Costs of a South Africa Self-Drive Trip
December 13, 2025
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Discover the real costs of a South Africa self-drive trip. A clear, honest breakdown for European travelers planning their road trip.
Lowes Africa is your first stop into the wild: a peaceful garden lodge and trusted (4×4) travel agency in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere.
Start your adventure with local knowledge, warm hospitality, and the freedom to explore Southern Africa — your way.
Welcome to Lowes Africa — where your African adventure begins, whether you’re arriving from overseas or travelling across this incredible continent.
Tucked away in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere, our lodge is the perfect stop for international travelers landing in Johannesburg — and a refreshing retreat for South Africans road-tripping from Cape Town, Durban, or beyond. Surrounded by lush gardens, native trees, and vibrant birdlife, this is where you pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in nature before the next leg of your journey.
We offer more than just a place to stay — we provide a moment to slow down, settle in, and connect with Africa’s soul.
Well-Located – Just a few hours from Johannesburg, and en route to Botswana, Namibia, Kruger and the Kalahari.
Perfect First or Mid-Trip Stop – Ideal for international arrivals or South African overlanders looking for a calm, beautiful place to recharge.
Rooted in Nature – Enjoy a peaceful garden setting, rich in birdlife and wildlife, with space to reflect and reconnect.
Local Hospitality & Insight – Whether it’s your first visit to Africa or your tenth, we’re here to guide you, inspire you, and help you plan what’s next.
Meet Lotte and Wesley, the dreamers behind LoWes Africa – two Dutchies on a game farm in South Africa.
Our love affair with Africa began with a horse riding holiday in 2013, where we were captivated by the raw beauty and boundless wilderness of this remarkable continent. Since then, we’ve embarked on countless adventures, from celebrating birthdays to exchanging vows amidst Africa’s breathtaking landscapes. Our passion for exploration and commitment to creating unforgettable memories led us to establish Lowes Africa, where every journey begins with a dream.
Ever felt the allure to explore African landscapes and cultures but not sure where to begin? Who to talk to or maybe just too many options? At Lowes Africa, we’ve been there, navigating firsthand. Trust our expertise to craft seamless adventures tailored to exceed expectations. Our solution? Personalized journeys offering genuine connections and unbeatable value. Say goodbye to tourist traps. Let LoWes Africa be your guide to Africa’s heart.
We're more than just tour operators; we're passionate explorers who understand the thrill of adventure firsthand. As a Dutch couple who once set out on their own African journey, we know the uncertainty and excitement that come with exploring new lands.
Benefit from our intimate knowledge of Southern Africa, coupled with our European roots, as we guide you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and authentic cultural encounters. We bridge the gap between home comforts and the allure of distant lands.
From your initial inquiry to your final farewell, we're dedicated to delivering unmatched service and support. We'll stop at nothing to ensure your African adventure surpasses all your wildest expectations.
We're more than just tour operators; we're passionate explorers who understand the thrill of adventure firsthand. As a Dutch couple who once set out on their own African journey, we know the uncertainty and excitement that come with exploring new lands.
Benefit from our intimate knowledge of Southern Africa, coupled with our European roots, as we guide you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and authentic cultural encounters. We bridge the gap between home comforts and the allure of distant lands.
From your initial inquiry to your final farewell, we're dedicated to delivering unmatched service and support. We'll stop at nothing to ensure your African adventure surpasses all your wildest expectations.
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Namibia
Embark on a thrilling odyssey through Southern Africa’s untamed landscapes with our self-drive 4×4 tours. From the captivating allure of the Garden Route to the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta, our meticulously curated routes guarantee unparalleled experiences and encounters with Africa’s diverse wildlife. At LoWes Africa, we also offer the option of tailor-made self-drive adventures, allowing you to create a personalized journey that suits your preferences and interests, with the added convenience of routes that can start and/or finish at our lodge. Whether following our suggested routes or designing your own path, each moment becomes a new chapter in an unforgettable adventure.
Embark on a thrilling odyssey through Southern Africa’s untamed landscapes with our self-drive 4×4 tours. From the captivating allure of the Garden Route to the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta, our meticulously curated routes guarantee unparalleled experiences and encounters with Africa’s diverse wildlife. At LoWes Africa, we also offer the option of tailor-made self-drive adventures, allowing you to create a personalized journey that suits your preferences and interests, with the added convenience of routes that can start and/or finish at our lodge. Whether following our suggested routes or designing your own path, each moment becomes a new chapter in an unforgettable adventure.
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Namibia
I had the most incredible time at Lowes! The room I stayed in was so spacious and beautiful with the best views of the wildlife on the property! We saw kudus and nyalas and beautiful birds almost every day! If you do have food prepared for you, you are in for a treat, Wesley is an amazing chef! The owners Wesley and Lotte are so friendly and so helpful (and their dog is super cute too!). I would definitely recommend staying in house number 2!
A wonderfully peaceful place, lovely people, a lovely cottage, and a lovely pool. The surrounding nature is teeming with peaceful animals, and you can enjoy cozy sundowners in the evenings. The owners are extremely hospitable and friendly. Anything is possible, and they can offer tons of tips about traveling in South Africa and the surrounding area! Text
From the moment we decided to visit Lowes Africa until we said goodbye at Johannesburg Tambo Airport, Lotte and Wesley did everything they could to make our stay a fantastic South African experience. Not only at the cozy and beautifully situated Lodge, with interesting game drives and lots of information, a luxurious rondavel, and delicious meals prepared by Wesley.
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Welcome to Lowes Africa — Where Lodge Comfort Meets Wild Freedom At Lowes Africa, we’re not just about the journey — we’re about
Ready to start planning your future African adventure? Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and upcoming offerings. Fill out the form below to join our mailing list and be the first to know about our latest updates and promotions. Let’s make your African dreams a reality together!
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