With such diverse landscapes to explore, South Africa really is the ultimate road trip destination, and it’s just on your doorstep. With inter provincial travel open, now is the time to hit the road, explore off-the-beaten tracks and get to know your own country. We have selected a few of our favourite routes to share with you, but speak to us and we will help you plan the best trip for you.
The Golden Triangle – Johannesburg/ Drakensberg/ Battlefields/ Clarens
Depart Johannesburg and head along the N3 towards the majestic Drakensberg, where we recommend a 3-night stay. Depending on which area, there are numerous family-friendly, as well as adventurous activities on offer such as; mountain hikes and walks, horse riding, trout fishing, Bushman Rock art, a day trip up Sani Pass, Falcon Ridge Birds of Prey Centre, golfing, a visit to the Drakensberg Brewery etc. From here, travel through the Midlands to Rorke’s Drift where you can overnight for three nights to explore the battlefields – the location of the historic Anglo-Zulu War which took place in 1879. Continue to Clarens, a small town in the Free State, which is home to many artists (be sure to stop at The Art and Wine Gallery) and overnight for one night before returning home.
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The Karoo Caper and Route 62
Depart Cape Town and head for the historical, small town of Matjiesfontein (discovered in the late 1800) where you will overnight for one night. Be sure to enjoy the quickest bus tour in the world, which is a mere 10 minutes, whereby you would receive the entire history of this town. From here, depart for Prince Albert for a 2-night stay. Enjoy visiting the likes of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary (recognized as the largest in Africa), Gay’s Guernsey Dairy and enjoy a half-day or full day cooking class at a recreational cooking school. Head along the infamous, 29km Swartberg Pass to Oudtshoorn and overnight for two nights – enjoy the diverse activities like Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch and the Cango Ostrich Farm. Enjoy an early wakeup to sit quietly and watch the wild Meerkats with a cup of coffee. From here head along the R62 to Robertson via Barrydale. If you are a milkshake fan, be sure to stop at Diesel & Crème in Barrydale. Enjoy a two-night stay in Robertson, the unsung hero of the wine world, and enjoy many activities such as wine tasting, olive tasting experience, a river cruise, an art gallery etc. Return to Cape Town.
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The Elephant Coast – Durban / Phinda / Mbazwana / St Lucia / Durban
Depart Durban along the N2 towards Phinda Game Reserve, passing rolling hills and sugar cane fields, where you overnight for three nights to enjoy an unforgettable, luxury safari experiences. Continue to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park to overnight for three nights and experience any number of the following activities on offer: bird watching, snorkeling, forest walks, fishing, Scuba diving, Sundowners on a lake, Kayaking, turtle tracking (Nov – Feb) etc. Make your way back to Durban and stop for one night en-route at St Lucia and enjoy a whale watching tour (mid-May to December) before heading back to Durban.
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West Coast Wonder – The West Coast, Countryside & Winelands
Depart Cape Town along the R27 north. If time allows, we recommend driving through the West Coast National Park to make use of the opportunity to view the magical flower season. There are lovely stops in the park to get out and walk around. The Geelbek restaurant is ideal for a lunch stop, or consider lunch in Langebaan.
Then continue to Paternoster, the perfect West Coast beach break. We recommend three nights for rest, long walks along the beach, relaxation and self-exploration. It’s also home the world-famous Wolfgat restaurant, amongst others.
Then, after a few days on the coast, head north via Elands Bay and Graafwater to the Cederberg where stillness and nature connects. Mountain biking, hiking, and exploring ancient rock art, not to mention the Spring flower offer a feast for the eyes. Unique to this region you could also explore the Rooibos tea farm and learn about this typical South African drink.
From the Cederberg return towards Cape Town via a the scenic small towns of Op-Die-Berg, Prins Alfred’s Hamlet and Ceres, you may be lucky to see snow en-route during winter and early spring months.
Or consider the other route via Piketberg, Moorreesburg and Riebeeck Kasteel (which is the perfect lunch stop, Olive tasting or wine tasting stop).
Complete your journey with a lovely, relaxing 2-night stay on a working wine farm.
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