Day 1: Kalahari South Africa
Upington - Kalahari (approx. 193 km/1:43 h)
After you arrive at the airport, pick up your rental car. Upington is the regional center of the entire region and therefore has an excellent infrastructure. In one of the numerous well-stocked supermarkets, you should make some last purchases, especially drinks, before you set off for the desert areas. The journey always leads north on the well-developed regional road 360. You will soon be driving through the typical Kalahari dune landscape, interrupted again and again by salt pans, some of which are still actively used to produce salt. After arriving at your lodge, it's time to relax and enjoy the impressive Kalahari landscape. These first impressions of your car rental round trip in South Africa will certainly be unforgettable.
Day 2: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
Kalahari - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (approx. 128 km/2:37 h)
You should set off early in the morning to take in the unique light of the Kalahari. Your car rental round trip in South Africa today takes you to the Merkat Sanctuary, a reception center for expelled or injured meerkats. On the farm, they take care of the cute mongooses and nurture them again. The animals live completely freely here, but enjoy the protection and care of humans. They are often trusting and you can be very close to them. You can then try your hand at dune surfing with a local family. Similar to snowboarding, you can ride down the dunes on waxed boards. Through this attraction, an entire San family earns something extra to live on and benefits from your visit. It is great fun for everyone (guests and San family).
Continue to Twee Rivieren, the gateway to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. After completing the formalities, your personal game drive along the Auob River to the meeting point, where you will be met by rangers of the! Xaus Lodge will be picked up. From here, you'll travel across countless dunes in an open off-road vehicle to the lodge, where you'll be greeted with a cool drink.
Day 3: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Today is all about activities in the solitude of the Kalahari. Experience the spirituality of the place and let yourself be fully absorbed by it. Discuss the exact program with the rangers. In general, you'll go on a walk through the dunes with the locals early in the morning and learn a lot about the traditional life of the indigenous people, their habits and their ways of surviving in the harsh climate. You will then walk to nearby Kral, which should show you more insights into the life of the San people. Here you can see for yourself how traditional weapons and jewelry are made. Of course, you can also buy original pieces afterwards and take them home as a special souvenir. In the afternoon, you will drive through the dune landscape in an open off-road vehicle in search of special wildlife and, with a bit of luck, observe ostriches, oryx and lions. In a particularly beautiful place, you can enjoy the breathtaking and incomparable Kalahari sunset with a cool drink.
Day 4: Kakamas
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Green Kalahari (approx. 398 km/5:13 h)
After check-out, you will be driven back to your rental car across the 91 dunes. On the way, you will certainly cross a variety of wild animals that also want to say goodbye. With your own four wheels, you roll through the national park towards Twee Rivieren, the gateway to the park. At Upington, you will then come across the mighty Orange River, which carries water all year round. In the immediate vicinity of the river, the landscape is subtropical green, wine and fruit are grown everywhere. A variety of wineries invite you to taste and buy wine and brandies. This region is another highlight of your rental car trip through South Africa.
Day 5: Kakamas
Green Kalahari
A full day full of scenic highlights awaits you today. Right at the Oranje, you will meet your current guides, who would like to show you the diverse and fascinating region. The first stop is Berg en Dal Koffie en Kuierkos, a special kind of coffee shop. Owner Norbert Coetzee, who once received Nelson Mandela here, is an icon. Over a cup of coffee, he talks about earlier days, dark and light. You will then visit the Riemvasmaak hot springs. Deep in a canyon that opens up to the south in the shape of the African continent, warm water is a wonderful place to relax.
Through a wild landscape that was once created by volcanic activity, the journey on rough roads heads back towards Orange. Augrabies Falls National Park is home to the eponymous waterfalls, which are considered the sixth largest waterfalls in the world. At the end of this day, a canoe trip on the orange awaits you. Glide silently along the wonderful river, with a good opportunity to spot wild animals and birds on the shore. Along the way, you can also swim in the river. These activities enrich your rental car trip through South Africa with unforgettable experiences.
Day 6: Springbok
Green Kalahari - Namaqualand (approx. 297 km/2:36 h)
Today, the route takes you through largely deserted landscapes, which have a magical charm due to their endless expanse. The drama of emptiness is constantly changing, from vast plains to rugged hills to distant mountain ranges. You pass by the small town of Pofadder, which not only has an unusual name but also stands out due to its location in the middle of the desert. This is a good opportunity to take a short break and have a look around. Today's destination is Springbok, the supply center of Namaqualand. Spread over several hills, this small town is still over 1000 m above sea level. There are many opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in the area. In spring (August and September), the entire landscape is strewn with colorful flowers, a unique natural experience. But there is always something blooming somewhere at other times of the year as well. Springbok is another fascinating destination on your car rental tour through South Africa.
Day 7: Clanwilliam
Namaqualand - Cederberg (approx. 343 km/3:15 h)
The trip takes you across Namaqualand, which is so beautiful in terms of landscape. Depending on the season, the landscape is strewn with colorful blossoms. But the dry periods also have their charm in this secluded area. On your way south, consider taking a trip to Namaqua National Park, which is just a short distance from your route. As you progress, the landscape becomes flatter and drier, but soon you will see high mountains appearing on the horizon, the first foothills of the Cedar Mountains. In its valleys, the landscape is suddenly green again and is used for agriculture in a variety of ways. Among other things, tea and wine are grown here. These contrasts of scenery enrich your rental car tour through South Africa.
Day 8: Clanwilliam
Cederberg
Today, the whole day is dedicated to the Cedar Mountains, a gem that has hardly been discovered so far in the great variety of landscapes in South Africa. From your accommodation, there are a variety of ways to discover them. For sporty visitors, guided and individual hikes are available, which are usually possible directly from the lodge. Mountain bikes are also available. Alternatively, and particularly recommended, is a trip deep in and up into the mountains. Centuries-old rock paintings testify to the early settlement of the area, bizarre rock formations and caves can be hiked through and explored, and the secluded and high-altitude Cedarberg Cellars invite you to taste and enjoy wine. Along the way, you can also swim in rock pools again and again. These experiences make your rental car tour through South Africa a special adventure.
Day 9: Paternoster
Cederberg - Paternoster (approx. 178 km/2:08 h)
Today, it's off the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the coast is wild and almost untouched. At Elands Bay, a sleepy fishing nest, you reach the sea for the first time. But the real destination is Paternoster, a small town characterized by fishing. The town is considered a pearl of the west coast and has retained a lot of authenticity. The beaches on the right and left are terrific, even though the sea remains quite cold here all year round. You can often watch dolphins and whales migrating along the coast from land. Paternoster is a paradise for fish lovers. Freshly caught lobsters, mussels and other seafood end up on the plate here every day. It doesn't get any fresher anywhere. These coastal experiences are another highlight of your rental car trip through South Africa.
Day 10: Paternoster
Paternoster
A full day of relaxation and wellbeing by the sea! As one of the oldest villages on the Atlantic coast, Paternoster has retained a lot of charm. Spend the day strolling along the stunning coastline or visiting Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, which is just a few minutes' drive away. South Africa's last manned lighthouse is also located here. Many wild birds can be observed here, and numerous rare plants also grow in this fynbos region. These relaxing hours enrich your round trip through South Africa by car.
Day 11: Wellington
Paternoster - Wellington (Cape Winelands) (approx. 158 km/1:51 h)
Passing the popular holiday resort of Langebaan, it's now back inland towards the mountains. Overall, it is much sweeter here than on the rough coast, you are now in the middle of the famous Cape Winelands. On the left and right of your route, there are well-known and rather unknown wineries, but they invite almost all of them to visit and wine tasting. In addition to the wineries, the area is also characterized by a variety of exquisite restaurants, which usually offer excellent quality at reasonable prices. For active visitors, the area is ideal for hiking along the vineyards or mountain biking on secluded trails. These culinary and scenic delights make your rental car tour through South Africa particularly diverse.
Day 12: Cape Town
Cape Winelands - Cape Town (approx. 81 km/1:05 h)
Today's stage is rather short, heading to Cape Town, the world-famous city at the southern end of Africa. But there is still a lot to see along the way. We recommend that you do not take the direct route, but rather spend some time in the picturesque Winelands. For example, visit the Taal Monument, high above Paarl, with sweeping views across the entire region. Or visit the secret capital of the wine valley, Franschhoek, with all its well-known wineries. And of course Stellenbosch, the young-at-heart university town surrounded by vineyards. These picturesque locations are a wonderful part of your car rental tour through South Africa.
Day 13: Cape Town
Cape Town
A full day in Cape Town! There is so much to explore and do. What are you in the mood for? A good way to explore Cape Town on your own is to take a sightseeing tour with the Hop On Hop Off Bus, for example. This gives you a very good overview of the city, you can get off wherever you like and stay as long as you want. A drive up Table Mountain is also an absolute must! The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the Bo-Kaap district are waiting to be explored. Cape Town offers so many highlights that this day of your rental car tour through South Africa is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Day 14: End of trip
Cape Town
Today it's time to say goodbye. The morning is once again all about Cape Town and offers a last chance to buy some souvenirs - or maybe you'll take home some of the many wonderful African spices for the local cooking event? Your trip ends today with the return flight to Europe or a booked connection program. This car rental round trip through South Africa will certainly be fondly remembered.
