10 awesome road trips to do in South Africa

Swartberg Pass – reminds me of Star Wars for some reason

Driving holidays in South African can be extremely rewarding. The national road network is excellent, and the quality of the freeways is world-class. Accommodation is abundant, affordable, and very hospitable. Being a modern and developed country, all your basic needs can be purchased at any of the small towns you will encounter en route, while gas or petrol stations abound throughout South Africa, thus avoiding the need to carry spare fuel. The country’s banking system too is widespread, and card payment is the norm, all making for a really wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great road trips in comfort. Find a used car on Gumtree South Africa and begin your journey with these top 10 awesome road trips!

1. Garden Route – From Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

One of the best road trips is the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. It’s a long journey that will take several days but a spectacular trip with quaint towns like Knysna and Wilderness with their good restaurants and art and curios shops, as well as other activities including hiking, fishing, bicycling, and more.

chapman's peak south africa — Chapman’s Peak – one of the 10 awesome road trips to do in South Africa

2. Camp’s Bay to Chapman’s Peak

In Cape Town, there is the engineering wonder which is the Camp’s Bay to Chapman’s Peak drive with great views of the mountains and the sea as the road hugs the cliffs on its way to Hout Bay. The stretch is scary in bad weather but very safe, and many of the roadside stops allow for some incredible sunset views. There are also arts and crafts vendors on the route.

Blye River Canyon – doesn’t it resemble a little of the Grand Canyon, in US?

3. Blyde River Canyon

A remarkable drive is the Blyde River Canyon route from Graskop to the Blyde River, taking in such famous sights as Bourke’s Luck potholes and the Three Rondawels at the summit. God’s Window offers incredible views of the Lowveld below. There are wonderful viewing stops along the way and art and curious shopping too.

4. Route 62

Route 62 from Cape Town to the plush vineyards of the Western Cape is a spectacular drive, taking in the great wine estates of the country. Stop over for a wine tasting and a lunch and overnight stay at some of the country’s great hotels.

5. Swartberg Pass

The Swartberg Pass in the Klein Karoo is a fabulous road through rugged mountain scenery. You can stop at Prince Albert for lunch, and also take in the Cango Caves while you are in the vicinity.

6. Sani Pass

Sani Pass in the Drakensberg is a thrilling experience as you scale this incredible mountain in a 4×4 to reach Lesotho and Africa’s highest pub. The meandering dust road though hairpin bends is quite an experience.

7. The Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal is quite refreshing. You can drive from Durban and follow the signage, taking in some great little treats like Howick with its beautiful falls and lovely arts and crafts for sale.

8. West Coast

The West Coast route is an interesting route up this semi-arid landscape, spectacular in spring when the flowers bloom overnight. Towns like Darling, Clanwilliam, and Lamberts Bay are all great stopovers.

9. Easter Cape

In the Eastern Cape, you can drive from Cradock to Middleburg, taking in Somerset East, Graaf Reinet, and New Bethesda along this great natural landscape.

10. Lower South Coast

The Lower South Coast road from Durban to Port Edward makes for a great day trip, taking in the beaches and towns of Margate, Marina Beach, and others with great restaurants along the way.

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I’ve always wanted to visit South Africa – and a road trip seems like a dream, of grand stoic mountains and the boundless, blue ocean which keeps you company during the drive. There’s much talk about doing road trips in the United States. But what about doing one in South Africa? That’s certainly some food for thought. : )