We have the privilege to be living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. What better way is there to experience this beauty than to take a road trip holiday? Driving in South Africa is made fantastic by the amount of country side that there is to see and the fact that our highways are safe and easy to travel on. Choosing a road trip holiday through South Africa at your own pace gives you ample opportunity to not miss out on the iconic sights our country has to offer.
Without further ado, herewith our list of top routes for a South African road trip.
The Eastern Cape – The Eastern Cape is known for its laid-back lifestyle, sandy beaches and is home to one of the most diverse regions in South Africa, sporting a skiing resort as well as the world famous wild beaches in the Jeffery’s Bay area. The route takes the N2 and branches off onto the R72 for those who want a scenic coastal route. If you want to experience the Eastern Cape for all its beauty, it is recommended that you spend at least ten days there.
The Drakensberg and Kwa-Zulu Natal – The Drakensberg is the biggest mountain range in South Africa and offers some of the most stunning mountain views in the world. Spanning around 200 kilometres, the mountain range is predominantly located in the historical province of Kwazulu-Natal. For international road trippers, it’s a good idea to rent a car in Johannesburg and travel towards the region. From Johannesburg, the main highway into the Drakensberg is the N3 where you can expect crisp mountain air, crystal clear streams scattered with waterfalls and unrivalled landscape views. If you enjoy the history of the Boer War or the Zulu people, then it is advised that you spend around 2 weeks in this region as many historical and heritage sites are located there.
Cape Town and the Garden Route – The Garden Route is the most famous road to travel on in South Africa for a reason; it offers travellers the opportunity to see some of the most dramatic scenery within the country. If you are a tourist then Cape Town is a must-see for you with climbing Table Mountain the first on your list of things to do. Leaving the bustling city behind, road trippers can expect lush and diverse scenery along the Garden Route. The journey stretches between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, with the option of stopping off in the many picturesque towns along the way along the main roadway, the N2.
The Karoo National Park – Oudtshoorn is popular with tourists because of the fact that it is the ostrich capital of the world and it offers fantastic scenic diversity. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Swartberg mountain range and explore the Cango Caves. For adventurous travellers, the ecologically diverse area provides the opportunity to ride an ostrich or even eat an ostrich egg omelette, which is rumoured to feed at least 12 people.
Limpopo River – The Limpopo province of South Africa is the north-most region and borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Limpopo offers visitors vast cultural heritage, spectacular wildlife and amazing African scenery. For travellers exploring the area by car, one of the best routes to drive is the Limpopo Valley Route. This follows the historic Great North Road, which is now the N1 highway, and allows road trippers to retrace ancient steps along the Limpopo River. When you are in this area, you have to visit the Kruger National Park as it is home to the African Big 5, among other wildlife.
Take a bold step this up and coming festive season and take a holiday with a twist by taking a road trip on one of the top scenic routes that South Africa has to offer.
If you don’t want to put extra mileage on your car or need a minibus for the experience, look no further, Pace has magnificent long term car rental specials that will be perfect for enjoying an unforgettable road trip through South Africa.
Have you ever taken a road trip in South Africa? Where did you go and what was your experience like?