by Leigh Kemp, 28 November 2008

There aren't many places in South Africa where a small 2-wheel drive car cannot get to; even the country's greatest wildlife park - the Kruger - is easily accessible. With the exception of some designated, wild 'off-road' routes, the country is open to all forms of motor vehicle. And happily this also applies to Namibia.

Some years back I was asked why the parks of Africa were so inaccessible to visitors who want to travel the country on their own in a sedan car. I pondered this for a while before realising that although the vast majority of Africa's rough and tumble parks were certainly out of the question for 2-wheel drive vehicles, South Africa and Namibia's parks more than made up for this.

In fact, 2 of Africa's greatest wilderness destinations are so accessible it's not even necessary to have a guide. Etosha National Park in Namibia and Kruger National Park in South Africa are recognised by safari connoisseurs as 2 of the continent's iconic game parks - and they're exceptionally easy to get to.

What makes South Africa and Namibia such ideal self-drive destinations? The reasons are numerous: first-world infrastructure; easy availability of fuel; well-marked routes and a range of accommodation options to choose from all add up to a hassle-free holiday.

Cape Town, Winelands & Whale Coast

South Africa has various routes to travel depending on the time available. For short stays Cape Town and the Winelands provide an experience of scenic beauty and great food, wine and hopitality. South Africa is world-renowned for its wines and the wine region and a self-drive tour through this incredibly beautiful part of the country will no doubt leave a lasting impression.

Add a few extra days to your wine route tour and experience the whale route. Here you'll find something not many people have the privilege of seeing - southern right whales, up close and personal. Remember, however, that the whales are only around from July to November.

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of South Africa's top tourist attractions. The route is scenically beautiful but it's the variety of attractions along the route that astounds many visitors. From elephant-back riding to wave riding and the world's highest bungee jump to blackwater tubing, the Garden Route has something for everyone.

The Garden Route is an ideal family holiday destination but at the same time it caters for honeymooners or those wanting a romantic and intimate getaway. At the top end of the Garden Route are the malaria-free big game reserves of the Eastern Cape.

Panorama Route

On route to the Kruger National Park is a region of exceptional natural beauty - a region of waterfalls, canyons and historical towns. The Panorama Route is situated in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces of South Africa and is one stop away from the Kruger. In fact, some visitors stay at places on the Panorama Route and do day drives into the park.

The Panorama Route is home to places such as the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and numerous beautiful waterfalls. Pilgrim's Rest is an old gold mining town and much of the town has been preserved as it was during the days of the gold rush.

The Kruger National Park

How can it be possible to drive a sedan car through one of Africa's iconic wilderness areas? The reason lies in the South African National Park's policy of empowering all citizens to be able to experience the country's natural heritage.

The authorities have set up rest camps with a range of accommodation types and made the roads easily accessible. There may be many tarred roads in Kruger but there are more than enough good dirt roads for those who want to venture a little off the beaten track.

There's something to be said for driving yourself in a small car through big game country: the roads may be tarred but the animals are the same size as in the wildest reaches of the continent.

Into the Desert

Namibia is as easy as South Africa to get around. The roads are of the same high quality, fuel readily available and maps are up-to-date, but unlike South Africa's routes where the attractions are all within easy reach of each other, Namibia is a huge desert country and the distances between stops are sometimes daunting. My advice? Sit back and enjoy the open spaces.

Article © Copyright 2008 Go2Africa.

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