Recreational Vans

South Africa van trip guide

South Africa van trip on the Garden Route near Tsitsikamma

Routes that earn the miles

The Garden Route between Mossel Bay and Storms River blends beaches, lagoons, indigenous forest, and mellow driving. Base in Wilderness or Knysna for easy day loops to viewpoints, farmers markets, and coastal trails. Nearby Tsitsikamma National Park offers cliff paths and river gorges, and several caravan parks sit within earshot of the surf. Summer is lively, spring and autumn are calmer, and winter can bring crisp mornings with clearer views.

The Wild Coast is slower, rougher, and deeply rewarding. Expect rolling hills, cliff backed beaches, and village life. Roads can be narrow with cattle near the verge, and rain turns clay to slick mud. Plan fewer miles per day and carry extra water and a spare tire. Camps near Coffee Bay and Mdumbi give you sunrise swims and fishing at dawn. Friendly interactions are the norm, and patience on rural roads goes a long way.

The Drakensberg draws hikers to basalt towers and green amphitheaters. Scenic passes like Sani Pass on the border require a capable vehicle and fair weather. On clear days, drive time becomes part of the reward with switchbacks, waterfalls, and distant peaks. Campsites range from tidy park campgrounds to rustic farm stays. Temperatures swing at elevation, so pack warm layers even in midsummer.

The Panorama Route near Graskop pairs waterfalls and canyon views with access to Kruger National Park. Many travelers combine a day on the Blyde River Canyon viewpoints with a few nights at Kruger rest camps. Inside parks, follow wildlife etiquette. Stay in your vehicle, keep a slow pace, and leave space for animals to cross. Early morning and late afternoon deliver the best sightings and soft light over the savanna.

When to go by region

Western Cape summer brings dry heat and wind that can test awnings and tent poles. Winter has rain but fewer crowds.
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal summers are humid with afternoon storms, while winter days are sunny and mild.
Highveld and Drakensberg winters can be frosty at night with brilliant daytime visibility.
School holidays lift campsite demand in coastal towns and national parks, so book well ahead.

Practical planning for a van journey

Tolls appear on major routes, and card payments are widely accepted. Keep cash for smaller rural stops and traditional markets. Fuel is measured in liters, and attendants often handle pumping, window cleaning, and tire checks. Tip modestly for service. In remote stretches, top off at half tank and store water for cooking and washing. Load shedding can affect timing at shops and restaurants, but most fuel stops continue operating with generators.

Navigation blends road signs with local insight. Ask park staff about current road conditions and seasonal closures before heading to gravel tracks. Gravel, corrugation, and sudden potholes are common off the main routes, so lower your speed and give suspension time to work. In rainy seasons, river crossings rise quickly. If you cannot walk it, do not drive it.

Campsite types and wild camping etiquette

South Africa offers well run public rest camps, private caravan parks, farm stays, and select community run sites. SANParks and CapeNature properties publish clear rules, and many private sites list pad sizes, power availability, and noise policies. Free camping without permission is rarely acceptable near towns or beaches, and trespassing is enforced. Choose legitimate camps, arrive before dusk, and leave no trace. Pack out all waste, and keep a tidy footprint to maintain access for future travelers.

Safety and road sense

Lock doors, keep valuables out of sight, and park in well lit areas. When in doubt, ask a local or a camp host about where to shop and refuel. Avoid driving long distances at night, especially in rural areas with livestock on the road. In cities, plan your entries and exits in daylight. Inside wildlife parks, never exit your vehicle outside designated areas. Patience is your best tool when animals have the right of way.

Gear and van setup that helps

A dependable tire repair kit, air compressor, and full size spare give peace of mind. Recovery boards, a compact shovel, and soft shackles are smart additions for sandy tracks and muddy detours. A dual battery system with solar keeps fridges cold and devices charged during multi day stays. Water filtration, a basic first aid kit, and paper maps backstop any tech hiccups. For mountain passes and remote coastlines, all terrain tires and moderate ground clearance expand your options without turning every day into a challenge.

Build once, explore often

If this guide has you sketching routes from Cape Town to Kruger, consider how the right build supports that style of travel. OZK Customs designs and constructs adventure vans and overland rigs tailored for long distance touring with practical storage, reliable power, and durable materials. We focus on livability, from quiet insulation and thoughtful lighting to serviceable systems that are easy to use far from towns. Start with your route plan, the gear you carry, and how many nights you want off grid, and we will translate that into a clean, purposeful layout.

Ready to map your own loop and drive it with confidence? Our team in Fayetteville Arkansas builds for real world travel, then hands off each vehicle with a walkthrough at Adventure Point so you roll out fully dialed.

Tell us where you want to go and what you need your rig to do. We will plan, design, and build a van that makes long range trips simple to run and easy to enjoy. Reach out today to start your custom build plan.