Road Trip South Africa: 5 Of The Most Unforgettable Routes

South Africa is considered one of the best road trip destinations in the world and it is not difficult to see why. From the sunny small towns of the Western Cape and dusty outback of the Northern Cape, to the mystical boondocks of Mpumalanga, roads are the lifeline of the country.

south africa roadtrip

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They connect glittering cities with small towns that sizzle in the desert heat and sea-sprayed coastlines where salt hangs heavy in the air with fragrant pine forests and rocky mountains.

And while some roads stretch for kilometres towards mysterious horizons, others end after a few short metres at a rickety gate with a “PRIVATE PROPERTY” sign on a lonesome pasture.

darling south africa

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These roads offer incredible chances to explore unknown towns and experience the soul of the country at your own pace with the windows down and your feet on the dashboard.

So, compile a kickass playlist, pile your bags, family, friends, pets into the old jalopy or car rental and get ready to explore some of the best road trips in South Africa.

Don’t have your own wheels? Find and compare cheap car rentals on Travelstart.co.za!

scenery car mirror

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Enjoying the taste of South Africa along Cape Route 62

country road south africa

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If good wine, delicious food, Instaworthy landscapes, and quirky experiences get your pulse racing then Cape Route 62 is the road trip for you. It will take you through charming towns, introduce your palate to artisanal treats and glorious tastes, and offer some truly unique experiences in South Africa.

route 62 road sign

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The route stretches from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and encompasses towns such as Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, and Humansdorp.

It has been called the greatest road trip in the world and holds the title of the longest wine route in the world.

strawberry milkshake

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Highlights:

  • Learn about beekeeping and honey making with Farmer Redbeard.
  • Visit the famous Pampoen Padstalletjie in Worcester.
  • Diesel & Crème is one of the best pitstops along Route 62.
  • Meet doe-eyed rescued donkeys at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary in McGregor.
  • Brandy tasting along the Wellington Brandy Route.
  • Have dinner in a watermill in Uniondale (Die Watermeul Restaurant).
  • Feast on the best pancakes you will ever have at The Sweaty Dutchman in Kareedouw.
  • Make friends with alpacas at Quenti Alpaca Mill and the Alpaca Loom.
  • Fill your luggage with cheese at the Parmalat Cheese Factory in Bonnievale.
alpacas south africa

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When to go:

Spring (September to November), when the landscapes are lush with colour and the weather is fantastic.

Events:

  • Hands on Harvest Festival in Robertson (February)
  • Saggy Stone Beer & Music Festival in Robertson (February)
  • Up the Creek in Swellendam (February)
  • ABSA KKNK in Oudtshoorn (March to April)
  • Wacky Wine Weekend in Robertson (June)
  • McGregor Food & Wine Festival in McGregor (September)
  • Montagu Makiti Festival in Montagu (September)
  • Wine on the River in Robertson (October)
wacky wine weekend

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Where to stay:

  • Port Elizabeth: Forest Hall Guest House, Kragga Kamma Game Park
  • Oudtshoorn: Chandelier Game Lodge, Hlangana Lodge
  • Montagu: Montagu Country Hotel, Four Oaks Guest House
  • Robertson: De Oude Opstal B&B, AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
  • Cape Town: Long Street Boutique Hotel, Altona Guest House

Find more accommodation on Route 62

tented accommodation robertson

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Chasing sunsets and magic in the Karoo

karoo campfire

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A road trip through the Karoo is probably one of the ultimate road trips in South Africa because it covers such a vast area and offers endless opportunities for exploring the wild open country and discovering the unusual magic of the Karoo.

karoo cacti

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It is a journey through the quiet pastures of canola fields, windmills, and strange roadside attractions, and through old Victorian railway towns like Maitjiesfontein to deeply spiritual places like the Tankwa Karoo. The magic of the Karoo is that it can be both a strange dreamworld of frontier towns and endless wilderness, and a place of friendly old-world towns and slow-moving countryside.

matjiesfontein

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Whichever direction you choose to take, towards the east coast or up to the Northern Cape, you are sure to stumble upon something interesting and wonderful along the way.

Also read: 10 Karoo Festivals To Enjoy This Winter

route 62 road trip

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Highlights:

  • The Showroom Theatre in Prince Albert.
  • Spend a night in a luxury oasis in the middle of the wild Karoo hinterlands.
  • The oddball appeal of Nieu-Bethesda.
  • Stargaze in Sutherland.
  • Homestyle cooking as you always imagined it to be.
  • The beloved Tankwa Padstal on the R355.
  • Having to stop for roaming wildlife.
  • Karoo biltong and droëwors is the best in the country.
sutherland stars

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When to go:

Spring, when the landscape blooms with colour.

Events:

afrikaburn

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Where to stay:

  • Graaff-Reinet: Karoopark Guest House, Buiten Verwagten Guest House, Drostdy Hotel
  • Tankwa Karoo: Varschfontein Cottage, Elandsberg Wilderness Camp, Gannaga Lodge
  • Sutherland: The Whitehouse Inn, Blue Moon Guesthouse, Die Heks se Huis
  • Barrydale: The Karoo Moon Hotel, Karoo Art Hotel
  • Prince Albert: Travellers Rest, African Relish Cottages, Karoo View Cottages
  • Beaufort West: Olive Grove Guest Farm

Find more accommodation in the Karoo

lord milner hotel

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Adventure along the Garden Route

paragliding garden route

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If the Karoo is the heartbeat of South Africa, then the Garden Route is the soul.

It is a 300km stretch of salty coastline and glorious natural beauty that lures many dreamers searching for inspiration, daredevils looking for adventure, and visitors wanting to experience the wild beauty of South Africa.

It is a place that is all about good vibes and good experiences.

tsitsikamma south africa

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The Garden Route stretches through Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Follow the sweet whisper of nature and the irresistible thrill of adventure and you will soon discover why the Garden Route is one of the most famous road trips in South Africa.

Also read: 21 Fun Things To Do Along The Garden Route This Winter

elephants garden route

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Highlights:

  • The carefree boho atmosphere of Wilderness (tip: stop in at Cocomo Restaurant for dinner, drinks and live music).
  • Sip on a milkshake at Marilyn’s 60’s Diner in Storms River.
  • Bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge in Africa.
  • Kayak through towering gorges on Storms River.
  • Discover secret beaches in Nature’s Valley.
  • Make friends with elephants at Addo Elephant Park.
  • Learn how to make cheese at Fynboshoek Secret Cheese Farm.
  • Visit Kaaimans Grotto secret cave in Wilderness.
cocomo restaurant

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When to go:

Spring or summer.

Events:

Find your Mango flight to George with Travelstart!

knysna oyster festival

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Where to stay:

  • Mossel Bay: Diaz Beach Guest House, Aquamarine Guest House
  • Wilderness: The Old Trading Post Guest House, Boardwalk Lodge
  • Knysna: Oyster Creek Lodge, Overmeer Guest House
  • Plettenberg Bay: Sea Breeze Guest House, Moonshine on Whiskey Creek
  • Tsitsikamma: The Fernery Lodge & Chalets, Tranquility B&B

Find more accommodation on the Garden Route

moonshine on whiskey creek

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Searching for paradise along the Panorama Route

three rondavels

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The Panorama Route is a feast for the eyes and release for the tired mind.

It is one of the most scenic routes in South Africa and known as a place where the skies are so wide you feel as though you can touch the clouds. It weaves through the heavenly emerald landscapes of Mpumalanga and hides some of the most magnificent hiking trails and waterfalls in South Africa.

pilgrims rest

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The Panorama Route stretches from the picturesque forestry town of Sabie through Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest, a 1800s museum town surrounded by lush mountains, and along the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Many travellers continue up to the Kruger National Park.

Tip: If you have time, take a detour to Kroonstad near the Free State around September / October to see the fields of sunflowers in bloom.

Also read: Explore Mpumalanga This Summer

free state sunflowers

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Highlights:

  • Gaze out over the Blyde River Canyon from God’s Window, The Pinnacle, and Wonder View.
  • Learn about silk production at Africa Silks Farm.
  • Stop at Harrie’s for morning pancakes.
  • Afternoon potjie pitstops at the Smokey Train Diner.
  • A boat cruise on the Blyde River.
  • Beer tasting at the Sabie Brewing Company.
  • Picnics beside the glittering Mac Mac Pools.
  • Wild river raft on the Sabie River.
  • The waterfalls: Lone Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Sabie Falls, Forest Falls, Mac Mac Falls.
mac mac falls

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When to go: Winter offers spectacular clear views. Spring if you want warm weather.

Events (nearby):

innibos festival

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Where to stay:

  • Graskop: Havana Nights, Flycatcher Castle
  • Blyde River Canyon: A Forever Resort, umVangati House
  • Pilgrims Rest: The Royal Hotel
  • Hoedspruit: Ngama Tented Safari Lodge, The Bush Pub & Inn
  • Kruger National Park: Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge, Wild Olive Tree Camp

Find more accommodation in Mpumalanga

umvangati house

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Sun-kissed cruising along the West Coast

west coast south africa

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Like the Karoo pulls the romantics, artists, and poets, the West Coast pulls the free spirits, old soul hippies, and ocean lovers.

Splurge on freshly baked bread and homemade jams with real strawberries at offbeat padstals; cruise through sleepy fishing villages in search of the best fish and slap chips; witness the seasonal explosion of spring flowers that turn the West Coast into an enchanted garden; or spend your days surfing the Left Break and toasting a beer to another day in paradise with friends as the sun goes down.

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A road trip along the West Coast is a ‘turn the music up and roll your windows down’ kind of trip. It is all about taking it slow and enjoying the ride.

The West Coast starts in Melkbosstrand and stretches through Darling, Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Elands Bay, and Lamberts Bay.

Also read: Discover Epic West Coast Gems

die strandloper west coast

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Highlights:

  • Camp beside the ocean in Namaqua National Park.
  • Spend sunny afternoons strolling through quaint fishing towns.
  • Feast on fresh-from-the-ocean seafood at Die Strandloper.
  • Surf in Elands Bay.
  • Learn how to kitesurf on Langebaan Lagoon.
  • Spend a night on a houseboat in Kraalbaai.
  • Beer tasting at the Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery.
  • Lazy picnics at the many nature reserves along the way.
west coast flowers

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When to go:

Spring, when the Namaqualand flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm.

Also read: Flower Power: Your Guide To West Coast Flower Season

Events:

rocking the daisies

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Where to stay:

  • Langebaan: Macarios B&B, Alabaster Box B&B
  • Paternoster: Paternoster Place, Abalone House & Pool Villas
  • Helena Bay: Goblins Creek, Absolute Beach Guest House
  • Dwarskersbos: Escape Beach House
  • Namaqua National Park: Namaqua Coastal Camp Sites, Namaqua Flower Camps

Find more accommodation on the West Coast

namaqua flower camps

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Some logistics:

  • Don’t forget to pack your driver’s licence.
  • Getting insider secrets from locals about where to eat and making friends with strangers will make the road trip that much more enjoyable and unforgettable.
  • Rent a car that suits your road trip (e.g. rent a bakkie or 4×4 for a trip to the Karoo).
  • Getting lost is all part of the fun.
  • But having a GPS at hand is always a good idea.
  • And always remember to practice the usual Road Safety Advice.

Watch: 5 Tips For Your Next Trip

Don’t let the fact that you don’t have wheels stop you from exploring the country. Rent a car today and make your road trip dreams a reality.

Find and compare cheap car rentals on Travelstart.co.za!

volkswagen kombi

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Whether you spend a weekend roaming the coastlines with a tent and some friends, two weeks chasing fire and art in the desert, or a month on a cross-country adventure, a road trip across South Africa is one of the most unforgettable journeys you will ever take.

So, pack the car or find that perfect car rental, hit the open road and get ready to create the memories that will make your life the wonderful adventure it is meant to be.

Also read: The Great South African Road Trip

dirt road windmill

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*Disclaimer

All information on this page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice.

Image credits:

Featured image courtesy of @jentastic1984 via Instagram

Our Readers Comments

  1. Is it save to do it alone with my landrover women alone. I need a good get away.

    • Hi Yvonne,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’ve done 3 of these routes alone and enjoyed my well deserved getaway, however one should always be extra careful when travelling alone, taking extra precautions.

  2. Hi I want to leave from Gauteng and travel Southe Africa next year, which is the best point to start with and that have caravan parks on route not to far apart.

    • Hi Yvonne,

      Great to hear from you.

      A local road trip around our beautiful country sounds like a great idea! South Africa is considered one of the best road trip destinations in the world and it is not difficult to see why. Feel free to go through our blog: Road Trip South Africa: 5 Of The Most Unforgettable Routes We have some great tips.

      We also have some other great blogs you welcome to check out:

      25 Of The Best Holiday Resorts In South Africa To Stay This Summer

      Nine of our Favourite Camping Sites in Durban and KZN

      25 Of the Best South African Campsites to Pitch Your Tent this Summer

      45 Fun Family Vacation Activities in South Africa

  3. Where can get more details of the places and venues featured here.?
    I really enjoyed this feature and have enjoyed parts of Route 62 before, a good reason to return.

    • Hi John,

      Great to hear you enjoyed our blog. We really love informing our readers and clients of what is happening in the Travel Industry and giving tips and information on any travel related topics!

      We have provided a links in our blog with further information.

    • Hello

      why not make a stop in Robertson on the Route 62? Excellent food and wine, great wine and olive-tasting, nice wine walks, great gardens, hiking, biking, golfing, you name it, we organize it. Explore the wonderful “Small Town with the Big Heart” Robertson and stay at the 4-star eco-friendly guest house and self-catering GUBAS DE HOEK meet eat sleep with a huge garden, barefoot path, Vita parkour, free WIFI. There is off-street parking for your car. See you there.

  4. Road trips are always exciting. South Africa certainly has so much to off…whether it’s accommodation… Entertainment and the like… Why we even have our very own Route…. 62????

    • Hi Jean,

      Agree! So much to be explored here right on our doorstep.

  5. on my way tomorrow

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