Discover South Africa

On an off-the-beaten track adventure

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is an irresistible call to adventurers who seek the road less traveled and a diversity of experiences. Our passion lies in helping you explore the far corners of the country, where enriching adventures lie hidden amidst the rugged dust roads, winding mountain passes, and remote tracks.

South Africa Travel Highlights

On safari in South Africa with Tread Lite on a minimalist, experience driven vacation

Big 5 Safaris & Wildlife Encounters

For the ultimate Big 5 wildlife encounter, venture into South Africa’s renowned national parks, including the iconic Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. Alternatively, seek a refined guided safari experience in the exclusive private game reserves scattered across the country. 

back-road adventures in South Africa with Tread Lite in a Suzuki Jimny 4x4

Mountain Passes & Back Roads

Unlock the scenic beauty of South Africa’s mountain passes and back roads with our 4×4 Jimny rentals. Whether tackling Sani Pass in the Drakensberg or exploring the Garden Route’s back road passes like Swartburg and Prince Alberts, we can build the perfect adventure with you.

Cultural & Community Encounters

Explore South Africa’s diversity in world-class cities like Cape Town, then indulge in the cultural charm of our villages and towns scattered across the country. As the rainbow nation, our cultural richness perfectly complements the spectacular wildlife and nature experiences awaiting you.

Explore South Africa's coastal regions with Tread Lite

Pristine Beaches & Coastal Life

South Africa’s pristine beaches beckon you to unwind in breathtaking coastal beauty. Stretching over 3,000km, our varied coastline offers beautiful beaches and rugged scenery, with a rich marine life beneath the surface waiting to be discovered.

More About South Africa

With so much on offer across the length and breadth of the country, South Africa is the perfect African self-drive destination. Begin your journey in the iconic Kruger National Park, where the park and surrounding private reserves promise unrivaled Big 5 encounters in a true African wilderness. The Drakensberg Mountains, marking the border between South Africa and Lesotho, offer hiking and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a variety of mountain trails with breathtaking vistas. The region’s mountain passes and farm tracks take you through the Natal Midlands where cultural treasures await, offering a perfect blend of nature and history.

Neatly tucked below Eswatini, the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal offers a remote cultural experience with pristine golden beaches and the warm Indian Ocean. Inland reserves like Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve and the Tembe Elephant Park offer a true bush and beach combination. Beyond Durban and the South Coast, The Wild Coast beckons with its untamed beauty, inviting you to explore pristine beaches and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of local communities. While the coastal roads are rugged, the Jimny is perfectly at home in this region, allowing you to discover this remote part of South Africa.

Further along the coast towards Cape Town, the enchanting Garden Route, a meandering coastal stretch adorned with lush forests, ancient caves, and charming towns. While most only scrape the surface of what the Garden Route offers, having our compact 4×4 rentals allows you to take the road less traveled, exploring almost the entire Garden Route on dirt roads and famous mountain passes. The Baviaanskloof is the perfect entry point to the Garden Route, with beautiful coastal towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna waiting to be explored.

Continue your journey toward Cape Town, either take the coastal road to the De Hoop Nature Reserve and the southernmost tip of the African continent at Cape Agulhas or take the inland mountain passes through Oudtshoorn, Montagu, and Worcester.

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, welcomes you to explore vibrant city life and historic landmarks. Cap off your adventure in the Cape Winelands, indulging in world-class wines and picturesque vineyard landscapes, concluding a self-drive odyssey through South Africa’s diverse and captivating regions.

Heading north from Cape Town, the West Coast, with its raw, windswept beauty, provides a scenic drive along deserted beaches and charming fishing villages. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is a must-see for the true wildlife enthusiast. With its rugged road conditions and harsh landscape, it is not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is worth it with exceptional wildlife encounters on offer. The Jimny is perfectly at home in the rugged desert environment, whether you are camping or enjoying the private lodges in the region.

South Africa is known for its excellent road network, allowing easy access to most of the country’s top attractions. But with the Jimny as your partner, you gain access to so much more than our beautiful country has to offer.

Self-Drive vacation through Prince Alfred's Pass in South Africa
The beautiful Knysna lagoon in South Africa's Garden Route
Wildlife encounters in South Africa on a self-drive vacation
Beautiful beaches of the Wild Coast in South Africa

Customised Travel Itineraries

Indulge in a selection of our preferred self-drive travel packages spanning South Africa and our neighbouring countries, While these itineraries offer a glimpse of our what we offer, it’s important to note that each package is customised to your preferences. No two itineraries are alike, reflecting our commitment to crafting distinct and tailored journeys.

The Garden Route Back Road Adventure

Attractions:

Sutherland | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | De Hoop Nature Reserve

 Back Road Adventures: 

Swartberg Pass | Prince Albert’s Pass | Seven Passes | Malgas Pont Crossing | De Hoop Nature Reseve

Northern Kruger & Soutpansberg

Elephant encounter on a self-drive vacation to the Kruger National Park with Tread LiteAttractions:

Soutpansberg Mountains | Pafuri Walking Safaris | Northern Kruger | Manyaleti Game Reserve

Special Features: 

Exceptional Mountain Scenery | Guided Walking Safari | Self-Drive Kruger | Private Big-5 Reserve

Kruger & Mozambique Self-Drive

Enjoy a bush and beach self-drive vacation to the Kruger and Mozambique with Tread LiteAttractions:

Southern Kruger  | Rhino Walking Safaris | Ponta Membene | iSimangaliso Wetland

Special Features: 

Guided Walking Safari | Self-Drive Kruger | Remote Beach Adventure | St Lucia Boat Cruise

Your Journey Starts Now!

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Other Destinations

Rooted in South Africa, with vehicle rental hubs in Johannesburg, the Kruger, Durban, and Cape Town, we focus on the diverse landscapes of South Africa. Our expertise also extends seamlessly to crafting extraordinary expeditions across our neighbouring countries – from the captivating Lesotho and eSwatini to the wilds of Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique. Delve into the details of each destination in the tabs below or connect with us to explore the perfect match for your adventure.

KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

Embark on a journey through Lesotho, the “Kingdom in the Sky.” This mountainous gem, surrounded by South Africa, captivates with its rugged beauty, traditional villages, and warm Basotho hospitality.

NAMIBIA

Discover Namibia’s enchanting landscapes, from the otherworldly dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Experience the dramatic beauty and cultural richness of this African gem.

Discover Mozambique with Tread Lite

MOZAMBIQUE

Experience the tropical allure of Mozambique, where pristine beaches meet vibrant coral reefs. Explore the rich blend of cultures, indulge in delicious cuisine, and unwind in paradise along the Indian Ocean.

BOTSWANA

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Botswana, a land of pristine wilderness and wildlife wonders. From the Okavango Delta’s waterways to the vastness of Chobe National Park, explore nature’s masterpiece.