Driving in Africa: 20 Incredible Routes + Essential Travel Guide
Driving in Africa is one of the most exciting ways to experience the continent’s natural wonders, diverse cultures, and rich history. From wild coastal drives to rugged mountain passes and cultural trails, the continent has road trip routes to explore. Whether planning a self-drive vacation or a cross-country expedition, driving around Africa allows you to chart your path through its scenic landscapes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through 20 of the best routes for road-tripping and provide essential travel tips to ensure your journey is unforgettable and safe.
20 Best Road Trips That You Will Enjoy Driving in Africa
First, look at the most iconic road trips you can embark on while in Africa.
Garden Route, South Africa (Stopover at Mossel Bay)
The Garden Route is one of the iconic road trips that you can take through Africa. This road trip covers almost 300 kilometers and would take 5-7 days, depending on your stops. During the journey, you will visit iconic locations like Mossel Bay, Kynsa, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park.
This road trip is an ideal getaway if you want hours of bonding time with endless scenery. One of the locations that you should stop over at is Mossel Bay.
You could try several different activities in Mossel Bay, one of my favourites being a whale-watching trip and wine-tasting Although whale-watching is not available all year round, plan your trip around June to November to have the best chance of witnessing these ocean giants.
Panorama Route, South Africa
This is another scenic road trip across the beautiful nation of South Africa. It covers almost 160 kilometers and only takes 2-3 days. So, if you are in a hurry, this is an ideal short road trip.
During this road trip, you will pass the impressive Blyde River Canyon and other photo-worthy sweet spots, like Gods Windo, Bourkes Luck potholes, and Three Rondavals.
You can also combine this road trip with a visit to Kruger National Park, extending the trip for one more day and giving you an authentic African Wildlife experience. It is better to embark on this adventure from May to September to have the best viewing possibilities of these amazing locations.
Route 62, South Africa
Route 62 expands from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and acts as an alternative to the N2 highway in South Africa. This amazing road trip covers over 850 kilometers and would take at least 3-5 days of your time.
This iconic roadtrip asses through vineyards, ostrich farms, hot springs an chamring small towns in South Africa, giving you the best authentic South African experience. Even though this road trip is accessible almost every month of the year, spring months are my favorite.
Wild Coast, South Africa
This scenic road trip expands from East London to Durban area, passing through rolling green hills and pristine coastline of South Africa. This ride expands over 300 kilometers and would take at least 4-7 days to cover the distance.
On the road trip, you will pass some rural areas which require a 4×4 to get through. You will also pass traditional Xhosa villages, which are one of the great tribes in South Africa. Even though winter is not the best time to travel anywhere, the winter months, from April to September, are the best time to go on this amazing road trip.
Cape to Namibia Road Trip (South Africa and Namibia)
This drive will take you from Cape Town to Namibia. Spanning over 2000 kilometers, only the true explorers could go on this 14-21 day tour. This tour will pass through iconic locations like Orange Rover and Fish River Canyon, as well as some of the most rural areas in the country.
Namibia Desert Circuit, Namibia
Namibia Desert Circuit will take you through the Sossusveli dunes, requiring a 4×4 ride to complete this road trip. This fun desert circuit trip spans over 1200 kilometres and would take at least 10-12 days. So, stock up on sullies before you drive into this desert safari.
The best time might be during May to October, when temperature variations are not as extreme as in other months. If you like going on desert safaris, this is the perfect road trip to enjoy spectacular desert landscapes in Africa.
Etosha National Park Self-Drive Safari, Namibia
Etosha National Ark Drive lets you drive through beautiful African forest landscapes, giving you ample opportunities to spot wildlife. The road trips include game drives, which come to about 400 kilometres of pure wildlife fun and take almost 3-5 days. The best time is in the dry season, from June to October, when many animals can be sighted.
Skeleton Coast Drive, Namibia
Skeleton Coast Drive offers a unique driving in Africa road trip for thrill seekers. Rugged coastlines, shipwrecks, and shifting desert sands make this road trip an unforgettable experience. Spanning over 500 kilometers, this drive would take at least 3-5 days. During the ride, you will pass Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Cape Cross colony, and Terrace Bay, rare sights only adventurous minds could witness.
Rwanda and Uganda Circuit (Kigali to Bwindi)
This amazing driving in Africa road trip starts from Kigali and passes through the amazing Volcanoes National Park before coming to the Bwindi Area. Along the road trip, you will pass iconic locations like Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This road trip covers over 450 kilometres and would take 7-10 days. The best season for this road adventure is December to February. During this fantastic trip, you can also go gorilla trekking.
Great Rift Valley Drive, Kenya
This iconic road trip will take you from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara wildlands, where lions roam and hunt. It is over 500 kilometres long and could take 5-7 days to complete. During the trip, you can view abundant wildlife, whether wild buffaloes, lions, or even colonies of Flamingos.
Lake Malawi Circuit, Malawi
This road trip will take you around Africa’s third-largest lake, spanning over 800 kilometers. This would take at least 7-10 days to complete.
During the road trip, you will pass locations like Lilongwe, Nkhata Bay, Cape Maclear, and Monkey Bay. Along the way, there are beautiful beaches where you can relax and even engage in snorkelling. The Atlantic waters which comprise of oceans like Indian, Mediterranean and Red Sea, promoting major activities in African waters making it ideal for diving, snorkeling and the famous Sardine Run!
Serengeti and Ngorongoro Loop, Tanzania
This driving in Africa road trip starts from Serengeti and ends at Ngorongoro Crater, going through the heart of Tanzania. It expands over 600 kilometers and will require at least 5-7 days. You will need a 4×4 vehicle for this road trip, and you will have fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. The best time to go on this road trip is June to October.
Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Zimbabwe to Botswana)
This road trip will start at the amazing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, then travel over 200 kilometers before concluding the journey at Chobe National Park in Botswana, known for elephant sightings. This road trip will take atleast 3-5 days and require border crossing.
Okavango Delta Self-Drive Safari, Botswana
This iconic road trip allows you to explore the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Spanning over 500 kilometers in length, it will take at least 7-10 days to complete this road trip. To go on this road trip, you will need a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver who can conquer sandy roads. Advanced planning and supply management are needed as the road trip passes through highly remote areas.
Cape Verde Island Circuit (Boa Vista and Sal)
This unique road trip will take you around the Cape Verde islands, allowing you to enjoy the authentic Cape Verde lifestyle. You will have to travel by ferry and 150+ kilometers on both islands during this road trip, so it would take at least 5-7 days for you to complete it. During this road trip, you will have the chance to see iconic locations like Sal Rei, Santa Maria, Buracona Blue Eye, Pedra de Lume salt flats, and volcanic valleys.
Atlas Mountains Road Trip, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains Road Trip will take you from Marrakesh to the Dades and Todra Gorges in the beautiful hillsides of Morocco. This drive will cover almost 600 kilometers and take at least 5-7 days to complete.
The beauty of the road trip is truly unmatched. You will ass iconic locations like Marrakech, Ouarzazte and Dades Valley, and go through Berber villages and rural areas of Morocco.
Mauritania Desert Drive (Nouakchott to Chinguetti)
The Mauritania Desert Drive is one of Africa’s most challenging road trips. It will take you across Saharan landscapes away from human establishments to extremely remote areas. A 4×4 vehicle and an experienced guide are needed for this trip.
Garden Route Extension to Addo Elephant Park, South Africa
This road trip extends the Garden Route with the added excitement of visiting Addo National Park. On this road trip, you will have the chance to view the Big Five.
Drakensberg Mountain Drive, South Africa
This road trip covers almost 300 kilometres and takes you through Royal Natal National Park, Cathedral Peak, and Snai Pass. Due to its short length, you can practically cover this in 3-5 days. The best time to go on this road trip is from March to May.
Zambezi River Road Trip (Zambia)
This road trip will take you from Livingstone, upstream toward the lower Zambezi area. There are abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in this riverside drive. You can also engage in fishing activities. The best time to go on this road trip is May to October.
Essential Tips for Driving in Africa
Road Conditions
Many popular roads while driving in Africa, like the Garden Route or Route 62, are accessible by common vehicles. But some roads require 4x4s to get through. A 4×4 is necessary, especially if you are travelling through rough terrain, such as desert areas, national parks, and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Most countries drive on the left side of the road when driving in Africa, so you might have to think about that before going on a road trip. And as for your safety, it is better to stop at night when going on these road trips. Poor lighting and roaming wildlife could harm you.
Navigation Tools
Make sure that you have downloaded offline maps to navigate the areas easily. Having a paper map could also be advantageous. Also, make sure that you own a local SIM with data for emergency use.
Fuel and Supplies
It’s advisable to fill up as much as you can when going on this road trip. If you are going on long stretches of no-man’s land, you might have to carry extra water, snacks, and even fuel cans to refill.
Documentation
It is necessary to have an International Driving Permit to drive in almost all African countries. Make sure that your vehicle has insurance if you are planning to go on a country road trip. It is better to have your visa and car insurance when travelling across borders.
Driving in Africa is not just a way to get around—it’s an immersive experience through vibrant cultures, untamed wilderness, and soul-stirring landscapes. Every journey brings magic, whether cruising the Garden Route or tackling the Sani Pass. By combining practical prep with the right spirit of adventure, driving in Africa becomes a lifetime trip.
