portable power bank - Essential backup power for charging your electrics, especially overnight in your tent.
First aid kit - Always a good idea for minor accidents and emergencies

Documents and Practical Items

Breakdown cover
Insurance documents -
Camping booking reference - You will be asked to show this at entrance gates for the National Park.
Wild card permit- If you don’t have one then you will pay the daily conservation fee (more about wild cards below in how much does a safari cost section).
Wet wipes - Perfect for staying clean with limited water as you’ll get dusty quickly.

What car should I hire for a self-drive safari?

The best car for a self-drive safari depends on the specific parks and areas you plan to visit. Many national parks have well-maintained tarmac roads, so a standard car can get you around just fine. However, without a high-clearance car or 4x4, you may be restricted from accessing certain roads — which can limit your chances of spotting wildlife in quieter parts of the park.

On our first self-drive safari, we hired a small car to explore Addo Elephant National Park and still saw plenty of elephants and other wildlife. So, it’s definitely possible but there are some limitations.

Our personal preference is to hire a 4x4. It allows access to more remote routes, offers a smoother ride on bumpy roads, and helps you escape the busier areas for a more peaceful experience. We had a Ford Ranger from Overland 4x4 Rentals and would highly recommend if you’re looking for a fully-equipped 4x4.

The added height also gives you a better vantage point for spotting animals hidden in the tall grass. An automatic can make driving easier too, so you can focus on wildlife viewing and less on changing gears.

BOOK | Rent a car for self-drive safari

A woman in shorts prepares food at the back of a white overland vehicle with a rooftop tent, set in a green, campsite in Satara Kruger.

Download offline maps and use apps designed for off-road navigation such as iOverlander. Google Maps has limited detail for dirt roads and may suggest a shortcut which does not exist!

Have a paper copy of the park road map and take time to familiarise yourself with the park layout, including camps, picnic areas and viewpoints.
If you are lost, keep driving to the next road sign — most points are numbered making it easier to figure out where you are on the map.
Plan a route, and take time to study the area and get a feel for which way you should be going.
Ask for local advice on the best routes and any recommendations. Check with reception if there are any road closures or places you cannot visit. This will save time when driving so that if there is a closure you don’t waste time then driving back.
Look out for road signs at junctions in the parks. Most will have signs with arrows showing the direction to specific camps and viewpoints.
If you struggle with navigation, take notes of landmarks or road signs that you’ve passed to help you if you get lost.

A terrapin's head emerges from calm watering hole, its reflection visible on the surface, set against a serene blue backdrop in Kruger.

How much does a self-drive safari cost?

While a self-drive safari is considered a budget-friendly way to experience an African safari, there are several costs to keep in mind when planning your trip. The following estimates are based on travelling during the shoulder season in South Africa (March). Skip to the bottom of this section for the total estimated costs.

Daily Conservation Fees

Each day you spend in a South African national park, you’ll need to pay a daily conservation fee set by SANParks. The total amount depends on your nationality, age and the specific park. These fees support a range of projects that benefit both the parks and surrounding communities, including conservation efforts, research, healthcare and education.

You’ll need to pay the daily conservation fee for each day of your stay, so make sure to calculate this cost when planning your budget. Example prices for Kruger National Park are listed below:

South African citizens and resident | Adult ticket R128 per day
SADC Nationals | Adult ticket R257 per day
International visitors | Adult ticket R535 per day (£22)

Check the most up to date prices on the SANParks website.

SANPark Wild Card

If you’re planning to visit more than one park or over a longer period, the SANPark Wild Card may save you money.

There are several Wild Card options, grouped by park clusters, offering affordable access to specific groups of parks. These options are available exclusively to South African and SADC nationals. International visitors can only purchase the All Parks Wild Card, giving unlimited access to all parks across South Africa for a year.

International All Parks cluster - Individual| R4,160 (£172)
International All Parks cluster - Couple | R6,495 (£267)
International All Parks cluster - Family | R7,770 (£321)

This can work out cheaper than the daily conservation fees. Two weeks in Kruger for two international visitors would cost aournd £308, making the Wild Card better value.

The wild card also gives access to:

CapeNature Reserves
Ezembelo KZN Wildlife
Eswatini Big Game Parks
Msinsi Resorts
Champan’s Peak Drive (toll road included)

Where can I buy a Wild Card?

You can purchase a Wild Card online before your trip or at camp receptions in the National Parks. Buying online before arrival is usually quicker and more convenient. For more information check out the SANParks website.

A tranquil sunrise over a misty field, with silhouette of trees and shrubs against a pastel orange sky in Kruger.

Campsite fees

Here is what we paid for SANParks campsites as two international visitors per night for a campsite pitch:

Addo Elephant National Park — R493 (£20)
Mountain Zebra National Park — R428 (£18)
Balule Camp (Kruger National Park) — R340.10 (£14)
Satara Camp (Kruger National Park) — R297 (£12)

Prices can vary based on the season and whether you visit during public holidays. We visited in the shoulder season when prices were lower. The average cost for a SANParks campsite is £15-16 per night for international visitors for two people.

TIP | To avoid disappointment, book your campsite at least two months in advance, especially for popular parks like Addo and Kruger, where availability is limited and cancellations are rare. We were only able to secure a last minute pitch at Mountain Zebra National Park, which was an exception. While an email contact is available for enquiries, we didn’t receive a response so it’s best to book directly online through the booking portal.

A woman in a hat stands by a parked white Ford vehicle on a bridge, surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky in Kruger.

Alternative accommodation

If you don’t fancy camping and prefer something a little more comfortable, there are some other accommodation options available:

Rondavels (traditional round thatch-roof cottages)
Bungalows
Safari tents
Guest houses

Prices start from R1,362 (£56) per night for a rondavel. Some come with a kitchenette, cheaper options have a communal kitchen.

A landscape view of Olifants river meandering through lush green terrain, with elephants visible in the distance in Kruger.

Food and drink

The cost of food and drink depends on whether you prefer mostly self-catering or plan to eat out for most of your trip.

The average price for eating out at a camp restaurant is around R300 (£12) per person.
Dinner at Cattle Baron in Addo Elephant Naitonal Park cost us R600 (£25) for two people.
Supermarket shopping is generally cheaper than buying food in the camp shops. Prices inside the park are slightly higher due to the convenience.
A typical supermarket shop ranges from R500 (£20) to R900 (£37), depending on your choices and the supermarket. The more expensive options are PicknPay and Woolworths, while Checkers and Shoprite are more budget-friendly.

Vehicle hire

The best hire car for self-drive safari depends on the park and your road trip route. A standard car would be sufficient for most national parks with good roads such as Addo, where we saw plenty of wildlife in a small car. A 4x4 offers more comfort, access to remote areas and a higher viewpoint for spotting animals in long grass.

Rental costs per day:

Standard car — R600 - R950 (£25-£40)
4x4 vehicle — R1,700 - R2,800 (£70-120)

Our preference is taking a 4x4 with camping facilities for a smoother ride and option to try out the 4x4 routes taking you into the heart of the parks.

Fuel

When driving around a national park such as Kruger for the day, you’ll likely cover around 150 km which will cost approximately £20-40 of fuel.

Be sure to refuel at rest camps when your tank drops below half, as fuel stations are spread out across the park and you’ll want to avoid running low.

Self-drive safari costs summary

The costs below are estimated daily costs for a self-drive safari, based on typical prices in Kruger National Park. As mentioned above, a Wild Card could save you money on the daily conservation fee if you’re staying in the parks for an extended period or visiting multiple parks.