Discover 21 Incredible Road Trips in South Africa

Who doesn’t love a road trip? And when you have a country as stunning as South Africa, the perfect road trip is just waiting for you. Here, you’ll find a collection of our top road trip adventures from our years of exploration at Getaway. Now it’s your turn to hit the road and experience the thrill. From traversing the North West province in search of the best beer to embarking on a pet-friendly journey along the enchanting Garden Route, what road trip will you embark on next?

Note: Some of these stories were published a year or two ago, so be sure to double-check the details before you set off!

1. The Waterberg

Ah, the peaceful serenity of Matamba Bush Campsite. It’s the perfect place for wildlife lovers like you and me to unwind and bask in the beauty of nature. I can’t help but get excited when I think about it! And the best part? It’s only a three-hour drive from Johannesburg. That means we can escape the bustling city and find ourselves in a wildlife paradise in no time.

Now, let me tell you about another gem in the area – the Panorama Route. This scenic route will take your breath away with its breathtaking views and jaw-dropping landscapes. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it. The name says it all – it’s a route that offers panoramas that will make your heart skip a beat.

So, why should you add the Panorama Route to your travel bucket list? Well, let me break it down for you. First of all, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring sights like God’s Window, where you can gaze out at the lush green valleys and dramatic cliffs below. It’s like something out of a fairytale.

But that’s not all. The Panorama Route also boasts impressive landmarks like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where you can witness the incredible power of nature as water has carved out intricate rock formations over thousands of years. It’s a sight that will make you feel small in the grand scheme of things.

And let’s not forget about the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. The sheer size and beauty of this natural wonder will leave you in awe. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the magnificence of our planet.

So, my friend, if you’re looking for a getaway that will leave you speechless, the Panorama Route is the answer. It’s a journey that combines adventure, beauty, and a touch of magic. Once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s a must-do for any nature lover.

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this incredible destination. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. The Panorama Route is waiting for you, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Let’s go!

When I first heard about the name “Three Rondavels,” I was immediately intrigued. I thought to myself, what kind of place could have such a unique and captivating name? Little did I know that the real beauty of the Three Rondavels would go far beyond its name.

As I gazed upon the hut-shaped formations in the distance, a sense of awe washed over me. The Three Rondavels stood tall and proud, like ancient guardians of the land. The surrounding landscape was a breathtaking sight to behold, resembling something straight out of a fantasy novel.

The lowveld clouds added an air of mystery and tranquility to the scene. It felt as if time had stopped, and I was transported to a world untouched by the chaos of modern life. In that moment, all worries and stresses faded away, and I was left with a profound sense of peace and isolation.

3. Discovering the Beer Route in North West

When I think back on my trip, there’s one beer that stands out above the rest – Lazy Lizard’s American Pale Ale.

I was determined to find a local beer that even a Belgian would love, so I set out on a journey through Gauteng to explore nine different microbreweries. And let me tell you, it was well worth the adventure.

4. Clarens

When winter arrives, most people prefer to cozy up indoors where it’s warm and comfortable. But not me! I’m Melanie van Zyl, and I decided to embrace the cold and embark on a road trip to Clarens, where the picturesque Golden Gate National Park awaited.

As soon as I hit the road, anticipation and excitement filled the air. Snow was the star of this adventure, and I couldn’t wait to witness its magic firsthand.

5. A Kruger road trip like no other

If you’ve ever daydreamed about staying in Africa’s biggest game reserve for a while, I have a great story for you. Let me tell you about Madeleine van Heerden, who spent an incredible 18 days exploring eight different campsites in Kruger. She went from the north all the way to the south, and I have some fantastic tips and recommendations to share from her unforgettable trip.

Now, if you don’t have that much time to spare, don’t worry. Kruger experts Villiers Steyn and Tabby Mittins took a week-long trip through the park, but they did it in a unique way. Instead of going from north to south like most people, they went in the opposite direction. And let me tell you, it turned out to be quite rewarding.

Do you know that giraffes are really fond of knob-thorn trees? These trees are actually quite common in the southern Kruger area, especially near Crocodile Bridge. It’s interesting to see how giraffes love these specific trees, isn’t it? They seem to have a special connection with them!

7. Howick

As you stand directly in front of it, something remarkable happens. The cluster of columns, each set at a different depth, magically align to form a flawless portrait of Nelson Mandela. It’s a sight to behold, one that will surely captivate your attention.

But this place is more than just a tourist attraction. When I visited Howick, I decided to dig deeper and explore what this often overlooked town had to offer. And let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed.

8. A Journey through the Midlands

When I visited the Blueberry Cafe, I couldn’t resist indulging in a delicious cappuccino paired with a mouthwatering slice of cheesecake. It’s an absolute must-try!

As I explored the enchanting Midlands Meander, I had the pleasure of connecting with some wonderful locals who graciously shared their insights and stories with me. They guided me through the area, offering a unique perspective on the hidden gems that make this place so special.

9. Embarking on a Campervan Adventure from the Karoo to Durban

I absolutely adored having a home that we could take with us wherever we went. It was such a unique and exciting experience for my family, and it made traveling so much more convenient. We never had to worry about packing and unpacking our belongings, because everything was always with us.

It may sound like the plot of a hilarious family movie, but for my family, it was a reality. We decided to rent a camper van and travel from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. It was an adventure like no other, and having a house on wheels made it even more special.

10. Exploring the Karoo

Hey there! Let me share an exciting adventure with you, as I embarked on a journey from Cape Town to Cradock with my furry companion, Lily. Trust me, it’s a tale filled with laughter and unforgettable moments!

11. The Garden Route

When you’re looking for places to travel with your furry companions, it can be quite challenging, especially during busy holiday periods. However, with a little bit of planning, you can make the journey much more enjoyable when you bring your pets along.

For instance, Megan King and her dog embarked on an adventure to discover pet-friendly and affordable accommodations while exploring the scenic Garden Route and the Eastern Cape. Their discoveries were absolutely worth the trip, not to mention the stunning surroundings of the Garden Route.

12. Exploring the Karoo and the Garden Route on a motorcycle

Parked next to the Nelsrivier Dam in Calitzdorp, I find myself drawn to the Karoo over and over again. This time, I’m on a vintage motorcycle with two of my all-time favorite people riding alongside me. The question is, what is it about the Karoo that keeps pulling me back?

13. Exploring a Different Side of Route 62

Hey there! So, get this – I resisted the temptation to hit the coast from Port Elizabeth and decided to take a different route instead. I cruised along this lesser-known pathway, kinda in the shadow of the more famous Route 62. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure. These roads led me through the Langkloof, and boy, did I stumble upon some hidden gems!

Before I forget, there’s this super interesting story I read called “The other Route 62”. You should definitely check it out!

14. Lesser-known wine routes near Cape Town

If you’re a wine enthusiast and the popular wine farms have become old news, I’ve got something for you. How about exploring some fresh new wine routes? Take a look at this extensive list by Rachel Robinson. She spills all the tea on places like Elgin and Breedekloof. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

15. Surf the West Coast

I remember the exhilaration I felt as I emerged from a fun session at Sunset Beach, just north of Cape Town. The feeling of riding the waves was beyond compare.

But my love for surfing didn’t stop there. As a student, I embarked on a road trip along the West Coast, exploring iconic surf spots like Blouberg, Melkbos, and Langebaan. Each location offered its own unique waves and challenges, but the thrill remained the same.

16. Overberg motorbike route

Hey there, let me take you on an adventure just south of the N2! The roads down here are a cyclist’s dream, with smooth, well-graded gravel that’s perfect for biking.

So, I heard this amazing story about Tyson Jopson and Chris Davies. They embarked on an epic journey through the Overberg, determined to venture as far away from the busy highway as they possibly could. Their mission? To discover the ultimate route to cycling nirvana. It was a tough challenge, full of unexpected surprises, but that’s just the way they liked it.

17. Explore the Wonders of SANParks off the N2

Did you know that there are 19 family chalets at Mountain Zebra National Park? Each and every one of them offers a wide stoep, braai place, and stunning views. Just imagine sitting outside, grilling your favorite food, and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Now, let’s talk about the best way to experience wildlife. I have a suggestion for you – how about going on a SANParks-themed road trip? Trust me, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss. Chris, Tyson, and Scott Ramsay recently embarked on this journey and had an amazing time. They spent a week traveling from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on the N2, and along the way, they made sure to visit some of our best national parks.

Explore Beyond South Africa

18. Namibia

Have you ever wanted to explore a new place and discover hidden gems? Well, that’s exactly what I did when I embarked on a journey along the road between Hobas and Ai-Ais. The scenery was breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder as I took in the stunning landscapes of Namibia.

My adventure began in the beautiful country of Namibia, where I decided to stick to what I knew best – the Fish River Canyon. This was a road I was very familiar with, but I was determined to see it with fresh eyes. As I traveled along, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the sheer beauty that surrounded me.

19. Exploring the Wonders of Botswana

Have you ever heard of Mokoro trips? They’re these incredible journeys into the delta that allow you to explore the channels and spot wildlife hiding in the papyrus. It’s truly a unique and exciting experience. Take a look at Melanie van Zyl’s photo to get an idea of what I’m talking about.

Now, let me tell you about something else that’s equally adventurous: a 10-day self-drive through Botswana. It may sound intimidating, but let me assure you, it’s worth every second. Melanie van Zyl can attest to that. Check out her itinerary to see how she pulled it off and why she’s already dreaming of doing it again.

19. A baobab road trip

If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, consider heading to Nxai Pan National Park. Here, you’ll be surrounded by iconic baobabs, making for a truly magical experience. Want to know more? Keep reading!

21. Mozambique

So, let me show you how you can go on an exciting adventure that involves horseback riding from the bush to the beach, kayaking across Nhambavale Lake, and indulging in delicious prawns. Have you ever heard of Inhambane? It’s a town in Mozambique that is absolutely adored by South Africans. And let me tell you, Evan Haussmann couldn’t resist making it his ultimate destination on a 12-hour road trip.