Self Drive Packages
Self-drive option and some additional costs
A 'self-drive' holiday is suggested for the more adventurous traveller. It is a cost effective way to see a country provided a certain amount of 'homework' is done prior to travel, unlike a guided tour where one has constant access to the guide's knowledge. We recommend that you obtain basic information on the local culture, customs, safety as well as a knowledge of the local currency, electricity, access to banking facilities, shopping hours, using the roads, etc before visiting such country or area.
The most important advantages of a self-drive holiday is the freedom and privacy that this option provides along with the savings normally achieved.
The operator normally only includes breakfast in the rate. This gives you the freedom to choose your restaurants according to your taste and budget for the other meals. Those meals can be your single biggest extra expense. In South Africa the food is generally cheaper than in most areas of Europe and closer to those in the USA, especially if you choose restaurants that the locals frequent. The food here is wholesome and normally more than the 'norm' served elsewhere.
However, often there are quite a few sometimes forgotten at the planning stage of such a holiday! Here is a list of the most important costs:READ MORE > > >
Itinerary Design
Obtain an itinerary of a guided tour through the area you are planning to visit. See our pages describing the Full Itineraries of our tours.
It is highly recommended to observe the general rule of thumb mentioned earlier when using a scheduled tour itinerary to design your self-drive package.
The distance travelled is extremely important. If you are trying to travel too far per day your holiday can turn into a miserable experience. South Africa covers over an area of around 2,2 million square kilometres and distances on maps are easily misread when planning routes between stops. Tour operators in South Africa generally work on a maximum distance of 350km per day. You may increase this to 500km on some days as you are able to save time at stops when on a self-drive. If your distance exceeded the 500km mark one day, it is advisable to have a relative short distance the following day. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for each stop, and more where meals are involved. Our main roads are generally good and not too congested with traffic (instead you may encounter the odd animal - domestic or wild) so plan on 60 to 75 minutes to travel 100 kilometres. Smaller roads could be in bad repair and it is advisable to check road conditions with our local Automobile Association beforehand.
It is highly recommended to observe the general rule of thumb mentioned earlier when using a scheduled tour itinerary to design your self-drive package.
The distance travelled is extremely important. If you are trying to travel too far per day your holiday can turn into a miserable experience. South Africa covers over an area of around 2,2 million square kilometres and distances on maps are easily misread when planning routes between stops. Tour operators in South Africa generally work on a maximum distance of 350km per day. You may increase this to 500km on some days as you are able to save time at stops when on a self-drive. If your distance exceeded the 500km mark one day, it is advisable to have a relative short distance the following day. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for each stop, and more where meals are involved. Our main roads are generally good and not too congested with traffic (instead you may encounter the odd animal - domestic or wild) so plan on 60 to 75 minutes to travel 100 kilometres. Smaller roads could be in bad repair and it is advisable to check road conditions with our local Automobile Association beforehand.
Planning your Self Drive Tour
- Firstly, you should decide whether this is the option for you.
- Secondly, familiarise yourself with the country and identify areas/places you want to visit. Acquire literature on the area.
At this point it may be advisable to make contact with a reputable operator either directly or through your local agency. Look at what they offer, peruse the itineraries of their scheduled tours. This always serves as a good example when designing your own itinerary. You will be able to identify the classical routes from which you can expand your tour. However, it is the rule of thumb to always allow at least fifty percent more time overall then the scheduled itinerary when driving yourself; stay two nights rather than one at certain key places, etc
Self Drive Disadvantages
There are a lot of hidden costs involved sometimes forgotten about at the initial planning.
It may get frustrating not be able to identify a certain scenic spot, building, etc and missing others while concentrating on driving in an unfamiliar environment.
You do have to be well prepared to ensure that your holiday will be worth-it.
There are hazards involved such as getting lost in dangerous areas, not knowing that you are in such an area and not having input from a professional as to local customs, etc.
Driving on the 'wrong' (left) side of the road needs constant concentration for those use to driving on the right-hand side of the road and accidents have occurred as a result of a visitor forgetting this for the moment. The person driving invariably also misses some scenery for concentrating on the road.
It may get frustrating not be able to identify a certain scenic spot, building, etc and missing others while concentrating on driving in an unfamiliar environment.
You do have to be well prepared to ensure that your holiday will be worth-it.
There are hazards involved such as getting lost in dangerous areas, not knowing that you are in such an area and not having input from a professional as to local customs, etc.
Driving on the 'wrong' (left) side of the road needs constant concentration for those use to driving on the right-hand side of the road and accidents have occurred as a result of a visitor forgetting this for the moment. The person driving invariably also misses some scenery for concentrating on the road.
Self Drive Advantages
- It is a cheaper way of travelling especially if you are a few sharing the hired car costs.
- You have the freedom to spend additional time at a scenic spot that interest you.
- You are able to design your holiday around your personal interests.
- You are able to choose the type of accommodation you enjoy or to suit your budget.
- You are spared the opinions, needs and whims of fellow travellers you have never met before on a coach
