Why You Should Book Your Campervan for South Africa Online

Planning a South African adventure is an exciting process, and booking your vehicle should be the easy part. By using a platform like Campcruisers, you get a crucial advantage: choice. You can easily compare prices, vehicle types, and features from a wide range of rental companies across South Africa, all in one place. This is especially important here, where the right vehicle is key. Do you need a rugged, fully-equipped 4x4 camper to tackle the remote tracks of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, or a spacious motorhome for a comfortable family trip along the paved roads of the Garden Route?

Booking online allows you to secure the ideal vehicle for your specific itinerary. You can filter by features, read reviews, and find the best deal for your budget. This flexibility empowers you to design your perfect journey, whether it's waking up to the sounds of the bush in Kruger National Park or watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Town.

The Best Campervan Tours in South Africa: Our Route Ideas

Your campervan is your ticket to some of the most spectacular road trips on the planet. The Campcruisers team has outlined three unforgettable routes to showcase the incredible diversity of South Africa.

🚐 Tour 1: The Classic Garden Route – Coastlines, Forests & Wine

This iconic route is perfect for first-timers and those who love stunning scenery without the need for a 4x4.

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance: approx. 800 km (one way)
• Ideal for: Families, couples, scenery lovers, foodies

• Day 1-2: Cape Town & Winelands: Pick up your camper and explore the beautiful city of Cape Town. Then, head to the nearby Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for world-class wine tasting.
• Day 3-4: Whale Watching & Coastal Drives: Drive the scenic coastal route to Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world (best from June to November). Continue towards the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas.
• Day 5-7: Lagoons & Forests: Your journey takes you to the heart of the Garden Route. Explore the tranquil lagoons of Knysna, the stunning beaches of Plettenberg Bay, and the ancient forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can hike and cross the famous Storms River suspension bridge.
• Day 8-10: Wildlife Finale: End your trip at Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in Africa, as well as lions and rhinos.

🏜️ Tour 2: The Ultimate Safari – Kruger & The Panorama Route

This adventure takes you into the heart of Big Five territory. A 4x4 camper is recommended for greater access, but a standard motorhome can also be used on the main tarred roads.

• Duration: 10-14 days
• Distance: approx. 1,500 km (round trip from Johannesburg)
• Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, adventurers

• Day 1-2: The Panorama Route: From Johannesburg, drive east towards Graskop. Spend two days exploring the magnificent Panorama Route, including God's Window, the Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the world's third-largest canyon.
• Day 3-9: Kruger National Park: Enter the world-famous Kruger National Park. Spend a week on a self-drive safari, moving between the excellent SANParks rest camps. Search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and countless other species. The freedom of a camper means you can have your morning coffee listening to the bush come alive.
• Day 10: Return Journey: Slowly make your way back towards Johannesburg, filled with incredible wildlife memories.

⛰️ Tour 3: The Drakensberg & KZN – Majestic Mountains & History

This route is for those who love dramatic mountain landscapes, hiking, and history. A 4x4 is essential for some of the higher passes.

• Duration: 7-9 days
• Distance: approx. 1,200 km (round trip from Johannesburg or Durban)
• Ideal for: Hikers, landscape lovers, experienced travellers

• Day 1-4: The Northern & Central Drakensberg: Head to Royal Natal National Park, home of the iconic Amphitheatre, a sheer rock wall stretching for 5 km. Spend your days on incredible hikes. Further south, explore Giant's Castle, famous for its San rock art sites.
• Day 5-6: Sani Pass Adventure (4x4 Only!): For the ultimate adventure, drive the legendary Sani Pass up into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. This steep, winding gravel pass is a true test of nerve and skill, rewarding you with unparalleled views.
• Day 7-9: The Battlefields & Return: Journey through the historic Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, where famous clashes between the Zulus, Boers, and British took place, before returning to your starting point.

Getting to South Africa: Your International Arrival

South Africa is well-connected with major international airports, primarily in Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT).

• ✈️ By Plane (The Most Popular Option):

• From the UK & Europe: There are direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town from major hubs like London (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic), Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), and Paris (Air France).

• From the USA & Canada: Direct flights are available from cities like Atlanta (Delta) and Newark/Washington D.C. (United) to Cape Town or Johannesburg. Many other routes are available with one stop, usually in Europe or the Middle East.

• From Australia & New Zealand: Most flights involve one stop, typically in the Middle East (e.g., Dubai with Emirates, Doha with Qatar) or Asia.

After arriving at the airport, you can easily reach the pickup location for your campervan. The exact address of our partner's rental station will be provided in your booking documents. Depending on the location, pickup may be directly at the airport or in a nearby depot.

A Taste of South Africa: Braais, Biltong & Beyond

Having a campervan with a kitchen is the perfect way to experience South Africa's amazing food culture.

What you absolutely must try:

• 🔥 Braai: This is more than a BBQ; it's a social institution. Grab some "boerewors" (a traditional sausage) and steaks and join in the national pastime at your campsite.
• 🥩 Biltong & Droëwors: Dried, cured meat snacks that are perfect for a road trip. Far more delicious than jerky.
• 🍛 Bobotie: A delicious, lightly curried minced meat dish with a creamy, savoury custard topping.
• 🍷 World-Class Wine: Don't miss visiting the stunning wine regions around Cape Town. Stock up your camper with excellent and affordable Chenin Blanc or Pinotage.

Camping in South Africa: Campsites, National Parks & Safety

South Africa has a fantastic camping culture and excellent facilities, but it's important to understand the rules.

• 🏕️ Wild Camping:

• Unlike in some parts of Europe, wild camping is not recommended or considered safe in South Africa. For your security, you should always stay in designated, official campsites, which are almost always fenced and have staff or security.

• 🚐 Official Campsites & National Parks:

• The network of campsites is superb.

• SANParks Rest Camps: The campsites inside national parks like Kruger, Addo, and Tsitsikamma are excellent, well-maintained, and offer an unforgettable experience of sleeping in the wild (but safely behind a fence). You MUST book these well in advance, especially during school holidays.

• Private Campsites: There are thousands of private campsites and holiday resorts across the country, often with fantastic amenities like swimming pools, shops, and braai facilities.

• On Campcruisers, you'll find a selection of bookable campsites and private motorhome parks. Take a look, perhaps the perfect spot for your South Africa tour is already there!