Start your Johannesburg Self Drive 4×4 Holiday

Johannesburg is the biggest city in South Africa, yet it is close to nature, wildlife and 4×4 trails.

self drive safari in South Africa

Our Recommended Vehicles for Johannesburg

hire a toyota hilux camper

Toyota Hilux 2.4TD 4×4 Camp

A reliable and capable 4×4 vehicle that offers excellent fuel consumption and good off road performance. Good ride height ideal for game viewing. Equiiped with a roof top tent.

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Toyota Landcruiser 79 S/W 4×4 Camp

The Toyota Landcruiser is a very robust, reliable and exceptionally capable 4WD vehicle. A highly respected safari vehicle in Africa, with no electronics and ideal for remote area travel.

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Nissan Double Cab 4×4 MDE

This is one of Africas most reliable pickup trucks, with the ruggedness to take on any terrain.

Perfect for a self-drive safari. This camping equipped double cab pickup can seat up to 5 adult passengers. Its perfect for exploring the ‘world in one country’ that is South Africa.

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luxury 4x4 safari camper

Ford Ranger D/Cab 4×4 Bushcamper

Superbly compact 4×4 camper suitable for up to 4 adults. Fully equipped with camping equipment. This is the vehicle you want on your African 4×4 adventure.

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Johannesburg Travel Advice

Introduction

Johannesburg, ‘the city of gold,’ is South Africa’s economic hub, yet it also offers the opportunity to be one with nature. The city is near nature, wildlife, and 4×4 trails, making it the perfect balance of a concrete jungle and biodiversity.

There really is a world of natural splendor in the Gauteng province, so get out there and explore this magical country. The best way to traverse all the different types of terrain is by 4×4, especially if you are planning a self-drive safari holiday.

Where to Stay Johannesburg


South Africa really has options for all budgets; however, if you are tackling grueling 4×4 trails, you will likely be camping or staying in bush lodges.

If you are mixing business with pleasure, there will be options for day trips; after all, Johannesburg is the financial hub of the country.

Around Johannesburg

Anyone knows that city life can become taxing, yet in Johannesburg, that never really needs to be an issue with so many hiking and 4×4 locations nearby or even within the city itself.

Some of the areas within close proximity include private game lodges, the Magaliesburg Mountains, which have a variety of lodges, hiking trails, and 4×4 routes and areas literally in the city that proudly boast a diverse range of fauna and flora. Notable areas for 4×4 driving include Klipriviersberg. Another great place within close proximity to the city is Hennops, which has 4×4 and hiking trails.

Getting Around

You want an authentic African adventure, right? So, to achieve this, the only real way would be with a 4×4 hire, as it does open up your trip to a world of opportunities and exploration. 4×4 hire gives one the option of travelling far and wide. South Africa has world-class facilities and cities with first-class amenities and roads. However, many of the fantastic sights and scenery of South Africa are located in rural areas where roads can become inundated with potholes and dirt roads, which seem like they could go on for days. A 2-wheel drive won’t suffice, so hiring a 4×4 is the only option to see what the country offers.

Length of Stay

This will depend on your budget and how much time you spend in the country. Two weeks would be the absolute minimum if you want to get a nibble of everything on offer in the southern tip of Africa. However, a month or more would be a way more sufficient time spent in the country to really get a real understanding of the dynamics and landscapes on offer. Check the visa requirements for your country of origin before planning how long you would like to be there.

What To Pack For Your Trip

South Africa is as diverse as it comes, packed for all conditions, geographically and in terms of weather patterns. If you decide to travel up and down the country, at least get out of Johannesburg and explore the Gauteng Province. This really does ring true. You could be in hot, humid Durban one day or in the colder mountain regions within a few hours of beach weather conditions.