South Africa has been blessed with some amazing sights and locations that it is world-famous for! It also boasts some amazing road trips, read below for our 6 favorite road trips in South Africa!
Western Cape: Chapman’s Peak
One of the most famous roads in the country, Chapman’s Peak is known for its unbelievable views! This thin ribbon of tarmac runs along the mountain edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It offers several picnic spots along its route as well as a few hiking trails for those who like to get close to nature.
Western/Eastern Cape: The Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
Leaving Cape Town one would jump into the N2 highway and follow it the whole way up to Port Elizabeth. The first notable stop along this trip is the town of Swellendam, this charming rural town is over 250 years old and offers a perfect opportunity to take a pitstop. Next up, one would approach the town of Mossel Bay which is the official starting point of the Garden Route, don’t miss the chance to play a round of golf at the famous Pinnacle Point Golf Estate!
Each of the next towns one passes through on the route offers its charms, Wilderness has peaceful nature reserves, Knysna has its famous lookout point, Plettenberg Bay is the party capital of the area and Tsistikamma offers amazing views of the mountain range it gets its name from. After this one will approach the city of Port Elizabeth with its well-known Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Game Reserve.
Northern Cape: Follow the Flowers in Namaqualand
The Northern Cape offers a unique sight every year from July to September. The normally dry, desert-like bushland is transformed with wildflowers that seem to go on forever.
This sight occurs due to all the seeds shed by the flowers from the previous winter, waiting until the first rains arrive after the dry harsh summer. Once that rain arrived, they all take root and explode in colour.
Gauteng: A Breakfast Run to Hartbeespoort Dam
The Hartbeespoort Dam is an icon of the Gauteng province and provides a perfect backdrop for a morning breakfast run.
To get there, go from Fourways and jump into the R512 (From Cedar Road) until you reach the dam itself, there you can pop into the famous Saloon Route 66 for a wholesome breakfast. After that, make your way through to Magaliesberg for some additional scenic pleasure. This route can then take you onto the Cradle of Mankind. To make your way back home, simply jump onto Satellite Road and head back via Lanseria airport.
Mpumalanga: The Panorama Route
The Panorama Route offers some of the most breath-taking views in South Africa. Based around the Klien Drakensberg escarpment, you can find views at the famous God’s Window and Wonder View.
Other places of note in the area are Sabie Falls, Lone Creek Falls, Berlin Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac-Mac Falls, Jack of the Bushveld, Pinnacle, Lisbon Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Echo Caves, Long Tom, and Sudwala Caves.
Free State: The Maluti Route
In the highlands of the Free State, one finds the Maluti Route. Starting in Harrismith and going through the Free State into the Eastern Cape, across the Orange River, and ending in the Wild Coast.
This route follows along the Maluti Mountain Range which gives the route its name. It offers a wide range of activities from art, culture, history, and rock art to spectacular scenery!
Let us know which of these beautiful routes you end up taking, and don’t forget to tag us on social media!