Embark on a Journey of Awe and Wonder with Protea 4x4 Safari Tours

In the hustle of everyday life, it can be challenging to find a moment to pause and immerse oneself in nature's grandeur. But here at Protea 4x4, we invite you to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the African wilderness – a place where the majesty of the outdoors beckons you to explore, dream, and discover.

Set forth as an intrepid explorer on our bespoke safari expeditions, where we guide you through landscapes where time seems to stand still, awakening your spirit and kindling a fire of inspiration within. With us, each safari is not just a tour; it's an odyssey into the heart of Africa's untamed splendor.

With us, each safari is not just a tour; it's an odyssey into the heart of Africa's untamed splendor...

Imagine the thrill of navigating your 4x4 through Southern Africa's vast, uncharted wilderness – home to some of the planet's last true wilderness areas. Each destination we journey to is a tapestry of breathtaking sights and sounds, offering an escape that’s as exhilarating as it is serene.
As the sun dips below the horizon, partake in the quintessential African experience – toasting to the awe-inspiring sunsets with sundowners in hand, surrounded by landscapes that have captivated hearts for centuries.

The romance and allure of Africa's wildlife are undeniable, turning every moment under the star-studded sky into a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Our array of safari experiences caters to all adventurers – whether you prefer the simplicity of self-catering and self-camping or the comfort of fully catered trips. Rest assured, every detail is taken care of, including camping, accommodation, park fees, and a selection of activities designed to enhance your experience.

Nature enthusiasts, photographers, or those seeking solace in the unspoiled African wilderness will find our tours an ideal retreat. Our commitment to responsible driving ensures minimal environmental impact, allowing the beauty of nature to thrive undisturbed. And with over three decades of expertise in 4x4 training, Jannie Rykaart (owner and personal tour guide) ensures that even the most novice drivers feel confident and secure as they navigate this remarkable terrain.

Join us at Protea 4x4 for an adventure that transcends the ordinary – a journey where the wild heart of Africa beats in harmony with your own.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Tour, Kosi Bay - Egg-laying & hatching of Loggerhead Sea turtles.

9 to 14 February 2026 : BOOK NOW!! ONLY 4 PLACE LEFT!.

Kosi Bay Lodge - Fully Catered

• Come and experience Mother Nature, displaying just how complex the Creation is. You will find it hard to refrain from crying/cheering when the hatchlings finally get into the foam line and paddles out into the warm Indian Ocean. With around one out of a thousand hatchlings surviving and making its way back to the same hatching beach after 17-33 years to lay their cluster of eggs (around 450 eggs in batches of 100- 120 per session), in doing so, securing the existence of the sea turtle specie!

  Pack your bags, load your 4x4 and head out with us to witness the oldest hatching ritual on the planet taking place right in front of your eyes, and discover the endangered Palmnut Vulture.

  One of the greatest SECRET ESCAPES that awaits you in Zululand, South Africa.
  • The 4-Star Kosi Bay Lodge, and the surroundings areas of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is just something you must experience.
  • Discovering all the natural jewels this coastal forest and lakes system has to offer.
  • If you are looking to truly indulge in the beauty of South Africa, it is worth exploring the unique activities that we offer on this tour, pack your bags, and load your 4x4 for a drive of a lifetime.
  • Snorkel in crystal clear water, the lagoon’s coral reef is situated at Kosi Bay Mouth and the beauty is that you need no experience, just a spirit for adventure. The reef offers plenty fish life.
  • A day on a private boat cruise, the crystal-clear lake system of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offering a variety of birdlife, snorkelling, and beautiful vistas.
  • Snorkel amongst the 700-year-old Tsonga fish kraals along the edge of the Mangrove Forest.
  • Visit the Thembe Elephant Park, home to the largest Elephants in Africa.
  • The rare Raffia Palm Forest Walk, in search of the endangered Palmnut Vulture, African Pygmy Goose, Trumped Hornbill, and all the other small creatures that is endemic to this area!
  • Witness how the endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles lay their eggs and experience the astonishing thrill as hundreds of hatchlings dash of to the ocean only to return 17 years later to the same beach to lay their eggs!
  • A 6-days, 5-nights fully catered Lodge tour (dinner, bed, and breakfast) all units offer aircon’s.
  

Contact Jannie for a detailed itinerary: info@protea4x4.co.za or 083 268 0566

Frontier 4x4 Mountain Passes, Eastern Cape

21-31 March 2026

Fully Catered Lodge and 5-Star Hotel Accommodation
BOOK NOW. ONLY 2 PLACES LEFT!

• The Eastern Cape has a rich cultural heritage. This was the home of the first Frontier explorers and the region is also rich in history dating back to ancient times. It offers you the perfect space to take some time out and marvel at the beauty around and above you!

  The area is nestled deep within the slopes of the Drakensberg mountains and is surrounded by incredible rock formations and captivating fossil beds. Rock art and engraving dating back roughly 10 000 years tell the stories of the San/Bushmen who were the first inhabitants of the land. Enjoy guided walks and tours to fully experience the wonders of history.

  The area has become a hub of the best off-the-beaten-track adventures. With the focal points for the highest, meanest, gravel passes in South Africa. The aim is to conqueror some of the most spectacular Eastern Cape high altitude gravel passes! We will guide you over 12 of the most beautiful high-altitude gravel passes whilst enjoying the beautiful Eastern Cape highlands scenery.

  This gravel pass tour is a must-do experience for all Outdoors, Fly-fishing, Trout anglers, Birding, Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts alike – it is a breath-taking area and is guaranteed to leave you with plenty of memories to share with your friends & family.

  Day 3 (Monday, 23 March 2026)
  After breakfast, something different. We have the following on the to-do-list, TIERKRANZ Pass, NEW ENGLAND, and the BALLOCH Pass with some of the best Sandstone formations, Bridges, unique tri-verse railway line and bridges, not to mentions the rivers the area offers. It's time to explore more gravel backroads on our way back to the Hotel. The pictureous village of Rhodes awaits you for a three-night stay in the historic Rhodes Hotel offering us dinner/bed & breakfast Dinner will be ready at 19h00.

  Day 4 (Tuesday, 24 March 2026)
  After an early breakfast we head to the lovely LUNDEAN'S PASS with it's 101 bends and amazing views. Pack a picnic bag, camera, birding book, and your binoculars for each day.

  Dinner will be ready at 19h00 at the Rhodes Hotel.

  Day 5 (Wednesday, 25 March 2026)
  After breakfast we depart to explore two gravel mountain passes, the CARLISLEHOEKSPRUIT Pass (2 563m) and then down VOLUNTEERSHOEK Pass (2 581m) Between these two passes are the highest freshwater dam in SA, if you have your fly-fishing gear with you, we will spend some time here.

  Our last dinner here will be served at 19h00 at the Hotel.

Contact Jannie for a detailed itinerary: info@protea4x4.co.za or 083 268 0566

BIG 5 Safari, (Moremi and Makgadikgadi Pans), Botswana. Botswana.

17 to 31 May 2026.

4x4 Camping Safari
Off-road camping adventure of note! -- FULLY BOOKED !

• Those who get a thrill out of 4x4 driving and wildlife encounters should undertake the safari to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. Considered one of Botswana's best game viewing areas, Moremi comprises of wetlands, riverine woodlands, and some savannah. The diversity of wildlife in so many eco-systems guarantee unique sightings. Moremi offers you a combination of wetlands and savannah which allows you to enjoy a 4x4 camping safari of note.

  

  Day 3: Will be an action-packed day. Our early day starts with private scenic flight over the Okavango Delta at 07:00, this hour scenic flight is a must do experience – own account. The scenic Delta flight will be in a 10-seater Caravan aeroplane, depending on the numbers booked. It is also time to get organized and to stock up for our next 5 nights in the bush, no fuel or shops. From here we head into the Okavango Delta for a 5-night camping experience that you will never forget. Starting just before South Gate and then the famous 3RD Bridge campsite is next.

  Day 10 to 13 (26 to 30 May 2026) Day 10: Time to refuel and stock-up for the next part of the BIG 5 Safari. A ferry-crossing always adds that mystique part to a journey. The Makgadikgadi National Park is home to the second largest migration of land animals in Africa – this is just a miracle to witness and to experience! This will be a 4-night camping experience under the wide-open Kalahari skies. 

Contact Jannie for a detailed itinerary: info@protea4x4.co.za or 083 268 0566

Route Sani Pass (winter tour), Lesotho.

17 to 21 July 2026 – 5 days, fully catered 4-star Hotel accommodation.

• Sani Pass is the mother of all Southern African mountain passes. Statistically and in every sense, it out distance, out climbs, and out-performs all its competitors with consummate ease to have become the most iconic gravel pass in Southern Africa. It remains a challenging drive with all the drama, scenery, bad weather and treacherous conditions expected of a pass with a summit altitude of 2 876 m above sea-level. It is now used, for the most part, by 4x4 vehicles and has become a highlight for tourists from all over the world visiting the Southern Drakensberg.

  Sani Pass is voted by the public as the most popular (no.1) mountain pass to drive. This road serves as a gateway to Lesotho from KwaZulu Natal, known as the "Roof of Africa". The area is also the domain of the endangered Bearded Vulture, the Basotho shepherds, and their animals. The Route boast to be the highest gravel road in Africa and third highest in the world and peaks at a heady height of 3240m above sea level!

  Day 2 (Saturday, 18 July 2026)
  After an early breakfast at the Sani Pass Hotel, it is time to tackle the famous 14km Sani Pass into The Mountain Kingdom. You will need a valid passport and your vehicles registration papers. Scaling the pass is not a race to the top but a leisurely cruise to take in the breath-taking scenery of the rolling mountains of this World Heritage Site. With several stops to enjoy the views, mountain flowers, frozen waterfalls, and the birdlife to the top of Sani Pass. A pit-stop, at the famous Sani Mountain Lodge, claimed to be the highest pub in Africa to celebrate your victory.

  It is time to venture deeper into Lesotho to Black Mountain Pass (3 248m). Standing on top of the Drakensberg will blow your breath away, the view just never stops! Bring your cooler box, snacks, and soak-up the beauty of these blue open skies, and you never know – we could encounter some snow been so high up!

  Later the afternoon we will take a slow drive down the spectacular pass to the Sani Pass Hotel. Our buffet dinner will be ready from 19h00.

  Day 3 (Sunday, 19 July 2026)
  After a late breakfast it's time to explore the Midlands. The historical Himeville Museum, the Olde Duck farmstall/coffee shop, and visit the numerous arts and craft shops in the area.

  After a long day exploring the Midlands, we will meet again at the Sani Pass Hotel to enjoy a buffet dinner, time to share your new discoveries.

  Day 4 (Monday, 20 July 2026)
  After a late breakfast you can relax at the hotel. Go hiking, fishing, tennis, golf, Spa treatment or just relax. Let's meet again at the Sani Pass Hotel to enjoy a farewell buffet dinner, time to share your days discoveries.

  Secure your place now for 2026 – space for only 18 people.

Contact Jannie for a detailed itinerary: info@protea4x4.co.za or 083 268 0566

Namaqualand 4x4 Flower Safari, Northern Cape.

The 2026 FLOWER SEASON TOUR will be from 24 August to 3 September 2026.

Fully catered dinner/bed & breakfast Lodge accommodation.

• Superbly splendiferous is the only way to describe the flowering season in Namaqualand. The amazing floral display has earned itself a place as a global botanical wonder. Visitors on this flower safari tour will experience the greatest flower show on earth with close to 3000 plant species of which more than 50% are indigenous to the region we plan to visit. On this flower power safari, we intend to introduce you to areas that you thought never existed in South Africa.

  Get ready for a lifetime changing experience of discoveries as we travel the back roads of this arid region. The Flower safari is a fully catered tour, pack your bags and head west with us for a mind-boggling discovery of this arid and desolated "outback" part of our country. Keep in mind that this Flower Safari offers a lot more than just flowers, you will be discovering so much more off the beaten path. Therefore, you will need a 4x4 vehicle.

  

  Day 3 (Wednesday, 26 August 2026)
  Enjoy a warm breakfast after a good night's rest, before we start to explore the arid mountain area. A visit to this area is not completed if you did not visit the rugged territory of Riemvasmaak and the healing Hot Springs. The 4x4 trail is just a must-do-event. Dinner will be served at Lake Grappa.

  Day 4,5 & 6 (Thursday 27 to 29 August 2026)
  After breakfast, we travel west to the heart of the Namaqualand, Springbok. The 4-Star Daisy Country Lodge (dinner, bed & breakfast), in Springbok will be our base for the next three nights. From here we will start exploring all the different flowering areas along spectacular gravel roads in the northern part of this flower phenomenon region.

  But we must visit Klein Pella, the largest date farms in the Southern Hemisphere before undertaking a 4x4 trail along the Oranje River.

  Dinner will be ready each night at 19h00. It is then time to share your day's experiences with your flower companions.

Contact Jannie for a detailed itinerary: info@protea4x4.co.za or 083 268 0566