road trip from cape town to johannesburg

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Cape Town to Johannesburg drive

Cape town to johannesburg road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg. If you're planning a road trip to Johannesburg, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Cape Town drive for about 2 hours

10:58 am   Montagu stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:58 am drive for about 3.5 hours

3:22 pm   Karoo National Park stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:22 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8.5 hours

9:00 am  leave from Hanover (South Africa) drive for about 3.5 hours

12:28 pm   Bloemfontein stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:28 pm drive for about 4 hours

5:22 pm   Vanderbijlpark stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:22 pm drive for about 53 minutes

7:14 pm  arrive in Johannesburg

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours

Cape Town to Johannesburg questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Montagu Karoo National Park   (2 mentions) Hanover (South Africa) Bloemfontein   (2 answers) Vanderbijlpark

What are some things to do in Johannesburg?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Johannesburg. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Johannesburg.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Johannesburg to Cape Town drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Cape Town to Johannesburg . Or get a full Cape Town to Johannesburg flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Cape Town well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Cape Town!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Cape Town to Johannesburg

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Driving From Cape Town to Johannesburg: The Ultimate Road Trip!

• August 18, 2023

Austin Finnan

If you’re planning on making the drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg, there are a few things you should know. The journey is around 1,600km and will take you through some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery. However, it’s also a long and challenging drive, so you need to be prepared. Here are some tips for driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Plan your route: The most direct route from Cape Town to Johannesburg is via the N1 highway. However, this route can be quite monotonous, so you may want to consider taking a more scenic route. One option is to take the R62 through the small towns of the Garden Route . This route will add a few hours to your journey, but it’s worth it for the beautiful scenery.

Take your time: The drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg is a long one, so don’t try to do it in one day. Stop overnight in one of the towns along the way so you can break up the journey. This will also give you time to explore some of the attractions along the way.

Be prepared for the weather: The weather can be very changeable in South Africa , so make sure you’re

• 1 Driving From Cape Town To Johannesburg
• 2 Preparing for the Trip
• 3 Highlights of the Journey
• 4 Places to Stop Along the Way
• 5 Conclusion

Driving From Cape Town To Johannesburg

Driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg is an epic journey that takes between 13-15 hours. Along the way, you will pass through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes and small towns . As you drive, you can marvel at the vistas of the Karoo desert, the rolling hills of the Maluti Mountains and the lush greenery of the Eastern Cape . You’ll also get to experience the vibrant culture of the cities and towns that you pass through, as well as the friendly hospitality of the locals. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the journey, as it is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a long time.

Preparing for the Trip

Planning a road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg can be an exciting adventure. It’s a journey of about 1,000 km and can take up to 12 hours, depending on how often you choose to stop and explore. To ensure you have the best experience possible, you should make sure you’re well-prepared before you set off.

The first step is to decide on a route. If you’re looking for a scenic journey, you can take the N1 highway which takes you through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. If you’d rather take the quickest route, you can take the N2 which is a direct route and will get you to Johannesburg in the shortest amount of time.

Once you’ve decided on a route, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is road-ready. Check your oil, brakes, and other fluids, and make sure you’ve got a full tank of gas. If you’re travelling in a rented car, make sure you’ve got your rental agreement and all the necessary documents.

You should also pack a few essential items for your journey. Pack an emergency kit, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and some snacks. Bring along some music to keep you entertained, and make sure your phone is fully charged.

Finally, make sure you know the rules of the road. South Africa has strict laws when it comes to drinking and driving, so make sure you and all your passengers are aware of the rules.

By taking the time to properly prepare for your road trip , you can make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable experience. Have a great journey!

Highlights of the Journey

The journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg is an exciting one, filled with unexpected surprises and unique experiences. Along the way, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting cities. Here are some of the highlights of the adventure.

One of the most awe-inspiring sights along the way is the majestic Table Mountain . Located in Cape Town , this iconic landmark is a must-see for any traveler. From the top, you can look out over the city and the surrounding ocean, taking in the breathtaking view.

The Garden Route is an idyllic stretch of coastline that’s full of stunning views , quaint coastal towns, and vibrant culture. This is a great place to stop and explore or take a leisurely drive and take in the sights.

Next up is the Drakensberg mountain range . This beautiful mountain range stretches for hundreds of kilometers and is a great place for hikers and outdoors lovers. The area is filled with incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.

After the mountains, you’ll reach the city of Durban. This vibrant city is a great place to experience the culture and cuisine of South Africa . From the bustling markets to the stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone in Durban.

Finally, you’ll reach Johannesburg, the economic and cultural heart of South Africa . This bustling city is filled with energy and excitement, and it’s a great place to end your journey.

The journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg is a journey of discovery , filled with incredible sights, sounds, and experiences. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, explore vibrant cities, and uncover the unique culture and wildlife of South Africa . It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Places to Stop Along the Way

Driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg can be an exhilarating journey, full of splendid sights and memorable experiences. Along the way, there are many amazing places to stop and take in the beauty of South Africa . Whether you’re looking for a chance to explore nature, a unique cultural experience, or a place to relax and refuel, here are some of the top places to stop along the way.

First on the list is the town of Worcester, a charming little town with a lot to offer. Here, you can visit the historic Drostdy Museum and explore the unique local culture . There are also numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. And, of course, don’t forget to try some of the local wine – Worcester is home to some of the top wineries in the country.

From Worcester, the next stop is the breathtaking Montagu Pass. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, rafting, and fishing. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a helicopter ride up to the summit!

After Montagu Pass, the next stop is the stunningly beautiful town of Franschhoek. This is a great place to explore the French-influenced culture and cuisine, with numerous restaurants and wine tasting rooms. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golf.

The last stop on your journey is the vibrant city of Johannesburg . Here, you can explore the bustling city center and take in the unique architecture and culture. There are plenty of historical sites to visit, as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment options. And, of course, don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine – there are numerous restaurants and cafes to try out.

So, whether you’re looking for a place to relax and refuel or a chance to explore nature and culture, these are some of the top places to stop along the way from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Enjoy your journey and make sure to take in all the amazing sights along the way!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Overall, the drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg is a pretty easy one. The roads are in good condition and there is not a lot of traffic. The scenery is also pretty good, especially once you get out of the city. The only downside is that it is a bit boring at times, but that is to be expected on a long drive like this.

Austin Finnan is a blogger, traveler, and author of articles on the website aswica.co.za. He is known for his travels and adventures, which he shares with his readers on his blog. Finnan has always been passionate about exploring new places, which is reflected in his articles and photographs. He is also the author of several books about travel and adventure, which have received positive reviews from critics and readers.

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37 Best Stops Between Cape Town Central and Johannesburg

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How long is the drive from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg?

The direct drive from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg is 869 mi (1,398 km) , and should have a drive time of 15 hrs 3 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Stellenbosch , Oudtshoorn , Franschhoek , Overstrand , Hermanus , Somerset West , and Paarl , as well as top places to visit like Spier Hotel and Vergelegen Wine Estate, or the ever-popular Cheetah Outreach.

Top cities between Cape Town Central and Johannesburg

Somerset west.

Stellenbosch

Franschhoek.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Overstrand Local Municipality

Best stops along cape town central to johannesburg drive, cheetah outreach.

Spier Hotel

Vergelegen Wine Estate

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Franschhoek motor museum (by appointment only), fairview wine and cheese, spice route destination, grande provence wine estate - the winery, franschhoek pass, saronsberg wine cellar, viljoensdrift, van loveren family vineyards, bontebok national park, drostdy museum, sanbona wildlife reserve.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Inverroche Distillery

Jakkalsvlei, bartolomeu dias museum complex, de krans wines, highgate ostrich show farm, redberry farm, safari ostrich farm, outeniqua transport museum, cango wildlife ranch, swartberg pass.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Cango Caves

Meiringspoort waterfall, karoo national park, valley of desolation, the owl house nieu-bethesda, top searches in johannesburg, other popular road trips from cape town central, explore nearby places.

• Johannesburg
• Braamfontein
• Dunkeld West
• Bedfordview
• Modderfontein
• North Riding
• Kempton Park
• Walkerville
• Muldersdrift
• Krugersdorp

All related maps of Johannesburg

• Map of Johannesburg
• Map of Fourways
• Map of Braamfontein
• Map of Illovo
• Map of Dunkeld West
• Map of Parkhurst
• Map of Bedfordview
• Map of Alberton
• Map of Sandton
• Map of Randburg
• Map of Germiston
• Map of Alexandra
• Map of Edenvale
• Map of Soweto
• Map of Modderfontein
• Map of Bryanston
• Map of Rivonia
• Map of Paulshof
• Map of North Riding
• Map of Boksburg
• Map of Kempton Park
• Map of Midrand
• Map of Lenasia
• Map of Roodepoort
• Map of Walkerville
• Map of Chartwell
• Map of Benoni
• Map of Muldersdrift
• Map of Krugersdorp
• Map of Lanseria
• Map of Brakpan

Johannesburg throughout the year

• Johannesburg in January
• Johannesburg in February
• Johannesburg in March
• Johannesburg in April
• Johannesburg in May
• Johannesburg in June
• Johannesburg in July
• Johannesburg in August
• Johannesburg in September
• Johannesburg in October
• Johannesburg in November
• Johannesburg in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Johannesburg?

Get inspired for your trip to Johannesburg with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Johannesburg Itinerary
• 2-Day Johannesburg Itinerary
• 3-Day Johannesburg Itinerary
• 4-Day Johannesburg Itinerary
• 5-Day Johannesburg Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from cape town central to johannesburg.

Yes! You can drive from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg.

How far is Johannesburg from Cape Town Central by car?

The drive from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg is 869 miles (1,398 km).

How long does it take to drive from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg?

Driving from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg should take you 15 hrs 3 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg?

Gas from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg would cost around $76 to $178 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Cape Town Central to Johannesburg?

You could check out Spier Hotel and Vergelegen Wine Estate, or the always popular Cheetah Outreach!

What are the best cities to visit between Cape Town Central and Johannesburg?

People love visiting Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, and Franschhoek, among others.

What's the weather like in Cape Town Central?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Cape Town Central in January
• Weather in Cape Town Central in February
• Weather in Cape Town Central in March
• Weather in Cape Town Central in April
• Weather in Cape Town Central in May
• Weather in Cape Town Central in June
• Weather in Cape Town Central in July
• Weather in Cape Town Central in August
• Weather in Cape Town Central in September
• Weather in Cape Town Central in October
• Weather in Cape Town Central in November
• Weather in Cape Town Central in December

What are some other road trips from Cape Town Central?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Cape Town Central.

• Cape Town Central to Oudtshoorn drive
• Cape Town Central to Overstrand drive
• Cape Town Central to Knysna drive
• Cape Town Central to Johannesburg drive
• Cape Town Central to The Crags drive
• Cape Town Central to Robertson drive
• Cape Town Central to Durban drive
• Cape Town Central to Pretoria drive
• Cape Town Central to Tsitsikamma National Park drive
• Cape Town Central to Saldanha Bay Municipality drive
• Cape Town Central to Port Elizabeth drive
• Cape Town Central to Swellendam drive
• Cape Town Central to Wilderness drive
• Cape Town Central to Victoria Falls drive
• Cape Town Central to Mossel Bay drive
• Cape Town Central to Hermanus drive
• Cape Town Central to Graaff-Reinet drive
• Cape Town Central to Prince Albert drive
• Cape Town Central to Calitzdorp drive
• Cape Town Central to Plettenberg Bay drive
• Cape Town Central to Luderitz drive
• Cape Town Central to Kimberley drive
• Cape Town Central to Bloemfontein drive
• Cape Town Central to Storms River drive
• Cape Town Central to Sandton drive
• Cape Town Central to Addo Elephant National Park drive
• Cape Town Central to Upington drive
• Cape Town Central to East London drive

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Home > South Africa > Road Trip > Johannesburg to Cape Town Road Trip

The Hectic Route: A Breathtaking Joburg to Cape Town Road Trip Itinerary

hectic Adjective. Pronounced /ˈhɛktɪk/ 1. Full of incessant or frantic activity. 2. (South African slang)  Cool, rad, extreme, over the top.

Introducing the Hectic Route: Joburg to Cape Town, With A LOT in Between

South Africa is overwhelming.

It may have earned its "Rainbow Nation" nickname for the variety of tribes, cultures, and races who call it home, but it applies just as well to the country's unbelievable diversity of landscapes, plants, animals, food, and drink.

There's just so much, too much , to see and experience.

And there's no better way to experience it than with a road trip.

Quite a few well-touristed routes, like the Garden Route, the Panorama Route, Route 62, the Midlands Meander, and the Cape Flower Route, exist but each limits you to a certain region—maybe one or two colors of the Rainbow, so to speak.

If you want to get a taste for the whole Rainbow Nation, you've got to think bigger.

Think broader.

Think wilder.

Think hectic.

The Hectic Route is a Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip itinerary that will take you through mountains, desert, ocean, wineries, forest and everything in between. It'll leave you breathless…

…in a good way.

Hectic Route Outline

• Distance: 3,500km
• Driving Time: 50 hours
• Day 1: Make your own judgments about Johannesburg
• Day 2: Meet Arizona and Scotland's beautiful bastard, Golden Gate Highlands National Park
• Day 3:  Experience the extremes of The Drakensberg Mountains
• Day 4: Take it to the max with another day in The 'Berg
• Day 5: Feel the heat, and the inequality, in Durban
• Day 6: Escape (un-)civilization on the way to The Wild Coast
• Day 7: Slow down on the Wild Coast
• Day 8: Come to a complete stop in Cintsa
• Day 9: Get your head into the clouds in Hogsback
• Day 10: Explore the African Wild West on the way to Nieu Bethesda
• Day 11: Karoo-se on through to Prince Albert
• Day 12: Embrace convention en route to Barrydale
• Day 13: Indulge in the wineries around Robertson
• Day 14: Finish off in style in Cape Town

Related:  Every Tip & Trick We Learned from Our South Africa Road Trip

Day 1: Johannesburg

Make your own judgments about the big city.

Johannesburg has a crappy reputation. Some claim it's well-deserved, others say it's unfair.

Form your own opinion.

Spend 24 hours in South Africa's biggest city to visit the markets (especially if you're there on the weekend), Uber around between the neighborhoods and check out the Apartheid Museum.

Day 2: Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Meet arizona and scotland’s beautiful bastard.

467km and 6.5hr Drive

The start of your Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip starts with a few hours of monotonous driving (unless, like us, you're not accustomed to driving on the left side of the highway!).

But as you approach Clarens, you'll realize how "hectic" (see: South African definition above ) the rest of this trip is going to be.

Fuel up with a traditional Afrikaans meal there, then enter Golden Gate Highlands National Park, where you can hike along the Arizonan-desert-meets-Scottish highland landscape on the Wodehouse Trail (or just cruise slowly along the scenic drive in your car.)

Day 3: The Drakensberg

Experience the extremes of the drakensberg mountains.

169km and 2.4hr Drive

The drive to the Drakensberg Mountains is a beautiful one with a big exclamation point at the end of it: Cathedral Peak. There you feel as if the sheer mountain faces are leaning over you.

Lean back into them!

Put your hiking shoes back on and head into the incomparable landscape of craggy mountains, crashing waterfalls, unexpected wildlife, and wacky weather (definitely bring a rain jacket).

Day 4: More Drakensberg

Take it to the max with another day in the 'berg.

Driving-Free Day

One day is not enough to get your fill of The Drakensberg (and of the amazing food at the Cathedral Peak Hotel, if you're staying there), so let your rental car's engine rest while you push your body to the max with another unforgettable hike (or two) in the mountains.

Day 5: Durban

Feel the heat… and the inequality.

296km and 3.3hr Drive

Descend down to the Indian Ocean and South Africa's third-largest city, Durban.

Start off by doing a market tour to get up close and personal (though hopefully not as up close as we did) with the poor side of the city, before retreating back to the more comfortably wealthy side of this beachside metropolis to get a whirlwind tour of the deep inequality in South Africa.

Day 6: To the Wild Coast

Escape (un-)civilization.

584km and 8.6hr Drive

Day 6 is the longest driving day in the whole Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip.

It's an escape from modern civilization too.

You start off on Durban's mega-highways, continue onto the mountainous countryside of the rural Transkei, through the chaotic city of Mthatha, then onto the potholed then gravel then just plain crappy roads where you'll finally stop at the rugged cliffs of the Wild Coast.

Day 7: The Wild Coast

Time to slow down.

Depending on your definition of "wild," the Wild Coast may or may not live up to its name, but no  matter how you define it, you won't be able to argue with its beauty.

Meander along the coastline from Mbundi to Coffee Bay—watching out for the cliffs, cattle, goats, and waves—and soak it all in.

Day 8: Cintsa

Come to a complete stop.

283km and 4.1hr Drive

Despite being the most accessible—and therefore most popular and developed—part of the Wild Coast, you won't have a hard time finding your own acre of beach in Cintsa.

There's not a lot more to do there anyway.

Relax. After one week on the Hectic Route, you'll have earned it.

(And if you don't think so, run up and down the sand dunes a couple of times, like Chris did.)

Day 9: Hogsback

Get your head into the clouds.

198km and 2.4hr Drive

High up in the mountains and often enshrouded in mist, lush Hogsback is the polar opposite of sand dune-y Cintsa.

It's a town that believes itself to be part of a fairy tale. And maybe it's true. There's nothing about the mystical scenery, the whimsical architecture, or the kooky characters you'll meat that'll lead you to believe otherwise.

Day 10: Nieu Bethesda

Explore the african wild west.

414km and 6.1hr Drive

Be on the lookout for wildlife as you make your way back down from the mountains and into the desert.

The scenery and farms will remind you of a Western movie, except with zebras, ostriches, and antelope instead of buffalo.

Have lunch in Graaf-Reinet, view the Valley of Desolation, do a hike (if you feel like it), then drive to the delightful dead-end, middle-of-nowhere, no-ATM-nor-gas-station town of Nieu Bethesda.

Day 11: The Karoo

Karoo-se on through to prince albert.

423km and 4.7hr Drive

Even though you've got some ground to cover from Nieu Bethesda to Prince Albert, take your time.

Start off by spending the morning exploring quirky Nieu Bethesda's art galleries and architecture and enjoying a platter of homemade local cheeses, jams, and bread before getting into your car for some more desert driving through the Karoo,

Break up your trip with an elegant lunch in Sophie's Choice in Willowmore, then again with a short waterfall hike in the unbelievably scenic Meiringspoort Pass.

Once in Prince Albert, eat some more cheese at Gay's Guernsey, then walk up the relaxed main street of the town to build up an appetite for some homestyle Karoo cuisine.

Day 12: Barrydale

Embrace convention.

290km and 5.9hr Drive

Day 12 is easily the most conventionally touristy day of the road trip. Embrace it.

Give yourself more time than you think to get to Oudtshoorn to enjoy the Swartberg Pass, which may even top Meiringspoort in terms of scenery.

On the other side of the pass, join the crowds by checking out the Cango Caves, touring an ostrich farm, eating the birds you just learned about, then stopping for a drink at Ronnie's Sex Shop on Route 62.

Finally, settle down in not-too-touristy-yet Barrydale for a drink and a dinner.

Day 13: Roberston

A day of indulgence.

123km and 2.1hr Drive

Do a quick but rewarding morning waterfall hike in Barrydale, then prepare to spend the rest of the day indulging (especially if it's not your turn to drive).

Kick off the indulgence with a crazy milkshake from Diesel and Cream before sampling some liqueurs, tons of wine, and maybe even some craft beers on the route between Swellendam, Bonnievale, and Robertson. Finish the day off with a big meal, then sleep like a baby.

Day 14: Cape Town

Finish off in style.

269km and 4.1hr Drive

Make it two waterfall hikes in a row by doing half of the famous Boesmanskloof Trail to Oakes Falls, then return to hoity-toity McGregor to get judged by the Cape Town escapees who've set up artsy businesses there.

Continuing on, you can choose to stop by one (or more) wineries and/or get your last taste of rural cuisine before ending your Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip, returning your rental car, and enjoying the Mother City's distinctly European style.

Read This Next

How to Travel Cape Town Your Own Way: A Self-Travel Guide

Cape Town For Digital Nomads: The Ups and Downs

Is South Africa Worth Visiting? Honest, Un-Obvious Observations

Cape Town Travel Blog: More than Mountains, Mandela, and Penguins

The 10 Best Wine Tastings Around Cape Town We've Experienced (So Far)

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 .

5 thoughts on “The Hectic Route: A Breathtaking Joburg to Cape Town Road Trip Itinerary”

Really enjoyed reading about your Drakensberg experience. I love it there, I think it's the most impressive place I've ever hiked. Definitely want to go back!

Thanks Michael. We're glad we could help bring back some fond memories for you. And though we tried our best to do it justice, I'm sure you agree nothing in our photos or description come close to seeing the Drakensberg in person!

Loved reading this! I've done similar road trips many times. I also recommend Knysna and The Wilderness, or the whole Garden Route in general (even though it's only a small bit of what you've written here). Graaff-Reinet is so special — lots of adorable coffee shops and such there, not to mention the hiking nearby. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Awesome. Thanks Susannah. We're heading towards Knysna/Wilderness in about a month. We'll have to hit you up then for some tips.

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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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Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip: route suggestions

South Africa has the world’s 10th largest road network (746 978km gravel and paved) with a total of 158128km being paved, and 21946km being national roads (maintained by SANRAL).

If you’re doing a road trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town there are plenty of options to choose from, with dozens of destinations en-route to explore, depending on how much time you have and what types of destinations you’re interested in.

I drove from Johannesburg to Cape Town for the first time in 2017 and sought feedback from my friends on Facebook as I had no idea about the route or options.

I’m driving to Cape Town from JHB tomorrow. Where should I stop for lunch and spend the night? Plan to visit a CPT factory on Thursday afternoon.

Most advised that I take the N1 directly from JHB to CPT, with an overnight stop at Gariep Dam , Colesberg or Richmond which is nearly half-way.

You can also travel via Kimberley (which has the famous Big Hole to view) or Upington (120km east of Augrabies Falls if you’re planning a visit there).

I decided to take the N1 via Bloemfentein to Colesberg. During a late lunch at the KFC in Colesberg I felt like I still had energy to drive a little further and booked overnight accommodation in Richmond (in the Great Karoo).

Driven 760km from JHB to Richmond. 640km to go tomorrow.

Since I was in a rush to meet with a factory in CPT I proceeded directly on the N1 with haste.

Left Richmond at 0730 am, great driving through the Karoo and Western Cape. Got some caffeine at the final service…

I reached CPT with enough time to do some work before sunset.

The southern cross constellation above Table Mountain. Viewed from Signal Hill after sunset. A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 11, 2017 at 12:33pm PST

On my return trip, I had a few days to spare and decided to take more of a scenic route along part of the east coast back to Johannesburg.

Bags packed. Solution collected (the aluminium segments fitted nicely!). Planning my return trip to Johannesburg now…

Avoiding the inland-only routes, at a high level you can travel part of the Whale Coast Route towards Hermanus and then get on the Garden Route towards George, Plettenberg Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, Umtata, Durban, and then head inland on the N3 passing the Drakensberg to Johannesburg.

I decided to make an afternoon stopover in Hermanus before spending the night in Swellendam.

Hermanus, Marine Drive. View of the Indian Ocean and mountains. #Western Cape, #meetSouthAfrica #nature #roadtrip #waves #foam A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 13, 2017 at 5:34am PST

The next day I made a short stopover in Mosselbay and Diaz.

Pulled over at what looks like a fully occupied caravan park at Hartenbos beach, Mossel Bay. Lots of vacationers. A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 14, 2017 at 5:26am PST

I then drove through George to Wilderness for 2 nights where I visited some of the local attractions like the Map of Africa.

Carved along the Kaaimans River waterway in Wilderness this view is known as The Map of Africa as it resembles the shape of the continent. Incredible sight. A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 15, 2017 at 3:50am PST

From Wilderness I decided that it was time to head back inland to Johannesburg, and there were still 3 options to choose from.

I’m heading inland again towards Jhb tomorrow. Want to spend 2 nights on the route home. Which route should I take an… Wednesday, 15 February 2017

I drove through George and the Outeniqua pass and pulled over at the N12 (towards Oudtshoorn) / N9 (towards Graaff-Reinet) intersection to decide which route to take and where to spend the night.

The Outeniqua Pass outside George on the N12. A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 16, 2017 at 9:26am PST

I decided to take the N9 route and check out Graaff-Reinet, via the Potjiesberg Pass.

The Potjiesberg Pass A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 16, 2017 at 9:33am PST

I also stopped at the empty Beervlei Dam in the Klein Karoo.

The Beervlei Dam in the Eastern Cape. Empty! A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 16, 2017 at 9:53am PST

Graaff-Reinet has the Camdeboo National Park and Valley of Desolation to explore nearby.

The Valley of Desolation, designated a National Monument in the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff Reinet. Those are weathered dolerite pillars A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 17, 2017 at 6:30am PST

From Graaff-Reinet I then decided to head towards Colesberg (via the Lootsberg Pass and Middelburg) for the night.

I stopped for lunch here. Lootsberg pass is on the N9 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. A few baboons were on the road about 200m away. #roadtrip #easterncape #instatravel #meetSouthAfrica #travelpideo #mountainpass #mountains #karoo A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 17, 2017 at 6:57am PST

When you’re near Colesberg, it’s great idea to check out Gariep Dam . This is the largest dam in South Africa, which is fed by the mighty Orange River.

Gariep Dam and water release back into the Orange River at the border of the Free State and Eastern Cape. A post shared by Zaid Mahomedy (@travpacker) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:20am PST

From Colesberg to Johannesburg there are still at least 3 route options back to Johannesburg. Travel direct on the N1 via Bloemfentein, via Kimberley on the R59 or via Orania and Kimberley on the R369.

Need to decide a route back to Jhb. Options: Colesberg to JHB via Bloemfontein: 624km (not keen on another full day…

Since cyclone Dineo was expected to create some hazardous conditions to drive in the next day, I headed straight for Johannesburg with a 30 minute stop in Bloemfentein.

We’ve got a national road network in great condition passing through amazing scenery and many unique towns. I had the opportunity to see what urban life out of the major metros was like by choosing routes via many smaller towns.

It was disheartening to see the high amount of unemployment and life centered around the local bottle-stores at these inland towns. I don’t believe there are any Woolworths stores in any town between George and Bloemfentein. A sign that there’s no market that can afford it in such a large expanse? Quite an eye-opener.

I see so many tourism opportunities in these towns, from water-sports, fishing and climbing to craft, cuisine and hospitality. I’m hoping more of these (dare I say) off-the-beaten-path routes are promoted by our tourism industry to create more economic activities in these towns.

It wouldn’t be a South Africa road trip without some good padkos (travel snacks) so here are some ideas on what to carry. No matter which route you choose, drive safely; don’t speed; pullover and take a break whenever you need to; and enjoy the journey.

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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.

Back to Contents

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 this 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. The master bedroom has a terrace with a sea view and the kitchen was well equipped. The WiFi was rather slow.

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 this 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. 

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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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South Africa Travel Blog

A Guide to The Best Halfway Stops from Johannesburg to Cape Town

You can drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town in one day by starting early and finishing late, but this is tiring. Many people complete the trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town over two days by staying overnight at one of the halfway stops from Johannesburg to Cape Town. 

The choice of a halfway stop from Johannesburg to Cape Town depends on whether you drive to Cape Town via Bloemfontein or Kimberley. Here are the popular halfway stops from Johannesburg to Cape Town:

Route 1: Johannesburg to Cape Town via Bloemfontein

When travelling to Cape Town via Bloemfontein, these are the best halfway stops between Johannesburg and Cape Town:

If you are visiting South Africa and need a rental car, we like to rent from Rentalcars.

Halfway Stops from Johannesburg to Cape Town: Gariep Dam

Gariep Dam is located in the Free State Province of South Africa. It is 585 km from Johannesburg and 825 km from Cape Town. Although it is a slight detour from the N1, it is a paradise for boating and water sports lovers. The town has several restaurants to choose from. 

Things to Do in Gariep Dam

Gariep Dam offers the following activities:

• The  Gariep Dam Nature Reserve  has the largest population of Springboks in South Africa. The reserve has an abundance of wildlife. 
• Visit the  Gariep Dam : The Gariep Dam is the largest in South Africa. Here, visitors can participate in water sports and explore the nature reserves surrounding the Dam. 

Read here about the Free State Province’s attractions .

Where to Stay in Gariep Dam

Some of the best accommodation options in Gariep Dam include:

• The  Stoneridge Guesthouse  offers value-for-money accommodation. It has a swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms. 
• Midway Accommodation  is an air-conditioned apartment near Gariep Dam. It offers one bedroom and a kitchenette. 

Colesberg is another popular halfway stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The town is in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Overnight here after completing about 628 km of the journey, leaving you with 780 km to drive the next day. 

Things to Do in Colesberg

Colesberg does not offer any attractions, but it is close enough to Hanover to visit the Hanover attractions.

Where to Stay in Colesberg

The best accommodation options in Colesberg include:

• Luxury option: If you want luxurious accommodation, consider staying at the  Big Sky Ranch . The Big Sky Ranch offers deluxe king and queen rooms. There is a swimming pool, a terrace and a garden. In addition to free WiFi, the property has a hot tub and barbecue facilities. 
• Budget option: Skietberg Lodge offers a variety of rooms, including double rooms, family rooms or even basic double rooms. They offer free WiFi, a swimming pool and a garden. Units have a kitchenette with a microwave. Guests can cycle in the area.

Hanover is halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with approximately 700 km of your journey completed and left when you reach this town. This town is in the Northern Cape Province. The town was established in 1854 and is named after Hanover in Germany. The main activity in the town is sheep farming, focusing on Merino sheep.

Things to Do in Hanover

If you want to do sightseeing, Hanover offers the following sights:

• Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve : Here, visitors can do bird watching, mountain biking, and go on a night drive to see the nocturnal animals and fish.
• Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk Hanover : You cannot miss the Dutch Reformed Church when visiting Hanover. This church dates back to 1907 and is a beautiful building.

Where to Stay in Hanover

If you want to stay overnight in Hanover, here are some of the accommodation options:

• The  Boutique Guesthouse Hanover  offers a variety of rooms, including double rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms and family rooms. It has a swimming pool, garden and a shared lounge. Breakfast is available at an affordable price. There is a restaurant on-site and free WiFi.
• Bun Clody  offers double rooms, family rooms and triple rooms. There is an on-site restaurant, a garden, a terrace and a shared lounge. WiFI is free, and breakfast is available at an extra cost. 

Richmond is a small town situated in the Northern Cape Province. It is 762 km from Johannesburg and 645 km from Cape Town. The town has several restaurants and shops.

Things to Do in Richmond

Richmond only offers a few activities, including: 

• Modern Art Project:  The Modern Art Project, or MAP, is an art gallery offering a collection of contemporary art by South African artists. They also do bookbinding on-site.
• Richmond Horse Museum:  There are only two museums globally focusing on riding horses, and this is one of them. The museum displays include saddles, harness ware, carriages, vintage dresses, and household and workshop artefacts from the pioneers in the Karoo.

Where to Stay in Richmond

Richmond’s best accommodation options include:

• The  Kliphuijs Richmond  offers double, triple and family rooms. The property has a garden, a restaurant and a terrace. 
• Seisoen Richmond  features a swimming pool and a concierge service. It is located near the Richmond Horse Museum.

Read more about the Northern Cape Province’s attractions .

Halfway Stops from Johannesburg to Cape Town: Beaufort West

Beaufort West is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is situated about 930 km from Johannesburg and 460 km from Cape Town. 

Things to Do in Beaufort West

Of all the halfway stops between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Beaufort West offers the most activities, including:

• Karoo National Park : One of South Africa’s many national parks , the Karoo National Park offers mountain biking trails, guided and unguided walks, 4×4 trails and guided game drives. 
• Beaufort West Museum Complex:  The complex comprises three museums focusing on Chris Barnard, the surgeon, his parent’s home and the mission church where his father ministered. 
• Boeteka Padstal : The Boeteka Padstal sells preserves, biscuits, curios and there is a restaurant. This is an excellent place to buy Karoo Lamb Chops for a traditional South African braai. 

Where to Stay in Beaufort West

Beaufort West has a plethora of accommodation options, including:

• Karoo National Park:  The Karoo National Park offers a range of accommodations, including chalets, cottages, family cottages and camping sites.
• Bakgat Blyplek : The Bakgat Blyplek is a two-bedroom apartment with everything you may need for an overnight stay. 
• Lemoenfontein : If you’ve always wanted to stay at a South African homestead, Lemoenfontein is a good choice! The property has a swimming pool and free WiFi. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Karoo.

Route 2: Halfway stops when travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Kimberley

When travelling via Kimberley, these are the best halfway stops between Johannesburg and Cape Town:

Kimberley is the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. It is 495 km from Johannesburg and 955 km from Cape Town. There are many accommodation options, sights and restaurants to explore.

Things to Do in Kimberley

Kimberley offers some exciting things to do, including:

• A visit to the famous  Kimberley’s Big Hole . This 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.  

Where to Stay in Kimberley

Visitors to Kimberley can choose from the many accommodation options available, including:

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

Beaufort West

Whether you drive to Cape Town via Bloemfontein or Kimberley, Beaufort West is a good destination for a halfway stop. 

• Karoo National Park : One of South Africa’s many national parks, the Karoo National Park offers mountain biking trails, guided and unguided walks, 4×4 trails and guided game drives. 
• Lemoenfontein : If you’ve always wanted to stay at a South African homestead, Lemoenfontein is a good choice! The property has a swimming pool and free WiFi. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Karo0.

Halfway stops from Cape Town to Johannesburg

If you are driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg instead, the order of these halfway stops will reverse but remain the same.

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Road trip: Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Planning a road-trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town? Here are all the stops you should make along the way.

If you’re planning on road-tripping this festive season between Johannesburg and Cape Town, or vice versa, here’s a guide to all of the fun pitstops you can make along the way. 

Road-trip Routes

The road from Johannesburg to Cape Town is pretty long: roughly over 1200 km’s, and almost a day’s worth of travelling. If you’re planning to get from one city to the next by car, here’s a route for you to take, with some stops along the way to make it a full road-trip experience.

There are two main options: Either take the longer way, travelling through the Northern Cape, or go the conventional way along the N1 highway.

Northern Cape Route

You’ll get to see The Big Hole en route – there’s a great museum that shows you the diamond mining history of South Africa, as well as a mini village with shops that look just as they were during the mining rush. 

We’re keeping this one brief as there really isn’t all that much on offer if you come along this route. One could stop off in the Karoo or a remote village, but this road-trip route is mainly an option to take if seeing the Big Hole has been on your bucket list.

The N1 route over 2 days

Your journey will take you from Gauteng through to Bloemfontein, then the down to the Western Cape. If you’d like to stop over for the night along the way to make the most of the journey down, it is recommended that you plan your trip over two full days, starting at a bright & early 6am on Day 1.

The first couple of hours of the road-trip is pretty much you and the road. The first point of interest is actually along the highway, so lookout for the bright Kroonstad sunflowers and you’ll know you’re on track.

Stop over at the Gariep Dam, where you’ll see a stretch of landscape like no other in SA. Its also probably the last time you’ll see this much water for a long time, thanks to the current water crisis. If you’d like to stop over in a small town to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat, make your final stop of the day in Colesburg.

The Stop-Over:  For a country-house escape on a farm, make a slight detour (its 150km off track to the edge of the Eastern Cape , but well worth it!) and head to Steynsberg. The stone cottage  is called Hillmoor Manor and it is situated in the karoo. The expansive, beautifully decorated haven will be all yours (and your back-seat drivers, of course). Stretch your legs on the farm, or simply unwind in your home for the night, and then grab some dinner outside by the boma. Here, you will see the sky sparkling with probably more stars than you’ve ever seen before – and the famous milky way! 

You can bring food or arrange for some with the host. This accommodation is bookable via Airbnb.

Day 2 of the road-trip is full of stops and adventures, so begin this one early too. 

Pro tip: Plan ahead if you’d like to switch things up and take a detour to see the Three Sisters.

Another small town stop you visit is Beaufort West, the famous ‘halfway’ destination.

Next, stop at Die Spinwiel antique shop. Here, you can browse in-store and pay R10 to see the backyard, which looks like you’ve landed yourself on set, among vintage signage.

Just before you reach the Mother City, stop over at The Karoo National Botanical Gardens, where you can see the last of what the Karoo has to offer on this trip: dessert flowers.

There is much to see and do as you road-trip through the country. Hamba kahle.

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How to Travel From Cape Town to Johannesburg by Plane, Train, Bus and Car

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Cape Town and Johannesburg are two of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations. Cape Town is the country’s legislative capital, a coastal city known for its natural beauty, culinary scene, and eclectic culture. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and a cosmopolitan center for business and cultural discovery. About 870 miles separate the two cities, and there are four main methods of transport: plane, train, bus, and car. Flying is the fastest but also the most expensive way to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg, while long-distance bus is the cheapest. If you plan on traveling during the festive period, remember that seats fill up quickly and are usually more expensive. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Cape Town to Johannesburg?

The cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by bus. There are three main long-distance bus operators to choose from: Citiliner , Greyhound ZA , and TransLux . All three depart from the bus station on Old Marine Drive in downtown Cape Town (near the V&A Waterfront ) and arrive at Park Station in the Johannesburg CBD. The journey takes approximately 18 hours. Rates start from R550 ($33) per person and tickets can be reserved in advance via each company’s website. 

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Cape Town to Johannesburg?

The fastest way by far to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg is to fly. Several airlines fly this popular route, including South Africa’s national carrier ( South African Airways ) and domestic airlines like Kulula , Safair , and Mango . All flights depart from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and arrive at either O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Lanseria International Airport (HLA), depending on the carrier and route you choose. Flights take approximately two hours, and although costs vary greatly depending on availability, season, and current specials, you can expect to pay around R1,700 ($105) per person on average. Tickets can be booked online. 

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

The most direct road route from Cape Town to Johannesburg takes approximately 14 hours without stops and covers 870 miles. It takes you inland on the N1, a national highway that passes through Bloemfontein on its way to Johannesburg. Once you arrive, your hotel should be able to direct you to the nearest secure public parking lot if they don’t have their own private facility. 

How Long Is the Train Ride?

Those that wish to travel to Johannesburg by train have two options: the Tourist Class or Premier Classe services operated by Shosholoza Meyl . 

Tourist Class trains take 33 hours, stopping frequently along the way. This is the economy option, with two departures per week and ticket prices starting at R690 ($41) per person. Tourist Class trains have two- and four-berth sleeper compartments, which you will share with other travelers unless you book the entire compartment. You will have access to shared washing facilities and an affordable restaurant service. 

Premier Classe trains are more direct and cut your travel time down to 25 hours. They depart once a week, and ticket prices start from R3,120 per person ($186). For your money, you will travel in a private, air-conditioned sleeper compartment with luxury toiletries and bedding provided. You’ll have access to a private lounge car and fares include a gourmet meal package. Both services depart from Cape Town Station and arrive at Park Station in Johannesburg. Tickets for both can be booked via the Shosholoza Meyl website. 

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Johannesburg?

According to industry research, if you plan on flying between Cape Town and Johannesburg, the cheapest days to fly are from Monday to Wednesday, while the most expensive are Friday and Sunday. In terms of season, the cheapest months to fly are February and August, since these months come just after peak travel times for South Africans. Conversely, December, January, and July are the most expensive months to fly due to the festive season and school vacations. 

Although day-to-day prices for train and bus fares remain constant, both modes of transport see price hikes during the December to January period. For example, Shosholoza Meyl states on their website that rates increase by approximately 9 percent for all train journeys during this time. Although the season doesn’t affect the price of traveling by car, you can expect roads to be significantly busier over holiday periods. December is synonymous with an increased rate of road traffic accidents in South Africa. 

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Johannesburg is from May to September when you can expect days of cool, dry sunshine. In the height of the South African summer, Johannesburg is hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Travel outside peak season (December, January, July, and Easter) and you will get better rates on tours and accommodation as well. 

What’s the Most Scenic Route to Johannesburg?

If you’re traveling by car and don’t have any particular time restrictions, you could consider driving along the coastal N2 highway as far as East London and then turning inland onto the N6 to rejoin the N1 at Bloemfontein. This detour takes you along the Garden Route , one of the most scenic roads in South Africa. However, it will add at least another six hours to your journey and is best attempted over several days. 

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

O.R. Tambo International Airport is located in Kempton Park, approximately 14 miles northeast of the city center. Meanwhile, Lanseria International Airport is situated north of Randburg and Sandton, some 30 miles from the CBD. The only real method of public transport from either airport is the Gautrain , a high-speed railway service that connects various stations in Johannesburg with Pretoria. O.R. Tambo has its own Gautrain station, while Lanseria is connected to the Sandton station via an airport-operated shuttle. 

Otherwise, both airports have a network of licensed private taxi cabs that can take you anywhere you want to go. Uber also operates throughout the Johannesburg area. 

What Is There to Do in Johannesburg?

South Africa’s largest city has come a long way since its origins as a makeshift camp for gold prospectors in the 1880s. Today it’s the country’s commercial center and main port of entry, and it also has plenty to see and do for visitors. Discover Johannesburg’s complex history with a visit to Soweto, the informal settlement where former president Nelson Mandela once lived; or with a tour of the Apartheid Museum . Explore the lively modern culture of districts like Maboneng and Braamfontein, where contemporary art galleries rub shoulders with trendy bars and restaurants; ride the rollercoasters at Gold Reef City; or shop til you drop in upscale Sandton. 

The Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

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The Ultimate Garden Route Road Trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on February 21, 2018 |

Get ready for an epic 3200km road trip through South Africa that passes along the Garden Route, covering deserts, sand dunes, wildlife, buzzing cities, traditional villages, romantic coves, heavenly beaches, rugged coastline and adrenaline-fuelled thrills. We’ve called on the expertise of travel junkies Bolle and Marco who have done the drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town, so you’ll get plenty of tips you won’t find anywhere else.

Expect plenty of stops along the way to gape at South Africa’s  stunning landscapes and experience unforgettable moments in this amazing country.

1. Johannesburg

The first stop on our Garden Route road trip is Johannesburg, and right now, the neighbourhood of Maboneng is trending. Buzzing with loads of cool cafés, galleries and boutiques, the crowd is young and stylish, with a flair for fashion and design. Check out the Curiocity Backpackers Hostel  while you’re there.

Braamfontein should also be on your list. The Neighbourgoods Market is held here every Saturday, with a DJ, a rooftop terrace, mouth-watering food from around the world and a cool urban atmosphere.

Tip: Want to learn more about the country’s past? Then it’s worth taking a guided tour of the SOWETO township, stopping off at the Hector Pieterson Museum and the house where Nelson Mandela once lived.

2. Drakensberg

If you want to go hiking and experience nature, don’t miss out on the chance to spend a couple of days in the Drakensberg. The sheer scale of the scenery and the majestic mountains is awe-inspiring. Most hostels also offer tours of the Kingdom of Lesotho, with hikes to the Tugela Falls.

It’s also worth taking a hike through the Royal Natel National Park and staying a night or two at Karma Backpackers . The park boasts amazing viewpoints, waterfalls, natural pools and much, much more. The admission is a steal, at less than €2.50 a person.

Tip: Did you know that Lesotho boasts the highest pub in Africa? Take a 4×4 up through the legendary Sani Pass to be rewarded with a view that’s out of this world.

3. Coffee Bay

As you get closer to the coast, the landscape starts getting more wild and rugged. This part of KwaZulu-Natal isn’t known as the “wild coast” for nothing. Stunning Coffee Bay has rugged rock formations and cliffs, traditional round huts and heavenly coves.

Like many other backpackers, we ended up staying here longer than originally planned because it was just so beautiful. Make friends with other travellers at the Coffee Shack Hostel in front of the cosy bonfire with a cool Savanna Dry.

Don’t miss taking a hike to the “Hole in the Wall”, an extraordinary natural doorway in a rock formation in the ocean. Spend an evening with the locals, enjoying good food, music and dancing.

Tip: If you visit South Africa between June and October you’ll have a good chance of spotting dolphins and whales along the coast.

If it’s endless, wide sandy beaches you’re after, Chintsa is the perfect place to spend a day or two on the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This tranquil destination with lush subtropical vegetation and wild banana trees only has a population of 1800 people. We can’t think of a better place to chill out.

Tip: Rent a surfboard and wetsuit at the Buccaneers Backpackers hostel to catch a few waves.

5. Jeffreys Bay

Each year sees thousands of surf-junkies flock to Jeffreys Bay. The pros here especially like to surf the legendary 800 metre-long “super tube” waves. Jeffrey’s Bay also hosts the fantastic JBay Winter Fest, music festival.

Tip: Go sand boarding over epic dunes with Island Vibe Hostel .

6. Addo Elephant National Park

The first stop on our Garden Route itinerary for anyone who wants to see some South Africa’s legendary wildlife. You can see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and hyenas at Addo Elephant National Park, a diverse wildlife conversation park situated close to Port Elizabeth – all without having to get out of the car.

Tip: Don’t forget to take a pair of binoculars to see the wildlife from a distance. You’ll get the best sightings in the early morning and late in the evening, usually at waterholes.

7. Tsitsikamma National Park

If you haven’t already fallen in love with South Africa by this point, you will be after visiting Tsitsikamma National Park. Fresh sea air, rugged cliffs, green hillsides and turquoise ocean waters are just some of the highlights.

A must-see is the incredible viewpoint that is a short 20-minute walk from the Storm River suspension bridge.

Tip: Don’t skip the Waterfall Trail, which takes 90 minutes each way.

8. Bloukrans Bridge

Consider yourself an adrenaline junkie? Then don’t miss the chance to bungee-jump from the Bloukrans Bridge. Standing 216 metres above the valley floor, it’s the highest bridge in Africa. Standing on the edge of the platform, staring down into the deep ravine, is exhilarating.

9. Nature’s Valley

We headed from Bloukran’s Bridge to Nature’s Valley, where we spent a couple of nights in a safari tent. If you’re just looking to relax for a while, this is the place to do it.

10. Oudtshoorn

This is where the Garden Route starts to head back inland, and before long you’ll reach “little Karoo”, a semi-desert wilderness that feels like the Australian Outback. Driving over the Robinson Pass with its countless twists and turns, is a real highlight . Also don’t miss out on the chance to visit one of the many ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn itself.

11. Mossel Bay

This town often gets called the “ugly duckling” of the Garden Route, but we beg to differ. Mossel Bay is a cool and laid-back town. Here, you can relax on the beach, stay in a converted train ( Santos Express Train ), enjoy good food and sip on delicious lattes.

Tip: Visit the Blue Shed Coffee Roastery for its great coffee and instagrammable exterior. Try the chocolate brownies. They’re heavenly.

12. De Hoop Nature Reserve

The sand dunes of the De Hoop Nature Reserve were without a doubt one of our favourite South African sights during our road trip along the Garden Route. They are located between Mossel Bay and Cape Agulhas nature reserve.

Tip: The area is one of the best places to whale watch from the shore. Catch a sighting while hiking on the “Whale Trail”.

13. Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa. Follow the road to a lighthouse and a small trail that leads to the “Foot of Africa” where two oceans meet.

Tip: Venture about 2km further and you’ll find old shipwrecks sitting in the sea, like the Meisho Maru38, which ran aground during a violent storm in November 1982.

14. Hermanus

Hermanus is an incredibly beautiful little town on the coast. Here you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, bars and restaurants, supermarkets and boutiques. Hermanus is considered the whale-watching capital of the world. Each year from June to December, southern right whales and humpbacks arrive from the Antarctic.

Tip: Take a couple of hours to hike along the Cliff Path Trail. It’s a lovely route that hugs the coastline.

15. Muizenberg

Muizenberg was another one of our favourite places in South Africa. There’s not much there, apart from a supermarket, some surf schools, a couple of small restaurants and cafés, however, Muizenberg exudes charm. It’s key attractions are surfing and kitesurfing. You can rent out a board and a wetsuit for about €15-20 a day at Gary’s Surf School or Surf Emporium.

16. Chapman’s Peak Drive

Heading out from Muizenberg, you end up in Simon’s Town and the Cape of Good Hope. Don’t miss iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. This scenic road is one of the most beautiful in the world and is a must-visit destination on the Garden Route. Hidden around every corner are views that will leave you breathless.

17. Cape Town

The final stop on the Garden Route from Johannesburg to Cape Town will throw you back into the deep end of civilisation.

We could probably write a whole novel about this unique, buzzing metropolis. Cape Town is as diverse as South Africa itself. We love the cool markets and cafés, international cuisine and colourful nightlife.

Climbing up the Tafelberg from Kistenbosch Botanical Gardens was a favourite, as was the Neighbourgoods market in Woostock. Don’t miss out on a trip to Lion’s Head to see the sunset from Signal Hill.

Tip: There are MyCiTi buses going in any direction at pre-scheduled times. The buses are modern and cheap.

Feeling inspired to go road tripping? Check out our car hire service . 

About the authors:

Bolle and Marco have been travelling the world for over a year. Visit their blog Komm’ wir machen das einfach (Come On, We’ll Make it Easy) to find even more entries, routes, pictures and videos about their e-book on South Africa.

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Road trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg

Flying from Johannesburg to Cape Town is definitely easier and quicker than driving down. But with a family of four and last-minute flight prices almost the same as our tickets to Rome (yes, Rome in Italy ), driving was a cheaper option – even with the current price of petrol. It also presented the opportunity to see more of our beautiful country along the way. We had done it twice before – with two small children – so we knew what to expect and what to look forward to.

You can also do the same and explore cool places and diverse scenery on the road. As a good start on this exciting adventure, you can check out Road Genius for a comparison of rental cars in Johannesburg to find the cheapest deals.

Garage Farmyard

In the Free State , a quick stop at Gariep Dam, the country’s largest reservoir, was a special treat for my trigger-happy fingers. It is stunning especially in the subdued late afternoon lighting. I made a mental note to stay over there someday. On the way out of there, one of the many traffic policemen lurking in the shadows decided to stop us on some weak pretext and attempt to solicit a bribe. He was baffled when we asked for the ticket instead – which he then decided not to give to us.

Richmond, in the Northern Cape , was an obligatory stop for the earnest bookworms in our car. It is Africa’s only book town and is known as the literary jewel of the Karoo. The small town may appear dilapidated and is not very well advertised but it boasts a treasure trove of South African historic memorabilia, and books of course. I was intrigued to find some ancient, yellowed copies of “Die Transvaler”, Brian Mitchell’s boxing shorts and a leather-bound collector’s copy of JK Rowling ’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard .

Richmond - Book Town

We drove past Victoria West, with its charming 19-th century cottages and the Three Sisters, named after three prominent sugarloaf hills, heralding our arrival in the Western Cape. Our last stop for the day was Beaufort West – where Chris Barnard was born. This is where we slept over for the night.

Beefeater Matjiesfontein

Re-energised the next morning, we spotted Matjiesfontein – another jewel of the Karoo. Matjiesfontein is a small village with a huge history. It was a health resort for the rich and famous in the 1880’s and now features South Africa’s shortest tour – on an original London Beefeater Bus - some fascinating museums and the Lord Milner Hotel, which is said to be haunted. Both South Africa's luxury trains, the Rovos Rail and the Blue Train, make stops here.

We bid goodbye to the desolate Karoo and welcomed the green, red and gold vineyards of the fair Cape. Shimmering streams gurgled below towering mountains and baboons watched us from the side of the road. Signboards warned us not to purchase stolen grapes from roadside vendors as those very same vendors tried to sell their singular boxes of grapes to us. Then we were swallowed by the black abyss of the lengthy Huguenot tunnel and spit out on the other side, where we soon reached glorious Cape Town.

Our road trip had ended, to be repeated with a return leg a week later. There are several alternative routes, one of them being through Kimberley where you can see The Big Hole, one of the largest man-made holes in the world, and another through the picturesque Garden Route , one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa. Whichever route you choose, do yourself a favour – take a road trip and become better acquainted with your country.

“The pleasure we derive from journeys is perhaps dependent more on the mindset with which we travel than on the destination we travel to.” — Alain de Botton

Have you ever done a road trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg ? If yes, what were your highlights?

See more great road trips in South Africa .

Find accommodation along the way .

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Over the seaside road one will even encounter many restaurants offering glorious seafood at reasonable rates.

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5 South African Road Trip Adventures to Try in 2024

A road trip is the best way to see South Africa on a budget. Road trips allow you to see more than just big cities. You can explore national parks and historic towns along the way.

It may sound cheesy, but it truly is just as much about the journey as the destination. South Africa has beautiful mountain passes, wide open spaces, and long coastal roads, making it perfect for road trips.

At Drive South Africa , we encourage travellers to hire cars and escape urban areas. It’s a big country, after all. We’ve assembled a list of our top five road trips to try in 2024. Read on to learn all about them.

The Garden Route

The suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth

Stretching 300 km from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, the Garden Route might just be South Africa’s most famous road trip experience. Here, lush greenery hugs the coastline, rapidly transitioning into beaches, lagoons, and estuaries.

The Garden Route National Park offers a more scenic drive than the N1 between Cape Town and Johannesburg. It’s split into three sections:

• Wilderness Section (Wilderness Ebb-and-Flow Camp)
• Knysna Section (Knysna Forest)
• Tsitsikamma Section (Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and Nature’s Valley Rest Camp)

Wilderness and Knysna are popular holiday destinations, but it’s the Tsitsikamma Section that steals the show. Here, gigantic yellowwood trees dominate the indigenous forests, comprising some of the best examples of forested wilderness in South Africa.

Nature’s Valley and the Storms River Mouth straddle either end of the famous Otter Trail and there are many other hiking routes in the area. More daring travellers can also go bungee jumping at the Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee.

You can do the Garden Route south-to-north or vice versa. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, check out this three week road trip along the Garden Route .

The Panorama Route

The Blyde River Canyon along the Panorama Route

Like the Western Cape, Mpumalanga has its own iconic road trip: the Panorama Route. The name is a dead giveaway to what you can expect. Much of the route, which runs in a loop from Lydenburg to Ohrigstad, follows the sharp descent from the Great Escarpment to the Lowveld.

The area is famous for its beautiful viewpoints, including God’s Window, Pinnacle Rock, and the Three Rondawels. These spots offer the most breathtaking views of the Blyde River Canyon.

Unlike the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is lush and green, fed by the massive Blyde River Dam. Local tour operators offer boat tours and kayaking adventures on the dam, giving you a completely different perspective.

However, many people come to the Panorama Route to see its waterfalls, including:

• Berlin Falls (80 m tall)
• Lisbon Falls (94 m tall)
• Mac-Mac Falls (70 m tall)
• Bridal Veil Falls (70 m tall)
• Lone Creek Falls (70 m tall)

All are incredible in their own right, and they’re not the only ones in the area. In fact, thanks to the many rivers along the Panorama Route, you can find cascades virtually everywhere you look. Upstream from Mac-Mac Falls, for example, you can braai and swim among smaller waterfalls at Mac-Mac Pools.

The Panorama Route has its fair share of thrills, too. In Graskop, the Graskop Gorge Lift Co operates a 120 m long zipline, a lift that descends 51 m into an indigenous forest, and the Big Swing: a 70 m freefall into the gorge.

Every South African should try to see the Panorama Route at least once. If you’re keen, check out this four day road trip through Mpumalanga and Limpopo .

West Coast Road Trip

An eland crosses the road in West Coast National Park

South Africa’s West Coast is criminally underrated. That’s why West Coast Way developed six overlapping themed routes , each appealing to a different type of traveller:

• The Culture Route
• The Tractor Route
• The Foodie Route
• The Berg Route
• The Wild Route

Each segment offers a unique perspective on the area, but they also merge seamlessly. That’s why you should dedicate at least a week to fully experience the West Coast’s offerings.

The Culture Route starts just outside Cape Town, including Koeberg Nature Reserve, the Atlantis Dunes, the West Coast National Park, and !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre. Here, you can experience the indigenous San way of life first-hand.

The Tractor Route celebrates the West Coast’s agricultural roots, spanning inland fruit farms, several historic towns, and the famous Riebeek Valley. You can also stay at game lodges and experience safaris just a few hours from the Mother City.

The Foodie Route is all about beer, wine, seafood, and self-care. It includes several luxurious hotels and lodges, the Darling Brew Experience, and Paternoster, home to several world-renowned restaurants.

Finally, the Berg Route and Wild Route highlight the West Coast’s remarkable wilderness areas. On the coast, Rocherpan Nature Reserve attracts 183 different species of birds in the rainy season. Inland, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is a hiking and stargazing paradise.

For something truly memorable, visit during flower season in August and September. If you’re interested in living the West Coast way, get some inspiration from this six day Cederberg road trip .

The Wild Coast

A typical scene along the Wild Coast in Coffee Bay

It seems like South Africans have a habit of giving our favourite road trip routes very unoriginal names. What do we mean? Well, the Wild Coast is just that – wild.

Located along much of the Eastern Cape coastline, the route is the heartland of the Xhosa people. Besides cities like East London and Mthatha, most of the region is rural, with much of the coast untouched by development.

The Wild Coast includes popular tourist destinations like Coffee Bay and its Hole in the Wall rock formation, the Kei River Mouth, and Port St Johns. Just past East London, the Cintsa region features endless white beaches hugged by dense tropical forest. However, head a little further north, and you’ll encounter the wonders of Pondoland.

At Mkambati Nature Reserve, you can find some of the world’s only waterfalls that plunge directly into the ocean. There’s another epic example at Waterfall Bluff, but you’ll have to hike to get to it. There’s also an endangered Cape vulture colony along the Msikaba River.

Travellers often overlook the Wild Coast because of its relative inaccessibility compared to other routes. However, it’s worth the effort. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, start with this 15 day road trip through the Eastern Cape .

The Midlands Meander

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

Most visitors to KwaZulu-Natal tend to focus on Durban or the Drakensberg. However, between the two, you’ll find the Midlands, a historic region that looks more like a collection of European meadows than an African wilderness. That’s largely because it’s a major cattle farming area, making it a hotspot for cheese and other dairy products.

The Midlands Meander combines five tourist routes into one, spanning waterfalls, museums, arts and crafts experiences, and several historic sites. One notable example is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, where apartheid police arrested Madiba after 17 years on the run. Today, it’s home to an incredible sculpture of our national hero.

The route caters to foodies, shoppers, hikers, and everyone in between, with plenty of activities for children and adults alike. And, because it’s close to Durban, it’s a great holiday destination for people from Johannesburg, too.

Ready to meander through the Midlands? Check out this two week road trip through KwaZulu-Natal .

An aerial shot of Mac-Mac Falls in Mpumalanga

South Africa offers an array of unforgettable road trip experiences, showcasing the country’s vast diversity from the lush Garden Route to the sandy, rocky West Coast. These journeys offer more than just scenic views – they promise a deep connection with the land’s soul and stories, encapsulating the essence of South African adventure.

If you’re planning to head out on a road trip in 2024, consider car rental with Drive South Africa . Whether you’re looking for a reliable car rental service in Cape Town or a rugged 4×4 rental for an adventure through Botswana, Namibia, or South Africa, we have you covered.

For more road trip inspiration, take a look at our handy Road Trip Explorer . Better yet, add your own itinerary to the collection!

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36 Hours in Cape Town

By John Eligon Updated March 21, 2024

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By John Eligon Photographs by Samantha Reinders

John Eligon is the Johannesburg bureau chief for The New York Times.

As far as beauty goes, Cape Town is nothing short of spectacular: a city built on the Atlantic Ocean, around a mountain, allowing for stunning views in every direction. The elephant in the room, though, is the harsh legacy of apartheid, when South Africa’s white-minority government pushed the Black majority to the fringes of the city. Areas where most visitors tend to go still have a largely white population. To this day, navigating Cape Town as a person of color can bring uncomfortable moments. But South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy this year and has, for all of its challenges, tried to embrace the mantra of the “rainbow nation” — a place of racial and ethnic diversity. In that spirit, Cape Town is shedding its Eurocentric identity and emerging as a culturally rich African hub.

Recommendations

• Chapman’s Peak Drive , one of the world’s most beautiful drives, is a 5.5-mile sojourn along a rocky coastline set against the turquoise ocean and mountain views.
• See Langa , one of South Africa’s oldest townships, with a walking tour led by the artist and guide Tozamile Mnapu .
• The African Food and Storytelling Tour , led by the food writer and activist Dennis Molewa, gets you away from the chichi European restaurants and takes you to casual African eateries that will leave your belly full and spices lingering on your tongue.
• Selective Live provides an intimate setting, with a mountain view, to watch music performances from an array of genres that include Afro jazz, African folk and hip-hop.
• Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is the largest contemporary African art museum on the continent, with exhibits spread across a modern building that was once a grain silo.
• Imiso Ceramics has both a small studio and gallery that features large-scale sculptures by its founders, who find inspiration in their Xhosa heritage.
• The Castle of Good Hope is South Africa’s oldest colonial building, a former fort that now houses nine mini-museums that tell a story of the country’s diversity.
• Earthbox is a unique art exhibit that takes you beneath the earth for relaxation and reflection.
• Bailey’s Kloof is a hiking trail that will test your fitness at first, but is worth the coastal views.
• Theater Arts stages plays in an old Methodist church that showcase a range of experiences and backgrounds in South Africa.
• Time Out Market , an upmarket food hall, captures the diverse range of South African foods, from a chef’s take on a traditional barbecue at Mlilo , to Cape Malay cooking with a modern twist at Barakat .
• Therapy , a restaurant run by a pair of D.J.s from the vibrant Black township of Khayelitsha, offers comfort food and a hip vibe.
• Hari Kitchen , set on a vineyard in the town of Franschhoek with mountain views, serves what its self-taught chef and owner calls Afro-fusion cuisine.
• At Klein Goederust , the first fully Black-owned winery in the Franschhoek Valley, you can pair your wine tasting with a hearty Cape Malay buffet featuring spit-roasted lamb.
• Reuben’s Restaurant and Bar in Franschhoek offers creative plates inspired by family traditions.
• The Silo Hotel is perched above the Zeitz Museum, with “pillowed-glass” windows (many triangular panels of glass create a three-dimensional bubble effect), art on the walls and contemporary rooms with traditional décor, like couches with scrolled armrests and studs. Rooms start at 30,100 rand, or $1,589, per night during peak season.
• Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel sits on one of Cape Town’s most historic sites — Church Square, one of the first public plazas in the city, which used to serve as a slave market. It has seven modern suites starting at 13,000 rand per night.
• Kaap Mooi Luxury Guest House is tucked away amid gardens, making you feel as if you’re in an oasis away from the city, even though it is near downtown in the Tamboerskloof neighborhood. There are eight rooms with various South African themes starting at 2,200 rand per night.
• For short-term rentals , there are lots of apartments in the city center, around Bree Street, close to bars, restaurants and street shopping. If you want to be close to the ocean and the city center, try the Sea Point neighborhood, which has a lovely promenade for a run or a stroll. If you want to tuck in near the beach and stay along the stunning coastline, you can book anywhere between Clifton and Camps Bay, though you will pay a premium.
• It’s easiest to use a car in Cape Town. Taking Uber won’t break the bank, though it will cost you a little more to go out to wine country, about 45 minutes outside the city center. Bolt is another ride-hailing app that is widely used and reliable.

A mural by Tozamile Mnapu in Langa

The apartheid government prohibited Black and colored (a multiracial ethnic classification) South Africans from living in cities, instead forcing them to live in established townships in the least desirable areas. But township residents often turned their communities into areas of vibrant resistance and robust arts and culture. Langa, about 30 minutes outside central Cape Town, is one of the nation’s oldest townships. Tozamile Mnapu , a local painter, offers three-hour tours into the community (450 rand, or $24, per person). Starting from iKhaya le Langa , a community center where he also hosts art workshops, Mr. Mnapu takes visitors past street graffiti to a small art gallery above a narrow home, and another one near a gritty town center with a large monument to the resistance that residents put up against the apartheid police. Book directly with him at [email protected] or at +27 73 073 3529.

Time Out Market , the chain of upmarket food halls in several major world cities, opened its first location in Africa last year in an airy, industrial space on the main waterfront promenade. Stop by Mlilo to try the chef Vusi Ndlovu’ s global twists on a traditional “shisanyama,” or South African barbecue. Order the Senegalese lamb (180 rand) or grilled hake with Ghanaian dressing (250 rand). Just across the hall, at Barakat , the wife-and-husband team of Yolani Abrahams and Anwar Abdullatief offers takes on Cape Malay cooking, a cuisine born in the kitchens of Southeast Asians often enslaved by South Africa’s colonizers. You can’t go wrong with the pan-fried kingklip fish (195 rand) or bobotie, a casserole of sweet, curried minced beef topped with egg custard (80 rand). Have a koesister (10 rand), like a doughnut ball, for dessert.

Selective Live

You can stick around at Time Out Market (cocktail specials begin at 4 p.m.), where you can dance to tunes spun by a D.J. until 10 p.m. Or catch a short Uber ride to Selective Live , an intimate performance space and recording studio in the Gardens neighborhood near the city center. Some nights the live music could be African folk, others it could be hip-hop, and still others it could be Afro jazz. Settle into this second-floor space that feels more like someone’s living room — rather than on a stage, artists perform in a nook with a fireplace and a bookshelf. Then step out onto the balcony for fresh air and — what else? — a picturesque mountain view. Tickets start at 60 rand.

The powerful southeasterly winds make Dolphin Beach, in the Blouberg area, one of the world’s most legendary kite-surfing spots.

Trails are aplenty in this mountainous city. The most famous peaks are Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, and indeed trekking up them can provide plenty of exercise and adventure. But to avoid the crowds and get uninterrupted coastal views try Bailey’s Kloof , another scenic trail that starts along the coast about 30 minutes outside downtown. The first half hour or so is steep and moderately intense. But once you make it past that, it’s a delightful roughly two-hour loop through thick vegetation, including colorful irises, mimetes and cape snow flowers. There are detours for a pond, a cave and a rock formation. Stop and take in the delicious ocean views. Before you go, download an offline version of the area in Google Maps (in case cell service is unavailable) to help you navigate as parts of the trail are not well marked.

Cape Town hosts several art fairs annually, but even if you can’t make it to one , there are lots of opportunities to see great art. One obvious stop is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (entry, 250 rand), the largest contemporary African art museum on the continent. Housed in a former grain silo on the waterfront, Zeitz includes an exhibition that offers commentary on African liberation movements and their connection to the Palestinian struggle, as well as photography and film works that explore connections to the spiritual world. For something more intimate, head to the Salt River neighborhood and visit Imiso Ceramics , a studio and gallery that features large-scale sculptures by the founders Zizipho Poswa and Andile Dyalvane. Their works are inspired by their Xhosa heritage, which they share with arguably South Africa’s most famous person, Nelson Mandela.

Cape Town’s dining scene may best be known for high-end restaurants. But there are also plenty of casual eateries serving classical African dishes. Dennis Molewa , who is from Germany but has lived in South Africa for 15 years, offers three-hour-long African food tours (starting at about 1,400 rand per person) through downtown that include interesting stories about the city’s history and culture. He takes you to a Somali restaurant for chapati, spaghetti and beef stew, but also a blunt conversation about anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. At Nobantu Restaurant you’ll enjoy a traditional hearty Xhosa Sunday lunch, or what locals call a seven-colors meal (named for the array of colors on the plate). You’ll also meet flower vendors descended from enslaved Cape Malay people, sip tea in a Methodist church and indulge in stewed meats at Fatima’s , a pan-African restaurant owned by a couple from Mali.

Chapman’s Peak Drive runs five and a half miles along the winding Atlantic seaboard from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, and it is often heralded as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. That’s hard to dispute. It’s a mix of rocky coastline and green water as far as the eyes can see. Get entranced by the ocean and mountain backdrops, but be careful not to get blown away by the stiff winds when you step out to take pictures at one of the many viewpoints. At the end of the route, stop at Noordhoek beach and take a walk. It is a vast, flat plain of sand, and almost feels as if you’re in a desert on the ocean. (Note that the road has tolls, starting at 61 rand.)

Kloof Street was once a dirt road leading from the city center to outlying farms. Today, it’s an eclectic and busy mix of clothing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife. For dinner and drinks, you can’t go wrong with Therapy , a sophisticated space that opened last year with sleek, plush banquettes and marble tabletops. It was founded by two D.J.s, Loyiso Mdebuka and Vincent Mvelase Manzini , who are from Cape Town and were raised in the Black township of Khayelitsha. As young Black creatives, they wanted to create a hip vibe and a therapeutic experience, challenging what they saw as an African taboo against therapy. The menu delivers a range of transformed comfort food, like lamb ribs with couscous salad and harissa mayo. Three courses without drinks, about 550 rand per person.

Housed in an old Methodist church a short drive from downtown, Theater Arts is an intimate venue to see a play. Shows tackle a variety of themes, from South Africa’s regular, frustrating power outages to the efforts of young people trying to achieve success, told through a comical tale of life in Lagos, Nigeria. Built on what it says are “the tenets of affordability, inclusivity and accessibility,” the theater company provides space for emerging artists from various cultural, social, economic and skill backgrounds to develop their craft onstage. Tickets start at 150 rand.

The Twelve Apostles mountain range, visible from Camps Bay, forms the back of Table Mountain.

The Castle of Good Hope was built as a fort starting in 1666 by the colonists of the Dutch East India Company. It now stands as the oldest colonial building in South Africa. It served many purposes over the years, including a military base, a slave port and a government headquarters. Today, the castle houses nine mini-museums that tell the story of the diverse people who shaped the Cape and the nation. The Cape Heritage Museum was created by Igshaan Higgins, a human rights lawyer, during the pandemic. With artifacts that Mr. Higgins assembled over 25 years, the museum tells the stories of settler colonialism and the various groups who struggled through that oppression, including the Indigenous Khoi and San people, the Cape Muslims and the Xhosas. The castle also houses the William Fehr Collection, an assemblage of oil paintings and decorative art created by settlers that reflects on themes including slavery and the wars of dispossession.

Tune out the noise with a subterranean journey. At Earthbox , which opened last year as an immersive art exhibit on the Lourensford Wine Estate in the suburb of Somerset West, visitors walk into a bunker of sorts carved into the ground. The high walls of dirt, changing mood lighting and lulling soundtrack provide a perfect opportunity to relax, meditate or just let your mind go. Tickets range from 170 rand to 250 rand. For an additional 50 rand, you can purchase an audio guide — there’s one for meditation, and another that teaches about the ancient rocks and sediment surrounding you. Earthbox hosts regular music concerts and private dinners with local high-end chefs. After your visit, you can roam the wine estate, which includes restaurants, a wine tasting room and a market with live music, food stalls, and arts and crafts vendors.

Reuben’s Restaurant and Bar

Lose yourself in the serenity of wine country at Hari Kitchen , on the Topiary Wine Estate, with one of the best meals in the Franschhoek Valley. The chef and owner Munashe Kwaramba did not attend culinary school, but learned his style of Afro-fusion cooking by observing high-end chefs and by cooking with his grandmother in Zimbabwe. Another option just down the road is Klein Goederust , the first fully Black-owned winery in Franschhoek. On weekends, you can pair a wine tasting with a Cape Malay buffet (495 rand per person) where spit-roasted lamb is a highlight. Or on Franschhoek’s quaint main street, pop into Reuben’s Restaurant and Bar , where the chef and owner Reuben Riffel serves refined dishes like dukkah-spiced lamb and pickled fish inspired by the culinary traditions of colored families like his own.

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