road trip ideas gauteng

Weekend road trips from Joburg

Find inspiration from this article for road trips from Joburg that you could easily do over a weekend. After all, making the most of your weekends is one of the secrets to traveling more while working full time .

Johannesburg (aka Joburg) is in Gauteng which is a landlocked province that is bordered by five other provinces. This makes Joburg a great starting point for road trips to surrounding South African provinces. This post lists some awesome road trip ideas for people in Joburg who want to plan a local weekend trip with family, friends or bae and need a quick overview of destination options in Gauteng and beyond.

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Weekend road trips from joburg.

The road trip destinations are grouped according to the province in which they are located.

Related post: Things to do and places to visit in Gauteng

Road Trip within Gauteng

Magaliesburg, gauteng.

Distance from Joburg: 70km; 1 hour drive

Activities: Hiking trails, zip lining, horse riding, hot air ballooning

Attractions: The Cradle of Humankind , Magalies Canopy Tour .(Use the code GOPHARI for 10% off), Mountain Sanctuary Park , Kranskloof hiking trail

Tip: Look out for the winter spa specials at Valley Lodge & Spa

Related post: How to spend a relaxing weekend in Magaliesburg

Road Trip to North West from Joburg

Hartbeestport, north west.

Distance from Joburg:  78km; 1 hour road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations: There are plenty of Airbnb homes along the dam and glamping options in the area. 

Activities: Boat rides, water sports, fishing, hot air balloon rides.

Attractions: Hartbeesport dam, French Toast Koffie Kafee , Aerial cableway , Harties watersports centre .

Tip: You can double up a weekend stay in Hartbeesport by also visiting Pilanesberg (more on Pilanesberg below). This is one of the most popular road trips from Joburg.

Pilanesberg, North West

Distance from Joburg:  177km; 2.5 hour drive

Accommodation recommendations:  Tshiberry Bed & Breakfast, Cabanas Sun City (hotel), Bakubung Bush Lodge (hotel).

Activities:  Game drives, water sports, quad biking.

Attractions: Sun City Resort , Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Road Trip to Free State from Joburg

Parys, free state.

Distance from Joburg:  111km; 1hour 15min road trip from Joburg

Activities: Boat rides, river rafting, spas

Attractions: Vaal River, Vredefort Crater, R.E.A.L Adventures

Tip: Pont de Val is a very romantic setting. I recommend it for a baecation. In fact while I was there, someone proposed to their girlfriend on the lawn alongside the river!

Clarens, Free State

Distance from Joburg:  302km, 3 hour drive

Activities:  river rafting, wine tasting, quad biking, horseback riding

Attractions:  Art & Wine Gallery on Main , Clarens Brewery , Ash River, Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Tip: Visit in February to attend the Clarens Craft Beer Festival

Road Trip to KwaZulu-Natal from Joburg

Drakensberg, kwazulu-natal.

Distance from Joburg:  394km, 4 hours road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations:  Didima Camp Cathedral Peak (Hotel). 

Activities:  hiking, horseback riding, wine tasting, river rafting, fishing, rock climbing, rock art viewing.

Attractions:  Tugela Falls , Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, Drakensberg amphitheatre, Kamberg Nature Reserve

Read more about planning a trip to Tugela Falls

Road Trip to Mpumalanga from Joburg

Panorama route, mpumalanga.

Distance from Joburg:  405km; 4.5 hour road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations:  Stay in a small town called Graskop for easy access to all the attractions on Panorama Route .

Activities: Waterfall swims, nature parks, hiking, tubing.

Attractions: God’s window, Blyde River Canyon, Gorge Lift, Lisbon Falls, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Sudwala Caves, Lone Creek Falls

Tip: There is a lot to see on the Panorama Route. Choose the attractions you want to see and plan out your stops so that you make the most of your time! Read more about places to visit in Mpumalanga .

Road Trip to Limpopo

Magoebaskloof, limpopo.

Distance from Joburg:  392km, 4 hours road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations:  Go sky camping along Ebenezer Dam with Leeto Experiences ! Check out these romantic getaways in Limpopo .

Activities:  hiking, zip lining, fishing, camping, boating. 

Attractions: Debengeni Waterfall, Ebenezer Dam, Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour (Use the code “Gophari” for 10% off)

Bela Bela, Limpopo

Distance from Joburg:  437km, 2 hours road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations: Mabula Game Lodge . This 12 000 hectare reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 (Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). I loved my stay there and shared about it in this safari Instagram story highlight .

Get in touch if you would like assistance with arranging a discounted stay at Mabula Game Lodge: [email protected].

Activities: Big-5 safari, water theme park, farm shops.

Attractions: Mabula Game Lodge, Warmbaths Forever Resort, L’abri Farm Shop & Brewery

Watch my Instagram reel about my hippo sighting during a sunset game drive at Mabula Game Lodge .

Thohoyandou, Limpopo

Distance from Joburg:  437km, 5.5 hours road trip from Joburg

Accommodation recommendations:   Royal Hills Lodge & Spa

Activities: Spa, game viewing, view ancient baobab trees, waterfall swim, picnic.

Attractions:  Kruger National Park , The Big Tree, Phiphidi Waterfall

Watch my Instagram reel about how to spend a romantic weekend in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

I hope you have found inspiration for your next road trip from Joburg.

There is plenty to explore close by to Joburg without needing to take leave. Make the most of these road trip destinations from Joburg and have the best time taking in South Africa’s beautiful landscapes.

Enjoy your road trip and drive safely!

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10 thoughts on “weekend road trips from joburg”.

Just what i needed! thank you thank you, was looking for a weekend getaway location with a friend. 🙂

Ah I’m so glad! It’s a pleasure always 😊

Thank you the info

It’s a pleasure! Feel free to ask questions

Pingback: Pay less for travel – GOPHARI

Thank you, this is great

It’s a pleasure! Thanks for the feedback

omg I’ve been needing this. Going to JHB soon and hopefully I will have enough time to do one of these. Thank you x

It’s a pleasure! Ah yay that’s exciting. Have the best time during your trip

Hi Farirai, these tips are amazing. Could you please do weekend road trips from Middelburg MP, next 😊🙏

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The Best South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

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Our South Africa road trip was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

We drove from Johannesburg to Cape Town in just over a month stopping to see the Big 5 on safari in Kruger, hike lush green mountains in the Drakensberg, walk along the dramatic Wild Coast, and explore the beaches and parks of the Garden Route.

We learnt about South Africa’s turbulent history, met its diverse people, sampled the country’s excellent wine, and ended in one of our new favourite cities, Cape Town.

South Africa is a stunning and diverse country and a road trip is the best way to explore it.

South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

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Our road trip was a total of 33 nights or 36 nights including Johannesburg, where we spent three nights at the start without a car. This doesn’t include Cape Town , where we spent two months at the end of our trip. We drove 4638km (2882 miles) in January-February, which is South Africa’s summer and the rainy season in the north and dry season along the Garden Route and Cape Town.

• Johannesburg – 3 nights

Greater Kruger

• Graskop – 2 nights
• Timbavati Private Game Reserve – 2 nights
• Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – 3 nights
• Olifants, Kruger National Park – 1 night
• Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park – 2 nights

Drakensberg Mountains (KwaZulu Natal)

• Wakkerstroom (stop on way) – 1 night
• Champagne Valley (Central Drakensberg) – 3 nights
• Underberg (Southern Drakensberg) – 2 nights

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)

• Coffee Bay – 1 night
• Chintsa – 3 nights
• Hogsback – 3 nights

Garden Route (Western Cape)

• Storms River Mouth – 1 night
• Plettenberg Bay – 4 nights
• Wilderness – 2 nights
• Oudtshoorn – 2 nights
• Robertson – 1 night
• Cape Town – 2 months

You could do this trip in three weeks by skipping a few places or moving faster or even two if you cut out Kruger (but it was our favourite part). If you only have a week then drive the Garden Route from Cape Town.

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The blue line on the map is only an approximate route.

Note: The distances of each leg of our journey below are taken from Google Maps (which we used for navigation) and the times are the actual time it took us, usually including a petrol/toilet break. I’ve noted if we stopped for a longer break.

Days 1–3 Johannesburg (3 nights)

International flights to South Africa are usually cheaper to Johannesburg than to Cape Town so it makes sense to start your trip here. Many people skip the city but I think it’s worth a few days to learn about the country’s recent history.

We visited the Soweto township on a tour with Curiocity Hostel and the Apartheid Museum. Both are worth visiting for an understanding of the horrors of apartheid and the path to peace. I also recommend reading these South African books before your trip. 

Johannesburg has a reputation for being dangerous but it has improved in recent years and we had no problems. That said, you do need to be cautious and it’s best to get around by Uber rather than walking.

We stayed in the Maboneng Precinct which is safe to walk around even at night (but don’t stray too far). We loved this newly regenerated area full of art galleries, street art, cool restaurants, and an independent cinema and theatre. It was the most integrated area we visited in South Africa with a mix of black and white locals and visitors (so many places we visited later in the trip were all white).

In Maboneng you can either stay at the Curiocity Hostel or in one of the many Airbnbs , which is what we did. Our studio apartment was in the perfect location and was large and bright with a comfortable bed and the fastest WiFi we had in South Africa (10 Mbps up and down). If internet is important to you, make sure your apartment has free, unlimited WiFi as most don’t. 

You can find more hotels in Johannesburg here .

Maboneng has loads of great restaurants but many of them were closed for the summer holidays when we visited in early January. Our favourite place was Thali , which serves the best Indian food we had in South Africa. It is simple, inexpensive, tasty and has quite a few vegetarian options. Try to time you visit for a Sunday so you can visit Market on Main for food and art stalls. Find more places to eat in Maboneng here . 

Day 4 Johannesburg – Graskop (2 nights)

Distance: 382km Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

We took an Uber back to Johannesburg Airport to pick up our rental car. We chose to stop in Graskop rather than head straight to Kruger National Park so that we could drive the Panorama Route and be able to arrive at our first safari lodge in time for lunch.

Graskop is a small town with single storey buildings and wide roads that reminded us of Outback Australia. It’s the ideal base for driving the Panorama Route (hotels can provide a map). We spent four hours driving along Blyde River Canyon with stops at God’s Window (the viewpoint was obscured by fog), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (impressive rock formations), Three Rondavels (the best viewpoint with dramatic views of the canyon, river and massive rock formations), and the huge Lisbon Falls. Despite bad weather it was a beautiful drive.

We loved Havana Nights where we stayed in a three-bedroom self-catering bungalow. It was very comfortable with lots of homely touches and a very friendly owner. It’s in a quiet garden but only a short walk to town. The heater was handy as nights get chilly here even in summer. The WiFi was slow but that’s the norm in South Africa.

Find more places to stay in Graskop here .

Harrie’s Pancakes is the most famous spot and has tasty sweet and savoury pancakes. Canimambo is a Portuguese/Mozambique restaurant with three vegetarian mains including a good burger and a simple bean stew. There’s a SPAR supermarket for self-catering but it doesn’t have a huge amount of choice.

Distance: 133km Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

We spent eight nights on safari in the Greater Kruger area starting in two lodges in private reserves bordering Kruger National Park and moving on to government-run camps in the park—read my comparison of Kruger lodges vs self-drive .

We stayed at Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati Reserve, a rustic off-the-grid camp that’s one of the most affordable in Kruger. In safari lodges all meals and two game drives a day are included. Our game drives were amazing and included an exciting wild dog chase and seeing the Big 5 in one drive—leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Read my Umlani Bushcamp review for more details.

Distance: 21km Time: 45 minutes

We were sad to leave Umlani when we moved to the neighbouring Klaserie reserve, but Klaserie Sands River Camp was even better (although very different). This luxurious yet relaxed and intimate lodge with just four rooms is the best place we’ve ever stayed. We loved the stunning design, the friendly team who made us feel at home, and the excellent game drives including getting up close to male lions for the first time. Read our detailed Klaserie Sands review .

Distance: 212km via Orpen Gate Time: 6 hours including lunch break at Satara and game viewing

We left our safari lodge behind for the next adventure— self-driving in Kruger National Park . It was a long drive from Klaserie Sands to Olifants Rest Camp but along the way we saw wildebeest, four elephants, large herds of zebra and giraffe, kudu, and hippos.

Self-driving is a very different experience to taking guided game drives from a lodge. We found it more difficult to get close to the animals, but it’s pretty exciting when an elephant walks across the road in front of you. Self-driving is also a lot more affordable than staying in a lodge—see our Kruger self-drive costs .

Read our detailed Kruger self-drive guide for everything you need to plan your own trip.

Distance: 153km Time: 6.5 hours with lunch break at Satara, game viewing, and detour due to road closure.

Kruger National Park is huge so it’s best to stay in a few different rest camps. From Olifants we moved to Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the south of the park. Usually this is the busiest but most wildlife-rich area, but in the rainy season we didn’t see as much as we expected. See our Kruger self-drive guide for our itinerary and accommodation reviews.

Day 14 Lower Sabie – Wakkerstroom (1 night)

Distance: 460km Time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Wakkerstroom is rather off the beaten track and I chose it purely as a stopover between Kruger and the Drakensberg, but it turned out to be a lovely destination. The drive here was scenic through beautiful green mountains and farmland.

Wakkerstroom is a tiny town surrounded by meadows of long grass and wetlands that attract rare birds. Most visitors come for the birding but it’s a beautiful spot for relaxing and hiking—we could easily have spent more than a night here.

Forellenhof Guest Farm is gorgeous. It’s a little out of town down a bumpy dirt track, but the setting is worth the extra drive. We stayed in Pretty Pig, a two-bedroom cottage with a comfortable living room and well-equipped kitchen but no WiFi. From all the rooms and terrace are views of a small dam full of birds with lush meadows and mountains in the background. It was very private and quiet except for the chattering of birds.

You can find more places to stay in Wakkerstroom here .

The Bistro is in a pleasant garden and has a few good vegetarian options including a Caprese salad, lentil curry, and feta and spinach pancakes. The grocery shop in town is very limited but there is a bakery and farm cheese shop.

Day 15 Wakkerstroom – Champagne Valley (3 nights)

Distance: 249km Time: 4 hours including stops at Superspar in Winterton for supplies and Valley Bakery for lunch.

The Drakensberg mountain range is the highest in South Africa and stretches for more than 1000km. Getting around is slow going so it’s best to focus your stay on one area rather than try to see it all. We started in the Champagne Valley near the Monks Cowl entrance to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

On our first day we began at 7.30am for the hike to Nandi Falls, which is the easiest hike in the area and took us 2.5 hours. We walked through meadows and forests with stunning views of the lush green mountains and jagged peaks—South Africa is astonishingly green at this time of year—and stops at Nandi and Sterkspruit Falls. It was a beautiful, relatively easy, and quiet hike that was a great introduction to the Drakensberg.

The next day we planned to hike to Blind Man’s Corner but it rained all day. There are lots of other hikes in the area but most are quite long and challenging.

We stayed at Inkosana Lodge , a hostel in a gorgeous setting of lush gardens with a natural swimming pool and mountain views. Our rondavel hut was more basic than we were used to on this trip, a little small and dark, but the bed was comfy and we had an ensuite and access to a clean shared kitchen. WiFi is only available in the common areas and costs 40R per person. The location was ideal just 7km from the Monks Cowl entrance.

You can find more hotels in the Central Drakensberg here.

Meals are available at Inkosana and there are a few restaurants in the area, but we self-catered. We also had lunch at the nearby Valley Bakery, which has decent sandwiches, salads and homemade products on sale.

Day 18 Champagne Valley – Underberg (2 nights)

Distance: 235km Time: 3 hours

Underberg is in the southern Drakensberg and is known as the start of the drive up the Sani Pass to Lesotho , which can be done as a day trip in a 4WD or on a tour. The area isn’t as convenient for hikes as Inkosana as the mountains are further away.

We went horse riding with Khotso Backpackers , 15 minutes outside Underberg. The saddles were a little uncomfortable but it was a stunning ride on impressive horses who manage to scramble up the steep rocky hills. The views from the top were stunning with green rolling hills and farmland in one direction and the dramatic craggy mountains of Lesotho in the other.

Khotso Backpackers has budget rooms and cottages in a lovely quiet setting, but we went for more comfort at Bergview Log Cabin closer to town. It’s a large, three-bedroom house with a garden, plunge pool, and terrace with mountain views. It felt like a real home and was very comfortable and well-equipped. There’s no WiFi but we had 3G most of the time. The only strange thing (for us at least) was that a uniformed housekeeper lives in a room under the house and comes to clean twice a day.

You can find more hotels in Underberg here .

Pukkety Tea Garden is a cute, cosy cafe with eclectic decor. Next door is their self-service farm shop where you can buy homemade jams, chutneys, cakes, cookies, bread and more. The SPAR supermarket has a good selection for self-catering. ( Update October 2019: Pukkety Tea Garden has now closed permanently.)

Day 20 Underberg – Coffee Bay (1 night)

Distance: 383km Time: 5.5 hours

It’s a beautiful drive through the mountains down to the Wild Coast. We felt the difference as we drove into the Eastern Cape—Nelson Mandela’s homeland—as it’s more traditional with colourful rondavels (traditional huts) dotted on the hills. On the road down to Coffee Bay horses, cows, sheep, and goats wandered freely into the road.

Coffee Bay is a small surf town with a wild beach and a rough around the edges vibe. We didn’t get the best first impression—read more about our experience in Coffee Bay here —and as we hated our hostel, we left after one night despite paying for two. In retrospect, I wish we had given it more of a chance (and stayed somewhere else) as it was so different from anywhere else we visited in South Africa and was an interesting insight into rural African life. The hike along the dramatic coastline to Hole in the Wall is worth doing.

There isn’t a lot of accommodation in Coffee Bay and it’s mostly backpacker hostels. I recommend staying at the Geckos B&B , which looks like the nicest option and I think we would have had a much better experience if we had stayed there (it was closed during our stay). If you are looking for a hostel, Coffee Shack is the most popular one. I do NOT recommend staying at Friends Backpackers, which was awful.

You can find more places to stay in Coffee Bay here .

There isn’t a lot of choice. Friends Wild Coast Cafe has a sea view, good cake and a few vegetarian options. Most backpackers also have restaurants.

Day 21 Coffee Bay – Chintsa (3 nights)

Distance: 263km Time: 4 hours

Chintsa (formerly Cintsa) is further along the Wild Coast and feels less traditional than Coffee Bay. We stayed at Buccaneers Backpackers , which has an isolated location and a beautiful view of the lagoon, beach and sea. It’s more of a hostel resort with a huge range of accommodation, pool, restaurant, bar, volleyball, and activities such as surf lessons, horse riding, and visits to community projects.

I did take one of the yoga classes but otherwise we just relaxed and took walks on the 18km long beach—wild and empty with pounding waves. We both came down with a stomach upset—it could have been something we ate at Buccaneers but I’m more inclined to blame the last hostel—so didn’t do much.

We loved the bright, modern suite at Buccaneers with a big comfy bed, two armchairs, fridge, ensuite and, best of all, sliding glass doors onto the terrace with an amazing sea view, which we could even enjoy from bed. It did not feel like a hostel room at all. Make sure you book in advance for the suite.

The suite was booked up for our last night so we moved to a two-bedroom cottage, which was fine but much more rustic.

Annoyingly Buccaneers charges for WiFi—25R per 500mb or 40R per GB and it only works in the bar/reception/restaurant area. We used our 3G instead.

You can find more places to stay in Chintsa here .

We mostly self-catered (stock up in advance) but Buccaneers does serve breakfast and lunch. Dinners are communal with a different theme every night—Mexican night was pretty good with help yourself burritos. There’s always a vegetarian option.

Day 24 Chintsa – Hogsback (3 nights)

Distance: 175km Time: 2 hours 45 minutes with a supermarket shopping trip

Despite still being sick we struggled on to Hogsback up in the Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape. Hogsback is known as a mystical place where you can visit fairy gardens or get a fairy reading, walk through magical forests to waterfalls, meditate around a labyrinth, or heal yourself with crystals. It’s often obscured by fog adding to its mysterious vibe.

Unfortunately, we were too ill to do any of this. Luckily, our rondavel at The Edge had gorgeous views of the mountains so at least we could enjoy the scenery from our sick bed.

From what we saw of it, Hogsback looked beautiful.

We stayed at The Edge Mountain Retreat , which is a short drive outside the village down a very bumpy dirt track. There are a number of bungalows spread out along the edge of a cliff, most with great views. Our Over the Edge rondavel was spacious with a comfortable bed, two armchairs by the fireplace, a big dining table, small kitchen, and lovely views. There’s decent free WiFi in the restaurant but only Edge cell signal.

If you are on a budget, Terra-Khaya Eco Farm and Away with the Fairies are backpackers with good reviews.

You can find more accommodation in Hogsback here .

We were too sick to eat, but the restaurant at The Edge is supposed to be good.

Day 27 Hogsback – Storms River Mouth (1 night)

Distance: 446km Time: 7 hours including road works and lunch break

It was a long drive from Hogsback but we took a break for lunch at the excellent InFood in surfer town Jeffrey’s Bay. With its bakery and fancy deli, it felt very different from the Wild Coast. We drove past Addo Elephant Park on the way, so this would have been a good place to break up the journey, but we decided to skip it after having seen many elephants in Kruger.

Storms River Mouth is a rest camp in the Tsitsikamma National Park at the start of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. In the morning we walked along the Mouth Trail to a suspension bridge swinging over the sea. Most visitors stop here but we carried on up a steep rocky path to a viewpoint where you can enjoy the bridge from above and the whole dramatic coastline. The total hike took us 1.5 hours. There are other hikes to do including the Waterfall Trail if you have more time.

The Storms River Mouth SAN Parks camp is spread out along the coast so most places have sea views. Our Oceanette was a basic studio apartment with sliding doors onto a terrace and the sea just beyond with massive waves crashing onto the rocks. Sometimes you can see dolphins (we didn’t). There’s no WiFi and we only had Edge cell signal.

There’s a restaurant and basic shop at the camp but it’s best to bring your own supplies.

Day 28 Storms River Mouth – Plettenberg Bay (4 nights)

Distance: 66km Time: 1 hour

We needed to slow down so spent four nights at Plettenberg Bay, one of the most popular beach towns on the Garden Route. There are plenty of beaches to explore and the water was just warm enough in February for a quick (chilly) dip. Lookout Beach was our favourite in walking distance of town.

The best thing we did was hike in the nearby Robberg Nature Reserve. The full hike around the peninsula takes about four hours but we did the medium hike, which took us 1 hour 45 minutes. It was a beautiful walk along the edge of cliffs with views of beaches and a seal colony. Our hike cut across the peninsula and we walked down a giant sand dune to reach a stunning, deserted beach.

There are plenty of other things to do in Plettenberg Bay including boat trips, swimming with seals, and canoeing and hiking at nearby Nature’s Valley.

We rented a two-storey, three-bedroom Airbnb apartment. It was very central, just off the main road and a 10-minute walk down a steep hill to the beach. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available but you can find more hotels in Plettenberg Bay here .

Le Fournil bakery has good bread and pastries. We liked the cupcakes at Clare’s Cakes and Deli. Pizzas at The Table were OK. The Lookout Deck has great views of the beach and is a good place for a drink, but the vegetarian options were limited.

Our best meal was a 20-minute drive from Plett at the Bramon Wine Estate . We booked an outside table in advance and are so glad we did. Our picturesque table was like a private booth tucked in a row of vines with mountains at the end. The tapas style menu has plenty for vegetarians including salads, cheeses, pastries, olives, and the most delicious homemade bread, all accompanied by their wines.

Day 32 Plettenberg Bay – Wilderness (2 nights)

Distance: 76km Time: 1.5 hours with stop at Knysna Heads

On our way to Wilderness we stopped at Knysna Heads (get directions to Viewpoint Eastern Knysna Head on Google Maps) where there’s a short walk along a boardwalk to various viewpoints with stunning views down the cliffs to rock formations and crashing waves.

Wilderness is a quiet beach town with a long wild beach backed by cliffs. The sea is too rough for swimming but the beach is perfect for long walks.

You can canoe and hike at Wilderness National Park just inland. We hired canoes from Eden Adventures , paddled for 40 minutes along a calm river and walked for 35 minutes through lovely forest to the Touw River Rockpools where there are two small waterfalls, rocks to sunbathe and picnic on, and chilly pools to swim in. It’s an easy and beautiful trip, but I recommend starting early as it gets busy later in the day.

We loved Wilderness and could easily have spent longer here and gone hiking, horse riding and paragliding.

Wilderness Beach Resort is more of a guesthouse than a resort but it is lovely. The owners are very friendly and the setting is spectacular on the cliffs above the quieter end of Wilderness Beach with 100+ steps down to the sand.

Our one-bedroom suite was bright, modern and comfortable with a bedroom, bathroom, living room with basic kitchenette, and sliding glass doors with sea views. There are loungers on the terrace to enjoy the view, but it’s not super private as people walk past on the way to their room. There is slow WiFi in the rooms and an indoor pool. It’s great value and definitely recommended.

You can find more places to stay in Wilderness here .

Flava Cafe has more vegetarian options than most places including a good veggie burger and curry.

Day 34 Wilderness – Oudtshoorn (2 nights)

Distance: 77km Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Oudtshoorn is inland in the Klein Karoo semi-desert but it’s often included on the Garden Route. It’s a short but stunning drive from Wilderness and the landscape changed dramatically as we drove up into the mountains. It’s a much drier, hotter landscape, starkly beautiful with plains dotted with thorny bushes and backed by orange, red and chocolate mountains. It was unlike anywhere else we visited in South Africa.

Oudtshoorn is known for its ostrich farms, but as vegetarians, we decided to skip those and instead visited the impressive Cango Caves, did an early morning meerkat safari (a highlight of our trip), and drove over the dramatic Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert. Read about things to do in Oudtshoorn here.

We chose to stay out of town at De Oulde Meul Country Lodge , a large farm on the road towards the caves. Our room was a little dated but it had a fridge and air conditioning and was good value. There are two pools which we appreciated in the desert heat.

You can find more places to stay in Oudtshoorn here .

Signature Divine is a good lunch spot on the way to Cango Caves (and De Oulde Meul). The veggie options at  Buffelsdrift Game Lodge  aren’t very exciting but the setting makes up for it—we watched hippos, antelope, and giraffe at the waterhole while we ate. ( Update October 2019: Unfortunately, Signature Divine is now permanently closed.)

Day 36 Oudtshoorn – Robertson (1 night)

Distance: 298km Time: 4 hours

We originally planned to drive straight from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town but at the last minute we added a stopover in the Robertson Wine Valley and we’re so glad we did. The drive there was one of the most scenic of our trip through stunning desert mountains on Route 62, the longest wine route in the world.

Robertson is less well known than the wine towns closer to Cape Town and is quieter and cheaper, but the wineries are spread out and you’ll need a car. A highlight is wine tasting at Graham Beck who specialise in Methode Cap Classique, South Africa’s bubbly that’s made with the same method as champagne. Tastings are free and we bought a bottle of their rosé (which became our favourite South African bubbly) to toast the final night of our road trip.

The main reason we loved Robertson so much was the wonderful Orange Grove Farm . The farm has an isolated setting at the foot of craggy mountains amongst vineyards and olive groves. All the cottages are spread out for privacy, so it’s a real get away from it all experience.

We stayed in Mosesberg Cottage which has a spacious main room with a high ceiling, double bed, big comfy couch, armchairs, and fireplace. The WiFi is surprisingly good, the kitchen is well-equipped, and there’s a braai (barbecue). The terrace has a plunge pool and loungers to enjoy the view.

It was the perfect place for our last night and we desperately wished we didn’t have to leave the next day. I highly recommend splurging on a stay at Orange Grove as it’s excellent value for the quality and setting. We will return!

You can find more hotels in Robertson here .

Orange Grove Farm can deliver braai , picnic, and breakfasts baskets, and although they are a bit expensive, they are worth it (ask for a discount if you are vegetarian). Our  braai basket made barbecuing easy. We had olives and hummus to keep us going while we cooked the butternut squash stuffed with peppers and feta, garlic bread, and garlicky potatoes and served it all with salad. 

Our breakfast basket was another delicious feast and we loved eating on the terrace with that gorgeous view. You can choose from a range of options and we had croissants, chocolate muffins, seed bread, fruit salad, granola, yoghurt, and orange juice.

Day 37 Robertson – Cape Town

Distance: 151km Time: 2 hours

I definitely recommend spending more than one night in the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek would be the ideal next stop from Robertson (1 hr 20 mins away), but we visited as a side trip from Cape Town the following month. Franschhoek is more touristy and expensive than Robertson, but it’s even more beautiful with a cute village and stunning setting surrounded by mountains. It’s also easier to go wine tasting without a car on the fun wine tram . The food in the area is exceptional.

There’s gorgeous mountain and vineyard scenery most of the way from Robertson to Cape Town and then arriving in the city we had the breathtaking moment of seeing Table Mountain for the first time.

Cape Town is a truly amazing city with so much to do —beaches, hikes, markets, gardens, museums, helicopter rides , superb restaurants , and the stunning  Cape Peninsula drive to Cape Point. Spend as long as you can here—you could easily spend 10 days in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. We were there for two months and it wasn’t enough.

Airbnb is a great option in Cape Town, especially if you are staying for more than a few days ( get $39 off your first stay here ). We rented a modern one-bedroom apartment in Sea Point just one block from the sea and a 10-minute Uber ride downtown. Sea Point feels very safe and I loved being able to run along the promenade.

Some parts of downtown Cape Town are sketchy and you have to be on your guard and not walk around at night. Gardens is a good central neighbourhood with great restaurants.

You can find hotels in Cape Town here .

There are so many incredible restaurants in Cape Town. You can read our detailed guide to the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Cape Town but some of our favourites include La Colombe (one of the best restaurants in the world, worth the splurge), Asoka (go for Tuesday Jazz Night), Addis in Cape (Ethiopian), Blacksheep (seasonal daily menu), Kloof St House (eclectic cuisine and decor in a Victorian house), Cousins Trattoria (homemade pasta), Jarryds (amazing breakfasts), Pot Luck Club (creative tapas), V&A Waterfront food market and any of the weekend markets.

• Accommodation – Use Booking.com to find self-catering accommodation, backpackers and hotels. We got some great last-minute deals. Airbnb is also good in the larger towns and cities.
• Car hire – Search Rental Cars for the best deals.
• SIM card + Google Maps – These made directions easy. We bought a Vodacom SIM card and 10GB data plan from Johannesburg airport.
• Travel insurance – Essential in case anything goes wrong. We used True Traveller as always—they are the best deal we’ve found for UK/EU residents. For other nationalities, Heymondo is a well-respected company who we’ve used in the past. 

You can also see our South Africa road trip costs and our guide to planning the perfect South Africa road trip . 

A road trip is a fantastic way to explore everything South Africa has to offer from safaris to mountains to beaches. It’s an easy, affordable place to travel and we never felt unsafe. 

If you enjoyed this post, pin it!

20 Comments

Hai , we r also planning tondo road trip after reading about your tour . It was too good . I am coming from india and plan to travel in mid May 2020 . I am with two children 12 amd 14 yrs. What are safety measure should I take ? And i have only 15 days . How can manage if can guide me . Thanks

Reply ↓

Great write up and a very accurate account of a well planned holiday.

I am living in South Africa and would be more than willing to give assistance, pointers and just general information to make your holiday one to remember.

Thanks very much! Sadly we’ve left South Africa but we’ll definitely be back.

Yep, I know! I would be more than willing to give direction to other fellow travelers too. We do quite a bit of traveling ourselves (retired!) and I know how great it is to be well informed, especially from a “local” perspective .. ??‍♀️

Love your writing style! Avid follower??

We are starting to read up on South Africa since we are planning our first trip to Africa for January to March (2.5 months or so) of 2020. I came across your absolutely fantastic road trip account and your route is pretty similar to what I had been thinking for our adventure. Certainly looks as if we could easily spend a month traversing S.A. from J’burg to Capetown with a rental car. Plus at least 2 weeks in CT and area. Thanks so much for the detail, accommodation suggestions, the gorgeous photos and the beautiful text. We’re both retired teachers so we appreciate great writing!

We had been thinking of spending a few weeks in East Africa but I’m intrigued by Namibia and/or Botswana. Have you guys been to either country?

Thanks again, Graham and Sue

Hi Graham, We definitely recommend this route (plus as much time as you can in and around Cape Town!) and you’ll be going at the same time of year as we did.

After our two months in Cape Town we flew to Namibia and did a two week road trip which you can read about here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/namibia-road-trip-itinerary/

It was a great addition to South Africa as it feels very different – wilder and more remote but still easy. It is more expensive though and you’ll be visiting in the rainy season. We did consider Botswana as well but it worked out to be too pricey and one way car rentals to multiple countries were especially expensive. Some people do a road trip to all three countries though.

Have an amazing trip! Erin

I will check out your Namibia road trip. Thanks!

It sounds as if you guys enjoyed your Wild Coast stops -with a couple of reservations. I’ve read a few ‘negative’ comments about that part of the country mainly about safety issues and pretty spotty roads. Anything to worry about re: safety providing we’re sensible and follow the basic rules of common sense? Is a normal 2WD rental car doable, again providing we’re careful and don’t try to break speed records while driving on questionable roads?

Accommodation was our main issue – if we’d had a better place to stay in Coffee Bay we’d have enjoyed it a lot more. The roads weren’t as bad as we were expecting and we managed fine in a normal 2WD compact car. And just normal common sense for safety is fine – we always kept our car doors locked and luggage hidden in the boot everywhere in South Africa. We had more issues in Cape Town than on the Wild Coast (but nothing serious). I’d definitely include the Wild Coast on your trip.

I stumbled upon this during hours of research for our 2018 road trip to SA, Originally we were going to fill in with the train from JNB to CPT. Why bother doing that when you’ve this gorgeous itinerary! Thanks massively, Jonathan- UK.

It’s a great drive with so much to see along the way – enjoy!

Hey, yes a price to work our budget towards would be awesome to repeat this journey. Also, what happened to that male lion? Looked as though it was in a fight?

What a great read.

Here’s what we spent: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/south-africa-travel-costs/

Yes, the lion had been hunting the day before and was injured.

What was the total cost for this trip (airfare it included).

I will have about 3 weeks holiday attached to a business trip recruiting teachers to China.

We’ll actually have a budget post coming out next Monday that will share a detailed breakdown of our costs.

Here’s our travel costs post: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/south-africa-travel-costs/

I am so desperate to do a road trip through Africa! I’ll be sure to come back to this guide when I somehow get the chance to plan it. I don’t think you could find a more in depth guide to South Africa. Amazing X

I hope you get the chance to visit South Africa Kate! It’s such an amazing country.

Thanks for such a comprehensive guide,,we are planning to do a similar route next year and this is just perfect aid to our plans.

Also you guys being veggies like us, have you tried the happcow app and site, we used them quite a bit in Russia and were amazed to find a good list of places to eat, yes russia had veg places to eat ;)

Yes, we use Happy Cow all the time – it’s so useful! Most of the places we visited on our road trip were too small to have a vegetarian restaurant but luckily most restaurants have at least one vegetarian option, even if it’s not that exciting. Cape Town is veggie heaven!

Have an amazing trip to South Africa!

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Home > South Africa > South Africa Road Trip Tips

The Best South Africa Road Trip Tips (10,00km Worth!)

10,000 Kilometers Worth of Tips

Kim and I did five separate South Africa road trips (and one Kruger safari ) during our most recent six-month stay there— Joburg to Cape Town , Greyton and Hermanus, the Garden Route , Cederberg, and Cape Town to Namibia .

Over those over 10,000 kilometers of driving, we learned a lot of tips (and went to a lot of places) that we hadn't read on other blogs or travel guides.

These are all of them.

Wherever you choose to go on your own South Africa road trip, they'll help you have a better trip, no matter how long or far you go.

In This List of South Africa Road Trip Tips:

Our 6 top tips.

• How Best to Plan
• What to Pack
• Who to Rent From
• How to Drive Safe

What to Eat and Drink

How to stay connected, how to pay (and pay less).

Of all our many South Africa road trip tips to follow, these are the ones we most strongly recommend you pay attention to.

1. Don't Be Scared

South Africa is a surprisingly safe place, especially once you get outside of the big cities.

The drivers are good, the roads are in great shape, and everyone you see will return a friendly smile with one of their own.

To have a safe trip, all you have to do is follow locals' advice wherever you go—like areas to avoid and whether it's safe to walk at night—don't drive at night (because the highways aren't lit), and don't tempt poor and desperate people by leaving stuff in your car or flaunting valuables.

2. Sleep Like a 90-Year-Old

The best way to squeeze the absolute most out of your South Africa road trip is to go to bed and wake up super early like an old person.

Everything worth doing and seeing is best experienced during daylight and there's nothing much to do but get in trouble at night anyway.

3. Rent a Small, Cheap Car

You don't need any more horsepower or clearance. The only bad roads we experienced on any South Africa road trip were on the Wild Coast , but our little Suzuki Baleno handled them with ease.

You also don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself with a big and/or fancy car either.

Plus, it's cheaper and more fuel-efficient.

More details to come in our rental car and driving tips below.

4. Don't Over-Plan

Do some research beforehand to get a general idea of what you want to see along your road trip, but don't set too much in stone.

Be flexible enough to follow the recommendations of people you meet along the way, which is how we had some of our favorite South African experiences, and to spend extra time at places you like the most.

The only places you might want to book in advance are the Garden Route and the Wild Coast, but only in the December and January peak season.

5. Sleep Mosquito-Free

Go to a Woolworths or Pick n' Pay and pick up a plug-in mosquito repellent device as soon as you arrive.

The 50-or-so rands ($3.50 US) will probably be the best value-per-rand investment of your whole South Africa road trip.

The thing works!

There aren't many mosquitos in South Africa and they're no nuisance during the day, but at night even one mosquito is enough to ruin your sleep—and your whole next day. Unlike mosquitos back in Canada, where we're from, the South African ones are fast, sneaky, and bite repeatedly.

6. Get an Audiobook (or Two)

The right audiobook has a double bonus.

Not only does it keep you entertained during the odd boring stretch of your road trip but it'll also educate you about South Africa's history and culture, which will help you appreciate what you see even more.

Here are two favorites:

• Born a Crime (9 hrs), a memoir by South Africa's current favorite son, Trevor Noah. It's a funny but revealing look into what it was like growing up in Soweto around the end of the apartheid era.
• The Power of One (21 hours) is funny, charming, touching, and full of interesting nuggets of info about South Africa's culture and history. It was my favorite book as a kid and Kim and I enjoyed it just as much when listening to it on our Johannesburg to Cape Town "Hectic Route."

Bonus: 2 Free Audiobooks

Get two free audiobooks by signing up for an Audible account using this special link .

More of our best travel tips (for wherever you go)

You're sure to find at least one idea that will change the way you travel in our list of our best travel tips and tricks . It has everything from advanced, experimental travel tips and tricks to practical but oft-overlooked ones to dumb advice we hear others give too often (and what to do instead).

Planning Your South Africa Road Trip

✧ Use Google Maps' saved places functionality

When researching online, save every possible point of interest to a list on Google Maps.

This way, when you're on the road planning your next destination you'll be reminded of nearby points of interest you'd come across earlier.

For more detailed instructions on this, check out our post, How to Unleash the Full Potential of Google Maps Saved Places .

✧ Check out these blog posts …

Most blog posts on South Africa road trip planning repeat the same things, but we found these to be actually helpful:

• Be My Travel Muse – We agree with pretty much everything she says.
• Adventurous Kate – Even though it's from way back in 2012, her tips, especially on things she didn't like, are helpful.
• Departful – Their awesome photos will get you pumped for your trip.
• The Unconventional Route – Tips you won't find anywhere else on the Garden Route , Cape Town , Kruger Park safaris , wine tastings , general travel tips and tricks , and more.

✧ … But don't over-rely on bloggers and travel guides

Ask people you meet along the way instead.

They know better than us bloggers.

That's how we found some of our more memorable destinations and attractions like Prince Albert , Sophie's Choice in Willowdale , and Meiringspoort Pass , among many others.

✧ Use Maps.Me for hiking

Maps.Me is free, the maps work offline, and they have all of South Africa's main hiking trails.

Download the Maps.Me here, then download all the relevant South Africa maps (they're only 20 MB or so) before you head out.

P.S. If you like hiking, don't miss the Drakensberg .

✧ Don't feel obliged to do the Garden Route

Just because everyone talks about the Garden Route (including us in our Unearthing the Garden Route series) doesn't mean you have to do it too.

If you have tons of time for your South Africa road trip, by all means, include it in your itinerary. But if you're traveling during the December to February busy season, on a tight budget, or tight on time, consider going somewhere less conventional but equally, if not more, rewarding.

Cederberg, the Karoo, Drakensberg, the Wild Coast, and the Overberg are some of our favorites.

✧ Stick to smaller towns

During our South Africa road trips, we've found that, as a general rule of thumb, smaller towns are better places to stay in than bigger ones.

For example:

• Nieu Bethesda > Graaff-Reinet
• Prince Albert > Oudtshoorn
• Barrydale > Robertson

✧ Add 25% to Google Maps estimates

However long Google Maps told us it'd take to get from one destination to the next, we'd typically have to add 25% on top of it to account for inaccurate directions, construction, and fuel, bathroom, and coffee stops.

What to Pack for a South Africa Road Trip

✧ Pack for extreme weather

You never know about the weather in South Africa.

In towns like Hogsback it can snow any time of the year and in the Drakensberg it can go from a sunny day to a hurricane-avalanche in the blink of an eye.

That doesn't mean you need to pack a lot, though. My go-to minimalist packing list had everything I needed.

✧ Bring the right adaptors

For whatever reason, we had a hard time finding out online what type of adaptors we needed for South Africa before we came here.

It turns out South Africa has two types of outlet.

The most common is type M (the one on the left in the photo above) and you'll also find quite a few type C sockets (on the right).

This one on Amazon is a decent choice for having one plug and two USB ports in a compact size.

✧ If you have binoculars, bring them

We would've loved to have a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the parrots and loeries in Hogsback and at the animals we saw from afar while hiking in Golden Gate , Drakensberg , and Camdeboo .

✧ Don't pack too many fancy clothes

South Africans have a relaxed, casual sense of style.

Generally, for a guy, a collared shirt and nice shorts (these are my favorites) will do fine even at nice restaurants and wine tastings. For a girl, a relaxed dress or two is all you need.

Renting a Car for Your South Africa Road Trip

In addition to our recommendation to go small and cheap from our Best 6 Tips , here are some things to consider when renting a car:

✧ Get unlimited kilometers

The last thing you'd want to do is stress about kilometers and have to cut your driving short just to avoid the stiff penalties for exceeding the daily limit.

On our road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town , we covered 3,500 km in 14 days. That's an average of 250 km a day, which exceeds the 200 km a day limit that most of the cheapest car rentals usually offer.

Stupidly, on our Garden Route road trip we didn't take our own advice and got punished for it.

✧ Know what your credit card insurance covers

You might find some surprises if you read through your credit card policy to understand what exactly it does and doesn't cover in car insurance.

Some credit cards limit the number of days of rental insurance they provide, some require you pay 100% of the rental fees and deposit with the card, and some ensure your possessions from theft in certain situations.

On a related note, fellow Canadians should consider getting one of these best credit cards for international travel for the best insurance, highest cash back, and no foreign exchange fees.

✧ Get a one-way rental

The extra 400 rands we paid for a one-way car rental was 100% worth it to be able to not have to backtrack and cover a longer distance.

✧ Check your car has Bluetooth

Every car we rented in South Africa had Bluetooth, but ask just in case. If not, remember to take along an auxiliary audio cable so you can enjoy your audiobooks .

✧ Tell the rental agency if you plan to leave South Africa

If you want to incorporate Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia , or any other country into your road trip, you have to let the rental car company know before you take your car off the lot so they can give you a permit.

✧ Don't bother filling your tank before returning your rental

Car rental companies in South Africa only charge a R25 service fee for filling up the tank plus the true cost of the gas.

(Double-check this to be safe. You never know when the South African rental car companies will change this and start over-charging for refueling like in most other countries in the world.)

Driving Safe

✧ When in doubt, fuel up

Whenever your tank drops below 1/3 (or 1/4 if you're a risk-taker), fill 'er up because stations can sometimes be far apart.

✧ Don't drive at night

We tried driving at night once on our first South Africa road trip, then never did it again.

It's just too sketchy to drive on the unlit highways that often have people, livestock, and wildlife walking on them.

✧ Trust Google Maps mostly, but not always

You can trust Google Maps everywhere but on the Wild Coast to Mdumbi and you'll have reception everywhere, so you don't need to buy a physical map.

Sometimes it's better to take the longer scenic route, though, so ask the locals.

✧ Don't be scared about driving on the other side of the road

The first hour or so is a bit scary, but we got used to it surprisingly quickly.

Even driving manual (as long as you already know how) on the other side turned out to be straightforward.

The only thing we still screw up is accidentally turning on the windshield wipers when we want to use our turn signal.

✧ Alternate who's driving

Kim and I found it worked best for us to take turns driving each day.

The one who wasn't driving was in charge of figuring out where to eat and stay.

✧ Don't speed

Unless everyone else around you is speeding, keep within the regularly-marked speed limits because speed traps and radar are common in South Africa.

Generally, the limits are as fast as we felt comfortable driving anyway—120 km/h on big highways and 80-100 km/h on littler ones.

✧ Pass and be passed with class

If a car pulls off the shoulder to let you pass, flash your hazards to say thanks.

If a faster car is behind you and there is a wide shoulder, move off to the side to make way for them to pass.

✧ Don't worry about South African drivers

Unlike in other African countries (like Kenya ), the drivers in South Africa are courteous, safe, and follow the rules of the road.

They get a bit more aggressive in cities but no worse than in North America or Europe.

✧ Tap water is fine everywhere

We drank tons of it everywhere we went and had no stomach issues at all.

✧ Pick up some nuts and biltong as snacks

Macadamia nuts are local and cheap. So is biltong (spiced jerky-style meat). Stock up on both to keep you fueled.

✧ Keep a couple of bottles of wine in the car

Stock up on wine in the cities (or at the wine farms) so that you can enjoy them at restaurants, many of which are BYOB or have low corkage fees, and at your hotel rooms.

✧ Get MTN rather than Vodacom

Kim had Vodacom and I had MTN. MTN was a bit cheaper and there were a couple of times we had reception with MTN and not Vodacom.

✧ Go with the same company as your travel companions

Calling between numbers of the same carriers is cheaper and sometimes they'll give you some same-carrier minutes for free as a promo.

✧ Buy shorter data packages

For example, I'd buy consecutive 1.25 GB, 7-day packages for R55 each time because it's cheaper than buying a 30-day, 3 GB package for R299.

✧ Download the MTN app

MTN gives you a bonus GB (though it only lasts 24 hours) for doing so, and with the app it's easier to track and manage your balances.

✧ Keep a bunch of coins on hand

You'll need coins to tip car guards (2-10 rands, depending on time parked) and gas station attendants (5-10 rands).

✧ Don't forget to tip at restaurants

When the waiter brings you the bill and credit card machine, you have to calculate the tip, add it on top of the bill, and tell the waiter how much to charge.

The standard rate is 10%.

✧ Stash a few thousand rands cash

That should be plenty enough for a road trip of 2-3 weeks.

We only needed cash to pay national park entry fees and for our hotel in Nieu Bethesda.

✧ Get your 15% VAT refunded

Ask for tax invoices when you buy souvenirs while traveling in South Africa, show them along with the items to custom officials when you leave the country, and if they add up to R250 or more you're entitled to a 15% VAT refund. (Thanks to Monika for commenting with this tip!)

✧ Download SnapScan to pay with your phone

SnapScan is a free app you can use to pay with your credit card through your phone. Sometimes you can't pay with a physical credit card, but you can pay with SnapScan.

Read This Next:

A Breathtaking Johannesburg to Cape Town Road Trip

Cape Town Travel Blog: How to Have an Unforgettable and Unique Trip

Is Namibia Worth Visiting? 11 Honest Pros and Cons

Garden Route Guide: What 1st-Time Visitors Should Know Before They Go

50+ Travel Tips and Tricks That Will Change the Way You Travel

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

8 thoughts on “The Best South Africa Road Trip Tips (10,00km Worth!)”

Planning on driving this trip in January 2020. Taking my dad, age 84 and me, his 60 year old daughter. Glad to have read your blog.

Lekker! Have a great father-daughter trip. Let us know if you come up with any tips to add.

Hi! thanks for all your hints, articles, it was our main guide for road trip in SA! All your suggestions were true and super useful. One thing that I would suggest to add is the information about TAX refund for purchased goods. We discovered it too late, on last day at the airport. All items purchased in the shops that provides you with tax invoice, can be presented at the airport with the invoice from the shop and you can get a 15% VAT refund. That's a great thing especially if you do some good shopping 🙂

Thanks again for precious advice! Monika

Howzit Monika! I'm so glad you found our South Africa travel tips to be useful. And even more glad you contributed one of your own. I wasn't aware of the VAT refund. I'll have to look up all the details on it and update our posts accordingly. Thanks!

Thank you so much for these honest and optimist Tips! We’ve been living in Toronto for 18 years and have been back 5 times, but only to visit family. Next Saturday we are taking our children out and doing a 3 week road trip ending in Cape Town. The CAA gave us a 22 page document on the high crime and danger of driving in SA. Obviously one has to be careful, but your experiences balance the fear and paranoia on the other end of the spectrum. I am looking forward to our trip much more after reading this!

Thanks Jessie, for the comment. Maybe we should contact to CAA to see if we can add a positive page or two to their 22-page monster! Have a great trip and please let us know some of your favorite discoveries on your South Africa road trip so we can check them out and share them here.

Looking forward to visiting south africa. Might just as well visit somewhere because of a blogger's advise. Lol!

Haha, and maybe if I ever have to buy a car again I'll decide based on reviews from your site to return the favor! Kim and I have yet to meet someone who visited South Africa and wasn't pleasantly surprised with it, so you feel pretty safe in knowing you made a good choice in going there (…once the COVID restrictions are listed, I assume).

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Exploring Gauteng: Road Trips for Adventure Seekers

Posted on 27 September 2023

Gauteng, the vibrant heart of South Africa, is known for its bustling cities, cultural diversity, and rich history. But did you know that it's also a fantastic destination for road trips and outdoor adventures? Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor eager to explore, here are some exciting road trip outings in Gauteng that promise fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories. All you need now is the perfect road-trip-vehicle.

1. Magaliesberg Meander

Nestled just an hour's drive from Johannesburg, the Magaliesberg Mountains offer a scenic backdrop for a leisurely road trip. Explore charming towns like Magaliesburg and Hartbeespoort, where you can visit the Elephant Sanctuary, enjoy a hot air balloon ride, or take a boat cruise on the dam. Don't forget to hike in the Magaliesberg Nature Reserve and discover ancient rock formations.

2. Cradle of Humankind

For history buffs and those curious about our ancient origins, the Cradle of Humankind is a must-visit destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is home to numerous fossil sites, caves, and interactive museums. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point to learn about human evolution, while the Sterkfontein Caves offer guided tours deep into the earth's history.

3. Harties Cableway

Get a bird's-eye view of the stunning Hartbeespoort Dam and its surroundings by taking a ride on the Harties Cableway. As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas. At the top, enjoy a meal at the Sky Restaurant, hike along well-marked trails, or browse the curio shops.

4. Pretoria's Jacaranda-lined Streets

In late spring, Pretoria becomes a sea of purple as thousands of jacaranda trees burst into bloom. Take a leisurely drive through the city's streets, especially along Jacaranda-lined avenues like Herbert Baker Street and Soutpansberg Road. The sight is simply magical, and it's a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

5. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

If you're looking for a more active adventure, head to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. Located south of Johannesburg, this reserve offers hiking and biking trails, picnicking spots, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as zebras, antelope, and various bird species. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the highest point in the reserve.

6. Lion & Safari Park

A short drive from Johannesburg, the Lion & Safari Park offers a thrilling wildlife experience. Take a guided safari drive to see lions, cheetahs, zebras, and other African animals up close. You can also explore the park's beautiful grounds on foot, visit the animal cub nursery, and enjoy a meal at the park's restaurant.

7. Vaal Dam Adventures

The Vaal Dam is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. Rent a boat, go fishing, or simply unwind on the shores with a picnic. The nearby Vaal River is perfect for kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.

8. De Wildt Cheetah Centre

For a unique and educational experience, visit the De Wildt Cheetah Centre near Hartbeespoort. Learn about these incredible big cats, their conservation efforts, and even have the chance to see a cheetah up close during a guided tour.

9. Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve

For a tranquil getaway, head to Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve in the Free State bordering Gauteng. You can enjoy water activities like boating, fishing, and bird watching while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

10. Lesedi Cultural Village

Experience the diverse cultures of South Africa at Lesedi Cultural Village. Located just north of Johannesburg, this village showcases the traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of various ethnic groups. Take a guided tour, enjoy a traditional meal, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of South Africa.

These road trip outings offer a diverse range of experiences, from nature and history to adventure and culture. So, grab your car keys, pack some snacks, and hit the road. Remember to have the best car ready for your road trip. Check out www.werentcars.co.za for the car of your dreams!

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18 Top Things to Do in Gauteng, South Africa

Located in the highveld region of northeast South Africa , Gauteng is both the smallest and the most populous of the country’s nine provinces. It takes its name from the Sotho-Tswana phrase meaning ‘Place of Gold’, inspired by the gold industry upon which its largest city, Johannesburg , was founded. Most visitors to South Africa will fly in and out of Joburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport , but here's why you should extend your stay in Gauteng—ranging from apartheid and gold rush landmarks to the booming modern culture of townships like Soweto. 

Discover South African History at the Apartheid Museum

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To understand South Africa’s complex society, one needs to learn about apartheid, the period of state-sanctioned racism that lasted from 1948 to 1994. The best place to start is at Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum , which uses artifacts, photographs, film footage, and information panels to illustrate what life was like for South Africans of all colors during that time. You’ll learn about the establishment of Black homelands; and the increasingly violent campaigns of the ANC. The museum is part of Gold Reef City and costs 100 rand ($6.71) for adults, 85 rand ($5.70) for children.

Continue Your Apartheid Education at Constitution Hill

South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy is also documented at Constitution Hill , the former prison that now houses the South African Constitutional Court. During the apartheid era, many famous political prisoners were incarcerated here, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about their experience (and that of the other prisoners who lived here during Constitution Hill’s 100-year history) with a tour of the site’s three different museums. The precinct is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with final tours departing at 4 p.m. 

See Where Nelson Mandela Lived on Vilakazi Street

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Perhaps the most significant of Joburg's Mandela landmarks is the former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner's house on the corner of Vilakazi Street in Soweto. Mandela lived here during his formative years while founding South Africa's first Black law firm and the ANC Youth League. He also returned here briefly after being released from prison in 1990 after 27 years behind bars. Now a public heritage site, the house, and its simple displays give an insight into the humble origins of the iconic leader. Entry costs 60 rand (about $4) per adult. 

Explore the Many Different Sides of Soweto

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As the largest informal settlement or township in South Africa, Soweto is a place of extremes. On the one hand, it is a place of abject poverty with a history blighted by tragic events like the Soweto uprising of 1976. On the other, it is a place of renewal, where African artists and entrepreneurs are building successful new businesses that range from craft breweries to theaters . The best (and safest) way to explore Soweto’s rich history and burgeoning modern culture is to join a tour with a trusted local company like Soweto Guided Tours . 

Enjoy a Fun Family Day Out at Gold Reef City

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Families flock to Joburg’s Gold Reef City amusement park, which boasts 18 thrill rides and 13 rides, especially for smaller children. When you’ve had enough of the rollercoasters, there’s plenty more to explore within the same complex, including a bowling alley, cinema, and a casino for the grown-ups. An underground mine tour transports you back to the days of the Witwatersrand Gold Rush on which the city was founded, while two family-friendly hotels give you the perfect excuse to stay overnight. The theme park is located in the Ormonde suburb. 

Shop 'til You Drop in Johannesburg

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Johannesburg is one of the country’s best retail destinations with something for every kind of shopper. For high street fashions, head to trendy Sandton City Mall . For an eclectic blend of boutique stores and independent restaurants, try 44 Stanley or 27 Boxes; then, stock up on traditional African crafts at Rosebank Art & Craft Market . Maboneng’s weekly Market on Main is an atmospheric choice for locally produced food, fashion, and homeware. Many of South Africa’s top commercial art galleries are also located in Joburg, including Everard Read and the Goodman Gallery. 

Experience Jozi’s Vibrant Theater and Music Scenes

For culture vultures, Johannesburg is just as rewarding. Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein is home to the Joburg Ballet and also hosts touring West End and Broadway musicals. Newtown’s award-winning Market Theatre has a reputation for inclusivity and specializes in South African plays. Music lovers will find concert venues all over the city and its surrounding area, but two of the most famous include Lyric Theatre (part of Gold Reef City) and Big Top Arena , both of which regularly host major international artists. The latter is located in nearby Brakpan.

Go Behind the Scenes at a Top Gauteng Stadium

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Gauteng is home to some of South Africa’s most iconic sports stadiums. Ellis Park Stadium (now known as Emirates Airline Park ) is famous as the location of the country’s 1995 Rugby World Cup victory and continues to host major rugby and soccer matches. FNB Stadium , also in Johannesburg, hosted the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is the largest venue in the country for international sporting events. Both stadiums offer amazing guided tours that will take you onto the pitch and into the players’ tunnel and changing rooms. 

Take a Tour of Pretoria’s Monuments and Museums

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Johannesburg often steals the limelight from Pretoria, but the country’s administrative capital is well worth a visit for its many historical and cultural landmarks. Enjoy a picnic in the terraced gardens of the neo-classical Union Buildings , home of South Africa’s national government. At Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum , the 2,286-feet Wall of Names commemorates South Africans who lost their lives in the fight for a free democracy. At the same time, the visually impressive Voortrekker Monument is a must-visit for anyone interested in the pioneer history of the Afrikaners. 

See the Capital in Bloom During Jacaranda Season

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Blooming jacaranda trees are a harbinger of summer in many South African cities, but nowhere are the pale indigo blossoms more plentiful and beautiful than in Pretoria. Nicknamed the Jacaranda City , the capital’s streets are planted with between 40,000 and 70,000 of these exotic trees, which were initially imported from Argentina. Some of the oldest jacarandas are found around Bosman and Cilliers Streets, while the residential suburb of Groenkloof boasts a display of rare white jacarandas on Herbert Baker Street. Jacaranda season lasts from October to November every year. 

Reconnect with Nature at Walter Sisulu Gardens

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In a province dominated by its urban areas, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden near Roodepoort has been voted as Gauteng’s best place to get back to nature for nine consecutive years. The garden showcases the natural highveld landscape with a variety of habitats, including densely forested ravines and open grassland. There are more than 600 naturally occurring plant species and a wide range of small mammals. Entry costs 55 rand ($3.69) per adult, and facilities include a restaurant, walking trails, and bird hides. 

Spend a Day (or Two) on Klipkraal Hiking Trail

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For a complete escape from city life, plan an outing on the Klipkraal Hiking Trail near Heidelberg in southern Gauteng. There are two-day hiking routes: the Panorama Trail (8 miles) and the Kraal Trail (6.5 miles), which can be combined for an overnight adventure with accommodation in one of the trail’s cozy lake houses. Expect beautiful highveld and grassland scenery, abundant bird and butterfly sightings, and occasional views of distant Vaal Dam. Only 30 hikers are allowed on the trail at one time, so booking in advance is advisable. 

Visit the Legendary Cullinan Diamond Mine

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Located 30 minutes east of Pretoria, Cullinan Diamond Mine is the third-richest diamond mine in South Africa and the world’s most important source of rare blue diamonds. Above all, the mine is famous for having produced the largest rough gem diamond ever found. The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in 1905 at 3,106 carats and is now part of the British Crown Jewels. Guided tours give you the chance to see replicas of the Cullinan Diamond and other famous stones and to view the big hole, engine room, and hoisting shafts.

Walk in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors at Sterkfontein Caves

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The Sterkfontein Caves in western Gauteng are famous for the fossils paleontologists have found there. These include Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton that dates back more than three million years. This find and others from the Cradle of Humankind have been instrumental in improving our understanding of how our hominid ancestors evolved to become modern man. Cave tours take visitors deep underground while many of the artifacts uncovered at the site can be seen on display at the nearby Maropeng Visitor Centre . Combination tickets cost 190 rand ($12.74) per adult. 

Go on Safari in Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Gauteng may not have as many game-viewing opportunities as its neighboring provinces, but you can still experience the thrill of a safari at Rietvlei Nature Reserve . Located on the outskirts of Pretoria, the reserve protects 3,800 hectares of pristine grassland and a full cast of wild animals. Keep an eye out for predators, including cheetah and leopard, endangered white rhinos, and many different antelope species. The park is also great for birding, especially around Rietvlei Dam. Wildlife-viewing options include guided game drives, walking trails, and horseback safaris. 

Play a Round at Glendower Golf Club

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Currently ranked first in Gauteng and second in the country, Glendower Golf Club is one of South Africa’s best golf courses . The 18-hole, par-72 course was first opened in 1937 but has since been redesigned to keep up with international standards. As the host of the South African Open on many different occasions, the course has welcomed the likes of Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, and Graeme Storm. You can join this exclusive club by booking tee times online. Glendower Golf Club also offers a pro shop and lessons with PGA professionals.

Escape to the Magaliesburg Mountains

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The scenic town of Magaliesburg lies just over an hour’s drive northwest of Johannesburg in the foothills of the Magaliesburg Mountains. Gauteng residents and visitors love this corner of the province for its valleys and rivers, and for the many nature activities to be found nearby. Try your hand at fly fishing or mountain biking, explore the countryside on horseback, or shop for souvenirs at a local craft studio. From game farms and wellness retreats to hot air balloon charters and quaint B&Bs, there’s something for everyone in Magaliesburg. 

Travel in Luxury Aboard the Blue Train

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Those that wish to explore South Africa in the grand style of the colonial fortune-seekers can do so aboard the Blue Train , which runs on lines initially built to transport passengers from the mail ships in Cape Town to the gold reefs of the Witwatersrand. Today, the iconic royal blue train continues to carry passengers on two different routes, both of which start in Pretoria. Opt for a 31-hour journey through spectacular scenery to Cape Town; or head east to Kruger National Park . Expect luxury accommodations and five-star cuisine. 

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South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Everyone I know who has visited South Africa has rated it one of their favorite destinations.  They were unanimous in saying “You have to go to South Africa. You will love it”. They raved about the beautiful scenery, the wildlife and the great food and wine.

As we started planning a trip to South Africa we were excited to discover how diverse the country is. From world class cities, the opportunity to go on safari, UNESCO National Parks, world famous wine regions, spectacular beaches to challenging hiking. The list just went on and on! There are so many options for a road trip in South Africa in 2 weeks!

Here we share our 2 week itinerary and recommendations for an incredible South Africa trip.

• 1 Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks
• 2.1 Apartheid Museum
• 3.1 Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades
• 3.2 Royal Natal National Park
• 3.3 Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges
• 3.4 Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges
• 4.1 Clarens
• 5 Day 7: Addo
• 6.1 Jeffreys Bay
• 6.2 Ziplining at Storms River
• 6.3 Storm River Bridge
• 6.4 Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
• 6.5 Robberg Peninsula Hike
• 6.6 Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
• 7.2 Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn
• 8 Day 14: Cape Agulhas
• 9 Day 15: Franschhoek
• 10.1 Cape Town Waterfront
• 10.2 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• 10.3 Hiking Table Mountain
• 10.4 Camps Bay
• 10.5 Where to Stay in Cape Town
• 11 Best time to visit South Africa
• 12 South Africa Itinerary options
• 13.1 Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks

As we researched more about the best places to visit in South Africa, we settled on a 2 week road trip . We could easily have spent more time, and throughout this itinerary we highlight where you could make changes with more or less time.

Our two week itinerary started in Johannesburg. Our plan was to head east, past the Drakensberg Ranges, then head south and west along the famed Garden Route to Cape Town.

The trip would finish in Cape Town, one of the most spectacular cities in the world.

Map created at  travellerspoint.com

Days 1 – 2: Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg after spending 9 days in Botswana, considered one of the safest countries in Africa, where we had been on a self-drive safari . 

We handed back our 4wd bush camper and rented a car for two weeks in South Africa. There is no doubt we had some fears about driving in South Africa, but we actually found the country very easy to explore independently. The car gave us complete freedom to road trip at our own pace.

Seeking a little comfort we were lucky to find a great last minute deal staying at the Westpoint Executive Suites  in Sandton. There are a large number of serviced apartment buildings in the Sandton area, which is considered one of the safest places to stay in Johannesburg.

After sleeping in roof tents in Botswana it felt like complete luxury to have two bedrooms, a kitchen and a laundry in our apartment.

On our first night we took advantage of the great pool area, fast WI-FI and the comforts of home while admiring the sunset views from our balcony.

Expert Tip: If you want to add 2 days in Kruger National Park, we suggest you reduce time in Johannesburg and head straight to Kruger NP, 4-5 hours drive away.

Apartheid Museum

If you have time to explore Johannesburg, we recommend a trip to the Apartheid Museum  across town. The drive took us through wealthy suburbs with beautiful tree lined streets and large homes surrounded by even larger walls, often protected with security guards. In stark contrast, at just about every set of lights there were people begging.

It is a confronting sight coming from a country like Australia. It prompted discussions with the kids about poverty, inequality and apartheid. It made for an interesting drive and was perhaps a good introduction to the Apartheid Museum, which offers a thought provoking and moving look at South Africa’s tumultuous history.

The Apartheid Museum documents the rise and fall of apartheid in the country and the devastating impact it has had on its citizens. Although the museum is confronting and somber, I highly recommend a visit. It helped us understand the recent history of South Africa and was a timely history lesson before we set off to explore the country.

It was, however, difficult to engage the kids. There is a lot of written text to read and many of the topics were too complex for them to fully understand.

While it meant we moved through the museum quickly, it was worth a visit with the kids. It gave the kids a basic history lesson which was a good base to build on as we began our road trip through the country.

Related: Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel

Days 3-5: Drakensberg Ranges

Although we hardly scratched the surface of Jo’burg, we were keen to head out of the city and start our road trip to Cape Town. We drove for about 4 hours south on a motorway through fields and spectacular plains to the Drakensberg Ranges.

The Drakensberg is the eastern portion of the escarpment that marks the border between South Africa and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. It stretches for over 1000 km and includes spectacular rocky peaks over 3000 m tall. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2000.

The region is peppered with small towns with access to the surrounding mountain ranges offering spectacular hiking and walks. We made our way to the Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge just outside Bergville, our base for a few days.

If you love the outdoors and hiking, a few days visiting the Drakensberg Ranges is a worthwhile inclusion in your South Africa itinerary.

Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades

The challenge when planning our hiking in the Drakensberg Ranges was that many of the trails seemed technical. We also found it difficult to find detailed information about the hikes to confirm if that was the case.

We concluded from what we could find that the Tugela Falls hike might be a bit tough for the kids. I would love to come back when the kids are older to tackle this hike. Instead we set off on a self-guided 4 hour hike to the Cascades.

To get to the trailhead was about an hour drive from Bergville to Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve (120 Rand entry).

On the way we passed many small villages with very basic housing. This was a common sight in South Africa and seems to be a sign that change is slow in the country. The locals would wait on the roadside for one of the many minibuses that ferried them from place to place. Hitching a ride is commonplace and there were plenty of people seeking a ride.

Parking is at the luxurious Didima Camp Lodges and the trail makes its way up into one of the canyons of the Drakensberg foothills. The staff at Didima have a hiking register you can sign before you set off.

The first part of the hike was through grassland and low scrub. We were lucky to have a clear morning and the views across to the Drakensberg Ranges were gorgeous.

After spending time in Botswana where roaming animals included lions, wild dogs and elephants, we were all a little nervous as we set off! Fortunately we were alone except for a number of baboons who looked on from a distance.

It was a bit of a climb and hot in the sun. The track was overgrown in places and was obviously not used much. We only passed two people during the hike.

The trail eventually led into a damp forest alongside a mountain stream with big boulders and a cascading stream. We followed this for a while until we found a nice spot and had a picnic lunch on the rocks by the stream.

We returned the same way, just making it to the car in time to beat the rain. It was sunny by the time we returned to our accommodation we had a well deserved swim in the pool.

Royal Natal National Park

The next day we drove to the nearby Royal Natal National Park (120 Rand entry).

Our first stop was a guided walk to see some of the famed rock art by the San people who called the Drakensberg home since the stone age. There are many rock art sites throughout the area and educational centers at Didima and Kamberg.

To be honest, the paintings were in a dilapidated state. The ones we saw are not well protected and been vandalized in places. However, the guide provided a good history lesson and the view of the high rock walls of the Amphitheatre was superb.

A short distance from here further along the road was a campground where we parked and started an easy 30 minute walk along a mountain stream. The path led to series of swimming holes between some lovely cascading waterfalls.

There was quite a crowd of people here cooling down in the chilly water. We had a dip and found a spot for lunch before another quick swim. We braved the cold water to go under the waterfall but didn’t stay under for long!

Again the bad weather rolled came in and we headed back to the car as rain threatened. We drove up the valley a bit further to try and see Tugela Falls. Unfortunately, cloud and light rain meant we couldn’t catch sight of it.

We head back to our accommodation and by the time we arrived the rain had stopped and it was time for a swim in the pool and a game of ping pong.

Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges

You could spend much more time in the Drakensberg as there are loads more hikes . The hike to Tugela Falls is on our list for next time.

It is also possible to organize a guided tour to visit the mountain kingdom of Lesotho from here via the renowned Sani Pass .

Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges

We stayed at Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge , not far out of the town of Bergville. It is a remote and quirky little place with a mix of basic bungalows, dorms and campsites.

The Lodge was simple but suited our needs and was very affordable. The name comes from the view across to the peaks and rocky walls that form the escarpment known as “The Amphitheatre”.

The hostel can organize hiking trips to the nearby Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. They also provide maps for a number of other hikes in the area.

With a communal kitchen, pool and plenty of space to play, it was a friendly and comfortable stop with incredible views across the mountains.

Day 6: Aliwal North

We had debated for many days which direction to take to make our way towards the coast. The kingdom of Lesotho rises up from the plains and it is a long way around either way!

We decided to head to the west and south around Lesotho. We had two big driving days ahead of us to make it to the coast. The first day would be about 5 hours to the small town of Aliwal North.

Save time: Drive back to Johannesburg and fly to Port Elizabeth. It would be possible to achieve this in a single day instead of spending two days driving to the coast!

Our first stop on the way to the coast was the town of Clarens.

The landscape was impressive on the drive to Clarens through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It was dry and rocky and the skies were big and blue. It looked similar to the landscapes in South Western USA.

We stopped at Clarens and it was unlike any other town we had seen so far in South Africa. Most towns we passed through on the way to the Drakensberg had townships on the outskirts of town with the center filled with rows of identical small and basic housing.

Clarens had a township on the outskirts but the center of town was far more developed with old buildings, restaurants, and cafes. It was obviously more touristy and felt a bit like Bright (a town in northern Victoria, Australia). We treated ourselves to a coffee and cake and bought some Dry Wors (a kind of dried thin salami stick) to try.

The drive continued through bare, rocky and dry landscapes. The scenery was spectacular and made the long journey much more bearable.

We arrived in Aliwal North in the late afternoon with enough time to pick up supplies and find a place to stay a few kilometers out of town at the Toll Inn Guest Farm . It was a little B&B set among pretty gardens and made a convenient stop on our way to the coast. Click here to read more about Toll Inn.

Day 7: Addo

Another big day of driving as we head 4 hours further south to the small town of Addo, famous for the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.

As we got closer to Addo we passed over a mountain pass and as we made our way down the other side the landscape was immediately different. It was much greener, although still mainly scrubby vegetation. We passed a number of private game parks and saw quite a few zebras as we made our way to Addo.

Addo Elephant National Park is a great park to visit and see elephants, lion, and rhino if you didn’t include Kruger National Park in your itinerary.  There is a range of accommodation available close by from basic to luxury. It is possible to do self-guided or guided game drives in the park. You can find more details here .

We stayed at Avoca River Cabins , a fenced oasis of villas in a beautiful garden setting by the river amongst citrus plantations.

There was a kids playground with a fun (but slightly dangerous) flying fox that the kids enjoyed and we took a brief swim in the cold pool. The cabins were basic but had everything we needed and the pool and creek were fun for the kids to play.

Days 8 – 11: Plettenberg Bay

Our next destination was Plettenberg Bay, a pretty town on the Garden Route where we planned a longer stop.

If you are short on time, you could easily pack more into a shorter visit at Plettenberg Bay than we did. I would recommend at least a 2 night stop to have time for some of the many outdoor activities.

Jeffreys Bay

It was a 3-hour drive from Addo to Plettenberg Bay. We made our way through the outskirts of Port Elizabeth until we hit a motorway running by the ocean and followed this through the city and headed towards the garden route and our first pitstop, Jeffreys Bay.

Friends had given us the tip to stop at Jeffreys Bay and have lunch at a restaurant called Walskippers .  It is right on the beachfront and has an interesting setup with a sand floor and is open to the sea on two sides giving lovely views.

The seafood lunch was wonderful. The fish is cooked on brais above hot coals. The chefs collect the hot coals on large shovels from a chute at the bottom of a huge furnace. Wood was continually added to the top of the furnace which burned ferociously to create the coals. The view was pretty good too!

As we headed further west along the coast the vegetation became lush and green, which made sense as this is the start of the renowned “Garden Route”.

We traveled through pine plantations between the ocean and a large mountain range and into the Tsitsikamma National Park where we crossed bridges spanning massive gorges.

Plettenberg Bay is a town situated on the side of a very steep headland with beaches on either side.

It is a popular holiday destination for South Africans and our plan was to get some beach time. Unfortunately, we woke to a cold and wet day. So instead we had a lazy day, explored the small town and chilled out hoping the weather was going to improve!

Ziplining at Storms River

The following day the weather was grey and cool with the occasional rain shower.  The area around Plettenberg Bay is renowned for its many adventure activities including bungee jumping, rafting, and ziplining.

We decided to brave it and head out to try our hand at ziplining. We chose Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure  as the prices were more affordable than other companies in the area.

The kids had never ziplined before and they were both nervous as we geared up. We were in a group of 12 with 4 German girls in their 20s and an English family with kids about the same age as ours.

Harvey was especially worried at the start but loved it after his first go. The zip lines ran across and through a small gorge with most about 90m and the longest 211m.

Before long we were all grinning madly as we clipped in and whizzed away. It was well run and great fun.

Storm River Bridge

On the way back to Plettenberg Bay we stopped at Storm River bridge. The bridge runs over a deep and narrow gorge and there is a (scary) narrow walkway across the bridge. You can park at the service station on the Plettenberg Bay side of the bridge and walk back a short distance to walk across the bridge.

It was about 100m down to the bottom of the gorge and the trucks flew by only a couple of meters from us. It is a disconcerting walk but the view through the gorge is worth it.

We also bought some ostrich biltong (dried meat) to try, another food South Africa is famous for. Perhaps ostrich was not the best choice as it was very gamely and chewy and I was the only one who ate it.

Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge

We couldn’t resist stopping again a bit further along at the road at the even bigger Bloukrans Bridge.

At 216 m high, they have the highest bungy in Africa and one of the highest in the world. We watched as brave souls threw themselves into the deep gorge. That is a person on the end of the rope in the photo!

Near the bungy cafe there was a company with trampolines doing inverse bungy and our resident daredevil Amelie decided to give it a go.

A guy bounced on the tramp below her, grabbed and released her legs and Amelie soared high into the air.

She had so much fu and managed to do back and front flips and even one double front flip. Sign her up for the circus!

Robberg Peninsula Hike

On our last day in Plettenberg Bay the sun finally broke through and we decided to do the Robberg Peninsula hike. I had read about this hike and the pictures looked so spectacular.

This hike goes in a loop along a long and narrow peninsula that extends from the point a few kilometers further west of Plettenberg Bay.

If you like to get outdoors we highly recommend you add this hike to your South Africa itinerary.

We started along the east side of the island. The trail is along cliffs high up from the water. You could look down the sheer cliffs to the water below where hundreds of seals were frolicking in the clear seas.

We also saw some cute little dassies sunning themselves on rocky outcrops. The whole way huge colorful grasshoppers jumped away as we neared them on the trail.

It took us about 2 hours to get to the end of the peninsula, roughly the halfway point.

We found a nice spot on the rocks and had some lunch with gorgeous views down to the rock platform where large waves crashed and seals were playing a dangerous game surfing in the waves.

The trail then wraps back on the west side of the island where the path hugs the waterline and we had to scramble over boulders past rock pools.

Occasionally we had to climb up the steep cliff where the ocean came right up to the cliff.

We stopped halfway back, where there is a massive and steep sand dune. The kids and I climbed the dune and ran down the dune at breakneck pace. Always good fun.

There was a nice little beach but we felt the water and it was freezing. None of us braved it.

We walked back a bit further to another little beach, played on the sand and made the obligatory sandcastle. It was fun to see seals playing in the waves only meters from us. Look closely at the photo below!

We walked the last steep climb back up to the carpark to end a really good hike, one of the highlights of our 2 weeks in South Africa. It was about 10 kilometers and steep in a few places. The kids did really well and we all enjoyed themselves.

Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay

We stayed in Plettenberg Bay for 4 nights in a 2 bedroom apartment in the River Club Villas complex near town. This is a series of apartments and houses in a fenced and gated community complete with a guardhouse.

We were able to secure a great deal as it wasn’t peak season. There are a large number of rental apartments in the area as it is a local holiday destination and it is worth contacting local real estate agents to secure the best deal.

Days 12-13: Oudtshoorn

Along the Garden Route there are countless great stops on the way to Oudsthoorn. We continued along for about an hour to Knysna. This is another big holiday town set on a large shallow inlet.

On another tip, we made our way to the East Head Cafe for breakfast. The cafe is positioned close to and looking out to sea through the narrow rocky heads of the inlet.

After coffee we explored the rocky shore in front of the cafe. It was an explorers heaven, full of rockpools with anemone and big starfish. A strange light fog hung in the air and it was quite cool. However, every now and again it would suddenly get about 5 degrees warmer and stay like that for a few minutes before switching back. Weird.

We drove further down the coast to the seaside town of Wilderness. This is meant to be another nice seaside town but the weather turned very nasty as we approached. A strong westerly wind was blowing and at one stage we drove through a mini dust storm.

With our thoughts of visiting the beach again dashed, we stopped at the lookout on the cliff driving out of town. The rain was holding off and we enjoyed the view back down the beach and noticed a huge pack of about 100 dolphins playing in the waves. There were a bit far away but it was great to watch them surfing and jumping out of the water.

Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn

We passed through the outskirts of George and headed over a spectacular mountain pass towards Oudtshoorn. As soon as we crossed the mountain pass the scenery turned arid, rocky and dry as it had been before Addo.

Oudtshoorn is famous both for its Ostrich Farms and The Cango Caves.  If you want to visit the Cango Caves you will need to book in advance as they are very popular. We had intentions to visit both an Ostrich Farm and the caves, but were thwarted by a flash storm, as we explain below!

We stopped in Oudtshoorn for a late lunch and then headed about 30 minutes out of town to Oudemuragie Guest Farm where we were staying the next 2 nights. Our stay at the farm was one of our most memorable stops of the trip.

The farm is a little hard to find, but we found it eventually! As we turned off the main road onto a dirt road we head down a valley through some olive plantations.

After about 9 kms we turned into a driveway that went through an olive plantation then over a causeway and up a hill to expose some verdant green fields and a large house set in nice gardens. The backdrop was spectacular with rocky mountains soaring up from the far edge of the paddocks.

We were greeted by Maggie, the owner of the farm, as though we were long lost friends. She showed us to our cabin and gave us a fresh loaf of bread.

The only issue was the electricity which was not working since a storm went through the previous night.

Helping out on the Farm

We settled in and at 4:30pm we (along with 2 other families and a couple staying there) helped herd the sheep into their pen for the night. There were a number of lambs, including one born the night before.

The kids took turns feeding the lambs with bottles of milk as their mothers did not have enough milk to feed them.

The whole time Maggie was talking, mixing between Africaans and English. She was a real character and full of energy. She had some help from a couple of farmhands but you could tell she was the kind of person that never stops.

That night we lit a fire on the brai (barbeque) to cook dinner. We still had no electricity and were using candles for light and the gas stove to cook some potatoes.

To the west we could see a big electrical storm with lightning but it was quite still and it seemed the storm would pass us by. However, it became increasingly obvious this would not be the case as the lightning came closer and wind picked up.

Finally, there was a huge gust of wind and the heavens opened. I grabbed our food off the fire and ran inside for cover. We closed all the windows as the rain drove in.

It was bucketing down and the rain came through some of the windows and under one of the doors. I finished cooking dinner on the stove and we had dinner under candlelight as the storm raged and thunder boomed.

Eventually, the rain stopped and the wind dropped. The kids went to bed and I could hear a roaring noise. I opened the window and realized it was the stream, about 100 meters away at the bottom of the paddock. With all the rain running down from the mountains it sounded like a raging river torrent.

Stranded on the Farm

The following day we planned to drive to Cango Caves. As we drove down the driveway, we were nervous about the state of the causeway we had crossed on our way in.

Muddy water about shin deep was rushing across the causeway. I was not going to chance losing the rental car down the creek so we turned around. Instead, we spent the day exploring the farm, wondering how long we may be stranded for!

We walked up to the dam, set in the hillside above the farm at the base of the huge mountains. On the way, we realized the extent of the damage from the storm the previous night. The water level had risen by a couple of meters and branches and whole trees were fallen and strewn across the stream.

We used a fallen tree to cross the creek and followed the path upwards into a blackened and bleak landscape. We found out later from Maggie that a fire had destroyed the vegetation earlier that year and narrowly missed wiping out her farm.

The next morning the kids were up early to help Maggie, who had promised them a long ride on the tractor and an ice cream. As we packed we heard the tractor and looked out to see Harvey sitting on Maggie’s lap driving the tractor up the road.

The tractor was towing a trailer with Amelie, two dogs and two other young girls and their parents. Amelie also took a turn driving the tractor. For two city kids this was heaven! They loved every minute of it.

We were sad to leave the farm. The lovely Maggie gave us a bottle of jam and suggested a few places we should stop on our drive and wished us well. She is an amazing lady and we were so glad we stopped here.

Day 14: Cape Agulhas

We decided to skip the Cango Caves as we needed to keep making our way to Cape Town. So we made our way back on to the Garden Route and to Cape Agulhas on the coast.

The drive took us through arid countryside and mountains with a brief stop in Ladismith where we bought some cheese and dried fruit (which they are famous for).

We then continued on a bit further to Barrydale where Maggie said a place called Diesel had the best milkshakes in SA. It was an interesting little roadside place with old petrol pumps, signs and paraphernalia. The milkshakes indeed were awesome and I had a good burger there too.

From Barrydale we turned towards the coast up and over an incredibly scenic mountain pass.

The road followed a canyon that cuts through the mountain range. There had been fires here too and once we crossed the mountain pass we left the arid terrain, now replaced by fields of farming land.

We continued on for a bit over an hour to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

At sunset, we drove down to the cape to where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

The coastline is very rugged and windswept. The kids played on the rocky shore and we stopped by a shipwreck to watch the sunset. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It felt pretty special to arrive at the southernmost tip of Africa.

Day 15: Franschhoek

From Cape Agulhas we drove the coastal road towards Cape Town. The weather was still grey so unfortunately, the famed coastline did not look at its best.

We may be biased but we all agreed the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia was better!

However, the last stretch between Rooi-Els and Gordon’s Bay was very spectacular with the tall mountains plunging down to the sea and the road clinging to the side of the mountain.

Instead of heading to Cape Town we drove on to Franschhoek, a small town set in a valley of vineyards and fruit farms between huge rocky mountains.

The setting is absolutely breathtaking. We stopped at Moreson Wine Farm, where they have a restaurant and cafe called Miss Molly. There we treated ourselves to charcuterie and cheese boards with wine tastings. .

The town is a busy little place with many stores and restaurants.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

There are many guesthouses, lodges and hotels in Franshhoek. We stayed at La Bourgogne Wine Farm a few kilometers out of town.

Here they grow pears, olives, grapes and make wine. They have a lovely set up with tables overlooking a grassy area with kids play equipment.

As we were staying at the farm we were treated to a complimentary wine tasting and a free bottle of wine. Plus there was a pool. We were all in heaven. It was the absolute bargain accommodation of the trip.

Next morning we stopped in town to have a browse through the shop windows and stopped at De Villiers chocolate shop where the kids did a chocolate tasting (and gave us a bit too).

We were a bit sad to leave Franschhoek as it was stunning and there were so many beautiful wineries to visit. A stay in Franshhoek to visit the wineries and experience South African hospitality at its best is essential in a two week itinerary South Africa.

Days 16 – 18: Cape Town

We head into Cape Town,  just 2 hours drive for our last stop in Africa. We spent 4 nights in Cape Town and loved it. The city has a spectacular setting, located on a big bay at the foot of 1000 meter high Table Mountain.

There is so much to do in Cape Town. We underestimated how much and could easily have spent more time in this enjoyable city. To see a full list of activity ideas and prices for Cape Town click here .

Cape Town Waterfront

The next day we considered hiking up Table Mountain but the weather was overcast and cold so we postponed it for another day.

Instead, we went to the waterfront to explore the retail and restaurant district. The shopping center was full of high-end retail stores. This was a bit of a surprise but I guess the relative wealth in Cape Town is quite high compared to much of the country and they get many tourists.

Continuing the chocolate theme, we went to the Lindt shop where the kids did a workshop to make their own gold chocolate bunny.

It was 2 days before Easter so this was a fun activity for them to do. Plus they took a Lindt chocolate bunny away at the end!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

For lunch, we drove to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where we had lunch at Moyos. This is a large restaurant chain that specializes in African cuisine.

On our South Africa road trip we mostly self-catered so this was our chance to try some local specialties. We decided to splurge and purchased the banquet which had over 50 meals to try.

The food was OK but the real treat was tasting so many different local foods like bobotie , potjies and boerewors. For the kids, the treat was to keep going back for more! Amelie made at least 3 trips to the dessert bar!

Afterward, we walked our meal off in the gardens. Kirstenbosch has to be the best botanical garden in the world.

It is huge and beautifully laid out on the lower slopes of Table Mountain.

Highlights were the treetop walk of a metal gangway that swayed as you walked and climbing the huge wild almond trees. It is easy to spend a couple of hours here so plan an afternoon to explore and relax.

Hiking Table Mountain

The wind howled overnight and we woke to clear blue skies but it was still quite windy.

We had hoped to hike up Table Mountain and catch the cable car down but it seemed unlikely the cable car would run with the high winds and gusts up to 100km/hr.

We knew that many roads were blocked for the annual marathon so we couldn’t plan a day trip out of the city either. So we stuck with our plan to hike Table Mountain and drove up and parked just down the road from the lower cable car station.

The cable car was closed so we had to hike both up and down the mountain. We were confident the kids would manage and were also pleased it meant the top wouldn’t be as crowded!

It was warm in the sun as we started the steep climb up to the contour path at the base of the rocky cliffs. Below, the blue bay glistened in the sun. We made it to the contour path and then followed it along for maybe 1km to Platerklip Gorge.

Here the path zig-zagged pretty much straight up a narrow gorge culminating in a narrow canyon right at the top of the mountain. There were loads of people doing the hike. A few guys were even trail running it!

The climb was very steep on a seemingly endless number of rocky steps. The icy wind blew down the gorge straight into our faces. A few times it gusted so much we lost our balance.

It got pretty cold and we were happy to have fleeces and our rain jackets in the top section that was in the shade and very windy.

Amelie grumbled a bit on the climb and there were a few moments when I wondered if we would make it but after 2 hours we made it to the top. We were rewarded with spectacular views out to sea and over the city.

Because the cable car was not running the cafe and toilets at the top were also closed. Fortunately, we had brought our own food which we ate in a sunny spot out of the wind and we found some bushes for a toilet stop!

It was too cold to stay at the top for long so down we went. Thankfully it took less time but was still tough and Rachel’s legs were like jelly by the bottom. It was not easy but I am glad we did it.

Booking tickets for the Table Mountain Cable Car

If you plan to take the cable car to the top, keep an eye on the weather. Table Mountain is notorious for being blanketed in cloud. Which is why we don’t recommend you book tickets in advance. Watch the weather and when you have a blue day, book online and make your way up.

The next day was sunny and the wind had dropped a bit so we took a day trip to Camps Bay. It is quite a beautiful beach and good choice if you need a relaxing day while in Cape Town.

We found a spot, made sand castles and played soccer. Hawkers on the beach with eskies (coolers) were selling cold drinks and ice creams. People were sunbaking to get the last rays before winter.

The water was freezing and a few people in full wetsuits were riding body boards in the small waves but we did not brave the cold for a swim.

There are seafood restaurants all the way along the promenade. We had lunch here, bought the obligatory ice creams and head back to the apartment.  It was a great way to finish our trip to Cape Town.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

We booked an Airbnb apartment in Cape Town. It was located in a small old block of apartments at the base of Table Mountain.

It was the first Airbnb we rented that was an actual lived in house. It felt cozy and the kids loved playing with the toys and reading the books of the girl who lived there.

There are a lot of accommodation choices in Cape Town, from Airbnb, serviced apartments and hotels.

It is a popular tourist city, so it is best to book in advance, especially during holiday periods. Click here to get an idea of hotel prices and availability.

Best time to visit South Africa

I don’t think there is any best time to visit South Africa. It really is a year-round destination.

We visited South Africa in April. We found April good for hiking as the temperatures were mild although we did encounter a lot of thunderstorms!

Some activities are better suited to certain months (such as whale watching which is best July-November) or Safari Tours in Kruger (best August-September).

As we traveled during shoulder season we didn’t need to book our accommodation and we made bookings a couple of days in advance along the way.

Our two week road trip South Africa was one of the highlights of our 12 month trip around the world with the kids. It is one of the destinations we plan to return to one day to explore more.

We can now join the chorus of people who will tell you to visit South Africa. You won’t regret it!

South Africa Itinerary options

Okay, ours was a 2.5 week road trip! But the travel itinerary is easily customized to become a 1 week, 2 week or 3 week South African itinerary.

If you have a week in South Africa we suggest you fly to Port Elizabeth and drive the Garden Route, finishing in Cape Town.

To shorten this to a 2 week itinerary, we think you are best to reduce the number of nights in Johannesburg and Plettenberg Bay. You could also consider flying between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

If you have 3 weeks in South Africa , we suggest you head straight to Kruger National Park straight from Johannesburg then drive to the Drakensberg Ranges via St Lucia.

If you are lucky enough to have a month for a South Africa trip , then on top of adding Kruger and St Lucia we recommend exploring the Wild Coast on the eastern side of the country, more time in the Drakensberg Ranges and longer in Cape Town.

Parting thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through South Africa. It is an easy country to self-drive and despite our initial fears we found it to be quite safe. We took the necessary precautions, kept our valuables secure and didn’t have any problems.

There were some long driving days which were challenging with the kids, but driving really is the best way to see the country. So as long as you prepare for the drives they are manageable.

The people we met were friendly, upbeat and happy. We learned about the history of the country and saw how the country is recovering from the apartheid period.

We spent a week in Botswana to get our fix of wild animal safaris but this is all possible in South Africa as well.

South Africa is a spectacular place to visit with amazing scenery and great outdoor activities. I have no doubt we will be back to this country to explore more of what it has to offer.

Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Flights to South Africa –  Skyscanner is our favorite site to search for flights.  It compares hundreds of sites and millions of flights to show you the best deals available.

Most international flights arrive into Johannesburg, but there are a number of budget airlines operating within South Africa including Mango and SAFAir. Click here to review current ticket prices and availability.

South Africa Accommodation – In South Africa we found the largest range of accommodation on SafariNow. Check the range of properties and prices here.

Car Rental in South Africa – Discovercars.com  offers cars from over 500 partners in more than 10,000 destinations to bring you the best car hire deals. Click here to search for South Africa car rental prices and availability.

Travel Insurance for South Africa – World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

What do you love about South Africa? Is there anything you would like to know? Leave us a comment!

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2 thoughts on “South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary”

Do you guys pay for everything or do you get sponsored for these trips? Eg the car rental, safari self drive etc? Thanks

Hi James, we travel independently and save for and fund our own travel. A lot of our travel would be categorised as budget travel. We try to keep costs down as much as possible by cooking meals, finding deals on flights and staying in cheaper accommodation. Thanks for your question!

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Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town: The Ultimate Road Trip

One of the most affordable ways to get from Johannesburg to Cape Town is to drive. Whether you are a foreign visitor or a local, this is one road trip worthy of making to see the two largest cities in South Africa. 

Although driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town is a long road trip, you can make it exciting with a few scenic stops or day trips along the way. Good snacks also make this road trip much more pleasant. 

In this article, you will learn about driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town, including the best route, alternative routes, where to stop for a break and what to see along the way. 

Distance from Johannesburg to Cape Town 

Cape Town is approximately 1400 km from Johannesburg. 

Johannesburg to Cape Town Drive Time

Depending on your route, it can take between 14,5 and 16 hours to get from Johannesburg to Cape Town and vice versa. This duration assumes you don’t stop for a snack or sightseeing.

Why Drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town? 

Driving is one of the cheapest options from Johannesburg to Cape Town and vice versa. It is a flexible travel method since you can stop anywhere for sightseeing. 

Read more about the best places to visit in South Africa by clicking here !

A flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes around 2 hours. Flying can be more expensive than driving, especially if you are more than 2 people travelling together. For a single person travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town, a flight may be the most affordable option, unless you have to rent a car for the road trip. 

Taking the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town is affordable but may not be as quick or comfortable as driving. 

There are a few options to travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town by train , but these are only available on certain days of the week. 

Therefore, we can conclude that driving is the best way to get from Johannesburg to Cape Town or vice versa. 

Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town: Best Routes to Cape Town from Johannesburg

There are two commonly used routes to drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Both of these routes include toll roads. 

The best and fastest route from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and vice versa, is taking the N1, passing by Bloemfontein in the Free State Province . It will take you approximately 15 hours to drive the 1398 km of this route without stopping. This route map from Johannesburg to Cape Town shows the route via Bloemfontein:

The alternative route from Johannesburg to Cape Town uses the N12 and the N1, passing through Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa . This route is 1432 km and will take just over 15,5 hours if you don’t stop anywhere. This route map from Johannesburg to Cape Town shows the drive via Kimberley:

Best Johannesburg to Cape Town Drive Stops

It is possible to complete the road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town in one day. However, it is much better to break the trip into several days to allow you some rest and sightseeing on the way to Cape Town.

Route 1: Johannesburg to Cape Town via Bloemfontein

For most of the route, you will stay on the N1 until you get to Cape Town. Some of the best places to stop along the way include:

Kroonstad Shell Ultra City

The best place for your first stop is the Shell Ultra City near Kroonstad . Here, you can refill your car, take a bathroom break and get a bite to eat or a coffee to keep you going. By this time, you would have completed about 184 km or 2 hours of your trip. 

Bloemfontein Shell Ultra City

The next stop is at the Bloemfontein Shell Ultra City , about 388 km or 4 hours from Johannesburg. If you are not in a hurry, some sights in Bloemfontein include the Anglo-Boer War Museum , the National Museum and the South African Armour Museum . 

Colesberg Shell Ultra City

The Shell Ultra City in Colesberg is another place to refuel, stretch your legs and get something to eat or drink. Colesberg is a good halfway stop if you want to break the journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town by spending the night here. At this point, you would have completed about 618 km or 6,5 hours of your trip. 

Engen 1 Stop Beaufort West

The Engen 1 Stop Beaufort West features a Wimpy restaurant, a South African favourite. Beaufort West is another good option for a halfway stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town, although you would have completed 935 km or 10 hours of your trip when you get here already. 

Matjiesfontein 

Matjiesfontein is a quirky town in the Western Cape Province, making it worthy of a visit. To refuel, I would stop in Laingsburg , the town before Matjiesfontein. Matjiesfontein is 1163 km from Johannesburg and 237 km from Cape Town. Spend a few hours exploring this quaint town with its historical sights, including the Old Post Office , the Railway Station , the Courthouse and Jail , and the pink church . Another experience to consider is staying in the old Lord Milner Hotel .

From Matjiesfontein, your next stop will be Cape Town – the end of your trip!

Route 2: Johannesburg to Cape Town via Kimberley

The second route from Johannesburg to Cape Town is via Kimberley. Here is the best Johannesburg to Cape Town drive stops for this route:

Kimberley is the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. It is 495 km from Johannesburg and 955 km from Cape Town. You can refill at any of the service stations, of which there are many. You may decide to spend some time in Kimberley to see its attractions, which include: 

• Kimberley’s Big Hole is the largest man-made hole in the world. The Kimberley Mine Museum features the largest diamond display in the world. 
• The newest of South Africa’s national parks , the Mokala National Park , is near Kimberley. Visitors can enjoy guided rock art engraving drives to learn about the area’s cultural heritage.  

If you decide to spend a night here, the best accommodation options are: 

• The Kimberley Club Boutique Hotel guests can enjoy the hotel’s terrace and garden or have a meal at the bar or restaurant on the property. 
• The Protea Hotel by Marriott Kimberley . Read my review of this hotel here . This hotel is situated next to the Kimberley Big Hole and Mining Museum, making it the perfect option for sightseeing. 

Matjiesfontein is a Karoo town in the Western Cape Province with character and worth visiting. To refuel, I would stop in Laingsburg, the town before Matjiesfontein. Matjiesfontein is 1163 km from Johannesburg and 237 km from Cape Town. Spend a few hours exploring this quaint town with its historical sights, including the Old Post Office , the Railway Station , the Courthouse and Jail , and the pink church . Another experience to consider is staying in the old Lord Milner Hotel .

Click here to learn about the best Cape Town Tours .

Tips for Travelling From Johannesburg to Cape Town By Car

Here are some tips to make your road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town by car more enjoyable:

• The best place to stop for a bathroom break or to top up your fuel is to stop at one of the many Engen petrol stations along the route. In South Africa, a road trip traditionally involves stopping at an Engen Garage with a Wimpy Restaurant for a meal. Other options are Shell Ultra Cities, usually with Steers or another restaurant. 
• If you have food allergies or specific food preferences, be aware that you may not always be able to find appropriate food along the route. If this is you, consider packing a cooler bag with foods you can enjoy without worrying.
• A GPS is useful for long road trips. I like to use Waze when driving since it provides real-time updates on roadblocks, accidents and other issues you may encounter. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps to ensure you stay en route or find the nearest petrol station. 
• Like any road trip, having something to listen to adds to the enjoyment. When driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town, you may only be able to listen to national radio stations, such as 5FM or Radio 2000, and the signal may cut out in rural areas. There are multiple regional radio stations to choose from. To cater for a situation of being unable to listen to a radio station, have a good playlist of podcasts or music to keep you entertained. 

Consider doing Clarens Drive , another scenic driving route, and visiting the penguins at Stony Point when in Cape Town.

Best Time to Drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town or Cape Town to Johannesburg 

With South Africa’s moderate climate , you can make the drive any time of the year. The best season for completing this long road trip is spring or autumn, as the days are not as hot as summer. In winter, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and vice versa, is also pleasant and warm inside a car. 

Avoid driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town during South Africa’s peak holiday seasons. The busiest traffic times of the year are over Easter and December-January when all schools in South Africa have school holidays. 

If you want to avoid traffic, drive during the week instead of on the weekend. 

When leaving Johannesburg or Cape Town, avoid the peak traffic hours from 7:00 – 9:00 in the morning and 16:00 – 18:00. Other than these two cities, the rest of the route has little traffic.

When I drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town, I like to leave around 5:00 in the morning to avoid the morning traffic. 

How Much Does It Cost to Drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

The cost of driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town depends on the type of car you drive, its petrol or diesel usage and the price of the petrol or diesel.

Cape Town is approximately 1400 km from Johannesburg. The current petrol price in South Africa (inland prices on 27 Dec 2022) is R23.46 per litre, and diesel is R23.92 per litre. If we work on an average fuel consumption of 12 litres per 100 km, driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town will cost you about R4000 or $235.  

If you have to rent a car for the journey, the costs will increase, but the increase depends on the price of your rental car. 

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South Africa Itinerary: Complete Road Trip in 2 Weeks (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 25, 2024

On our first evening of a 2-week road trip in South Africa a hippo walked into the garden of our hotel and quietly grazed by the river as we were having dinner just a few steps away. It was at this moment that we fell in love with Africa. The next day we stood at the Three Rondavels viewpoint of the Panorama Route and my husband said ‘ just when I thought we had seen it all, South Africa proved me wrong… ‘.

South Africa captured our hearts forever and years later it was the first far destination that we visited with our kids, followed by a trip to nearby Namibia and hopefully many more trips to Africa in the future. But it all started with this first trip and so today I want to share our 2-week itinerary for the best of South Africa .

When we first visited South Africa, we only had 15 days to see the best of the country. It’s a big country and, of course, you cannot see everything in just two weeks. But if you are visiting South Africa for the first time and want to see the very best this beautiful country has to offer, then look no further.

This itinerary covers all the main highlights of South Africa , including Kruger Park safari, and shows you the amazing diversity of the Rainbow Nation.

For your convenience, I made a map with our South Africa trip itinerary and also included driving distances/times as well as some tips to help you plan your trip to South Africa. At the bottom of this post, you can also find some practical information for your self-drive trip.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

We booked this holiday inspired by a travel brochure where the trip was called ‘ The World in One Country ‘. And so it was!

If you visit South Africa it will be very difficult to find a destination to match it afterwards. It’s one of the most beautiful and diverse countries you can visit in the world. And if you are looking for an unforgettable trip, then this is as good as it gets!

Without further ado, here’s our two week complete South Africa road trip itinerary starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town . There are many ways to spend two weeks in South Africa and this is just one of them. There is no one best itinerary for South Africa, but if you want to see the best places in South Africa on a two-week vacation, then this comes pretty close. Read on!

Here is our 2-week South Africa itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg and drive to Kruger NP

We arrived in Johannesburg early in the morning where we picked up our rental car. At first, we were planning to visit the city of Pretoria, but after some consideration, we decided to head straight to our accommodation next to Kruger National Park.

On the way to Kruger, we stopped at Ndebele cultural village in Botshabelo . It’s just a small village-museum where you can visit a few colorful houses and get acquainted with the small Ndbele tribe community. It’s definitely worth a short stop and is a great way to break a long drive.

In the evening we had dinner at our hotel in Hazyview and met our first African wildlife. The hotel is not called ‘Hippo Hollow’ for nothing… Unforgettable experience!

• Driving distance: 424 km – 263 miles – 5 hrs.
• Accommodation:  We stayed 2 nights at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate in Hazyview, just outside Kruger NP. Hazyview is a good base for exploring Panorama Route and Kruger NP and there is a wide range of accommodations available .

Day 2: Panorama Route

If you come to Kruger, don’t miss the Panorama Route . It’s a beautiful area that you can easily explore by car on your own. The main highlights include The Pinnacle, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Blyde River Canyon with World’s End and the Three Rondavels. 

Make sure to stop for pancakes at Harrie’s Pancake Bar in Graskop. The nearby Pilgrim’s Rest is a nice small town, a former gold mining village that you could check out as well. Alternatively, you can visit Shangana Cultural Village near Hazyview.

TIP: If you rather not drive yourself, you can book a guided day tour that brings you to all the nicest places in this area.

• Driving distance: 185 km – 115 miles – 3 hrs + stops (count the whole day).

Day 3: Kruger National Park

In order to enjoy a real safari experience in Kruger National Park, we left our car at the hotel and booked a 4×4 guided half-day safari tour of Kruger NP .

It was nice not to have to drive and just enjoy the wildlife and nature around us. The local guide brought us to places that are inaccessible to private vehicles. On top of that, the guides communicate with each other so they know where the animals are.

Despite booking a group tour, we had the whole jeep to ourselves and it was a great first safari experience. We saw four out of the Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant; later on we also saw the Cape buffalo), and lots of other animals including giraffes, baboons, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, impalas, kudus, wildebeests, hyenas, zebras, etc.

TIP:  It is freezing cold on a safari drive early in the morning, so dress accordingly. We visited in July (winter in South Africa), so we wore warm jackets and we also used the blankets provided by the tour guide. By noon, it was warm enough to just wear a shirt. But even if you visit in summer, the warmth comes and goes together with the sun, so you still need warm clothes for morning safari rides.

LEARN MORE: Safari Tips

We returned to Hazyview for lunch. After that, we picked up our car and drove to Kruger NP ourselves. Kruger is quite easy to explore individually, but you have to stay on the main roads and make sure to not leave your car at any time.

We ran into a whole family of lions with cubs, saw an elephant just next to the road, and many other wild animals.

• Driving distance: morning safari +- 100km – 60 miles – 2-5 hours depending on the stops to watch wildlife.
• Accommodation:  1 night at River House Lodge . You can stay pretty much anywhere in the southern part of Kruger, close to Malelane or Marloth Park. It would fit very well with this itinerary.
• TIP: If you have more time in the area consider staying at least 2-3 nights in Kruger National Park. There are many lodges inside the park, from basic camps to high-end luxury accommodations. Here you can find the best deals for accommodation in different areas in the south of Kruger NP:  Hectorspruit , Skukuza , Sabi Sand Game Reserve , and Marloth Park .

Day 4: Kruger NP – Eswatini (previously Swaziland) – Saint Lucia

We left early in the morning hoping to see some wildlife before leaving Kruger for a long drive towards St Lucia . And we were very lucky again – we saw a group of leopards hunting for breakfast and a herd of elephants pulling out and eating entire bushes…

We then drove in the direction of the border with Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland ) – the shortest route towards Saint Lucia. The passport control/immigration at the Swaziland border took us a bit longer than expected and after seeing all kinds of warning signs (for cholera, AIDS, and signs like ‘do not open windows or door’) we decided to just drive through without stopping anywhere. The country is beautiful, but also very poor, and many places reminded us of things we saw in India’s poorer regions. 

After a long drive through this smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, we re-entered South Africa again on our way to  Saint Lucia .

• Driving distance: 440 km – 275 miles – 6 hours.
• Accommodation:  We stayed 2 nights in St Lucia .

Good to know: If you rather not cross any borders, you can drive from Kruger National Park to St Lucia via South African roads. This will add about 1.5-2 hours of driving time.

Day 5: St. Lucia and Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

In the morning we again took a guided safari drive to the nearby  Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park . It’s not as busy as Kruger and we saw fewer animals here, but it was a nice experience with some unforgettable animal encounters.

At one moment we stood eye-to-eye with a huge elephant bull who wanted us to know that we were in his territory. Our big 4WD looked minuscule next to this animal so our driver quietly obeyed and drove back… and back… until the elephant put his foot back on the ground signaling that he wasn’t going to turn our car into a matchbox…

You can also visit this park in your own car, but sometimes it’s really nice not to have to drive and just look for the animals.

We spent the afternoon at the pool of our hotel.

In the late afternoon, we took a boat trip on St. Lucia Lake where we saw hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. We decided not to go for a swim here ;).

Day 6: St. Lucia – Durban

We left Saint Lucia and drove to Durban where we explored the city. The waterfront area of Durban reminded us of Australia’s Surfer’s Paradise: big waves and hundreds of surfers on the beach. Other things to do in Durban include Golden Mile, Indian area, Victoria Street Market, UShaka Marine World.. .

• Driving distance: 245 km – 150 miles – 3 hours.
• Accommodation:  We stayed at the Blue Waters Hotel in Durban for 1 night. Since we are not big fans of cities, we felt that we could have easily skipped Durban altogether and gone straight to the Drakensberg Mountains. On the other hand, the distance would be a bit big meaning you’d spend the whole day in the car. Alternatively, you can also stay at a nearby Umhlanga, a nice holiday town just outside of Durban.

Day 7: Durban – Drakensberg Mountains

Our first stop was Pietermaritzburg , known as the place where Gandhi was thrown of the train because he dared to travel first class as a non-white person. A visit to the city of Pietermaritzburg is an interesting experience. It was the first time we were in a South African city which was not that touristy.

The drive to Drakensbergen is worth a trip in itself – so beautiful. On the road, we also stopped at Howick waterfall .

In the afternoon we made a short sunset walk in the mountains, just next to our hotel. Apart from the fantastic scenery we also encountered a group of baboons.

• Driving distance: 250 km – 155 miles – 3 hours
• Accommodation: We stayed 2 nights in  Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf and Spa Resort . Here you can find more accommodation options in Underberg .

Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains

This was the most relaxing day of the whole trip. We spent the whole day in the proximity of our hotel. We went for a nice walk in the mountains, went horse riding, played some mini-golf, etc.

Alternatively, you could make a day trip to the nearby Kingdom of Lesotho.

TIP: If you decide to visit Lesotho, you may want to do it with a local guide who knows the region well and has a 4×4 vehicle. Here you can book a Lesotho day tour from Underberg .

Day 9: Drakensberg Mountains to Durban. Flight to Port Elizabeth and Garden Route to Knysna

After a relaxing day yesterday, this day was filled with traveling. We left our hotel in the Drakensberg mountains early in the morning (5 AM) in order to catch a flight to Port Elizabeth .

Undredal is not next door to Durban, so it’s quite a far drive of 235 km which takes about 3 hours. If you prefer not to have to drive that far before taking a flight, you may want to stay in Durban one more night.

It was freezing cold this early in the morning: -7°C (19F). Whereas the previous day in Durban it was 23°C (73F). That’s typically Africa – the sun goes down and it gets really cold, no matter the season.

We flew to Port Elizabeth where we picked up another rental car and drove part of the Garden Route to Knysna . We didn’t have much time for sightseeing because we had to reach Knysna before the dark which is around 5.30P M in July. So we only made a short stop at the Storms Point along the way.

• Driving distance: 270 km – 170 miles – 3,5 hours to Durban plus 270 km – 170 miles – 3 hours to Knysna.
• Accommodation: We stayed in Knysna Hollow Country Estate for 3 nights. Knysna is our favorite place along the Garden Route and on our next trip to South Africa, we spent a week there (even contemplating if we shouldn’t move to live here). There is so much to see and do in the area and the town itself is really nice too. If you want to add some days to your South African itinerary, consider staying here longer.

 TIP:  You could skip Drakensberg Mountains if you are short on time or add a day to your itinerary if you don’t want to fly. In that case, count two days to drive from Durban to Port Elizabeth. Sleep in the East London area along the way.

Day 10: Garden Route

As already mentioned, there is a lot to see and do in and near Knysna . On our first day on the Garden Route, we decided to stay close to town.

In the morning we took a boat to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (must do!). In the afternoon we visited Knysna Elephant Park where we could feed the elephants (also a must in Knysna). In the evening we had dinner at one of the many restaurants at Knysna Waterfront .

TIP: One of the nicest things to do in Knysna is to take a boat tour along the beautiful coast. Here you can find a nice selection of boat tours in Knysna .

Day 11: Garden Route

There are many ways to spend an extra day on the Garden Route .

On this first trip in South Africa, we visited an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn (there are many farms there, some more touristy than others), followed by a visit to Cango Caves .

Alternative things to do along the Garden Route would be visiting Tsitsikamma National Park  (beautiful place), Robberg Nature Reserve  (spectacular hiking along the coast), or places like Monkeyland  (walk among the monkeys in a forest – great for families!) and  Birds of Eden (also great for families), etc.

You can go to the beach, make a safari ride in a private game reserve, watch whales and dolphins, or find a really nice restaurant serving the famous Knysna oysters and South African wine… Whatever your interests, you’ll love the diversity of the Garden Route!

Day 12: Knysna to Cape Town via Cape Agulhas and Hermanus

A very long but beautiful drive from Knysna to Cape Town with a few stops today.

We chose to visit Cape Agulhas , the place where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a big detour and a long drive to get here. It felt a bit like being at the end of the world, but we loved it!

Our next stop was Hermanus – the best place for whale watching in South Africa. You can go on the boat and see whales and dolphins up close (we did it on another occasion), but usually you can see some of them from ashore as well.

If you can fit it in your itinerary, make sure to do a whale-watching boat trip . Just book in advance, definitely in high season July through November.

• Driving distance: 500 km – 310 miles – 6 hours to Hermanus. Add another 120 km – 75 miles – 1,5 hrs to Cape Town.
• Accommodation:  We spent 3 nights in Cape Town and stayed at Cape Town Lodge Hotel .

TIP: If I were to do this South Africa trip again, I would opt to spend a night in Hermanus rather than rushing to Cape Town. It’s a long day as it is and Hermanus definitely deserves more time than just a short stop.

Day 13: Cape Peninsula

Cape Peninsula deserves more than a few days! But if you have just one day to explore the area near Cape Town.

As a minimum, try to visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town , the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve , drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak Road , and take a boat to the seal colony near Hout Bay . This is a lot for one day, but it’s feasible.

TIP:  If you are staying in the city center and want to return your rental car earlier, you can also visit these places with a guided Cape Point tour from Cape Town .

Day 14: Cape Town

One day in Cape Town is really short. Here are the highlights that you should try to visit even if you only have a day: Table Mountain , Signal Hill , Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area, colorful houses of Bo-Kaap , and also the city center.

If you have time, take a boat to nearby Robben Island . It’s the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.

TIP: Consider leaving your car and taking a hop-on hop-off bus to explore the city. It’s one of the most convenient and cheapest ways to travel around Cape Town. Car parking is not easy to find in town and the distances are quite big.

Day 15: Cape Town and departure

Depending on your departure time you could visit some of the places that you didn’t manage to see the previous days. There is so much to see and do in Cape Town!

We loved the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens just outside the city. A visit to the Stellenbosh wine region is also a popular (half-)day trip from Cape Town.

Here you can also find the most popular and best-rated day trips from Cape Town:  Cape Winelands and wine tasting tours that visit Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch areas.

Practical information for a self-drive road trip in South Africa

• You can easily rent a car and explore South Africa individually. Here you can find some of the best deals for car rental . Be sure to take full insurance!
• You don’t need a 4WD for South Africa as the main roads are all paved and generally in very good condition.
• At the time of writing, you can drive in South Africa with any driver’s license that is printed in English. Otherwise, you should obtain an International Driver’s License before your trip.
• You can make this trip in any season. We traveled in July when it was winter in South Africa.
• Consider that the distances are big and if you are really short on time it’s probably better to fly from the north of the country to the south.
• Is it safe to travel in South Africa on your own? While not the safest country in the world, South Africa can easily be explored on your own. Just use your common sense, read the signs, avoid township areas, and don’t drive at night.
• Don’t drive around in the dark unless you absolutely have to. In some areas, you may encounter wild animals or dogs crossing the roads, and there are also often people walking next to the road, so driving after dark isn’t a great idea.

If you have any questions that I forgot to cover, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.

So, this was our itinerary visiting the best places in South Africa in two weeks. There are many ways to spend your vacation in this beautiful country, but this gives you a good idea of what can be done in a relatively short time.

Note that this trip is quite rushed, so you will not see everything. One thing is for sure – it will definitely leave you wanting to return. But then you get acquainted with so many different regions of South Africa in a short time and when you go back you can choose to explore certain areas deeper.

As for us, we went back to South Africa after this trip and spent two weeks just in the South part of the country (Garden Route and Cape Peninsula). You can find this family-friendly South Africa trip description in our article South Africa with kids and here you can find some of our favorite photos from South Africa . We cannot wait to return again!

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in South Africa

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Tuesday 19th of July 2022

Hi Jurga, Did you pre book all your accomodation or just turn up and book on the day ? Seems a very complex job to book all 2 week's accomodation. Also wouldn't give any scope for changing itinery en route ??

@Jurga, Thanks for the reply - makes a lot of sense.

Hi Guy, we travel with kids during school holidays, so yes, we always pre-book everything. To us, it seems much more complex to do it last-minute where you have to spend time looking at what's available for the night rather than simply enjoy your day knowing that you'll have a place to sleep no matter when you actually get there. It also allows you to plan some extra activities for the 'free' days in between. If you are completely flexible and travel in the low season, I guess you could just go with the flow, definitely in the places where there are plenty of accommodation options. However, for the more remote areas, I'd recommend booking in advance. PS We book all our accommodations via Booking.com and try to take flexible booking/cancelation options, which usually means that we can still change plans if absolutely need be. But in the end, we rarely change anything because it's so much easier to follow a planned itinerary when you are short on time and want to make the most of your trip. Of course, everyone travels differently and I totally see how in some situations it would be nice to keep all the options open... Good luck!

Monday 23rd of August 2021

As a South African, I just have to say this is brilliant. than you SO much for sharing all this information!

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

Thanks for your feedback, Judy. Happy travels!

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

Hi there, awesome article! We loved reading every bit of it. We plan to visit around June 13th 2022 and plan to have about 2 weeks as well. We're thinking of following a similar route to yours but wanted to know more about weather conditions for you. I've read other places that you want to stay away from the Garden route and western cape in the winter months because of rain, risk of flooding and overall not great weather. WAs that you experience?

Hello. We did this particular trip in the first half of July, so about the same time when you're planning to travel. While it may not be ideal for Cape Town/ Garden Route, it's a great time for watching animals in Kruger National Park. And you really never know how the weather will be anyway. In Kruger, we had great weather. Cold nights and warm days. Usually needed a sweater or a long-sleeve shirt during the day. The same in all the other areas in the North, apart from Durban where we had t-shirt weather. It was freezing in the mountains (Drakensberg) at night, but the days were nice. In Knysna/ Garden Route we had nice sunny weather and temperatures of about 15-18°C if I recall well. We usually wore a light sweater there. In Cape Town, we had lots of wind and some rain too, and really needed warm jackets and sweaters. I even bought a warm fleece hat. The only thing we couldn't do at that time was going to the top of Table Mountain because the gondola was closed due to high winds, but for the rest, the weather really wasn't an issue. If you want to be 100% sure that you get good weather, then this is not the best time for the south coast. We once traveled there in November and that was a great time with lots of sunshine and warmth (but lots of wind too). I, personally, would do this exact same trip at any time of the year without hesitation. You can never foresee how the weather is, so pack clothes for any weather (layers are best) and make the best of what you get! Hope this helps.

Wednesday 10th of February 2021

Hi! I went to South Africa (the southern part only) in 2015, I loved it! I'm thinking to return around easter of 2022 (for better temperatures than July). Have you visited Johannesburg, Pretoria or Soweto? I wonder if they are as dangerous as some people say. In my first trip in South Africa I was not scared once. We did not leave or hotel in Cape Town after dark tho. Thanks!

Thursday 11th of February 2021

Hi Benedikt, we've only shortly passed the area from Johannesburg airport on the way to Kruger National Park. We chose not to visit the cities (nothing specific to S-A, we are just more nature people), so I have no personal experience. One thing that we noticed around Johannesburg were warnings not to stop on the highway for any reason and not to take any hitchhikers, but this was years ago. I have no idea how the situation is there now. We didn't really feel unsafe, but just seeing those signs gave us an impression that it was probably not the safest area... Cape Town feels very different indeed and there we have been out and about after the dark too and never felt unsafe. I'm sure that it will be a very different experience visiting Johannesburg or Pretoria than more rural areas of South Africa or Cape Town, but I think it's definitely worth it if you enjoy visiting cities, learning more about history, etc. Just use common sense, stay in the tourist areas, ask locals for safety advice, etc. - just as you'd do in most other big cities in the world.

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Hi, we planning on following most of your itenery but skipping the garden route as we have seen that many times before. What type of did you rent... Was it a sedan or an suv/4x4. Is it not necessary to get a 4x4 if we plan on doing guided tours where you mentioned in the blog? Thanks and appreciate your blog

Friday 5th of February 2021

Hi Zahir, sorry for the late reply - crazy busy. We never rented a 4x4 in South Africa. Since we travel with kids and have quite a few bags, we usually take an SUV. You also sit higher and see more. So it's not that much for the roads, but for more space and comfort. A regular car is perfectly ok for this itinerary as well.

The Perfect South African Road Trip

11/15/2018 by Kristin Addis 87 Comments

When I arrived in South Africa I knew that I wanted to do a road trip across the country.  As my first foray into the African continent, I was sure it would be different than Asia where I’d spent the previous three years of my life, easily hopping from place to place on a motorbike or one of the many buses.

South Africa wasn’t going to be as simple without plentiful public transport and easy local options, so a road trip seemed like the perfect way to take it all in.

I arrived without any idea of how to go about this, or how to find a partner in crime, but things have a way of working themselves out. A few days in I met Callum from Canada. He turned out to be the perfect road trip buddy and, lucky for us, the country far exceeded both of our expectations. Daily, we’d turn to each other in awe of what we saw. The constantly changing microclimates and incredible amount of diversity really blew us away. Since then I’ve returned twice, adding more destinations in each time. As far as road trips go, this must be one of the best places in the world to do one. If you’re considering it, grab the opportunity with both hands and enjoy the ride. Here’s the perfect South African road trip itinerary:

Table of Contents

How to get Around

Self driving in South Africa is cheap and easy, and the most convenient option, IMHO. You can pay for services like Baz Bus, but once they drop you off, it gets hard to explore the area without wheels. If you share a rental with one or more other people, it works out cheaper and gives you so much more flexibility!

If you’re looking for the right car rental, click here to compare options .

For the most part, you can go cheap with the car. I’ve rented a VW Golf and a Ford Fiesta and both were fine. Apart from potholes, most of the roads in South Africa are easy to traverse with a cheap, small car, including Kruger National Park. You don’t need a 4×4, unless you’re heading truly off the beaten path.

Additionally, I highly recommend getting a Vodacom SIM card when you arrive at the airport. It will help tremendously with navigating. Plus, WiFi in South Africa can be hard to come by.

Finally, don’t forget travel insurance when you’re in South Africa! I love the World Nomads explorer plan which covers hiking and other adventurous activities.

Without further ado, here’s the itinerary:

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a great starting point for a road trip and with its rich history and the Apartheid Museum, a helpful introduction to South African culture. What I really loved about it was the openness and friendly nature of the locals, who are quite likely to invite you to hang out again and again.

I love the vibe of this city. It’s easy to talk to people there and it’s a welcoming place. I might be the only person in the world who prefers Joburg to Cape Town, but Johannesburg has a soul that I really enjoy.

Plus, if you’re there over a weekend, you can find wonderful markets full of friendly and outgoing people. If you have the time, I also recommend exploring Soweto , the biggest South African township.

*Remember to be careful in the big cities in South Africa, though. Don’t walk around, especially at night, and don’t leave anything at all, even if it’s a cheap pair of sunglasses, visible in the car.

Lay your head: I’d suggest an AirBnB rental.

Blyde River Canyon

A few years ago, a local South African let me in on a beautiful secret: Horseshoe Bend had a love child with the Drakensberg and it’s called Blyde River Canyon.

Exploring the hiking trails, God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, and Mac Mac Falls all along the Panoramic Route can easily take up a full week in and of themselves, but if you are just looking for a stop on the way to Kruger National Park, stay near the Three Rondavels viewpoint to get this fantastic view.

Lay your head: Blyde Canyon: A Forever Resort

Kruger National Park

It took me four visits back to South Africa to realize this, but if you don’t go to Kruger National Park you’re missing out! It’s so much fun to be able to go through a safari destination with paved roads and to be able to self drive. The best part was this could all be done with a tiny sedan!

After being on safari in Etosha National Park, all throughout Botswana , Zambia, and the Serengeti , Kruger might actually be my favorite! There are a few other places where you can see the big five (Lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino, and elephants), all in the same day. There are also hippos, giraffes, zebras, lots of impala, honey badgers, genets, loads of birds, and tons of other animals I’m forgetting. To supplement your self drive, I highly recommend signing up for the night drives which you can book at your accommodation.

Since the park is huge, I suggest entering at Timbavati, staying one night at Olifants, and then making your way down to Lower Sabie before heading out to Golden Gate Highlands. Be sure to go grocery shopping either in Johannesburg or Hoedspruit before heading in so that you can cook your own food at the self-contained bungalows.

Lay your head: Book Olifants and Lower Sabie on San Parks official website

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Golden Gate Highlands is known for the sunset reflection on the gorgeous rocks, painting them gold. This must not be a place that many tourists visit because I didn’t see anyone else on the Wodehouse trail and our hostel was empty. If one were to stay in the nearby town of Clarens, surely there would be more people around, but it felt a bit too touristy to me and staying in the town of Kestell was way more fun! It’s one of those small towns that doesn’t even have a traffic light. If you do stay there, check out the only pub in town for some great conversation and a quirky crowd (meant in the best way).

The park itself is ideal for some seriously impressive vistas, wild animal sightings (think zebras, ostriches, wildebeest, kudus), and the sunset.

Lay your head: Karma Backpackers . It felt so cozy since it was in someone’s home, and I loved her dogs.

Drakensberg Mountains

Waking up early in the morning and heading out to the Amphitheater hike at the top of the Drakensberg mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s yet another gorgeous, 4-5 hour hike that will take you to the second-tallest waterfall in the world.

Say hi to the horsemen from Lesotho at the top (who will most likely try to be a bit intimidating at first and ask for money, but will relent once you laugh it off and say you don’t have anything to share), run around the plateau, through the mist and along the rivers, and spend an hour or two at the top of the world.

From there it’s an easy drive to the middle of the park where you can choose between the Cascades, Rainbow Gorge, and Cathedral hikes before heading out for a long 8-hour drive the following day. If you can spend more time in the mountains and do a trek spanning a few days, definitely do so. I wish we’d had time for that! Click here for more on how to prioritize if you’re short on time.

Lay your head:   Amphitheater Backpackers , it’s well-situated for the rest of the popular hikes in the area.

Wild Coast – Coffee Bay

The Transkei might be my favorite part of South Africa.

Also known as the Wild Coast, this part of the Eastern Cape was absolutely perfect for skipping the makeup, going on walks with adventures in every direction, and becoming one with the jungly beauty.

Many travelers, locals and foreigners alike, go to Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast as it’s a gorgeous place to hang out and there are plenty of other backpackers around. The hike along the coast from Coffee Bay to the Hole in the Wall is mind-blowing as well, as is the hike in the other direction to Mdumbi.

A photo posted by Kristin Addis (@bemytravelmuse) on Mar 7, 2015 at 5:00am PST

I know I keep saying that everything in South Africa is ‘gorgeous,’ ‘mind-blowing,’ ‘incredible,’ and many other colorful adjectives, but that’s because it really is ! I couldn’t believe how blown away I was by the landscape, especially given what I’ve seen elsewhere in the world. Almost nothing rivals this place.

This is a long drive from the Drakensberg. Apart from stopping in a township along the way for some street BBQ, which we did a lot during our trip and I can’t recommend enough, the day was mostly spent powering through and avoiding potholes.

Lay your head: I stayed at Coffee Shack but wasn’t that impressed.  Staff wasn’t friendly and the vibe was a bit off. I liked the atmosphere more at Sugarloaf Backpackers just down the road. A 4-5 hour hike away, Mdumbi is also a wonderful place with a great backpackers .

Another gorgeous beach destination, Cintsa has idyllic waters and great cultural interaction opportunities, especially through Buccaneers, the backpackers there. One of the only Fair Trade certified establishments in South Africa, they give a lot back to the local community and bring in experienced volunteers and medical experts to provide assistance in the local township.

I loved staying there knowing that in good conscience I was supporting a place that gives so much back. Just by laying on the beach and enjoying their gorgeous ensuite accommodation (with the above view!), I was helping in a small way, too. One could spend days or even weeks surfing, going for long walks, and swimming in the gorgeous waters in Cintsa.

Lay your head: Offering a range from backpacker and tent accommodation to the more upscale but still affordable ensuite and family options, Buccaneers is the best possible choice.

While at Coffee Bay a local yogi I met highly recommended staying at a permaculture farm in Hogsback. I’m so glad that we listened, because it was a wonderful place, a little slice of paradise.

At first it reminded me a bit of hiking in Northern California. Until, while resting at a waterfall, a butterfly the size of my head flittered by, Callum unsuccessfully tried to pull a Tarzan on a jungle vine, and I heard baboons barking in the distance.

This area is known for sightings of fairies and woodland creatures. After seeing the huge, bright dragonflies and butterflies that, from a side angle, really did look like fairies, I can agree. Spending a week here unplugged would be magical.

Lay your head: Terra Khaya , the permaculture farm, is wonderful. I met such interesting people there, loved the communal meals, and really respect that the farm runs entirely off the grid, operating on solar power. The dorms felt so clean and free of insects, the private rooms looked pretty cool, and the outdoor shower was one of my favorite showers I’ve ever taken. Ever.

I absolutely love this place. Most people would probably skip it or just pass right through, but it’s such a nice deviation and lesser-known alternative to the touristy Garden Route.

Do yourself a favor and do stop here. Seriously. It’s so wild, so spacious, and so serene all at the same time.

Deserts are special that way.

Lay your head: The Rest Farm holds a special place in my heart. It’s great for lounging or volunteering in exchange for room and board. In the coming months various workshops will be taking place there, too.

Nature’s Valley and Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump

Nature’s Valley, an introduction to the Garden Route, was unfortunately a quick pass-through for us but one that won’t soon be forgotten. There are several hikes in the area that I wish I’d had a chance to check out. Top-of-the-list went to bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge , which is the highest natural bungee jump in the world.

Lay your head : The guesthouse here, Wild Spirit , is seriously cool. It has a treehouse, drum circle area (with hula hoops because those are important, too), piano room, and a deck with a beautiful view. Nearby, there’s a dairy which produces nearly all of its own products (or sources locally), and serves a delicious and cheap breakfast.

Unfortunately, because I wanted to love everything about this place, I hate to say that the dorms left a bit to be desired. They felt too cramped and old. I’d go for a private room or the campgrounds instead next time.

Once you hit Wilderness, you’ll know you’re in the Western Cape. The circular huts of the eastern part of the country fade and make way for picture-perfect beachfront cottages. It’s not that one is better than the other, though I missed the rugged style of the east. To each her own, right?

The sunset here wasn’t the typical orangey-pink sherbet sunset I’d normally think of to characterize a spectacular sunset. Rather, it consisted of wispy clouds, purple, periwinkle, and soft blues. The sky seemed massive that day over an expansive beach and the sun appeared to take hours to set. The day just didn’t want to end, it seemed. The waves on the sand mirrored the sky perfectly in a blurple (that would be, blue + purple) explosion. It was poetic.

Lay your head: On the Beach Guesthouse

Stellenbosch

The birthplace of Pinotage is a must-stop for at least a day or two on your way into Cape Town. It reminded me of a cheaper, more laid back version of wine country in California, and with better wine, if I’m honest.

Take a bicycle tour from winery to winery, mix your own blend, and try a chocolate wine pairing. For more on how to enjoy Stellenbosch to the fullest, check out my guide.

Cape Town is the place of models and movie stars, glittering frigid waters and a tourist favorite.

The way Table Mountain rises like a towering giant in the middle of the city – as if life gathered and grew around it – is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Outdoorsy types have an almost limitless amount of adventures to experience here, from day hikes to multi-day treks, various water sports, kite-boarding, diving, and shark encounters.

I admit this is the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to, with funky neighborhoods such as Woodstock, and posh beachside neighborhoods such as Camps Bay. If you’re staying for a while, read our full listing of things to do in Cape Town .

Lay your head:  I’d suggest an  AirBnB  rental which provided a better value than hostels in Cape Town.

The map below has most of the stops mentioned in this post. Click ‘more options’ below under ‘Cape Town’ to open up the map in your browser and make changes as desired.

While this itinerary certainly doesn’t exhaust the options, it’s perfect for a 2-3 week jaunt through the country seeing the highlights – both the better and lesser-known ones.

Get ready for an incredible introduction to one of the best adventures in Africa.

A Guide to Solo Female Travel in Africa

What to pack for a trip to africa, the south africa guide.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links to companies we use or hotels we have stayed at. Any bookings you make through these links support this site at no extra cost to you. Happy travels! 

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Jeremiah says

04/01/2015 at 8:50 am

You’re making me want to go to South Africa now! I have a lot of catching up to do. Asia first! :p

Kristin says

04/06/2015 at 3:52 am

Nicole says

04/02/2015 at 9:13 pm

Holy Cannoli! These pictures are beyond amazing. I haven’t dived into Africa much myself yet, but South Africa keeps getting pushed higher on the list. And SO good to know it is roadtrip-able. I want to see all of these places! This is what travel blogs are for! Thank you!

04/06/2015 at 3:49 am

I was really glad to find it was so easy to road trip around too! Definitely want to do it again and explore new spots

Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out says

04/03/2015 at 7:18 am

That Wild Coast though!! It looks like an incredible road trip.

04/18/2015 at 12:25 pm

It’s my favorite part. Loved it so much there.

04/06/2015 at 3:46 am

Definitely not SEA prices. Will do a costs post, just for you 🙂

Coralie says

04/09/2015 at 2:14 pm

Hey Kristin! Just discovered your blog, I am obsessed! I follow a lot of travel blogs out there and I am an avid traveler myself, but all your experiences are dreamy and I love your writing 🙂 I am heading to SE Asia for 2 months at the end of the year and wrote down a lot of ideas inspired by your experiences.

I am not even in Asia yet and I am already thinking about my next trip (of course ;)) and going to South Africa has been a long time dream of mine. However I never thought that I could transform it into a road trip! Love the idea!! I believe someone else in the comments asked you for the approximate cost of this trip, I’d be curious to know too if you don’t mind….

I see that you didn’t go on a safari which, while indeed quite touristy, is another dream I have. Curious question – why didn’t you? Not of interest for you, and too expensive? (That would be my issue mostly, spending more than half of my total budget on a 3 day safari! But once in a lifetime, right..)

Thank you for all this info!

04/17/2015 at 8:55 am

That’s great, Coralie! I did go on Safari later in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. I don’t care if that kind of thing is touristy. It’s worth it! I did a 35-day overland safari and that included tons of animal stuff. It was a camping trip so basic but so much fun. Lots and lots of blog posts to come on that.

So glad to read that!

Raquel says

04/06/2015 at 5:30 am

Ah, I’ve been interested in South Africa for a while and your post has made me wanna go even more! Definitely included in my to-go list now.

Skye Class says

04/07/2015 at 8:04 am

God, I can’t wait to get to South Africa. Your journey looks absolutely fantastic, and I’ll definitely be using your post as reference when I go there myself. I have the added benefit of having a lot of family down there to stay with and show me around, but the data you give is so much more useful, as it is from the point of view of a solo traveler, which is exactly what I am.

04/17/2015 at 8:59 am

So great you have family there! You’ll meet lots of folks along the way too, no doubt.

04/07/2015 at 9:06 pm

Kristin, are going to the Skeleton Coast? I’ve always wanted to go. It looks AMAZING, not to mention not the morm, and I know you love the beach.

04/17/2015 at 8:56 am

I did briefly but upon my SA return I’ll spend more time there for sure.

04/25/2015 at 3:00 pm

Nice article as always! Have you done a post on security of personal belongings by any chance? Or are us novices unnecessarily paranoid about this aspect of travel?

04/26/2015 at 6:51 am

Specifically to South Africa I have one written but not yet published. It’s to come!

04/26/2015 at 1:29 pm

Nice looking forward to it!

05/29/2015 at 2:46 pm

I wanted to see the other parts of South Africa. I’ll check the touristy ones out later 😉 It’s such a big and amazing country and I am so privileged to have seen what else it has to offer.

09/21/2015 at 2:20 pm

You have the perfect itinerary for my taste, but sadly we will only have 6 days to follow the same route. I understand that we will spend a good chunk of the day in the car but as long as the scenery is beautiful, i am ok with it. What is your opinion. Would it be doable? If i calculate well, it would be 5 hours driving per day. Is that accurate?

09/21/2015 at 2:26 pm

Hey Agnes – definitely more than 5 hours per day. We had a few 9-hour days and we had double the amount of time. It pains me to say this but maybe cut out coffee Bay and the Karoo. I loved them the most but the road into CB is very slow and bad and the Karoo and even hogsback take you off the main road which will eat into your time. You’ll still get a nice garden route trip that way which is beautiful.

Kyle Brown says

02/09/2016 at 1:03 am

I’m sure you have done your roadtrip already and loved it but to others who want to know more about travelling South Africa in six days, here are some tips.

6 days is well possible. I would suggest starting in Joburg and heading down towards Port Elizabeth via Bloemfontein; along the way enjoy the Klein Karoo and the Orange River (by camping on it).

As Kristin says you will miss out on the heart of Transkei, which is beautiful, but unfortunately such is life that you can not digest it all. In going the route I picked you can stop in at beautiful little towns in the Eastern Cape that straddle the Transkei for eg. Nieu-Bethesda. This little gem in the heart of the Eastern Cape will warm your heart and it will need to – in winter it is really cold!

As Kristin says you can then take the garden route towards Cape Town, which can be enjoyed in zig zags too – Patensie and other Klein Karoo towns can be visited by darting inwards and then back outwards towards the coast. On the way, you can also enjoy the southern most point of Africa, Knysna, wine and ostrich farms and an awesomeness of landscapes that will leave you dizzy.

Remember to take the Outeniqua pass from George to Oudtshoorn (where my family is from). Landscape here dries out pretty quickly – and coastal jungle will become a dessert in just a few kms. Research some of the towns along the way here. You will not be disappointed.

As I said, 6 days is well possible. The route I have shared is no more that 2000 km and that is easy to enjoy in that amount of time.

I host similar road trips – and you get some other hints by checking out myepicafricanroadtrip.com

02/10/2016 at 12:35 pm

I second the suggestion to spend more time in the Karoo and I loved Neiu Bethesda as well. I might even suggest heading down to the coast in the Transkei and skipping the garden route altogether. People say they like it because it’s ‘so European’ but that’s exactly what turned me off. I didn’t travel all the way to Africa to be reminded of Europe!

11/05/2015 at 3:28 am

Hi Kristin! I loved reading your story! I am planning to go to South Africa in Jan. From Canada and currently living in Seoul, Korea. May I ask you how long you’ve travelled in SA and the approximate cost for the whole trip there.

11/06/2015 at 1:55 pm

9 weeks and it was glorious. I saw you already found the budget blog but in case anyone else is wondering: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/what-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-south-africa/

01/11/2016 at 4:15 am

Hi Kristin! I follow your blog and snap posts for months and always enjoy them!!

Zascha asked you in a comment about the cost of your trip. If you still have the detail of it, could you email it to me please? And also, what was the duration of your trip?? I’m going there in May, and buying my tickets tomorrow, so excited!! Thanks so much for all your hard work which truly helps other people traveling and discovering the world. If you ever doubt about it, think of all the people you help everyday!! 😉

01/12/2016 at 11:47 pm

Hi Julie. First of all, thanks so much for the kind comment! Here’s a cost breakdown of my time in South Africa. I’ve spent a cumulative 11 weeks there and loved every minute of it. You’re going to have a great trip! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/what-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-south-africa/

Christie says

01/20/2016 at 10:31 am

Hello! I just discovered your blog after I booked a flight to SA for August. I had tentative plans to make it down to Cape Town and back to Johannesburg, but now I’m definitely inspired to road trip. I’ll be going alone because I couldn’t find anyone else to embark on the adventure with me. I’m curious about the days you traveled the longest. Were you concerned about driving after dark when going from place to place? Some distances look rather long and since I’ll be alone, I’m more wary of night driving in isolated places. Any advice would be great!

01/20/2016 at 11:05 am

Hey Christie, I think you’ll be able to meet people at the backpackers who will want to join you. I did that plenty and met others who also hitched rides from place to place. It’ll help you share the driving load and gas! I wouldn’t recommend driving at night if you can avoid it. I did a few times right at the end of the drive just as I was about to get to where I was going. Sometimes you can’t avoid it but do take extra precautions in Cape Town and Joburg. Have fun!

Stuart says

03/16/2016 at 4:22 am

Hi, Kristin. I’ve recently discovered your blog and enjoy reading about all your travels. As a South African I was particularly interested in your take of our country. I’m pleased you enjoyed it so much! You even managed to teach me something – I’d never heard of the town of Kestell before (near Golden Gate National Park) and had to look it up. You learn something new every day! Keep up the good work. 🙂

03/16/2016 at 2:43 pm

I’ve found that South Africa is a really beautiful country that gets an undeserved bad reputation as being dangerous. Parts of it definitely are, but not the whole country!

03/28/2016 at 3:09 pm

True, the difficulty of traveling in a lot of the places in Africa in general is what keeps it lesser-visited and I think that makes a lot of difference!

Amanda Pucel says

04/22/2016 at 10:08 am

Kristin – this post was shared by a friend of mine and we’re thinking of doing this trip in December!

I tried to sift through most of the comments above, but how many days did you spend on the actual road trip from Jburg to Cape Town?? We have about 11 days scheduled for South Africa (nothing compared to 9 weeks and someday I hope to extend my vacation time). I see that you spent up to 9 hours/day driving…with the hikes included, how many days would you allow for this itinerary?? If we had to cut out a few stops, I see Coffee Bay was one of them. Which others would you suggest??

04/23/2016 at 12:00 pm

Actually we were on a tight schedule and I think we did it in ten days. I had a flight to catch to another part of the country that I’d already booked. You may have to rush and cut some stuff out. I wouldn’t cut Coffee Bay. I love that place. I’d actually cut more of the garden route but I know that my answer is unorthodox. I just felt like I’d entered Europe in the Western Cape and missed the ruggedness of the Wild Coast

05/26/2016 at 12:55 pm

Thanks so much for posting this! I’m also debating an 8 hour drive (coming from Lesotho) to get to Coffee Bay, it was worth it, right? Did you spend a night in each place? I’m curious on if you just flew through, staying a night each place along the way, seeing things are you drove, or did you dedicate multiple nights? I’m debating between a night in various places along the way, or fewer stops with more time in each. It’s hard to decide where since as you put it, everything is gorgeous!!

05/26/2016 at 4:01 pm

I think it’s worth it. I stayed for two nights in Coffee Bay and breezed through some other places. More time for the trip would have been awesome but that’s not always possible, right? Decide where to stay longer as you go – that’s my advice.

05/27/2016 at 7:56 am

Thanks, I think I’ll take your advice and leave about 5 or 6 nights free to choose where to stay as we go, I wish we had more time but you know how it is…

05/27/2016 at 10:01 am

Totally know how it is. I think that’s a good buffer.

07/13/2016 at 2:08 am

I think we did around 10 days but really would have loved more time

Trails Unblazed says

08/09/2016 at 9:40 am

Looks awesome. We are starting to think about doing a SA road trip and will definitely plan on making some of these stops. If you could only do one, would you recommend Drakensberg Mts or Golden Gate Highlands?

08/09/2016 at 9:51 am

The Golden Gate Highlands hike that I did is doable in an afternoon but most of the Drakensberg will take longer, so I’d decide based on how tight your schedule is. One bonus was there was nobody at Golden Gate and tons of wildlife.

Lisa Löwenbeg says

08/22/2016 at 7:21 am

Hey Kristin! Enjoyed reading your post (along with all the comments) My husband and I are planning a 45 day road trip in SA. In your opinion, would this be an appropriate route for us? We appreciate any help/advice you have to offer since we have absolutely no experience in this part of the world. Thank you!

08/22/2016 at 4:58 pm

You should definitely also include the coastline from Mozambique as I’ve heard excellent things. The west coast is also supposed to be nice and you can spend more time in the Karoo as well. This is just opinion, but I would prioritize the Eastern Cape and those coasts over the Western Cape. More nature and it’s the path less taken. That sounds like such a wonderful trip, enjoy it and if you discover anything not on this itinerary that’s amazing please let me know. It’s my favorite country and I’ll be coming back soon.

08/25/2016 at 9:35 am

Hello Kristin! Thank you so much for the amazing post! I’m so inspired that wet decided to do it too! We are thinking to rent a car from jnb, is the cheapest mini car would be ok to drive all the way? Or do I need to rent something like a truck? What did you drive and which company did you use? Did you take full cover insurance from car rental?

08/25/2016 at 9:38 am

Awesome! I had a small volkswagon both times I rented a car there and it’s mostly fine. Some of the roles are really full of potholes so just be careful when you drive. Take the full insurance and actually I always rent from someone different. I just pick whoever is cheapest or happens to have cars!

08/30/2016 at 6:46 am

You missed Durban!!!!!!!!!!!

I will definitely do this trip one day, probably starting from Mozambique.

09/07/2016 at 2:57 pm

I did go to Durban but I missed the coast from there to Mozambique and I KNOW that I missed out! I want to go back sometime in early 2017 I think.

kul kapoor says

09/14/2016 at 12:01 am

my name is Kul Kapoor going to south africa for a month….starting from JNB want to hook up with other travelers in south africa….

10/30/2016 at 1:08 pm

Every summer I travel to third world countries for volunteering. Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Bolivia. This christmas will be my first ‘holiday’ in years and I decided to go to South Africa. I will fly with a good friend to Joburg to spend christmas. We would love to drive along the Garden Route and go to Cape Town. Where do you think we can start our trip by car after Joburg? I really like your blog and I think we will sleep at the Wild lodge as you wrote. We are so excited but also looking for ideas, placets to visit and lodges. There is so much to see but we only have 17 days…

I would love to hear from you. 🙂

11/01/2016 at 2:30 pm

I did mine right from Joburg. Get the car there and head down to the Drakensberg and work your way down the wild coast. It is honestly so much better than the garden route, IMHO.

10/31/2016 at 9:53 am

This looks amazing!! I’m thinking about doing something very similar, so this is super helpful. What kind of car would you recommend driving?

11/01/2016 at 2:27 pm

I just rented a basic VW – the cheapest they had. It was fine! There are tons of potholes but we survived.

Katerina Kasparova says

11/28/2016 at 11:33 am

Hello Kristin! 🙂 Your post inspired our journey completely! 🙂 Thank You so much for this blog. I just have one question for you or anyone else – did you book your hostels etc. before your roadtrip, or you just arrived and asked for a free room/space to sleep? We donť like ‘planning too much’ because we could be late on our schedule and then it causes unnecessary problems with booked accomodation… Sorry for my English and thank you for any reply! 😉

11/28/2016 at 11:37 am

Yay so glad to provide inspiration! I called the hostels the day before I arrived. For dorms this was usually fine but if you want private rooms you do need to book much farther in advance. You can also bring a tent and camp at all of these places.

11/28/2016 at 11:45 am

Thank You for such a quick reply! I was hoping for answer like that, because we are arriving in one week. We are low-cost-travelling, so we don’t need some fancy rooms 🙂 And we will only have hammocks and sleeping bags, so we will se what is possible with that 🙂

02/08/2017 at 12:11 am

We spent 3 months last year in the Western Cape and absolutely fell in love with South Africa. We want to come back and explore the northern part of the country, so I was curious about your mention of Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Drakensberg (there’s also Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon which are worth seeing in that area). So much incredible national beauty in South Africa (and you also mention Lesotho which have heard good things about).

Frank (bbqboy)

02/08/2017 at 11:00 pm

and definitely hit the coast apart from the western cape!

04/13/2017 at 6:19 am

You have posted an excellent article. I was born in S. Africa and grew up right next to the Drakensberg. We left 21 years ago, supposedly for 5 years and never returned, due to our children settling down and now live in Scotland. Your article is very accurate and I can recommend any who read it to consider and visit some of these. Ideal places to enjoy the beauty and recharge out of the rat race. Thank you.

Joanna says

06/24/2017 at 10:58 pm

I’ve loved reading your blog and look forward to our trip to SA even more. We are coming with our teenage children. We’re definitely keen on a safari. Which do you recommend. Thks

06/25/2017 at 10:23 am

Depends on where you are going. LMK and I can provide company suggestions

NTripping says

06/28/2017 at 4:09 am

Wow Kristin, this is an awesome itinerary! I’m so jealous that I’ve only travelled like one third of what you did 🙂

Well, I have to return to South Africa for another dose of adventures and road trips, I guess 🙂

Happy travels!

Rachel says

08/28/2017 at 5:33 am

This looks amazing Kristin! Definitely taking lots of inspiration from this for my trip in December. I only have a week or so to play with. Do you think this is enough time to get from CT to Joburg?

09/04/2017 at 8:26 pm

That’ll be quite a rush. I would pick a smaller area to explore, and for me it would be the wild coast, but most people would probably pick Cape Town and the garden route. Though that area is beautiful too, it reminds me so much of Europe and not that much of Africa.

09/29/2017 at 1:27 pm

Thanks for your reply Kristin. We’re actually spending a full 3 weeks in South Africa and have 10 days for the road trip. Hoping that will be enough but might have to omit the Karoo sadly as we’re aiming to make it all the way to Nelspruit. Did you have trouble with mobile signal whilst you were on the road? What did you use for navigation? Just maps/phone or did you pay extra for sat-nav in the car?

09/30/2017 at 2:35 am

We used Google maps and as long as you are connected when you plot the route, it follows you via satellite so you should be OK. You can also download offline maps with Gaia maps or maps.me. They’re not always totally perfect but I find they are helpful as long as you cross reference and make sure it’s accurate. I did it in ten days as well and the Karoo was something I went back and visited later.

Kirsty says

09/22/2017 at 1:01 am

Hey! Great blog and great information about South Africa! I’m doing a full month long road trip and I’m particularly interested about your experience driving through the Transkei. I’ve heard bad stories about driving through some of the smaller towns in the area and I really want to know how you found it and if you have any advice for service stops and toilet breaks on the journey. Thanks in advance! Kirsty.

09/22/2017 at 1:19 am

That’s my hands-down favorite part of South Africa! What did you hear? You mean about the road conditions? Yes there are a lot of potholes, so watch out for those. I loved Cintsa, Coffee Bay, Mdumbi, oh man the list goes on!

Blog voyage says

10/05/2017 at 9:38 am

I did some part of your road-trip. I just can confirm that it’s a fantastic trip…

Suresh says

11/22/2017 at 7:38 am

Hey Kristin – Great blog post. Loved your story telling style! I am planning to travel with my wife and 2 kids (9&6) and we will be following the same route as you but backwards from cape town to J’bg! We included stops on coffee bay and Drakensberg after seeing your post. Do you have any tips on what not to do when traveling with kids on the roadtrip? your suggestions will be very valuable. Also tell me if it will be ok to hike with kids for 4-5hrs on the Drakensberg mountains! Best, Suresh

11/22/2017 at 8:00 am

Hi Suresh, I honestly don’t know what it’s like traveling with kids so it’s really hard for me to judge what’s appropriate or not! Sorry wish I could be more helpful.

01/15/2018 at 7:57 pm

Hi Kristen! Love your blog/insta so much! Was so useful for planning my Patagonia trip last year and looks like it will be just as useful for South Africa!!

I know there are some comments above about the timing of this road trip, but I have just less than 4 weeks’ holidays and am hoping for your thoughts on whether you think this would be appropriate: 2 weeks for the road trip above, another 5 or 6 days for the Cape Town region, around 3 days to go up and see Victoria Falls, and then back for a 3 night safari in Kruger (doing this at the end as it will be April and therefore apparently more chance of seeing wildlife than in March).

Originally I wanted to fit a week camping in Botswana in before Victoria Falls but am thinking if I try to squeeze it all in I won’t be doing South Africa justice!

Thank you so much in advance for any thoughts you may have! 🙂

01/16/2018 at 11:21 pm

Hey Jas, I think that sounds good. However, how are you planning on getting to Vic Falls? Are you flying? Overland travel in Africa once you get out of South Africa can be painfully slow.

Also, if it appeals or works with your timing, I’m leading a tour there in October/November and we’ll be going through Botswana and up to Vic Falls. Chobe in Botswana is mind blowing for animals, maybe even better than Kruger. https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/womens-africa-tour/

Saurabh says

02/04/2018 at 7:03 am

Hey Kristin, Nice to see your post..specially at the time when I am planning to make a similar road trip in mid of this year. Just wanted to confirm if its really worth & safe for a ROAD trip with a 10 year old kid & an infant. We (my wife & I) are planning to hire an XUV from Johannesburg till Cape town.

I am more concern about safety.

02/12/2018 at 4:34 am

It’s not the safest country that’s for sure. There are car jackings and break ins in the big cities. Always keep your doors locked and never leave anything visible on the seats, even cheap sunglasses. It can encourage break ins. You just have to be very careful there, sadly, but it’s a fantastic trip and I’d do it again, even solo.

Rachel Barajas says

02/27/2019 at 7:27 am

Hi! I recently found your blog as I was doing my own research while planning a trip to South Africa. Many other travelers, including you, have suggested to rent a car when exploring SA. Do you mind giving more details about this? Was it easy to rent the car at the airport? What type of paperwork or identification did they need? How much was it? How was driving in another country and on the left side? Do you have any other tips for someone’s first time doing a road trip in another country? I have traveled 6 months in Europe and just utilized uber and public transportation, so this would be a first for me!

02/27/2019 at 4:54 pm

Hi Rachel, it’s easy to book ahead of time on Expedia or directly with an agency like Hertz or whoever you like to use! They need the same things you need to pick up a car domestically, like your license and passport. You can just walk up to the airport and try to get one, which I’ve done in Johannesburg before, but if you book ahead of time then you know for sure you can get one. I don’t have a hard time on the left anymore, but it was weird at first. Just be aware that you’ll probably hug the right side of the lane more than you should, since that’s what we’re used to, and always check your mirrors to make sure you’re in your lane. Give it extra thought when turning and follow the cars in front of you. I found driving in South Africa to be pretty easy and laid back. Have fun!

04/12/2019 at 8:42 am

This looks AMAZING! South Africa is on my list of places to visit, I have fallen in love with it.

Vikesh says

06/17/2019 at 11:01 pm

Which Month did you do the road trip? Lovely article by the way.

06/18/2019 at 9:13 am

This was in January which is perfect because local kids are back in school so you get amazing weather but smaller crowds.

U. Adhikari says

08/12/2019 at 11:21 pm

Heya Great blog…..It’s a direct pitch for me to book a package for Africa’s Tour!!!!

Jillian M. says

01/03/2021 at 1:57 pm

I just want you to know that you inspired me to hike Mt. Ijen in Indonesia about 3 years ago and I’ve following you ever since! I’m planning a road trip to South Africa and I came here first. Thanks for sharing your journey 🙂

01/04/2021 at 9:46 am

Wow that’s amazing! I Loooooove South Africa. This road trip will give you awesome variety, and it’s way more inclusive than the typical Garden Route. Have fun!

01/31/2021 at 3:15 am

What a fabulous revue of our beautiful country. So glad you’ve seen it the way we do-diverse and magnificent. I’ve seen all these places you’ve been to in my 60 years of touring SA, looking for new adventures and places to road trip for our 40th wedding anniversary,

02/03/2021 at 12:50 pm

I love it there!

Saleem Najarali says

12/10/2022 at 3:31 pm

Everyone says south Africa is dangerous.. so what were the driving days like?

What times would you start and end? (I presume only during daylight?)

How long did your drive each day (or what was the longest) and how to avoid any dangerous situations when driving (like crime, car jack, etc)

Where did you park car?

When you were road tripping and wanting to see something cool, did you just park on side of road and go check it out. (like of you wanted to do a hike, or walk around a small town). It is okay to leave your stuff in the car (non valuables of course, just suitcase etc)

Basically just trying to get a better understanding of the path that was show cases in the write up from the logistics point (drive times, drive tips, parking car) and how to do it safely points of view (areas to avoid, time to drive not drive, stopping at attractions)

We are pretty adventurous and know what it means to be smart and discreet travelers.

So just trying to get a sense of what to expect.

12/19/2022 at 9:54 pm

I would avoid driving at night, yes. There can be big animals on the road if you’re in the countryside and in the cities it’s prime crime time. We drove as long as we needed to in order to get where we were going, but rarely at night. We parked at night in the locked gates of wherever we stayed. Do not leave ANYTHING visible in the car nomatter how invaluable it is to you. We usually left our things in the accommodation and in the case that you do have things of value on you I’d do the dummy wallet, especially in cities. Smaller towns it’s much less of an issue.

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• 10 Best South African Road Trips To Enliven Your Spirit!

Every single person out there loves to indulge in a bit of a road trip, tranquil and riveting at the same time. While South Africa is known around for hosting some of the widest ranges of wildlife, there are some hidden South African Road Trips spots that not many are aware of. Irrespective of what age or experience you have with road trips, these specific ones are actually going to change your notion for the better. There is no one perfect route for your road trip requirements in South Africa, the options are quite abundant and if you are someone who is always up for an adventure, set sail on a car to these beautiful places.

In this article, we are going to be sharing some of the spots to visit for the best South African road trips. If you are visiting for the first time, visit a few of these places to make your trip even more eventful.

10 Best South African Road Trips

Here is a list of the best South African Road trips you must have while holidaying in South Africa. Take a look!

1. The Panorama Route

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Just the mere mention of this place is enough to ignite a sense of excitement in every traveller’s mind. Not only is the place breathtaking in itself, but even the journey to this place is one of a kind. There is not a lot of things you can do while there but the simple stay around the place is enough to bring in calmness and tranquility in your mind. A perfect spot to get away from the persistent chaos of daily life, The Panorama Route is often a very popular trail amidst the tourists who like to go about on road trips. The low leveled clouds in the area further add to the fervor and excitement while visiting the place. It is located nearby Johannesburg.

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2. The Beer Route

The travel route from Johannesburg to the North West is known as the Beer Route and all for the right reasons. The entire route is famous for all the local breweries that you will pass along. If you have a designated driver or someone who is not that fond of beer, assign them for driving you on the road trip and catch a break yourself. Stop at these local breweries and get yourself a pint of beer. There are more than 10 such spots that you can indulge in through the road trip. If required, stop and get a bottle or two for the next day. العاب زوجى The trail through Gauteng is one of the best road trip routes in South Africa.

3. The Garden Route

Located in the Western Cape, the Garden Route is possibly one of the most popular southern Africa road trips destinations. The entire route throughout the length of 200 km on the stretch of the N2 Highway is situated in between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth. These two spots are located on either proximity, one on the Western Cape and the other on the Eastern Cape. The entire route is not just a road trip but one that’s filled with a number of outdoor activities. Throughout the entire route, you can easily witness beaches, dense mountain forests and even lagoons where you can make a quick stop at. You can also camp out at the Knynsa Forest.

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4. The Wild Coast

Don’t necessarily get deterred by the name because if you are planning a road trip to South Africa, the Wild Coast is actually an amazing option to look into. Starting off from the East London located in the south of Eastern Cape and extending on till the border of the Kwa-Zulu Natal, the entire stretch covers 350 km. The ride is filled with scenic beauty on both sides of your ride. From the jagged coastlines to the turquoise rondavels on the edge of the mountains, the entire route is perfect if you want a laidback road trip. Apart from that, you can also witness some amazing beaches along the way along with farming plots as well.

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

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5. The Waterberg Meander

Next on the list of the South African road trips is the route along The Waterberg Meander. It is located just a few hours away from the main city of Joburg and is not that littered around with tourists. This is one of the catching points of the place. It is situated at the Limpopo Province; this place is nothing short of a fairytale with its extensive range of mountains, antediluvian sandstone rock formations, and even the mystic river valleys. The entire route is 350 km long and is famous for the Marakele National Park that comes in between.

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6. Route 62

The Route 62 is possibly one of the best trails for the road trips along South Africa. This is known as such because of the road that hinders through the vineyards of the Cape Wineland. Majority of the road trippers who take this route take it to visit the Karoo, which is an open scrubland that hones some of the best livestock and farms around the place. The beautiful mountain passes along the way add to the beauty of the place even further. This is believed to be the “rural” counterpart of the Garden Route and is not that busy like the prior one. The quietness of this is what further makes this an amazing option for road trippers to look into. Visit Montagu and the Karoo National Park while there.

7. Cederberg

Majority of the tourists who visit Cape Town tend to embark on visiting the vineyards next but if you want a taste of something different, get on the N1 highway and take a detour to the Spice Route. If you are wondering, we have an amazing road trip map planned out for you. During the road trip through the spice route, take the route of the Bainskloof Pass and visit Tulbagh. The consistent trip along the direction will take you to Cederberg which is one of the most laidback and chill vineyards around the continent. There are hiking permits too that you can avail.

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8. Sun City – Kruger National Park

This is quite a popular road trip route because of the picturesque quick stops and the amazing activities one can easily indulge in while on the trip. While on the trip, ensure to pass through the scenic location of Mpumalanga along with the popular towns of Dullstroom and Sabie along the way. On the way, stop to view some of the beautiful waterfalls too and from there, set sail for the Kruger National Park.

9. Tsitsikamma National Park – Cape Town

This specific route is not a very commonly known one amidst the travellers. Locals are aware of it but not many tourists are. You definitely need to take advantage of the same. Through the trip, you will come across Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wilderness. Take the Swartberg Pass to get to the Karoo and cross some of the popular quaint towns along the way.

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10. Sani Pass

We have saved the best for the last. When it comes to the South African road trips, the Sani Pass is an absolute must. The trip often ends in Lesotho and predominantly starts from the town of Underberg. This route is filled with scenic beauty and natural landscapes, which are what makes it one of the favorite ones. The rushing feeling of excitement and adrenaline at the same time is what fuels the entire trip through and through.

Further Read: 15 South African Cuisines That’ll Add Many Delicious Flavors To Your Next Vacay!

The road trips around South Africa are just as adventurous as the place itself. If you have been seeking out good destinations to drive around, these top 10 sites can be a good option to look into. So, plan a trip to South Africa and indulge in the fun.

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Seema Gurnani

Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!

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Road Trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town

There are few parts of Africa as beautiful as the South African Coast and there is no better way to explore it than on a road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This journey will take you right along the coast and through some of this continent's most breathtaking beaches and national parks.

The road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg is 1,400 km long and will take 14 hours to drive. Notable stops are Bloemfontein, Coffee Bay, Chintsa, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, De Hoop Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma National Park.

Keep reading to discover our two favourite routes, a few excellent places to stay along the way and some real once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can enjoy as part of this exciting road trip.

How far is Cape Town from Johannesburg, and how long will the road trip take?

The Direct Route, is exactly what it says, a very direct way to Cape Town. At 14 hours and 1,400 km, it will get you from Johannesburg to your destination in the fastest way possible. However, you will miss out on the fabulous coastline and stunning scenery.

At just over 1,000 km longer, The Garden Route will showcase all the wonders of the southeastern coast and take about 31 hours to drive without accounting for any stops.

This road trip will require at least 7 days to make. You can easily stretch this route out to 10 - 14 days and really take your time to enjoy the beaches, wildlife and natural beauty.

Best road trip route from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The Garden Route allows you to explore the beautiful South African coastline, which has some of the best beaches in the world. Stop in several stunning national parks, including Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can stop at Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world's highest commercial bungy jumping site on the Garden Route.

If you fancy getting to Cape town from Johannesburg in about half the time, take The Direct Route. Explore inland South Africa, including a stop in Bloemfontein and drive through the Matroosberg Mountain Catchment Area.

This route includes really beautiful scenic stretches through the deserts and plains of South Africa. Unfortunately, you won't get to explore South Africa's highly recommended coastline on this route.

The Garden Route

Take the N1 south out of Johannesburg, heading to Bloemfontein. From here, take the N6 southeast towards the coast. Continuing along this road, you'll reach Coffee Bay, which gets its name from the hundreds of coffee trees that grow in the area.

From Coffee Bay, you'll head briefly inland, following the N2 to Chintsa. Driving back towards and along the coast, going southwest, you'll then pass through East London and Peddie before reaching Addo Elephant National Park. This is a great option for a stop to admire the wildlife and the natural landscape.

Stay on the N2, leaving Addo Elephant National Park, drive to Jeffreys Bay and then on to Tsitsikamma National Park. Another good stopover, you can visit a marine reserve and The Big Tree while you're there.

Staying by the coast, you'll get to Bloukrans Bridge and Mossel Bay, followed by a short inland stretch of road. The final part of your drive to Cape Town brings you back out to the coast, zig-zagging along beaches and national parks until you reach your final stop.

The Direct Route

Take the N1 south out of Johannesburg, heading to Bloemfontein. Stay on the N1, driving south-west. You'll drive through Colesberg, Hanover, Beaufort West and Laingsburg.

As you approach Cape Town, you'll notice the landscape start to change, with more greenery and mountain landscapes to admire as you drive along. Before you reach your last stop in Cape Town, Haweqwa Nature Reserve is a great spot for a hike.

Best places to stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town

We've handpicked three stops for your road trip to make your planning easier. One is accessible on both routes, while the other two can be found on The Garden Route. Read on to learn about our top recommendations for stopovers.

Beautiful views in Bloemfontein

Closer to Johannesburg on both routes, about a quarter of the way to Cape Town is Bloemfontein. It is the only other major city on both routes and a great place to stop for a longer period as there are tons of attractions to explore here.

Nicknamed "The City of Roses” for its abundance of roses and for the annual rose festival that's held here, Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa that also has a plethora of museums and cultural attractions.

Established in 1877, The National Museum invites you to discover the natural history, cultural history and art history of South Africa. If you want to spend some time outdoors, your best bet is to explore the many beautiful plants at the Free State National Botanical Garden.

The Royal Fischer Hotel is a historic hotel that features superbly luxurious amenities and stylish suites . The fabulous sun terrace is the perfect place to take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Delicious breakfasts and five-course tasting menus are available at this upscale hotel's on-site restaurant. For an added treat after a day of driving, relaxing massages can also be arranged.

You will be located in the beautiful Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate and the Free State National Botanical Garden is a short distance away from the property. Guests have access to mountain biking trails, hiking trails and horseback riding to explore the beautiful surroundings of the hotel.

Explore architectural gems in East London

About halfway along The Garden Route is East London. This is one of the larger cities on this route, located right along the coast and boasts lots of interesting attractions including museums and several beaches.

East London is known for being host to many surfing competitions due to its stunning coastline and great beaches. It's also known for being a really interesting combination of British culture and tropical landscapes, leading to a place that is richly diverse.

If you want to know about the area's natural and cultural history, head to the East London Museum. Take a walk-through of downtown East London to discover some beautiful architectural gems, including the East London City Hall.

Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre is a beautiful and peaceful property with an outdoor pool and a BBQ area where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal. The garden-facing rooms are stylishly decorated and well-equipped.

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and has an on-site restaurant, cocktail lounge and bar - ideal for watching the famous African sunset!

The hotel is nestled in indigenous and sub-tropical foliage and is situated right along the Indian Ocean coast and Nahoon River. While it is more secluded, being just outside of East London, it remains easy to continue your road trip the next morning.

Wildlife and Water Sports in Gqeberha

A little over halfway through your road trip is Gqeberha, also known as Port Elizabeth (colloquially referred to as PE) on the Garden Route. Boasting an active nightlife and stunning beaches, this major port city is a great location for an overnight stop.

Known for blue-flag beaches, Gqeberha is sometimes called the “water sports capital” of South Africa and has become a popular international and local holiday destination.

As well as its many beaches, there are plenty of activities on dry land. Discover and interact with some of South Africa's most iconic animal species, including cheetahs and giraffes at the Kragga Kamma Game Park.

Why not check out nearby Addo Elephant National Park, celebrated for being the only park in the whole world to provide shelter to Africa's ‘big 7': lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, whales, and the great white shark?

After a jammed packed day of water sports or wildlife spotting, head to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth . Highly rated and beautifully decorated, it has state-of-the-art spa facilities, a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

At only 300 metres from Hobie Beach, it has stunning panoramic sea views. It also has an award-winning on-site restaurant and bar, free parking and complimentary breakfast. Splash Waterworld and Bayworld are within minutes' walk from the property.

Things to see on a road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town

We've got your activity itinerary covered with our list of things to do on your road trip. We've included the best South Africa has to offer including wildlife reserves, museums and even a giant pineapple!

• Aquadome - There's no shortage of things to do at Aquadome which features an indoor water park, part of a casino resort and water slides
• South African Armour Museum - Discover South Africa's military history at the SA Armour Museum, with a myriad of exhibits relating to this country's unique history.
• Coffee Bay - Explore Coffee Bay, a small town along the South African coast where you can visit beautiful beaches and see unique rock formations
• Nelson Mandela Museum Mthatha - Take a tour of this museum that explores the life and birthplace of this iconic political figure
• The Lion Park - Interact and view a variety of majestic wild lions and tigers at the Lion Park, about an hour off-route but totally worth it!
• The Big Pineapple - We can't think of a cuter photo opportunity than this massive pineapple, located near the coast and about 30 minutes off-route
• Addo Elephant National Park - One of South Africa's most famous parks that offers the opportunity to interact with herds of elephants and other animals
• Jeffreys Bay - This surfers-paradise has a legendary 900-metre-long beach and is host to a famous music festival, the JBay Winter Fest
• Tsitsikamma National Park - A must-visit on this route, this national park offers wonderful cliffs and sweeping hillsides along South Africa's beautiful waters
• Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area - This massive, protected wilderness area is home to many rare animals, including leopards and zebras. Despite adding about two hours to your route, it's a must see for animal lovers
• George, SA - Visit this coastal city to discover a golfers-heaven, as well as many unique museums and highly rated botanical gardens
• Point of Human Origins - It doesn't get more historic than these caves, known as the archaeological sites of the earliest artefacts of modern human beings
• De Hoop Nature Reserve - Take a walk along the beach or enjoy a picnic in the wooded areas of this reserve, known as a good spot for whale watching
• Southern Tip of Africa - Grab a picture at the southernmost tip of Africa, about an hour off-route. A great place to stop for lunch on your way to Cape Town
• Agulhas National Park - Located right at Africa's southernmost tip, this park boasts a unique lighthouse, fishing opportunities and a chance to view shipwrecks

• Kroonstad - After Bloemfontein and Welkom, Kroonstad is the largest state in the Free State. If you like fishing and the great outdoors, this is the place to visit for a break.
• Gariep Dam - Get some fresh air and stretch your legs in the quiet and tranquil area that surrounds the Gariep Dam. It is also popular with water sports lovers and astronomy enthusiasts as the area features beautiful dark skies.
• Beaufort West - Another place to admire the starry skies, Beaufort West is known for its stunning landscapes and endless horizon. You can discover the fascinating wildlife during your visit here.
• Paarl - Paarl is part of Cape Winelands Region, so why not visit some vineyards and sample their products (or take a bottle with you if you are driving)?

Best time to go on a road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Cape Town (and the Southern African coast in general) is a great spot to visit year-round, boasting relatively mild temperatures throughout all seasons. Just be aware that the weather can be a little bit unpredictable in this part of the continent!

Cape Town's summer season falls between the months of November and March, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Warmer months see more tourists flock to Cape Town, so be prepared for slightly higher accommodation costs. The Cape Town Comedy Festival, and Cape Town Festival of Beer are on during winter and international DJs perform at the Grand in December.

Cape Town's winter season falls between the months of June and August when temperatures are their coldest and precipitation is at its highest. Typical temperatures range between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius.

Winter is the least busy tourism season, so you may find slightly cheaper accommodation prices. Silver Mountain Music Festival, Wine, Whales and Music Weekend and The Chocolate Festival all happen during the summer months.

Spring and autumn are the tourism shoulder seasons in Cape Town; temperatures are relatively mild during these seasons, sticking to the 15-25 degrees Celsius range.

This is a great time to visit Cape Town as you'll find there are fewer tourists and slightly cheaper accommodation prices. The South African Cheese Festival, Open Book Festival, Hermanus Whale Festival and Oktoberfest all take place during the shoulder seasons.

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Ultimate road trip planning.

1. Get those maps out

One of the most exciting parts of a road trip begins before the wheels even hit the road. Take the time to sit with both a physical map and digital resources like Google Maps to dream up your route. Physical maps offer a wider, more immersive perspective of the journey compared to the limited screen view, allowing you to spot hidden destinations and scenic detours.

Don’t underestimate good old-fashioned maps. We recommend heading to Exclusive Books and grabbing the largest map you can find. Spread it over the table, and explore areas you’ve never been to. This is where the journey begins.

2. Plan the Programme

Considering your route, it’s time to dig into the details. Where will you stay? What must you see? Here are a few strategies to help fine-tune your itinerary:

• Instagram Research : Use location-based hashtags and geotags to discover what other explorers have found in your target region.
• Blog Posts and Articles : Google for travel blogs and articles to read first-hand experiences and recommendations from those who’ve already visited.
• Getaway Magazine (protip) : Don’t forget to check Getaway’s website for a wealth of articles on off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• AllTrail App : If hiking or walking is part of your plan, AllTrail provides detailed information on trails, ensuring you’re well-prepared for adventure.

3. Check Your Vehicle

Road trips mean long hours on the road, so vehicle safety is a top priority. Regular vehicle checks and maintenance are critical, but if you’re due for new tyres, consider an upgrade before hitting the open road.

4. Be a Curious Traveller

While it’s tempting to plan every detail the magic of spontaneity, when visiting new places, engage with the locals. Ask them what they recommend and listen to their insights.

Locals often know the hidden gems that tourists miss. By showing a genuine interest, you might uncover something special and unique. This curiosity often leads to rewarding experiences and unexpected adventures.

5. Capture the Moment

In today’s age of content creation, don’t forget to document your trip. Whether you’re snapping photos for memories or building content for social media, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Here are some things you can pack:

• OSMO Gimbal : This handy device mounts your phone, enabling smooth and steady content creation. It can even track movement and create engaging videos.
• Canon RP Camera : While smartphones are great, a dedicated camera still provides superior quality. The Canon RP mirrorless camera with a 35mm lens for general use and a 100-400mm zoom lens for wildlife photography.
• DJI Mini 2 Drone : Drones offer a new perspective, allowing you to capture breathtaking aerial shots. Despite its small size, the DJI Mini 2 is powerful and a great starting point for aerial photography.
• Editing Tools : Once you’ve taken your shots, edit them to perfection. For photos, we suggest Snapseed, and for videos, Capcut is a user-friendly and free option.

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Breathtaking scenery

Mpumalanga - a road trip worth taking.

W W ith just a few weeks of winter left, there’s no better time to hit the road in search for the perfect winter getaway. Imagine snuggling up in front of a crackling fireplace, waking up to the faint sounds of nature, taking a deep breath of fresh air and drinking water from natural springs, or going on a game drive to find our Big Five. Experience this and so much more in majestic Mpumalanga, a province that boasts many hidden gems. Find it all now by taking an unforgettable journey to the “place where the sun rises”.

Hit the N12 and N4 highways from Johannesburg en route to Mpumalanga and you’ll discover many surprisingly quaint stops along the 300km journey. Depending on which route you take, you could make your first stop the beautiful town of  Dullstroom . As you arrive in this Highveld town, you’ll notice the beautifully designed   Piazza   on your right. This Italian-style “village” boasts quaint shops, restaurants and luxury accommodation for tourists who’d like to overnight. If there’s time, explore the town and the activities on offer, such as fly-fishing, horse riding and hiking.

Journey on, and venture further into this province known for its incredible mountain peaks, vast escarpment and jaw-dropping views.  The Long Tom Pass  is just one of the areas where road-trippers have plenty of opportunities to take in the picturesque scenery. This exquisite mountain pass is named after the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer war, one of which remains on the very top of the pass for visitors to experience.

A A n ideal, if not perfect winter getaway in Mpumalanga, is without a doubt  Misty Mountain . Established in 1974, this lodge that’s situated on 280ha of land is 1700m above sea level and offers sweeping views of the valleys below. 

The accommodation at this three-star establishment, which is graded through the Tourism Grading Council of South Arica, is comprised of several units; ranging from studio and family to farmhouse. Every unit boasts unique aspects including spectacular views, welcoming fireplaces or luxurious outdoor areas.

Once settled in visitors can indulge in the fine cuisine served at the lodge’s restaurant. The delicious culinary options on the à la carte menu are sure to excite your palate. The service from the staff is impeccable, and Lillian, a waitress of 12 years says, “Misty Mountain is a lovely place. Tourists always come back for the beautiful wilderness and heritage sites.”

Activities onsite, in and around the Panorama Route include Africa’s only alpine coaster - The Long Tom Toboggan, that sits on a 1.7km track. Thrill seekers can expect to reach speeds of up to 45km an hour, and the three-minute ride is enough to get anyone’s heart racing. After bolting down this extreme ride, South African Tourism’s Marketing Coordinator, Funeka Kraai says: “The Long Tom is an adrenaline rush of note, it’s exciting.”

“The unique selling point of Misty Mountain, and one of the things that’s close to my heart is the view, it really gives the wow factor. Mpumalanga is a place of extreme natural beauty, natural beauty that goes right down to the flora and fauna,” says Lisa Sheard, owner of this incredible mountain getaway. On why South Africans should venture out and take a Sho’t Left, Lisa says: “Getting out of one’s normal environment is healthy, and a wonderful way to discover your country.”

When experiencing all the gems on this epic road trip through Mpumalanga the   Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve   and God’s Window is a must do, boasting extraordinary views and more. What are you waiting for? Mpumalanga has so much more to offer, so why not take a   Sho’t Left   this winter and enjoy the beauty and adventure that lies in this province.

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The 5 best Johannesburg day trips

Jun 20, 2019 • 4 min read

As the sun peaks over the horizon balloons start to rise on Bill Harrop's airborne tours © Heather Mason / Lonely Planet

Gauteng , the landlocked South African province surrounding Johannesburg , has a rich archeological and geological history. This history has created a multitude of unusual tourist activities within an hour or two of Jo’burg – from fossil-filled caves to old diamond-mining towns to balloon safaris over the some of the oldest mountains in the world: here are five of the best Johannesburg day trips.

The Cradle of Humankind

The only Unesco World Heritage Site in Gauteng province, the Cradle of Humankind is home to some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered. It’s just over an hour from downtown Johannesburg but the Cradle feels like a primordial landscape, with infinite grassy savannah interrupted only occasionally by modern buildings.

The Cradle occupies 470 sq km and is dotted with limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves where Dr Robert Broom discovered 'Mrs Ples' – the 2.3 million year-old Australopithecus africanus fossil – in 1947. Sterkfontein is open for guided tours and has a great museum devoted to human evolution.

Maropeng , the official visitors centre for the Cradle of Humankind, is a few kilometres from Sterkfontein. The massive, dome-shaped structure, shaped like an ancient burial mound and covered in grass, is a child-friendly museum that tells the story of humans on earth. Visitors can tour Maropeng and Sterkfontein together for a combined price of R190 (US$13).

After a long day of exploring human history, pop in to the luxurious Cradle Boutique Hotel for a glass of wine or cappuccino overlooking the ancient hills.

Hot-air balloon safaris

Floating silently over the earth in a hot-air balloon is awe inspiring, no matter where you are. But there’s something about floating over the rolling hills of the Magaliesberg – one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges – at sunrise, with mist rising up from the Magalies River and maybe even a glimpse of a zebra or giraffe in the distance. The whole scene makes Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris in Skeerpoort a truly unforgettable experience.

The tour requires participants to wake at an ungodly hour (especially in summer when the sun comes up early), as the balloons take off just before sunrise. But this magical activity is totally worth a bit of sleep deprivation. Lucky visitors will find themselves in a balloon with the dapper Bill Harrop himself, who wears a jaunty wool cap and cracks witty jokes in between blasting bursts of hot air up into the balloon.

The balloon trip includes a hearty champagne breakfast after the tour, and participants receive a certificate of achievement for braving the sky in a balloon.

Tour Magaliesberg's canopies by zipline

Ziplining has become a popular adventure activity throughout South Africa and the Magaliesberg mountain range is a great place to do it. The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour , hosted at the Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa about 90 minutes from Johannesburg, takes participants on a series of ten crisscrossing 'zips'over a scenic gorge called Ysterhout Kloof. The longest line is 140m and the tour lasts an exhilarating 2½ hours.

Sailing over the gorge, with sandstone cliffs above and thick vegetation below, is as beautiful as it is exciting. Ziplining provides a great thrill without the abject terror of bungee jumping or skydiving. The canopy tour includes a light lunch.

Explore the history of Cullinan

In 1898, Sir Thomas Cullinan discovered diamonds about 100km north of Jo’burg and went on to found the Premier Diamond Mine. The town that quickly sprung up around the mine was named after him, as was the 3100-karat that was discovered at the site a few years later by Frederick George Stanley Wells. The Cullinan Diamond – the largest diamond in the world – was gifted to the Queen of England and went on to become part of the British Crown Jewels.

Today, the diamond mine is still in operation and Cullinan is a charming little tourist town. The town boasts several historic homes and churches, a couple of museums, and visitors can even tour the diamond mine.

The historic buildings include McHardy House , which is the oldest house in town –  it was built for mine manager William McHardy and his family in 1903. Also worth a look is St George’s Anglican Church, which was designed by acclaimed architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1908. Cullinan also has several quirky antique shops and a couple of atmospheric pubs along the old railroad tracks. As Greek As It Gets , one of Gauteng’s best Greek restaurants, is just outside the diamond mine's gates.

Go twitching at Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Virtually unknown to anyone outside the birding community, Marievale Bird Sanctuary is one of Gauteng’s best-kept secrets. An hour’s drive from Johannesburg near the town of Nigel, Marievale is part of a wetland created by the local mining industry in the 1930s. Since then Marievale has become home to more than 230 species of birds. The sanctuary is run by the Gauteng provincial government and admission to is free.

It’s best to arrive at Marievale as close to sunrise as possible, when the air is clear and the morning light is soft. Sitting inside one of the sanctuary’s many bird hides, the only sounds are swishing grass, birdsong and rippling water as birds leave the glassy wetland surface and take off into the air.

Marievale has a lovely picnic area so bring along some eggs and sausages and enjoy a breakfast barbecue after bird watching.

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