South Africa's ever-changing landscapes, pristine coastlines, quirky small towns and abundance of wide-open spaces make some incredible road trips. For the intrepid travelers, there is the off beaten route in the semi-desert of Karoo or the daring switchbacks of Sani Pass to the more famed Garden Route and coastlines of Cape Peninsula. The generally good infrastructure makes a road trip in South Africa much more accessible than in many of its neighbours. Marvel at stunning natural landscapes, wildlife, jaw dropping panoramic views and historical landmarks. Here are our picks for the best road trips in South Africa.
Photo credit: South Africa Tourism
Photo credit: South Africa Tourism
Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
One of the most scenic and dramatic road trips on the African continent, this route takes you along the highest tar round in South Africa giving sweeping views of the mountains, canyon and valleys. Marvel at magnificent natural geographic formations from one of the world’s largest canyons, the Blyde River Canyon to the spectacular Bourke’s Luck Potholes, The Three Rondawels and God’s Window are worth the views alone. The route also boasts waterfalls including Mac Mac Falls, Graskop Falls and the stunning Bridal Viel Falls. Other than natural landscapes, several towns are also worth the stop. Visit Pilgrim’s Rest for a living historic monument to the gold-rush days and Graskop famous for its Big Swing for an thrilling experience over the canyon on one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings.
Best for: Dramatic vistas and nature walks
Where to stay: High Grove House Country Hotel
Suggested Itinerary: South Africa Encompassed with Four B’s (Big 5, Berg, Battlefields & Beach) 12D11N
Garden Route, Western Cape
The Garden Route is arguably South Africa’s best-known road trip route and one of the most picturesque. It stretches on the N2 highway along the coast between Mossel bay in ht Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Known for its verdant vegetation boasting access to an array of beaches, dense mountain forests, picturesque lagoons and lakes giving an endless list of outdoor activities and adventures. The Garden Route has two national parks Tsitsikamma and Wilderness and the Bloukrans Bridge, which is the world's highest commercial bridge bungy. The enchanting Knysna Forest is also worth the exploration for camping, hiking and mountain biking and home to a notoriously elusive population of forest elephants.
Best for: Beaches and outdoor activities
Route 62 from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn
Route 62 is the scenic tourist route between the Western and Eastern Cape as it hinders through the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Wineland. The route is between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn and Port Elizabeth. Pass through dramatic mountain passes into Little Karoo, an open and wild region of scrubland and livestock farms. It is the more ‘rural’ part of the Garden Route. Some highlights along the route include Cango Caves, Karoo National Park, a game drive from Oudtshoorn with stung views of the Swartberg mountains, and the historic and quaint colonial town of Montagu with its hot springs.
Best for: Wine and picturesque rural towns
Where to stay: La Plume Guest House
Suggested Itinerary: Ultimate South Africa Explorer by Blue Train + Panorama Route + Garden Route 16D15N
Sani Pass
Sani Pass, between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, is one of the most scenic drives in South Africa but not for the faint hearted. An old mule route ending high atop Lesotho where the pass starts at 1,544 meters (5,065 feet) above sea level and the peak is at 2,876 meters (9,435 feet). You’ll climb up towering basalt cliffs of the Drakensberg mountains to the pass overlooking striking green midlands and the Khomazana Valley the higher you get. With access only using a 4x4 vehicle, meander on switchbacks, water crossings and plunging drops with no guardrails! A thrilling adventure! An all worthy trip as you reach the top where you officially leave South Africa and enter Lesotho (you’ll need your passport, and there’s a road tax). We suggest a celebration toast and lunch at Sani Mountain Lodge, Africa’s highest pub, at 2876m (9400ft) above sea level.
Cape Loop
The Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town is a breathtaking drive where the two oceans, Atlantic and Indian, meet alongside serene beaches, quaint villages and Cape of Good Hope. Explore the coastline of stunning False Bay where August to November you’ll catch yourself in the best place for whale watching. Visit towns boasting their own unique charm of Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town with white sand beaches along the way to break up your trip. A must stop is Boulders Beach, home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Another highlight is Cape of Good Hope which lies within a nature reserve filled with ostriches, baboons and zebras amongst the fynbos. Spend time hiking, swimming at the beach and be sure to go down to the very tip of the peninsula at Cape Point for Africa’s southwestern most point. Drive up north to the Atlantic Seaboard for more remote villages in Hout Bay and the 5km drive on the spectacular Chapman’s Peak giving magnificent views of the ocean and bay is a must! Head back to Cape Town where beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Cliffton beaches are worth the views and ideal for a beach picnic spot.
Best for: beaches
Where to stay: Read our Best Accommodations in Cape Town
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