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RV travel in South Africa: rental, routes, tips

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South Africa — a country at the southern tip of the African continent — offers motorhome travelers an incredible variety of experiences. From the savannas of Kruger National Park and the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains to the arid landscapes of the Kalahari and the famous Garden Route, a campervan unlocks access to wild nature, diverse cultures, and endless open spaces. This journey requires careful planning and attention, but rewards you with vivid and unforgettable emotions.

Country overview

When planning a road trip through South Africa, it’s worth keeping in mind a few specifics.

Capitals: South Africa has three capitals — Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). Driving is on the left-hand side.

Languages: The country has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. English is widely spoken, serving as the language of interethnic communication, business, and tourism.

Currency & Money: The national currency is the South African Rand (ZAR, R). Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most cities, supermarkets, petrol stations, and national parks. However, it’s essential to have cash on hand for small shops, markets, tips, and “car guard” services. ATMs are widely available. Cards issued by Russian banks do not work in South Africa.

Time zone: South Africa operates on UTC+2 and does not observe daylight saving time.

Visas: Citizens of many countries (including the EU) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Russian citizens require a visa, which must be obtained in advance at a South African consulate. Requirements may change, so always check the latest entry rules on the official website of the South African Department of Home Affairs or with the consulate in your country.

Why is South Africa perfect for a motorhome trip?

Travelling through South Africa by campervan is convenient and rewarding for several reasons.

National parks & wildlife: The main draw is the chance to stay right next to the wild. South Africa has an outstanding network of national parks (managed by SANParks), most with excellent campsites for motorhomes. You can wake up to the sounds of the savannah, enjoy a braai (barbecue) under the African sky, and explore the park in search of the “Big Five” — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

Well-developed camping infrastructure: In addition to campsites within national parks, the country has a large network of private campgrounds and caravan parks, often offering high levels of comfort (swimming pools, electricity, clean sanitary facilities). Camping is a popular and well-developed culture among South Africans themselves.

Road quality & scenery: The main national highways (N-routes) are in excellent condition, making it easy to cover long distances. Secondary roads lead to a variety of landscapes — from two-ocean coastlines to mountain passes and semi-deserts.

Affordability: For visitors from countries with a strong currency, South Africa can be a surprisingly affordable destination. Fuel, groceries, and especially campsite fees are much lower compared to Europe, North America, or Australia.

Popular regions and routes for motorhome travel

Routes in South Africa can vary greatly — from coastal drives to safari adventures.

Garden Route

A classic and the most famous route, running along the Indian Ocean coastline from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. The journey passes lagoons, dense forests, charming towns such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park. Perfect for a relaxed 7–10 day trip.
Panorama Route

Located in Mpumalanga Province, near Kruger National Park. This route runs along the edge of the Drakensberg Mountains, offering views of the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest in the world), the “Three Rondavels” rock formation, and “God’s Window” viewpoint. Convenient to combine with a visit to Kruger.
Kruger National Park

The country’s main safari destination. Motorhome travel here is very popular. The park has an extensive network of roads (both paved and gravel) and many excellent rest camps, which should be booked well in advance. It allows you to explore the savannah independently in search of wild animals.
Western Cape and Winelands

A route around Cape Town and its surroundings. Includes the city itself, Cape of Good Hope, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and the famous wine towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, where you can enjoy wine tastings and stay at campsites among the vineyards
West Coast and Namaqualand

A destination for lovers of wild, desert landscapes. In spring (August–September), the Namaqualand region is covered with a carpet of wildflowers — a natural spectacle that attracts many visitors.
Drakensberg Mountains

A mountain range on the border with Lesotho and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts, with trails leading to peaks, waterfalls, and caves decorated with San (Bushmen) rock art.

Best time for a motorhome trip

Choosing the right season for a motorhome journey in South Africa is important, as the country is large and the climate varies greatly from one region to another. Remember that the seasons here are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

Summer (November–March)

Summer is a popular season, but it comes with a few nuances.

Western Cape (Cape Town, Garden Route): This is the best season for this region. The weather is dry, warm, and sunny — perfect for beach holidays and exploring the coast. It’s also the peak tourist season, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays (mid-December to mid-January), which means the highest prices and the need to book campsites well in advance.
North-east (Kruger National Park, Johannesburg): This is the rainy season. Days are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape becomes lush and green, making it harder to spot wildlife as animals hide in tall grass and have easy access to water everywhere.

Autumn (April–May)

Many consider autumn the best time to travel across the country.

Weather: In Cape Town and along the Garden Route it is still warm and sunny, but with fewer tourists. In the Kruger region, the rains have stopped, vegetation begins to thin out, and animals start gathering near waterholes, making wildlife spotting easier. Temperatures are comfortable throughout the country.

Winter (June–August)

Winter is an excellent season for safari, but cooler for beach holidays.

North-east (Kruger National Park): This is the dry season and the best time for safari. Trees are bare, grass is low, and animals gather near rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot. Days are warm and sunny, but nights and early mornings are very cold.
Western Cape (Cape Town): This is the rainy season. The weather is cool, windy, and wet, making many outdoor activities more challenging. An advantage of this season is whale watching around Hermanus (June to November).

Spring (September–October)

Spring is the season of flowers and nature’s awakening.

West Coast and Namaqualand: The highlight is the mass blooming of wildflowers, which transforms desert landscapes into a colourful carpet (the peak is usually in August–September).
Across the country: The weather becomes warmer but not yet hot, making it a good time to visit any region.

Motorhome rental in South Africa: what you need to know

Renting a motorhome or an equipped 4x4 in South Africa is a popular way to explore the country.

Where to rent

The main rental hubs are Johannesburg (convenient for trips to Kruger National Park and neighbouring countries) and Cape Town (ideal for the Garden Route and the Western Cape). Rental locations are also available in Durban and Port Elizabeth.

Rental conditions

Age and driving experience: The minimum driver age is usually 21–25 years, with at least 2–3 years of driving experience.
Licence: A standard Category B driver’s licence is sufficient if it includes a photo and text in English. Otherwise, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national licence.
Deposit: When collecting the vehicle, a refundable deposit is blocked on your credit card, typically between 20,000 and 60,000 ZAR (about €1,000–3,000).

Types of motorhomes

Equipped 4x4 vehicles: The most popular choice for serious adventures. These are pickups (bakkies) or SUVs (e.g. Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser) with rooftop tents, full camping gear (fridge, stove, kitchenware, tables, chairs) and often an extended fuel tank. Suitable for national parks and gravel roads.
Campervans: Converted vans (e.g. VW California, Mercedes Marco Polo) for 2–4 people. Best for asphalted roads, such as the Garden Route.
Large motorhomes: Classic European-style motorhomes for 2–6 people.

Insurance

Read the insurance terms carefully. Basic insurance usually comes with a high excess. You can purchase additional coverage to reduce it. Check whether it includes damage to tyres, windscreen, and undercarriage, as well as damage caused by crossing water or by animals.

One-way rentals

Available between major cities, but almost always involve an extra fee.

Border crossings

Many companies allow travel in rental vehicles (especially 4x4s) to neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini (Swaziland). This requires prior approval and the issuance of additional documents and insurance for an extra charge.

When to book

For peak seasons (December–January for the coast, July–September for safaris), book your motorhome — especially a 4x4 — well in advance, ideally 6–9 months ahead.

Average rental cost in South Africa

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

€110

€90

€95

€103

€85

€105

€85

€110

€85

€95

€110

€103

Roads and driving in South Africa

South Africa’s road network is well developed, but driving requires caution.

Types of roads

National roads (N-routes): Main highways connecting major cities. These are mostly high-quality paved roads.
Regional roads (R-routes): Also mostly paved but can be narrower.
Gravel roads: Common in rural areas and national parks. Their condition ranges from well-compacted to very rough. Driving on them requires reducing speed.
Mountain passes: In the Drakensberg and Western Cape regions, there are scenic but winding mountain passes.

Toll roads

Many national highways have toll sections. Payment is made at toll plazas in cash or by card. Rental vehicles usually do not require any additional devices for toll payment.

Driving rules and safety

Speed limits: In built-up areas — 60 km/h, outside built-up areas — 100 km/h, on motorways — 120 km/h.
Left-hand driving: This takes some getting used to, especially at intersections and roundabouts. The steering wheel is usually on the right-hand side.
Safety: This is a very important aspect of driving in South Africa.

Doors and windows: When driving in cities or stopping at traffic lights, keep doors locked and windows up. Don’t leave bags or valuables in plain sight.
Night driving: Avoid travelling after dark outside cities due to the risk of hitting animals and potential crime in certain areas.
Stopping: Do not stop on the roadside in deserted areas.

Animals on the road: Outside national parks, livestock such as cows and goats may wander onto roads; inside parks, it may be wild animals. Drive carefully.
Car guards: In city car parks you will often encounter informal “car guards” who offer to watch your vehicle. It’s customary to tip them 5–10 rand when leaving.

Fuel

Types: Petrol (usually 95 octane) and diesel.
Prices: Fuel in South Africa is significantly cheaper than in Europe.
Filling stations: All stations have attendants who fill your tank, check oil and clean windows. Tipping them 5–10 rand is good practice. Stations on major highways are open 24/7.

Parking and overnight stays in a motorhome

South Africa offers good infrastructure for motorhome overnight stays, from wild nature to comfortable parks.

Wild camping

In South Africa, wild camping is generally not recommended and often prohibited.

Rules and safety: Unlike Patagonia, stopping for the night in random roadside spots or in the wild can be unsafe and may be illegal on private land. Overnighting in unguarded parking areas or rest areas carries a high risk of robbery.
Exceptions: There are some very remote and wild regions (for example, in the Northern Cape Province) where experienced travellers may practice boondocking, but for most visitors, the safest and most sensible option is to use official campsites and caravan parks.

SANParks rest camps (national park campsites)

This is one of the main reasons to travel South Africa by motorhome.

Facilities: Campsites in national parks are well organised. They offer designated stands/pitches, almost always with electricity hookups and a braai (barbecue) area. Camps have communal ablution blocks with clean toilets and hot showers, and often shared kitchens. Many large rest camps, such as Skukuza or Lower Sabie in Kruger National Park, resemble small towns with shops, restaurants, and fuel stations.
Safety: Campsites are fenced off (often electrified) to protect against wild animals.
Booking: Pitches in popular national parks (Kruger, Addo, Tsitsikamma) should be booked well in advance — often 6–11 months ahead, especially during school holidays. Reservations are made via the official SANParks website.
Prices: Depending on the park and specific site, prices are usually 400–600 ZAR (about €20–30) per night for 2 people.

Private campsites and caravan parks

In addition to government-run sites, South Africa has a large network of private campsites.

Facilities: Often offer even more amenities than those in national parks, such as private ablution blocks, swimming pools, and playgrounds.
Location: Found all over the country — near cities, along the coast, and in the mountains.
Prices: Comparable to or slightly higher than in national parks, usually 300–700 ZAR per night.

Farm stays

Many farms offer camping spots, allowing travellers to experience rural life while staying in a peaceful and safe environment.

Motorhome servicing on the road

Servicing a motorhome in South Africa is easy thanks to the country’s well-developed camping infrastructure.

Fresh water refills and waste disposal

Location: Almost all campsites and caravan parks (both public and private) have service stations for motorhomes where you can refill fresh water tanks and empty waste.
Grey and black water disposal: Stations have facilities for draining grey water (from showers and sinks) and black water (from chemical toilets).
Water quality: Tap water in most South African towns and campsites is high quality and safe to drink unless otherwise indicated.

Gas bottles

System: South Africa uses its own gas bottle system (CADAC standard). These bottles are not exchanged but refilled at specialised stations.
Refilling: Gas bottles can be refilled at many campsites, in outdoor and camping equipment stores (e.g. Outdoor Warehouse), and at some fuel stations.
Compatibility: European or American bottles are not compatible with the local system. Rental motorhomes always come equipped with local bottles.

Food, groceries, and shopping

A motorhome kitchen lets you enjoy excellent South African produce while saving money.

South African cuisine is a blend of African, European (Dutch, British), and Asian (Malay, Indian) traditions.

Braai: South African barbecue. It’s not just a way of cooking, but an important part of the culture. Meat (steaks, “boerewors” sausages), fish, and vegetables are grilled over an open fire.
Biltong: Dried, cured meat (beef or game), a popular snack.
Bobotie: Spiced minced meat baked with an egg-and-milk topping.
Potjiekos: A slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables made in a cast-iron “potjie” pot over coals.
Game meat: In restaurants and butcheries, you can find meat from antelope (springbok, kudu) or ostrich.
Wine: South Africa is a world-class wine producer. Be sure to visit wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Estimated trip budget

Travelling through South Africa by motorhome can be quite affordable, especially considering the cost of campsites and groceries.

Motorhome rental: The main expense. Renting an equipped 4x4 can cost from €100 to €200 per day. Larger motorhomes are more expensive.
Fuel: Prices in South Africa are much lower than in Europe. With diesel at around 23–25 ZAR/l (~€1.15–1.25/l) and an average consumption of 12–14 l/100 km for a 4x4, every 1,000 km will cost about €140–175.
Campsites: Staying in a national park campsite costs on average 400–600 ZAR (€20–30). Private campsites are in the same range.
Food: Cooking with supermarket-bought groceries is very affordable — budget about €20–30 per day per person.
Attractions: This can be a significant expense. In addition to park entry fees, there’s a daily conservation fee for each person. In Kruger National Park, it’s around 486 ZAR (~€24) per day for an adult foreign visitor. If you plan to visit several parks, consider buying a Wild Card.

Approximate daily budget (excluding motorhome rental)

Economy option (basic campsites, self-catering): €70–100 per day for two people (including park fees).
Mid-range option (good campsites, occasional meals at restaurants near parks, paid activities): €120–180+ per day for two people.

Money-saving tips: cook your own meals — it’s part of the safari experience (“braai”). Buy a Wild Card if you plan to spend more than 5–6 days in SANParks. Travel in the off-season.

Connectivity & Internet

Staying connected in South Africa is easy in cities, but coverage in national parks is limited.

Mobile network

Main providers are Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. Vodacom and MTN have the widest coverage and are the best choice for trips to remote areas and national parks. Inside large parks like Kruger, coverage is available only near main rest camps and entrance gates; most of the park will have no signal.

Tourist SIM card

Buying a local prepaid SIM card is the most economical option.

Where to buy: At official operator stores in airports or shopping malls. To purchase and register (RICA procedure), you’ll need your passport and proof of address (a hotel or campsite booking confirmation will work).
Rates: Data packages are very affordable — for example, 10–20 GB per month costs around €10–20.

Wi-Fi

Available in most private campsites, restaurants, and cafes. In national park campsites, Wi-Fi is usually paid and only available in reception or restaurant areas.

Safety, culture, laws, and useful tips

Here are some tips for travelling in South Africa.

General safety

This is the most important aspect of travelling in South Africa. The country has a high crime rate, but by following safety rules, tourists can minimise risks.

In cities: Avoid walking in city centres (especially Johannesburg) after dark. Ask locals which areas are considered unsafe and avoid them. Do not wear expensive jewellery or display valuable equipment.
On the road: Keep your car doors locked and windows closed. Do not stop in deserted areas.
Townships: Do not visit townships (historical areas of predominantly black communities) alone; only go with a trusted local guide.

Safety in national parks

Rules: Inside parks you are safe from crime, but the main danger comes from wild animals. Never leave your vehicle except in designated areas (campsites, picnic spots).
Speed limits: Keep speeds low — usually 50 km/h on asphalt and 40 km/h on gravel.
Gates: Campsite and park gates close at night (usually from 17:30–18:30 until 05:30–06:00). Plan your day to return before closing. Late arrivals are fined.

Police (SAPS – South African Police Service)

Traffic police often conduct checks. Be polite and have all your documents with you.

Culture and etiquette

“Rainbow Nation”: South Africa is highly diverse and multicultural. Show respect to all ethnic groups.
Braai: Barbecue is a national pastime that brings South Africans together.
Tipping: Leaving a tip (10–15%) in restaurants and cafes is standard, as it makes up a large part of waiters’ income. It’s also customary to tip petrol station attendants and car guards.

Language barrier and English proficiency

English is widely spoken, and there are generally no communication problems in the tourism sector.

Tap water

Tap water in cities and campsites is of high quality and safe to drink.

Emergency phone numbers

Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
Universal mobile emergency number: 112

Electricity

Mains voltage is 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. Important: South Africa uses type M sockets (three large round pins). You will definitely need an adapter. For motorhome hookups in campsites, the standard blue CEE 17 plug is usually used.

Useful resources

For planning your trip to South Africa and getting up-to-date information:

South African National Parks (SANParks): sanparks.org – the official website for information on all national parks, as well as booking campsites and other types of accommodation.
Wild Card: sanparks.org/wild-card/ – information on purchasing a card that grants access to many parks and reserves.
Camping search apps: iOverlander and Tracks4Africa — the most useful tools for finding campsites, especially in remote areas.
Official South African tourism portal: southafrica.net – general information about the country.

Conclusion

Travelling through South Africa by motorhome combines world-class safari experiences with the convenience of well-equipped campsites and the freedom to explore scenic roads. Careful route planning, early booking of campsites in national parks, and following safety guidelines will make your journey through this country truly unforgettable.

E-mail: info@greatrvtrip.com

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