Who doesn’t love a good road trip – and with a country as beautiful as South Africa, it’s easy to see why. The school holidays are upon us, so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore some of our favourite road trip destinations.
The Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
The ruggedly beautiful and aptly named Wild Coast runs from the coastal city of East London in the south of the Eastern Cape to the border of KwaZulu-Natal, some 350km to the northeast. The Wild Coast boast the most idyllic and unspoilt beaches to be found anywhere in South Africa but be warned – at backpacking paradises like Coffee Bay or Port St Johns, you may find more cows lazing on the sand than people!
- Best for: pristine coastline and rich cultural heritage
- How long: 7 days
- Accommodation tip: The well-run Morgan Bay Hotel overlooks a gorgeous beach and offers spacious rooms and a caravan park.
- Must do/see: The Hole in the Wall, a natural archway found south of Coffee Bay.
For more information: www.wildcoastholidays.co.za
The Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
Centred around the jaw-dropping Blyde River Canyon and the historic mining town of Graskop, this route – as the name suggests – takes you along the highest tar road in South Africa and offers spectacular views of the area’s mountains, canyons and valleys. Stops include the various waterfalls (Mac Mac, Lisbon and Berlin), Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop Gorge Lift and God’s Window.
- Best for: dramatic vistas and nature walks
- How long: 2 days
- Accommodation tip: While rather unassuming from the outside, the Graskop Hotel offers a professional, yet relaxed experience, while Sabie River Camp offers great camping facilities.
- Must do/see: Explore the third-largest canyon in the world on a guided Blyde River cruise, past the Kadishi Tufa waterfall.
For more information: www.mpumalanga.com
The Garden Route, Western Cape
Certainly South Africa’s best-known road trip route, the Garden Route comprises a picturesque 200km stretch of the N2 highway between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and the Storms River Mouth on the Western fringes of the Eastern Cape. The enchanting Knysna Forest is a popular spot for camping, hiking and mountain biking and is home to a notoriously elusive population of forest elephants.
- Best for: beaches and outdoor activities
- How long: 4 days
- Accommodation tip: Forest Edge, close to Knysna, is certainly ideal if you want to be in the forest itself. All towns on the route boasts beautiful campsites, with Hartenbos being a favourite.
- Must-do/see: Bungee at Bloukrans or kayak at the Storms River mouth.
For more information: www.garden-route-info.co.za
The Waterberg Meander, Limpopo
Tucked away in Limpopo and known to locals as ‘Africa’s Eden’, this region comprises soaring mountain peaks, antediluvian sandstone rock formations, golden savannah plains, dense riparian forests and plunging river valleys. The Waterberg Meander is a 350km self-drive route that takes road trippers right through the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere and incorporates many of its highlights, including the exclusive Welgevonden Game Reserve and the stunning Marakele National Park.
- Best for: game viewing
- How long: 3-4 days
- Accommodation tip: The Marakele National Park offers a variety of self-catering chalets, luxury lodges and campsites.
- Must-do/see: Book a game-viewing safari on horseback at Ant’s Nest and Hill for close encounters with nature.
For more information: www.waterbergtourism.com
Route 62, Western Cape
Named after the R62 road that cuts across the countless vineyards of the Cape Winelands, through dramatic mountain passes and into the heart to the Little Karoo, Route 62 has gained somewhat of a cult following amongst South Africans for its beauty, untamed eccentricity and distinct lack of traffic. From star-studded night skies in the Karoo National Park with its hauntingly beautiful semi-desert landscapes to the beautiful colonial architecture and hot springs in Montagu, coupled with a stop at Diesel & Crème Diner in Barrydale, this road trip will leave you wanting for nothing.
- Best for: wine tasting and charming rural towns
- How long: 3-4 days
- Accommodation tip: The Aasvoëlkrans Guest Farm in Montagu offers a variety of accommodation options, including self-catering chalets. For camping, Doringlaagte
- (around 3km outside of Montagu) is always a winner.
- Must-do/see: A visit to the Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn.
For more information: www.route62.co.za