Individual travel in the Republic of South Africa.

Individual travel in South Africa offers a unique opportunity for adventure and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. JAR is especially ideal for those who are interested in visiting natural parks, observing flora and fauna and driving on unpaved gravel roads. Safari is the main draw for independent travelers to this country.

For individual adventure travel in South Africa, I recommend exclusively a 4x4 vehicle with camping equipment and two spare wheels (I personally had five punctures). Don't forget a sufficient supply of bottled drinking water and fuel. Only with a 4x4 vehicle will you discover remote wild places where you won't encounter crowds of tourists and experience the real JAR. In remote areas, you will encounter unmaintained roads, which are a real offroad challenge, especially during the rainy season. We recommend not traveling at night when there is a risk of collision with wildlife. Also remember that South Africa drives on the left - a remnant of British colonialism.

South Africa is known for its incredible natural diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, which can be discovered in national parks and reserves.

The largest and most famous park is the Kruger National Park, which covers more than 19,000 km². The park offers authentic safari experiences and is home to the so-called "Big Five" (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo) and many other animal species. You can go on safari in your own vehicle or hire a guide with a sightseeing safari vehicle. There are also walking safaris where it is possible to have a close encounter with nature under the guidance of experienced rangers. The park also offers 4x4 trails (I recommend them), but they need to be booked in advance due to the daily limits for the number of vehicles.

Another well-known park is Addo Elephant in south-east South Africa, home to more than 600 elephants and other wild animals, including buffalo, lion packs and black rhinos. A self-drive safari is the best way to fully enjoy the park. You can also go trekking or horse riding, but only in the safe parts of the park. Addo Elephant is less visited than Kruger, making it a quieter alternative.

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the oldest nature reserves in Africa and has a reputation for successful rhino conservation. It is best to travel it again in a 4x4 vehicle. The hilly landscape provides wonderful views of the savannah with wild animals grazing freely.

The Garden Route and Tsitsikamma National Park are among the most beautiful areas of South Africa. The Garden Route is full of lush forests, beaches and steep cliffs, while Tsitsikamma is popular with hikers. It offers the famous Otter Trail and the possibility to rent kayaks. During the cruise, you can observe colorful birds, which is one of the main attractions of the park. Tsitsikamma is also home to suspension bridges over wild rivers, adding a serious adrenaline rush to the experience. If you like a challenge, we recommend a multi-day trek along the coast.

Known for its wetlands and coastal areas, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and West Coast National Park are paradises for ornithologists and bird photographers.

In the south of South Africa, in the vicinity of Cape Town, you will find a unique low shrub-like vegetation and more than 9000 species of plants. Table Mountain and Cederberg National Parks are ideal for fynbos photography and nature exploration.

South Africa is a paradise for nature photographers. Its diverse landscape includes savannahs, forests, wild rivers, mountains, beaches, rocky Indian Ocean coastlines and semi-deserts. The best time to see the game is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the warm light gives a beautiful touch to the photos.

If you decide to visit cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, keep safety precautions in mind. In Johannesburg, I recommend visiting the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill or the historical area of Soweto. Historic buildings such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument will interest you in Pretoria.

We visited JAR together with Martin, Patrik, Petr and Radka and we will definitely come back!