Ready to swap your office chair for a car seat and your to-do list for a playlist? South Africa is made for road trips, and nothing beats hitting the open road with the windows down and the smell of adventure in the air. Coastline curves, Karoo dust, and mountains so majestic they’ll have you pulling over just to stare.
Whether you’re craving beach vibes, wildlife, or just a chance to shout ‘Are we there yet?’, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best road trip routes in South Africa, packed with quirky stopover towns, bucket-list destinations, and some tips so you don’t miss a thing.
The Garden Route
If there’s one road trip that’s South Africa’s ‘player of the year’, it’s the Garden Route. She’s got it all – gorgeous beaches, towering forests, mountains, and adventure around every corner. This legendary stretch runs from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) via Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma.
Knysna is perfect for an overnight stay with its tranquil lagoon, the dramatic Knysna Heads, and famous fresh oysters. Plettenberg Bay is another ideal stop, offering dolphin-watching cruises and long golden beaches, while Wilderness is a peaceful place to break for kayaking along the Touw River or a picnic by the water. Thrill seekers can bungee jump off the 216-metre Bloukrans Bridge or hike the suspension bridges at Tsitsikamma National Park.
– Distance: ±300 km
– Recommended travel time: 3 – 5 days
– Best time to visit: September to April has sunny weather, calm seas and whale-watching opportunities.
The Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is like South Africa’s big-screen cinema; everything is turned up to HD. Huge views, thunderous waterfalls, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you forget time even exists. This Mpumalanga loop swings you through Mbombela (Nelspruit), Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad, and the Blyde River Canyon.
Graskop makes a fantastic base to explore God’s Window and the famous Graskop Gorge Lift, while Sabie offers tranquil overnight stays surrounded by waterfalls and lush forests. Along the way, you’ll find the surreal Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the striking Three Rondavels, both of which are perfect photo stops. This road trip is also a natural partner to a visit to Kruger National Park, just a short drive away.
– Distance: ±160 km
– Recommended travel time: 2 – 3 days
– Best time to visit: The dry winter months from May to August bring crystal-clear skies and cooler conditions.
Route 62
Route 62 offers a slower and more scenic alternative to the N2 highway. This inland route snakes through wine valleys, rugged mountain passes, and charming Karoo towns, stretching from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) via Worcester, Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Oudtshoorn, and Uniondale.
Montagu is a must-stop for its wine tasting and natural hot springs, Barrydale lures travellers with its retro Diesel & Crème roadhouse, and Oudtshoorn invites you to discover ostrich farms and the impressive Cango Caves. Highlights along the route include sipping your way through the Robertson Wine Valley, driving the breathtaking Tradouw Pass, and exploring the wonders of the Karoo landscapes.
– Distance: ±850 km
– Recommended travel time: 5 – 7 days
– Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) when vineyards are lush, the weather is mild, and the Karoo is dotted with blooming succulents.
The West Coast Route
This one’s for the wild-at-heart believers. The West Coast Route runs from Cape Town through Langebaan, Paternoster, Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay, and up to Namaqualand. Most of the year, it’s all rugged charm, but come August and September, it’s like someone sprinkled a bag of Smarties over the fields with wildflower season.
Paternoster is a must for a night (or three) with its whitewashed cottages, fresh fish and beaches that make you forget city traffic ever existed. Stop in Springbok or Nieuwoudtville if you’re chasing the blooms further north. And don’t skip Postberg Nature Reserve, Goegap Nature Reserve, or Namaqua National Park – they’re the crown jewels when the flowers pop.
– Distance: ±400 km
– Recommended travel time: 4 – 6 days
– Best time to visit: This route comes alive between August and September, when the wild flowers transform the landscape into a natural wonderland.
The Midlands Meander
For a road trip that’s as much about slow living as it is about scenery, the Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal delivers. Winding through Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Nottingham Road, and Mooi River, this route blends rolling hills, craft markets, farm stalls, and cosy countryside stays. Nottingham Road is the ideal place to overnight, where you can enjoy charming stays and country pubs, while Howick is perfect for a coffee break and a visit to the dramatic 95-metre Howick Falls. Along the way, you’ll find local craft breweries, artisanal cheese makers, and easy access to the Drakensberg Mountains for a detour filled with hikes and breathtaking views.
– Distance: ±80 km
– Recommended travel time: 2 – 3 days
– Best time to visit: The Midlands Meander is a year-round destination, but spring is especially beautiful when the hills turn lush and green.
The Drakensberg Circuit
For those craving mountains, waterfalls, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, the Drakensberg Circuit is a road trip made for the soul. This route loops through the Royal Natal National Park and Champagne Valley, and past Cathedral Peak and Giants Castle, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in South Africa. The circuit is perfect for travellers who want to combine scenic drives with time spent hiking, horse riding, or simply soaking up the views from a mountain lodge. The Cathedral Peak Hotel is great for an overnight stay with cosy rooms that bring you close to the stars. Along the way, you can discover ancient Bushman rock art, trout fishing spots, and some of the best hiking trails in the country, like the Tugela Falls trail – home to the world’s second-highest waterfall.
– Distance: ±49 km
– Recommended travel time: 2 – 3 days
– Best time to visit: This route is beautiful all year, but the cooler, drier months from May to September offer crisp hiking conditions
The Great Karoo Road Trip
The Karoo Road Trip is all about slow travel, big skies, and wide-open spaces. This route winds through Beaufort West, Victoria West, Loxton, Nieu-Bethesda, and Graaff-Reinet, with plenty of stargazing, history, and small-town charm along the way. Sutherland is a detour worth making, offering fossil finds and some of the clearest night skies in the world, ideal for stargazing. Nieu-Bethesda is another highlight, home to the eccentric Owl House and a warm, artistic vibe. Graaff-Reinet is the crown jewel of the Karoo, with the Valley of Desolation offering panoramic views over the plains. This route is ideal for travellers looking to disconnect, breathe in the silence, and explore South Africa’s soulful interior.
– Distance: ±600 km (depending on detours and entry points)
– Recommended travel time: 4 – 6 days
– Best time to visit: The cooler months from March to October, when the skies are at their clearest for stargazing.
Wild Coast Route
The Wild Coast Route is for travellers who crave raw beauty and a touch of the untamed. From East London through Cintsa (Chinsta), Coffee Bay, and Port St Johns, this route drifts at its own pace, inviting you to linger at every curve and coast. The roads may be rough in sections, but the rewards are endless! From the iconic Hole in the Wall to untouched beaches, lush green hills, and cultural Xhosa villages. Coffee Bay is a must for an overnight stay, offering rustic beachside lodges and surf spots, while Port St Johns is perfect for exploring river gorges and laid-back local life. Canoeing, hiking, and simply enjoying the tranquil coast make this route a bucket-list experience for those willing to go off the beaten track.
– Distance: ±400 km
– Recommended travel time: 4 – 6 days (allow extra time for slower roads)
– Best time to visit: Summer and autumn (November to April) when the weather is warm and the seas are calm.
Southernmost Tip of Africa Route
For a road trip that combines rugged coastlines, whale watching, and a literal bucket-list tick, the Southernmost Tip of Africa Route is the one to take. This journey runs from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas, passing through Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Struisbaai. Along the way, you’ll find yourself stopping for whale watching in Hermanus, shark cage diving in Gansbaai, and charming seaside strolls in Struisbaai before finally reaching Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Hermanus is the ideal spot for an overnight stay, especially during whale season, while Struisbaai offers a peaceful break with its long, quiet beaches.
– Distance: ±55 km
– Recommended travel time: 2 – 3 days
– Best time to visit: This route shines from June to November during whale season.
Each of these South African road trips offers its own flavour of adventure, whether you’re chasing dramatic mountain passes, wildflower fields, or quirky small-town stops. Pack your bags, map out your stops, and give yourself time to wander because on these roads, the journey is just as special as the destination.
Feature image: The Cowshed on LekkeSlaap
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