SELF DRIVE TOURS

NOTE: All Self Drive itineraries may be done as Guided Tours – with a private Tour guide and vehicle at your disposal for the duration of your holiday.

 

Areas Visited

Self drive itineraries are arranged to encompass every detail - with world-class comprehensive documentation ensuring total peace of mind during a getaway with a difference. An ever increasing number of travellers are shying away from organised and guided holidays and prefer to explore a destination at their own pace depending on their interests. You could try a self-driving safari in South Africa's Addo National Park- something that many South Africans do regularly. Include a drive along the Garden Route in your journey to view impressive scenery and quirky towns, as well as the wild beasts in the park. There are also the reserves and wild coastline of KwaZulu Natal that make this an exciting African self-drive destination. Include in this journey the rolling landscapes of the Midlands Meander and the massive mountain range of the Drakensberg to get the most out of your self-drive holiday. Of course, the picturesque Cape Winelands near Cape Town, the Whale Coast and the beauty of the Garden Route all fit together nicely to create an easy-to-drive, self-drive route. A road trip in Africa presents so many possibilities, not only in terms of magnificent landscapes passing your window but also varied activities and accommodation to suite your particular idea of an African road trip. Cramming your family into a hire car for a family road trip in Africa requires a little patience, many exciting action

stops along the way and relaxed, welcoming hospitality at the end of the road. Taking your loved one on a romantic African road trip or deciding on a road trip honeymoon allows you more freedom. Take control of your time together by stopping to explore when you like, or treating yourselves to an indulgent picnic in magnificent surroundings before spending the night in luxurious, intimate accommodation. Sometimes, however, you don't need an excuse to go on a luxury road trip. Ask your Lyon Tours & Safaris Consultant to find you your dream car and ensure that the places you stay at are top-notch. What would a trip to Africa be without time spent on safari? It's perfectly possible to do a self-drive safari - driving yourself slowly through the game reserves of South Africa will offer you some exciting, close-up sights of Africa’s magnificent animals. Combine your African safari with a beach self-drive holiday. With many beautiful African beaches that are easily accessible by car, a beach road trip is a great way to find your favourite stretch of sand.

Travelling on the roads

South Africa has an excellent network of roads allowing easy travel to any area visited. Roads in South Africa tarred, well- maintained and well-signposted with a good supply of service stations along the way. The self-drive holidays through South Africa, suggested here, are perfectly manageable and will introduce you to the magnificent, constantly changing scenery of Southern Africa. In fact, you can choose to stick to the wide national roads, or veer off onto secondary tarred roads, which wind their way through scenic countryside or over magnificent mountain passes. Once in the reserves and wilderness areas you may encounter graded gravel roads that even the smallest hired car can manage without difficulty. The game lodges will take you to those wild and rugged places in their fully equipped 4x4 vehicles, so you'll miss nothing. Generally distances travelled are substantial, especially by European standards, however traffic density is relatively low and in conjunction with the excellent road network, travel times are reasonable. Kindly note that South Africa has left-hand side traffic,speed limits are generally well sign-posted. The maximum speeds are on freeways 120 km (75 mph); rural roads 100 km (62 mph); in built up areas 60 km (37 mph). Seat belts are compulsory and driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. We have included approximate travel times on the some of the itineraries which give an indication of the travel time directly from point A to B and do not include stop-off touring time. One of the concerns often raised is the safety aspect of self drive holidays, the traveller can be assured that any areas of tourism value are safe. A general attitude of care and the acceptance that one is in a third world country, will allow for a trouble free holiday

Costs

As each traveller has their own specific requirements - whether it is vehicle hire / accommodation or number of days available for travel - we prefer to quote on each request.
You are assured of a reply to your enquiry within 24 hours from request.

The following information is applicable to all featured self drive itineraries:

Recommended Clothing
During the warmer months (January - April and September - December) light casual clothing is sufficient during the day and a rain jacket for the occasional rainfall.
From April - September, warm clothing, jackets for evening game drives and smart casual wear for the evenings is recommended.

Health Requirements
No inoculations are required but an anti-malaria precaution is highly recommended if visiting a malaria area.

Special Requests
Should you have any special requests i.e. dietary or other requirements, please advise us at time of booking.

Included
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary; car rental as per category booked, inclusive of super cover and unlimited mileage; meet and greet on arrival; tourism levy on accommodation; documentation pack and unlimited access to the Lyon Tours & Safaris back-up team.

Excluded
Accommodation and meals not specified in the itinerary; fuel deposits and additional driver/younger driver/one way drop off surcharges; fuel; oil; scheduled flights and airport departure taxes; entrance or conservation fees; gratuities; laundry; drinks; extras and items of a personal nature. Recommended or mentioned excursions are not included unless specified.

back to top

 

Details for hiring a car in South Africa

  • All renters must be in possession of a valid international driver's licence, printed in English, with a photograph and the signature of the holder.
  • Your licence must be in English - if not please ensure that you have an official translation of the licence.
  • Your licence must be appropriate for the type of vehicle rented.
  • You'll be required to produce your passport when collecting your vehicle.
  • Credit cards must be valid and not due to expire within the rental period.
  • The signature on the car hire contract must match the signature on the reverse of the renter's credit card.
  • For more than one driver, an additional driver fee will apply.
  • A young driver fee is charged per day.
  • The rates quoted to you will not qualify you for any airline frequent flyer benefits.

Conditions

All rates quoted by Lyon Tours & Safaris are subject to change.

Rates Included

  • Unlimited kilometres.
  • Airport surcharge/premium location surcharge.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI).
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - excluding non-waivable excess.
  • Theft waiver (TW) - excluding non-waivable excess.
  • National roadside assistance - 24 hours/365 days - on 0860 888 911.
  • Tourist information guide.
  • National and regional maps.

Rates Excluded

  • Rental deposit
  • Fuel
  • Contract fee
  • Additional driver
  • One-way fees
  • Cross-border fee
  • Delivery and collection fees
  • Fine handling fee
  • No-show fee
  • Young driver surcharge
  • Tow bar
  • Collision damage and theft waiver excess
  • Baby seats if not pre-booked
  • Mobile phone call charges and insurance
  • Windscreen, tyre, water and undercarriage damage
  • Towing charges

You'll be required to produce a credit card for the refundable deposit and excluded extras, on collection of your vehicle.

One-Way Rentals

A one-way fee will apply when a vehicle is picked up and dropped off at different locations in South Africa, with the exception of:

  • Collection and delivery in the same city.
  • Rentals from Cape Town to Garden Route and vice versa.

Cross-border one-ways need to be arranged in advance and a fee based on mileage will be charged.

Extensions

The daily rates are calculated strictly in cycles of 24 hours from time of pick-up to time of drop-off. Should you wish to extend your rental, the above conditions and additional costs will apply.

back to top