tourist routes in south africa

The 6 most beautiful road trips in South Africa

Sep 6, 2023 • 9 min read

A road trip in South Africa gets you up close to the country’s extraordinary landscapes © Goodboy Picture Company / Getty Images

South Africa offers some of the world’s most diverse landscapes, from sparkling oceans and stark deserts to snow-capped peaks and wildlife-dense savanna.

But it’s not just the land that makes South Africa so enthralling – the wealth of the country’s diverse cultural groups, each contributing its own architecture, traditional cuisine and customs, adds to the alluring mix. Traveling by car, with the ability to stop, explore and wander on your own schedule, might be the ideal way to take in all this variety. 

Here's our pick of the six best road trips in South Africa.

1. Panorama Route

Best road trip for high-altitude adventure Long Tom Pass to Echo Caves; 193km (120 miles)

Dipping in and out of Mpumalanga ’s Blyde River Canyon , the world’s third largest, this cloud-high drive takes you through and along magnificent natural features – cliffs, waterfalls and forests, with eagles soaring above – while offering plenty of places to get out and stretch your legs.

It’s a short hike, for example, to God’s Window , an overlook peeking down through jungly, bird-filled foliage some 2745m (9005ft) below. The Three Rondavels are a trio of soaring, grass-topped peaks resembling indigenous cone-shaped huts. Trails wander around Bourke’s Luck Potholes , cylindrical holes formed over thousands of years by the swirling waters of the Treur and Blyde rivers.

But it’s not just about the natural landscape. Several towns worth a stop include historic Pilgrim’s Rest, a living historical monument to the gold rush days of the late 1800s. Beautifully renovated structures line its streets, including the Victorian-era  Royal Hotel , whose Church Bar was originally a school chapel. Graskop is famed for its pancake restaurants, along with the Big Swing, an exhilarating rush over the canyon on one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings. Sabie is a tranquil country town in the middle of a forest, with watery natural attractions, including Bridal Veil Falls, Lone Creek Waterfall and Horseshoe Falls.

2. Garden Route

Best road trip for a Garden of Eden experience Mossel Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth); 300km (186 miles)

Meandering through South Africa’s lush Indian Ocean littoral, the Garden Route (N2) is one of the nation’s most incredible itineraries. Burgeoning with luxuriant flora and fauna as well as coastal towns, pristine beaches and misty mountain forests, this drive is chock-full of things to see and do in one of the world’s most staggeringly beautiful settings.

For lovers of the outdoors, this road trip offers access to plenty of hiking trails, including the fabled five-day Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park ; surfing at numerous beaches, including the famous Jeffreys Bay; and the world’s largest commercial bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge . Camping is sublime, whether you prefer pitching your tent next to a rippling river, a primeval forest or the boundless ocean.

Wildlife aficionados adore Oudtshoorn and its ostrich farms; Addo Elephant National Park , which is also home to rhinos, lions, hyenas and zebras; and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary , which has more than 700 primates in a free-range multi-species reserve. You can also walk with wild cheetahs at Tenikwa Wildlife Center . Nature is everywhere you look – expect to spot otters, Southern right whales and the odd great white splashing offshore, with birds galore flitting through the treetops and scurrying across the sands.

Oak-lined Goringhaikona (formerly known as George) provides a good base for setting out. Other popular towns include Knysna , with its nearby oyster farms; the seaside resort of Witsand , which offers water sports, fishing and whale watching; and Mossel Bay , boasting a temperate climate and cultural history dating back 350,000 years.

Local tip:  Witsand Nature Reserve comes with a soundtrack – when conditions are hot and dry, the sand sings. The "roaring sands" effect is created by air escaping from the tightly packed grains.

3. Midlands Meander

Best road trip for craftsmanship Lions River to Nottingham Road; 27km (16.7 miles)

Delving into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal northwest of Durban, the Midlands Meander is a collection of five color-coded routes that showcase the best of this untrammeled, rolling-green realm. You’ll discover breweries and wineries, unique lodging and locally sourced restaurants, nature reserves, traditional villages and plenty of outdoor activities along the way – though the region is perhaps most beloved for its arts and crafts.

Some 160 studios, workshops and outlets, including potters, leatherworkers, batik artists and chime makers, hide tucked away on tree-shaded lanes. Perhaps the best known is Ardmore Ceramics in the Champagne Valley, which has a gallery and studio where locals create whimsical, fantastical, colorful pieces that decorate such venues as Buckingham Palace and the White House.

You can follow one of the specific routes, with Route 4 highly recommended. On this drive, you’ll find the Capture Site Museum , marking the spot where Nelson Mandela was apprehended in 1962. A stunning, shape-shifting sculpture made of 50 steel columns that form Mandela’s face when viewed from the right direction stands outside. Rawdons Hotel is a fabulous, English-style country estate complete with a duck-dotted lake, a brewery, a distillery and a thatched roof. Enjoy goat’s milk cheese at Swissland Cheese and handcrafted Belgian chocolates at Chocolate Heaven.

4. Wild Coast

Best road trip for dramatic ocean views East London to Mzamba; 482km (300 miles)

This laid-back drive is all about stunning, off-the-beaten-path scenery – empty beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean’s turquoise surf, jagged coastlines, crashing waterfalls, dark skies full of shooting stars and picturesque turquoise rondavels perched on emerald-green hillsides. You can drive this road trip straight through, but taking the time to explore will reveal the true wonders of this wild place. While the main route is the N2, away from the ocean, be sure to veer off to explore, hike, swim, canoe and fish. A 4x4 is highly recommended.

Wild Coast highlights include Mkambati Nature Reserve south of Port Edward, with swamp forests, grasslands, rocky beaches, and grazing eland and hartebeest. A series of waterfalls spill dramatically into the ocean. Trail-laced Silaka Nature Reserve near Port St Johns is a haven of exotic lilies, zebras and wildebeest, and Bulungula Beach is supreme for surfing, fishing, swimming and canoeing. You could drive to Hole in the Wall, but a three-hour hike across the grassy coastline is the more idyllic approach to this natural rocky archway that swirls with local legends. The local Xhosa name is esiKhaleni, “the place of thunder,” for the sound the rushing ocean makes as it roars through the almost circular cavity.

But it’s not all about the natural beauty here. As you snap photos of cows lazing on beaches, remember that Nelson Mandela was born on these grasslands (he was a cowherd as a young child). Various sites related to him include the Nelson Mandela Museum , which has three parts: a museum at Mthatha; a museum at the small hamlet of Qunu, where Mandela was baptized and is buried; and an open-air museum in Mvezo, where he was born. It’s a profound connection to this remote land of wild beauty.

Planning tip:  Most car rental agencies can provide safety seats, but you'll need to book them in advance and usually pay extra.

5. Sani Pass

Best road trip for thrilling scenery Underberg to Mokhotlong, Lesotho; 9km (5.6 miles)

For drop-dead gorgeous scenery and the thrill of a lifetime, Sani Pass is hard to beat. An old mule route ending high atop the roof of Lesotho , this sweeping, wildflower-dotted road begins innocently enough. But before long you embark on the 1332m (4370ft) climb up the towering basalt cliffs of the Drakensberg mountains to the pass, looking out over the striking green midlands and, as you get higher, the Khomazana Valley. Plenty of shoulder parking areas allow you to stop and take it all in. 

This drive isn’t for the fainthearted. The route has tight switchbacks, hairpins, water crossings, plunging drops and no guardrails (and remains of rusting vehicles that didn’t make it). Plans are in the works to tar the road, but for the moment, it remains gravel, requiring the use of a 4x4 vehicle. Fog sometimes covers the pass, making conditions even hairier (and the views nondescript). Needless to say, above-average driving skills are necessary. 

But the stomach-churning journey is worth it as you reach the top, where you officially leave South Africa and enter Lesotho. Toast your achievement with lunch at the Sani Mountain Lodge – Africa’s highest pub, at 2876m (9435ft) above sea level – before heading back down the same precarious way you came.

Planning tip: As you're entering Lesotho, you'll need to take your passport. 

6. Best of the Cape Loop

Best road trip that lives up to the hype  Start and end at Cape Town; 160km (99 miles)

The Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town showcases the bewitching meeting of two oceans (Atlantic and Indian), fishing villages, sparkling beaches, the historic Cape of Good Hope – and penguins, too. There’s a lot of hype around this loop drive, and it absolutely lives up to it.

The first part hugs the coastline of stunning False Bay. Scan the waters for whales from August through November. You’ll have your choice of sparkling white-sand beaches to stop, swim and picnic at, while a string of villages each have their own charms, including Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town. Just outside Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is a must-stop for its famed colony of African penguins, accessed via boardwalks down to the beach. You could spend all day watching these adorable little birds waddle and splash but pry yourself away, continuing south to the Cape of Good Hope.

You’re in the middle of an immense nature reserve here, with ostriches, baboons and zebras running wild among the fynbos, an endangered plant type endemic to the Cape Peninsula. You can hike, hit the beach and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, but be sure to follow everyone down to the very tip of the peninsula at Cape Point, Africa’s southwesternmost spot. The old lighthouse here is an easy uphill walk; you can also take the Flying Dutchman Funicular .

The drive north up the Atlantic Seaboard reveals remote villages –  Hout Bay (take a seal excursion to Duiker Island) and Chapman’s Peak , with a 5km (3-mile) toll road leading to a stunning view over the bay and the ocean. Some say it’s the world’s most beautiful stretch of road.

Meander your way back to Cape Town, with last chances for beach time at Camps Bay and Clifton .

Local tip:  As well as the sweeping vistas from Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope lighthouse, head to Bloubergstrand for a full view of Table Mountain.

This article was first published Jan 5, 2022 and updated Sep 6, 2023.

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Road trip South Africa: 5 of the best routes

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South Africa 's ever-changing landscapes, pristine coastlines, quirky small towns and abundance of wide open spaces have cemented the country's reputation as one of the world's best road trip destinations .

1. The Garden Route, Western Cape

2. the waterberg meander, limpopo, 3. the wild coast, eastern cape, 4. route 62, western cape, 5. the panorama route, mpumalanga.

For the intrepid traveller, it’s easy to get off the beaten path in the semi-desert of the Karoo or across the rugged hills of the Wild Coast . By the same token, the generally good infrastructure makes a road trip in South Africa much more accessible than in many of its neighbours. Here are five of the best road trip routes to experience South Africa in your own rental car .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for South Africa, created by local experts

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

The Garden Route is certainly South Africa’s best-known road trip route, and not without good cause. It comprises an unfailingly 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 Garden Route is so-known for its verdant and varied vegetation and it gives easy access to a number of sublime beaches, dense mountain forests, picturesque lagoons and lakes, with a plethora of outdoor activities on offer.

The enchanting Knysna Forest is a popular spot for camping, hiking and mountain biking and home to a notoriously elusive population of forest elephants. The coastal town of the same name is renowned for its annual Oyster Festival and stylish boutique shops. And not to mention the excellent beaches.

For the more adventurous, stop off to surf some barrels at Plettenberg Bay or leap off the Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma, the world’s highest bridge bungee.

Best for: beaches and outdoor activities

How long: 4 days

Tailor-made trip: If sitting in a car doesn't sound too appealing to you, how about cycling the Garden Route ?

Rough Guides tip: For the ultimate experience, pick the best season for your adventure with our guide to the best time to visit South Africa .

Not to miss : Kayak the Storms River and explore the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Our favourite accommodation: Forest Edge close to Knysna. Ideal if you want to be close to the forest itself, these traditional two-bedroom woodcutters‘ cottages have verandas built in the vernacular tin-roofed style, and have been upgraded for extra comfort with good linen and fittings. The cottages are private and romantic. Forest walks and cycling trails start from the cottages, from where you can walk to rock pools and waterfalls.

© WitR/Shutterstock

Although it’s just a few hours’ drive from the pulsating urban hub of Johannesburg, the Waterberg Region doesn't make it onto most South African travel itineraries, and that’s a large part of its appeal.

Tucked away in Limpopo Province 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 .

Along the route, there are also a number of community projects, cultural and historical sites, and some of the finest examples of the stellar Waterberg vistas.

Best for: game viewing

Rough Guides tip: Get inspiration for your road trip with our South African itineraries .

How long: 5 days

Mountain range in Limpopo, South Africa. Marakele National Park © Jurie Maree/Shutterstock

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 Kwa-Zulu Natal some 350km to the northeast.

As you drive across this region’s rolling hills, along its jagged coastlines or veer off the N2 onto the gravel roads that cut inland, you’ll often have the sense that little has changed here in the past hundred years. The hillsides are dotted with turquoise rondavels (round huts topped with thatched roofs) and small pastoral farming plots.

Formerly known as the Transkei during apartheid, this region has a rich and often bloody history and birthed struggle icons including Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, both of whose lives can be revisited at a number of local heritage sites .

The Wild Coast also boasts the most idyllic and unspoilt beaches to be found anywhere in South Africa – 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

Our favourite accommodation: Morgan Bay Hotel - This friendly, well-run place overlooks a gorgeous beach and is one of the best hotels along the Wild Coast, particularly for family holidays. It offers good food and fresh, airy rooms; a caravan park is also available. Rates include breakfast and dinner. Another draw is that it’s only 76km from East London, all on tar roads.

South Africa is a really popular destination but a trip to Tanzania is the best way to experince a safari.

Route 62 is so-named for the R62 road that cuts across the countless lovely vineyards of the Cape Winelands , through dramatic mountain passes and into the heart of the Little Karoo , a wild and dusty region of open scrubland, livestock farms and quaint rural towns.

Route 62 is considerably less popular and less developed than its coastal counterpart the Garden Route, but it has gained a cult following amongst South Africans for its beauty, untamed eccentricity and distinct lack of traffic.

The historic spa town of Montagu is well worth a visit for its pretty colonial architecture and hot springs , while the charmingly arty Barrydale has a number of good roadside cafés, including the Diesel & Crème Diner, known for its milkshakes and nostalgic American memorabilia.

The best of the raw semi-desert landscapes and spectacular star-studded night skies are to be found in the Karoo National Park , while the Breede River Valley is a favourite for riverside camping and kayaking excursions.

Best for: wine and charming rural towns

How long: 3 days

Not to miss: A game drive from Oudtshoorn marveling at the fascinating wildlife but also the stunning views of the Swartberg mountains.

Our favourite accommodation: Aasvoelkrans Guest Farm in Montagu - Set in a pretty part of town, these four exceptionally imaginative garden rooms are housed in a guesthouse situated on a farm, with Arab horses grazing in the fields. There is also a two-bedroomed self-catering cottage suitable for a family or larger group.

© Circumnavigation/Shutterstock

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Centring around the jaw-dropping Blyde River Canyon and the historic mining town of Graskop, the Panorama Route is well worth the short detour from Kruger National Park , Mpumalanga ’s main attraction.

As the name would suggest, this route, which takes you along the highest tar road in South Africa, offers spectacular views of the area’s mountains, canyons and valleys. Eagles soar overhead and the sound of thundering waterfalls punctuates the stillness.

Fish for yellowtail or carp in the tranquil Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve or walk through the mist-covered indigenous forest above Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world.

The history of this region is as rich as the mineral deposits that sparked a gold rush here in 1873. Relive this history at Pilgrim’s Rest, a former gold mining town that is now a national museum where you can try your hand at gold panning.

Best for: dramatic vistas and nature walks

How long: 2 days

Not to miss: Explore the third-largest canyon in the world on a guided cruise past the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and the marvelous mountain peaks.

Our favourite accommodation: Graskop Hotel - One of the nicest places to stay on the Escarpment, with a personal and relaxed atmosphere. Though unprepossessing from the outside, it actually has a very stylish interior of retro furniture, African baskets, fabrics and sculptures. The rooms, some of which are in garden wings, are airy and decorated with simplicity and flair. Most importantly, there is a swimming pool.

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The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary with map (2023)

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A South Africa road trip is one of the most amazing road trips on the planet. South Africa is a huge country with lots to see and do and this can make planning a road trip to capture the best of the country a daunting task. After a month-long epic 6,000km road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town, taking in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Lesotho, we wanted to share our ultimate South Africa road trip itinerary and route. For any of you planning a South Africa road trip here is our guide for making the perfect South Africa Itinerary.

Table of Contents

South Africa Itinerary Route

We chose a point to point route, flying into Johannesburg and departing from Cape Town, opting for a one-way car rental. This allowed us to explore lots of South Africa and take in many of its must-see sights: the beautiful Panorama Route, an unforgettable safari in Kruger National Park, an off-road adventure across the Sani Pass into Lesotho, the stunning Garden Route , Eswatini, the wildlife in Addo Elephant Park and the love at first sight  Cape Town as well as everything in between!

South Africa itinerary tip:  This is an action packed route which we covered in four to five weeks. It involves significant amounts of driving so we’d definitely recommend two drivers or stretching the trip out over a longer period.

South Africa Route Map

Our suggested route across South Africa is below:

Johannesburg – Panorama Route – Kruger/Sabi Sands – Swaziland – iSimingaliso Wetland Park – Sani Pass – Lesotho – Valley of Desolation – Garden Route – Cape Town

Click here for the detailed Google map

How to Use This Google Map: Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in South Africa is the best way to explore the country plus driving is relatively easy in the country (check out our tips for renting a car in South Africa tips for renting a car in South Africa ). Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com , where you will find the best rental car prices

Click here for the best rental car prices

South Africa Guidebooks

Check out some of our favourite South Africa Guidebooks for more trip inspiration.

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in johannesburg.

We arrived in Johannesburg after a full day of travel from Dublin, Ireland and opted to catch up on some much-needed sleep before starting our journey through South Africa.

Where to Stay in Johannesburg:

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite: After a long day of travel we wanted somewhere close to the airport to rest our heads and opted to spend the night in Johannesburg. It was clean and comfortable and we woke up refreshed and ready to begin our journey – click here for best prices!

Click here for the best Johannesburg Hotel Prices

Day 2: Johannesburg and Cradle of Humankind

We started our morning with a whistle-stop tour of Soweto, the most well-known township in South Africa, where we stopped at Vilakazi Street which was once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. A visit to the Apartheid Museum is an essential part of any Johannesburg itinerary.

After Johannesburg, we drove to the Cradle of Humankind, one of South Africa’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which documents the evolution of humans over time.

South Africa itinerary tip: We’re obsessed with  UNESCO World Heritage sites  so, if you don’t fancy the 3 hour detour to the Cradle of Humankind, staying in Johannesburg for a second night may be a better option.

Where to Stay :

• African Pride Mount Grace: Where we stayed and close to Cradle of Humankind, and loved our villa with its private plunge pool – Click here for best prices!
• If you opt to stay in Johannesburg The Residence is pure luxury in the city while the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite  is an excellent less expensive option.

Click here to book this hotel now!

Day 3 and 4: Hazyview and the Panorama Route

We left Johannesburg with our sights set firmly on the safari plains of Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve and spent two nights in Hazyview, a town on the cusp of both the park and the Panorama Route. The iconic Three Rondavels, beautiful viewpoints and stunning waterfalls make up the Panorama Route and it’s worth spending the day exploring ( check out our favourite stops on the Panorama Route ).

Where to stay in Hazyview :

• Protea Hazyview: Where we stayed  and well located for us to explore the Panorama Route and continue to our safari in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Hazyview hotels

Days 5 to 7: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

Kruger, South Africa’s largest game reserve and home to the Big 5, was our park of choice for our first foray into safari and we opted to spend two nights in Sabi Sands, a bordering private game reserve. Given it was our first safari we decided on a 2-night trial to see if we enjoyed safari life. We absolutely loved it and have since returned to Namibia and Botswana for more Africa wildlife adventures ! Both Kruger and Sabi Sands are amazing safari options in South Africa so you may want to set aside some additional time for this part of the trip. Check out our safari photos here .

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  Sabi Sands is a private game reserve which shares unfenced borders with the publicly accessible Kruger National Park. Unfenced means the animals move freely between the two parks and this makes for an equal chance of game sighting in both. We choose a private game reserve as we wanted to be taken on game drives rather than do a self drive and loved that we would have the opportunity to go off road for sightings.

Where to Stay in Sabi Sands:

• Inyati Game Lodge: We opted for the Inyati Game Lodge in Sabi Sands and never regretted it – we were totally spoiled from start to finish. Incredible rooms, beautiful food, excellent staff and a stunning riverside location all made for an idyllic stay. Our amazing guide introduced us to the Big 5 within our first 24 hours and were were hooked!  Read our review  Inyati Game Lodge in Sabi Sands here   – and –  Click here to book this hotel now!

Click here for the best lodges in Sabi Sands

Days 8 and 9: Safari in Eswatini

Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere and, if you want to include another African country in your adventure, post-Kruger is the perfect time to make the drive into Swaziland. Safari is a highlight of a Swaziland adventure and both the Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve offer the opportunity to spot the Big 5.  After a relatively quick border crossing at the Mananga border crossing, we opted for Hlane which is home to 4 of the Big 5 with elephant, lion, leopard and white rhino roaming it’s grounds.

South Africa Itinerary tip:  Hlane has some fenced off sections which, although less natural than the unfenced Kruger, mean wildlife spotting is almost guaranteed.

Where to Say in Eswatini : 

• Hlane Royal National Park: The lodge is rustic with no electric in the huts but it is right in the midst of the action just 400 metres away from the lion enclosure – click here for prices!

Day 10: Sibebe Rock and Mantenga Village

Day 10 saw us heading west towards the capital city Mbabane which is home to the colourful souvenir filled Swazi market. Other stops close by include the Mantenga Village in Ezulwini which is home to a traditional village and, if nature peaks your interest, Sibebe Rock is the second largest freestanding rock in the world after Ayers Rock in Australia.

South Africa road trip itinerary tip:  A visit during its annual Umhlanga Reed dance ceremony, when tens of thousands of Swazis girls participate in an 8 day song and dance festival, is an important date in the Swaziland calendar and a feast for the ears and eyes.

Where to Stay:

• The Royal Swazi Spa Hotel:  is located just outside Mbabane and it was a welcome return to modern day amentites with a swimming pool, spa and golf course – click here for prices!

Click here for the best Swaziland hotel prices

Day 11 and 12: Hluhluwe and iSimingaliso Wetland Park

After leaving Swaziland via the Golela border crossing we drove to Hluhluwe where we based ourselves for two nights to visit the iSimingaliso Wetland Park. Spend the night at the Protea Hluhluwe   and schedule an early start to arrive at iSimingaliso National Park for opening. iSimingaliso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the highlights being Cape Vidal, Mission Rocks Beach, the wetlands and St Lucia with its hippo, crocodile and flamingos.

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  Hluhluwe Rhino Reserve has a large population of black and white rhino. We had some incredible rhino encounters in Sabi Sands so we opted to skip this, however we had high recommendations from fellow travellers we met on the trip.

Where to Stay in Hluhluwe: 

• Protea Hluhluwe: We stayed at the Protea Hluhluwe which was hotel was reasonably priced with great food, secure parking and nice rooms. Perfect for exploring the iSimingaliso Wetland Park – Click here for the best prices!

Click here for the best hotels at iSimingaliso Wetland Park

Day 13: Underberg 

If you want to visit Hluhluwe Rhino Reserve this morning is a good opportunity before setting of on the five hour drive to Underberg, the town closest to the beginning of the Sani Pass and the gateway to Lesotho. We spent our evening in Underberg eating an excellent meal at  Malachite Manor  and chilling out before our early morning start for Lesotho.

Where to Stay in Underberg: 

• Malachite Manor: We stayed at the gorgeous boutique style Malachite Manor, which is a short drive from the start of the Sani Pass. The rooms were beautiful, the Thai restaurant on site was delicious and the lady who runs it is a treasure! – click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Underberg

Day 14: Sani Pass and Lesotho

The Sani Pass is a mountain pass that cuts through the UNESCO designated Drakensberg mountain range linking South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. As the only road link between southern Lesotho and South Africa, it was an important trade route to enable the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho to trade with South Africa. More recently it has become a magnet for tourists and 4×4 adventurers, eager to experience the challenging off-road drive and magnificent views of the Drakensberg mountain range. It’s also one of Africa’s highest mountain passes and home to the highest pub in Africa at the top! Check out our Sani Pass adventures here!

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  rent a 4×4 vehicle if you want to cross the Sani Pass as it is essential. Some companies offer day trips over the Pass if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

Where to Stay in Lesotho

Accommodation options are limited outside Lesotho’s capital city of Maseru so we opted to spend the night at the Sani Mountain Lodge which is located beside the highest pub in Africa and looks out on the Sani Pass. Accommodation is basic but it was our only option to break the drive between Underberg and Maseru.

Day 15: Lesotho

After leaving the Lesotho border we headed for the capital city of Maseru. Lesotho has some fantastic sights: the Katse Dam, the Maletsunyane Falls (the highest Falls in Southern Africa), the Ha Baroana rock art east of Maseru and the beautiful Sehlabathebe National Park. Driving through the villages of Lesotho and witnessing daily life is also a fantastic experience.

Where to Stay in Lesotho  

• There are few good options for hotels in Maseru, but the AVANI hotels are a choice in Maseru. There’s the Avani Lesotho Hotel and Casino  and the Avani Maseru Hotel   are perfect for an overnight stopover in Maseru.

Click here for the best hotels in Maseru

South Africa Itinerary tip:  the children of Lesotho love to approach the tourist cars asking for some sweets so pick up some in South Africa if you want to make their day.

Day 16: Bloemfontein

Leaving Maseru, cross back into South Africa at the Maseru Bridge border crossing. We opted to spend the night in Bloemfontein which is a few hours from South Africa – Lesotho border. Bloemfontein is the birthplace of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien before he moved to England and we made a little detour to the Hobbit Boutique Hotel where a plaque stands in his memory.

Where to Stay in Bloemfontein:

• Protea Hotel Willow Lake: We spent the night here at this perfect overnight hotel which overlooks the zoo next door. So you can waken to the animals in the morning out your widow! – Click here for best prices!
• Lord of the Rings fans may prefer to stay at the Hobbit Boutique Hotel where rooms are named after Lord of the Rings characters.

Click here for the best hotels in Bloemfontein

Day 17: Graaff-Reinet

Graaff-Reinet is half way between Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth and is home to the incredible geological phenomenon known as the Valley of Desolation. The vertical cliffs and the freestanding hundred metre high columns are breathtaking and the sunsets spectacular. This was one of our favourite stops on our South Africa road trip and we would absolutely include it on your itinerary!

Where to stay in Graaff-Reinet: 

• Drostdy Hotel: one of our favourite hotels of our South Africa road trip, we stayed in the Drostdy Graaff-Reinet . The rooms are stunning and our breakfast and evening meal in the restaurant were both beautiful. The grounds, secluded swimming pools and fantastic staff made our stay here unforgettable. Nothing was too much trouble and a really good bottle of wine was around US $10! – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best Graaf-Reinet hotel prices

Day 18 and 19: Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park is home to one of the densest elephant populations on earth as well as rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. We spent two full days self-driving in Addo before starting the Garden Route and we were totally addicted to the abundance of wildlife. With 450 elephants our elephant encounters were truly magical and we will never forget the moment a family of elephants walked alongside us in the setting sun.

South Africa road trip itinerary tip: If you’ve travelled the Garden Route previously or opt to return east then Route 62 is the scenic inland alternative with lots of kitchy small towns to explore. It’s the longest wine route in the world and highlights include the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden and Ronnies Sex Shop.

Where to stay in Port Elizabeth: 

• Protea Marine Port Elizabeth: We stayed in this hotel which was the perfect retreat after a day at Addo Elephant Park before we hit the Garden Route – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Port Elizabeth

Day 20 and 21: Plettenberg Bay | the Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and is an absolute must see on any South African road trip. The spectacular coastal drive stretches from Storms River Mouth in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and, for us, it was love at first sight as we set off to explore the best sights. We based ourselves in Plettenberg Bay for the first two nights and visited Storms River Mouth, jumped off Bloukran’s Bridge and took long walks on the beach at Plettenberg Bay. Read more about our Garden Route adventures here.

Where to Stay in Plettenberg:

• Singing Kettle: we spent an incredible few nights at the Singing Kettle in Plettenberg Bay. This was one of the best self catering accommodations we’ve ever stayed at, the restaurant below was fantastic and the views over the Indian Ocean were spectacular – Click here for best prices now!

Click here for the best hotels in Plettenberg Bay

Book the Singing Kettle now

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  The architecturally stunning Bloukrans Bridge is, at over 200 metres, the highest in Africa and arches dramatically over the gorge below. As well as being visually stunning, it is also home to one of the highest bungy jumps in the world. Dave immediately signed up, leaped off that bridge like a pro and had the time of his life so if you’re feeling brave … bungy jump!!

Day 22 : Knysna | the Garden Route

Knysna, a waterfront town along the Garden Route, is a gorgeous base for one night to check out the Knysna Heads. The Knysna Heads are two imposing sea cliffs that protect the entrance to the Knysna lagoon from the unrelenting Indian Ocean. Despite our sea drenching from a bumpy boat ride to the Heads it was spectacular to watch the sea thrash through the narrow gap and drink in the stunning scenery.

Where to Stay in Knysna : 

• Protea Hotel Knysna Quays: we stayed here on the waterfront and the views and sunsets were stunning – Click for best prices now!

Click here for the best hotels in Knysna

Day 23: George | the Garden Route

As the Garden Route draws to a close The Map of Africa and Kaaimans River Bridge are beautiful stops near Wilderness and The Post Office Tree is the highlight of Mossel Bay, the final stop on the Garden Route.

The Map of Africa viewpoint has a spectacular view overlooking the Kaaimans River Basin, where the flow of the river has formed a piece of land shaped exactly like a map of the African continent.  As for the Post Office tree, the story goes that in 1501 a Portugese sailor sought refuge in Mossel Bay during a storm and he left a written account, with an address, in an old boot. The report was found by the person it was addressed to and the tree then served as a post office.

South Africa Itinerary tip:  It’s still possible to post letters at the old Post Office Tree and we took the opportunity to send ourselves a postcard from the boot shaped post box!

Where to Stay in George

• Protea Outeniqua: After a fun day of sightseeing we opted to spend the next night in George where we opted for the Protea Outeniqua, a great road trip hotel which was excellent value for money and had excellent rooms – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in George

Day 24: Gansbaai

As we left the Garden Route for Cape Town we couldn’t resist a detour to check out Cape Agulhas, the most southern point in the African continent and the dividing point of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. The rugged wilderness, the crashing waves where two oceans meet and the stunning African sunset took our breaths away. Gansbaai is a stunning stopover en route to Cape Town and its natural beauty is mesmerising. The rugged coastline is as spectacular as the sea life in its waters: whales, seals, penguins and sharks are abundant in the area and it’s known as the Great White Shark capital of the World. Gansbaai is also one of the most popular spots for cage shark diving if you so desire!

Where to Stay in Gansbaai : 

• Bellavista Country Place : The beautiful Bellavista Country Place was our final hotel before Cape Town and we indulged in some well deserved luxury and glorious views – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Gansbaai

Book the Bellavista Country Place now

Days 25 to 30: Cape Town

We spent 5 nights in Cape Town and it was the perfect amount of time in what we consider as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Robben Island to the surrounding world class vineyards and the stunning coastal drives, Cape Town was incredible. When in Cape Town check out:

• its incredible sights ,
• drive to the Cape of Good Hope (stopping at the penguin filled Boulders Beach),
• hike to Lion’s Head for incredible views of Table Mountain  and
• take a day trip to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, some of South Africa’s most famous wine regions.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

• Protea Waterfront Breakwater Lodge: we stayed at the Protea Waterfront Breakwater Lodge.  This waterfront hotel is an excellent choice if you want a V&A location at a lower price. The rooms in the main hotel building were our favourites and we loved being two minutes walk from the waterfront – Check prices now!
• POD Camps Bay : Camps Bay is a stunning Cape Town suburb within easy reach of the city and an awesome alternative to staying in Cape Town itself. The rooms are compact but gorgeous and the views are incredible with miles of ocean, a mountain backdrop and magical sunsets. – Check prices now!
• Long Street Boutique Hotel: if you want to be in the middle of the action Long Street, surrounded by restaurants, shows, cafes and bars is a great option. This quirky hotel is a fab boutique choice for leisure travellers and is good value by Cape Town standards – Check prices now

Click here for the best Cape Town Hotel Prices

South Africa Itinerary tip:  budget a few days for Cape Town as there is lots to do and the weather can be unpredictable. Our initial booking to Robben Island got cancelled just as we were about to board the ferry due to high winds and it was three days before Table Mountain finally peeked through the clouds.

Driving in South Africa

We were given two pieces of advice upon renting the car and they’re crucial for driving in South Africa:

• Always ask locally at your hotel for advice on the best route (Google Maps may send you on a terrible road because the distance is slightly shorter) and check the distances and times on Google Maps and ensure that the drive is manageable before setting off. We split the driving between two drivers and are both comfortable and practiced in driving long distances.
• Avoid driving after dark in South Africa especially in rural areas: roads are often unmarked and unlit, animals are a frequent sighting on the road and it’s hard to spot them after dark and we often encountered people walking along the roads with no reflective gear.

Rent your car now for South Africa

For more driving tips check out our  guide to driving a rental car in South Africa .

South Africa itinerary tip: make sure to inform your car rental company if you are planning on taking the car outside of the country of rental. At the time of rental we were given letter of authority to show at border crossings which allowed us to take the car into Swaziland and Lesotho

Extending the itinerary

Our detailed itinerary is ideal for a three week or month-long trip but there are other South Africa highlights which you might wish to include if you have additional time:

• Safari:  South Africa is a safari dream and, if you love safari, allocate extra time to the game parks.
• Lesotho and Eswatini:  spend more time exploring these African gems! We would have dedicated more days if we had the time!
• North West Province:  big 5 game reserves, hikes, mountains and quaint towns make up one of South Africa’s least visited provinces. If you have a few extra days continue north to Namibia and Fish River Canyon.
• Route 62:  route 62 is the scenic inland alternative to the Garden Route with lots of kitchy small towns to explore. It’s the longest wine route in the world and highlights include the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden and Ronnies Sex Shop.

South Africa Itinerary tips

• Currency: get some South African rand before you leave home or at the airport on arrival.
• Fuel: on long drives in the Eastern part of the country pick up fuel regularly in the major towns as there can be long distances between stations. Credit cards are accepted in the larger stations but some smaller stops were cash only.
• Supplies: snack and drinks are available at most of the fuel stops and the bigger towns had a well stocked Spar. We picked up a cool box on arrival to keep our liquids cool.
• Maps/GPS: we downloaded maps onto our phone which were accessible offline and they worked really well. We kept a paper map in the glove box just in case!
• SIM cards: it’s easy to pick up a pay as you go SIM in the airports as well as local mobile network stores. Vodafone was awesome for us.
• Internet: widely available and our Vodafone SIMs had a generous data allowance.

11 thoughts on “The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary with map (2023)”

Thank you for a well detailed summary of your wonderful travel through parts of southern Africa. It is helpful to me and other travelers.

Thanks Clarence, glad it’s helpful!

Excellent blog. Your detailed itinerary is extremely helpful and the photos are amazing. I plan to visit SA in May for two weeks, and I’m wondering if you would be able to recommend a route? My trip will begin in Johannesburg, and if I can find a one way car rental then I will fly out from Cape Town.

If you’re into safari I’d recommend doing some safari in Kruger or one of the private reserves then flying over to Cape Town and spending 5 days there and maybe the garden route. If you don’t find a one way rental there’s loads to do on the east coast too – the Panorama route, Hluhluwe Game Reserve has a great chance of seeing black and white rhino and some of the towns of the East Coast are great.

Hope that helps Elaine

Great post. Do you recommend any quite beach to spend some time? I see that all beaches are with waves. Did you find any quite one or perhaps some lake to swim?

Cape Town has some fab beaches and there’s load of great options – Muizenberg, Camp’s Bay, Boulder’s Bay and the Clifton beaches are all gorgeous. We loved the tidal pools at Camp’s Bay for a swim. There’s some lovely beaches along the Western and Eastern Cape and Durban has a beautiful Golden Mile as well. We don’t spend a lot of time at the beach but those were our favourites and were busy when we visited!

could you please tell me which month you travel in South Africa , the weather look fine on pictures . Even in Lesotho .Did you have storms or mainly rain . Did you really like Swatziland because the pictures are not so telling. Thanks Domi

The pics in this article are from March and the weather was mostly sunny with the exception of afternoon rains in Sabi Sands and some heavy rain storms in Johannesburg. We just returned from a December/January trip and had similar weather.

We really liked Swaziland but it really depends what you want when you travel – it’s an interesting mix of nature, game viewing and the culture and tradition that comes with a King reigning over the country. Safari is a highlight, then there’s the Mantenga Village in Ezulwini which is home to a traditional village and then Sibebe Rock is the second largest freestanding rock in the world after Ayers Rock in Australia.

Hi Thanks for your helpful trip diary. I just got back from a road trip in South Africa which was much shorter but still managed to see a lot of the things you mentioned !

Thanks Hamed, glad you saw so much 🙂

hey i would like to have same experience but with some modifications so only need to know about the transportation costs and the if there are some nice hostels you have met in your way of your trip .

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​Popular Routes – South Africa

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Popular Routes Where Wildlife Viewing Is a Major Part of the Tour

With good roads and general infrastructure, South Africa is a popular self-drive destination. The circuits described below can be done as a self-drive package or you can book a comparable group or custom tour, in which case all transport will be arranged by your tour operator.

Kruger and Zululand (2 to 3 weeks)

After arriving at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you head east to the Lowveld in the Mpumalanga province where the best wildlife parks are situated. Destinations:

• Kruger National Park (3 to 5 days) is South Africa’s largest and most famous park
• MalaMala Game Reserve (2 to 4 days) is one of the private reserves bordering Kruger where the Big Five can be checked off on a single game drive
• uMkhuze Game Reserve (2 to 3 days) is excellent for watching animals from a hide
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (2 to 4 days) is a scenic park with rolling hills, known for its rhino and nyala populations
• Durban (1 to 3 days) is a great place to end your trip with some shopping and time on the beach

Popular add-ons:

• Drakensberg for hiking in a spectacular mountain setting
• Cape Town for visiting Africa’s most vibrant city and taking a cable car up Table Mountain
• The Garden Route for whale watching and outdoor activities

Cape and Coast (1.5 to 2.5 weeks)

After arriving at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you take a connecting flight to Cape Town. Destinations:

• Cape Town (2 to 4 days) is one of the world’s most attractive cities with great city life and natural beauty
• The Garden Route (4 to 8 days) is one of South Africa’s most scenic regions offering whale watching, hiking, canoeing and relaxation on idyllic beaches
• Addo Elephant National Park (2 to 3 days) is home to the Big Five and the elephant-viewing is out of this world
• Oudtshoorn (1 to 3 days) is the ostrich capital of South Africa, and the base for a visit to the extensive Cango Caves
• Winelands tour for wine sampling and culture
• Cape Agulhas for standing on the spot where two oceans meet
• The Otter trail for hiking the most popular coastal trail in South Africa

The Atlantic Route (1.5 to 2.5 weeks)

After arriving at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you can choose the less-obvious route west of the country. A long drive to Upington brings you to the Kalahari, South Africa’s desert. Destinations:

• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (3 to 5 days) is the place to see desert-adapted animals and predators on sand dunes
• Augrabies Falls National Park (2 to 3 days) is a stark but scenic park with a magnificent waterfall
• Namaqualand (3 to 5 days) is not to be missed from August to September, when the otherwise arid region transforms into a flowering desert
• Cape Town (2 to 4 days) is a world class city offering excellent shopping, wining and dining as well as a full range of outdoor activities
• Winelands Tour for wine sampling and culture
• The Garden Route for whale watching and scenic beauty

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Road Trip South Africa – A Suggested Itinerary

It’s tough to sum up a road trip through South Africa in a few words – It offers pretty much everything under the sun – mountains and grasslands, adventure sports and beach-bumming opportunities, wildlife safaris and tame Ostrich farms, wild bushland and turquoise lagoons, and luscious food and wine. No wonder, it makes for the road trip of a life time.

Here’s what we ended up doing on our road trip through South Africa:

1) Johannesburg (2 days)

Fly into Johannesburg or Jo’burg as the locals call it. Spend your time exploring the townships of Soweto and sensing the vibe of the city. Make sure to hit the Sunday crafts market in Sandton and follow that up with an afternoon of playing with Lion cubs at the Johannesburg Lion Park .

2) Safari at Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park (2-3 days)

Drive from Johannesburg to HluHluwe Imfolozi National Park for an offbeat Safari. This 550 km (approx 8 hours) stretch will take you through traditional South African villages and towns. Spend the next day on a guided safari in the HluHluwe Imfolozi National Park looking for animals. We had a field day spotting Zebras and Antelopes!

3) Durban (3 days)

3 days is about right for Durban – you can spend your days trekking in some of the well-kept natural reserves like Umhlanga and Amanzimtoti or laze on Durban’s spectacular beaches. In the evenings, enjoy the lively night life that Durban has to offer and do not forget to try the ‘bunny chow’ – a hollowed bread loaf filled with curry – yummy! One place that you CANNOT miss is the Valley of 1000 hills

4) Addo Elephant National Park (2 days)

Aah! The best part of the road trip through South Africa (at least for Vid ;)). 900 kms from Durban lies a breathtaking natural reserve next to a sleepy village called Addo. You can easily spend a day or two doing a self-drive safari at the Addo Elephant National Park . Vid loved the experience so much that he is already planning his next self-drive safari.

5) The Garden Route (5-7 days)

If we had our way, we would drive the Garden Route three or four times over. Stretching from Port Elizabeth all the way to Cape Town, this 750 km drive is what dreams are made of. One can easily spend 5 days covering the Garden Route – we split our journey at a mystical sea-side town called Knysna. For adventure seekers, the Bloukrans bridge between Port Elizabeth and Knysna offers the world’s highest commercial bungee jump. How could we have stayed behind? 🙂

Hop over to read about our adventures driving the garden route !

6) Cape Town and The Wine Route (5 days)

New York Times recently listed Cape Town as #1 in a list of 52 places to visit in 2014. We can certainly vouch for that. From hiking the Table Mountain to devouring fresh seafood at the Mariner’s wharf at Hout Bay, Cape Town has something for everyone. We even had breakfast with Penguins at the Boulders beach in Simonstown.  Leave aside a couple of days for visits to Frankshoek and Stellenbosch, both of which boasts of some of the world’s best wineries. You MUST NOT leave the region before indulging in some wine tasting.  Cape Town and the surrounding wine region is undoubtedly the best way to end a long, rewarding, and a little tiring road trip through South Africa.

7) Fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg and back to London

21 days, 4,400 Kms (including detours and city driving), and a myriad of landscapes later, the epic road trip through South Africa came to an end. We can safely say that this trip has been the best travel experience of our lives till now 🙂

Planning And Budgeting

A road trip spanning 3 weeks requires a fair bit of planning and organisation, especially when it’s in a diverse country like South Africa. Months before our trip, we spent hours on the internet looking for cheap rates for hotels . Given the importance of tourism in South Africa, it’s easy to find something to suit all budgets. Our approximate cost breakdown for the trip was:

• Car Rental with Hertz: £20 per day for a Chevy Spark with all insurances and one-way drop off fees included
• Fuel Costs: Approximately 200 litres of petrol at ~75p per litre = £150 for the entire trip
• Accommodation: £20 per night per person including breakfast (we stay in local B&B’s – somewhere between luxurious hotels and backpacker’s hostels)
• Food costs: £20-£25 per person per day
• Safari: A guided safari will set you back by £75-£100 per person. A self-drive option is much cheaper at around £15 per person. We suggest you do one of each 🙂
• Miscellaneous costs: £15 per person

There you have it – a South African Road Trip itinerary that will take you through changing landscapes, beautiful scenery, scrumptious food, exhilarating wild life, and divine wine. To read a detailed account of each stop, including suggestions for accommodation, offbeat detours, and random fun stuff, read all our posts about our South African Road Trip .

If you have any specific questions, ask them in the comments below.

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70 thoughts on “ road trip south africa – a suggested itinerary ”.

Looks gorgeous! I’m curious…do you know what are the ostriches farmed for? Their meat? Their eggs? Both? Definitely looks like a great road trip either way. Cape Town is quite high on my list of places to visit in Africa…but probably won’t happen this year!

They are usually for the eggs and also for show i.e. for people to come and see Ostriches 🙂 You should definitely do a road trip – you guys will love it !

Brilliant! Thanks so much for the clear and detailed info. A dream of mine… Not for this year but will make it happen soon. Thanks again for putting up this very informative post 🙂

Thanks Catherine- glad you found it useful 🙂

This is soooo damn inspiring. Doing this for real! 😀

Abhilash go for it- you will love it 🙂

Looks fabulous. Have been wanting to do a trip to South Africa myself, especially for the big five. The road trip just makes it better. Quick one – can you share some of the hotels you stayed at? Also, what about safety measures etc.

Hey Sonika – we stayed in apartments we booked off Air B&B. Safety wise- just take the usual precautions. Don’t flash valuables, keep your rental car locked, and just be aware of your surroundings at all times 🙂

Hey, I live in SA! There are a bunch websites for hotels, etc, for example, http://www.lekkeslaap.co.za ; but you can also just google south african accomadation! And about the safety … They make it sound worse than what it is, just don’t leave valuables in plain sight, lock doors, etc! And have fun!!!

We totally agree – we didn’t feel unsafe in South Africa even once!

u refreshed my memory of South Africa..what a beautiful place!!Garden route is something which should be on the bucket list..did u guys manage to go to Hermanus???I was lucky to sight so many whales there:):) And yes as u rightly mentioned the best way to end an eventful day in cape is by sipping one of their finest wines:) Also i loved the drive through from chapman’s peak , unending ocean at cape point!!!aah what views…wana go back:(

Aah Chapman’s peak – that stunner. Yep, we did all those things and reading your comment made us miss them

Wow this is fantastic! I don’t have immediate plans for South Africa yet but it’s on my wish list. I’ll be coming back to this post for reference when I make a plan!

Thanks Michelle 🙂

Love the pics.. We’ve traveled through South Africa a couple of times and always hate to leave. Our last overlanding was 3months from Nairobi to Cape Town, taking in 8 countries en-route.. absolutely epic and we can’t wait to do it again. What a magical place.

Whoa – that sounds amazing Rhonda. How was Nairobi?

Thank for sharing pcis. I love your píc so much and will comeback to visit your site. Hope you have more useful articles for audience. I will save money to travel to South Africa one day.

Thanks. I hope our tips on exploring South Africa come handy when you visit the country 🙂

Fantastic post.

Planning a 2 weeks road trip including flying to and from Mumbai. I have a very outdoorsy, nature and adventure loving 8 year old girl. I am allergic to wine. So with the above points in mind, would you be kind enough to advise an itinerary.

Best regards, Ritesh

Thanks for the kind words 🙂 To be honest all our suggestions (and itinerary) are in this article (as well as the other South Africa posts here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/south-africa ). You can tailor the itinerary depending on your preferences 🙂

Hope you have an amazing trip

Great trip! Why not travel to Brazil one day? You would thoroughly enjoy this fantastic country! http://www.almojewellery.com

Alex Brazil tops our wish list. We hope to visit super soon 🙂

Great info. I was planning to head to South Africa either later this year or early next so this is perfect to see what there is to see. Thanks

Glad you found it useful 🙂 Let us know if you have any questions.

Hi.. Your blog has been really helpful and inspirational for me while planning my Honeymoon trip to South Africa for December 2015 but lately a lot of people have been warning me about safety concerns in SA regarding robbery and car jacking. It would be really helpful if you could provide with any advise.

Thanks Sahil Sehgal

Hey Sahil – we hope you have an amazing time on your honeymoon in South Africa. To be honest, we found South Africa, especially the Garden Route & Cape Town, fairly safe. If you’re really worried, perhaps you could steer clear of Johannesburg 🙂

This is so useful! I’m thinking about flying from Durban to Port Elizabeth to give us more time in other places. What would I be missing if we flew?

Hey Sierra,

That’s a good idea – don’t think you’ll miss much between Durban and Port Elizabeth. You could spend the extra day in Addo National Park 🙂

I’m really impressed with your travel blog.Being a travel junkie myself I can relate with your experiences.

Honestly I was contemplating between SA and Greece but your post just cliched the deal in favour of SA.

I Had a some questions though why did you not include Kruger in your travel itinerary?

What I was planning was that we fly to cape town enjoy the city for 3-4 days do the garden route in another 5,fly out from port elizabeth and do a night each in kruger and josburg.

I would appreciate your suggestion on the same.

Hi Randhir,

Thanks for your comment. Kruger was not fitting well in our itinerary as we had to be in Durban for a gathering. That’s why we chose Hluhluwe.

Your plan sounds great and you should definitely spend a couple of days in Kruger. Also, when you are driving the Garden route, spend a few days in Knysna.

Have fun in South Africa – it’s amazing 🙂

Hey thanks so much for your prompt reply… really appreciate it.

So if we are doing Kruger should we do Addo and josburg lion park or we can give them a miss?

Sorry for the late reply – you can give Addo and the lion park a miss if you are visiting Kruger National Park 🙂

Thank you so much for this detailed blog post. My husband and I are planning to South Africa this Jan 2016 we are still in the planning step as I am doing so much reading on the garden route, our initial plan is as follows:

Cape town ( 8 days) Garden routes (8-10 days) still not sure about the duration

I thought we might stay first in Knsyna for 3 nights and travel back and forth, then move to wilderness for another 3 nights and travel back and forth, and then maybe to Elizabeth port? your suggestion is highly appreciated 😀 we don’t like to change accommodations a lot, we don’t have kids yet, but we hate the hassle of checking in and out off hotels.

then we will spend 2-3 days at a Safari lodge

What do you think? will love to hear back form you

Sorry for the late reply 🙁

Your plan sounds great. Even we don’t like moving from one hotel to the other every day, so we did something similar. We made Knysna our base for 3-4 days and explored the surroundings. We did the same when we were in Cape Town too.

Which Safar Lodge are you planning to visit? 🙂

Hey guys – I LOVE this post so much and it’s made me really excited for a trip i’m taking there in a couple of weeks. Do you have any awesome B&B suggestions in Cape Town or along the Garden route? Thanks so much, aly

You’ll love South Africa 🙂 Well, in Knysna we stayed at Double Dutch . We didn’t stay in Capetown but 30 minutes away in Simonstown at Marianella guest house .

Have a great trip and tell us how it goes 🙂

Hey, I regularly visit your site and really impressed with it. I want to have 7-8days tour of SA.Please suggest the must see cities/falls/safari/gardens/monuments/shopping to visit(not to say I visited SA bt missed it ie must see places).Also kindly suggest me the itinerary. We are a group of 10 from a family. Thank you

Hey Chetan – if you have just 7-8 days we’d suggest spending it in the Cape Town-Garden Route area. We have a detailed article on driving the Garden Route. It offers a bit of everything, so it’s perfect for you 🙂

South Africa is a lovely place to visit.. I enjoyed the classical exhibition from soweto guyz.. Along Vikaz Street

It is one of our favourite countries till date 🙂

So excited about our 3 week family road trip next year. Is there a reason why you didn’t go to Kruger? Having a hard time deciding what to miss out on. Who did you do the Soweto tour with?

Hey Adrianne,

No particular reason why we didn’t go to Kruger. Trust us, whatever you do in South Africa, you’ll love it. So don’t worry about what you’ll miss 😉

We did the tour with Soweto Bicycle Tours. You can read more here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/africa/5-reasons-you-must-go-for-a-township-tour-in-south-africa

Have a great time in SA – it’s a beautiful country 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid,

This is quite useful for us as we plan a 3 week trip to South Africa. Just had a couple of queries on the itinerary

– Durban To Port Elizabeth is a really long distance. Did you guys just power through that drive or did stopovers?

– If not Hluhluhwe, any other safaris you would suggest? Ones that can be done on a budget.

Thanks in advance and enjoy your time in USA!

Just power through Durban to PE, not much to see there. Not sure if there are any other safaris around Hluhluhwe that will be cheaper. Kruger is definitely more expensive.

Have a great trip and apologies for the late reply 🙁

I am planning to visit south africa for 10 days in last week of august.Is it a good time to self drive garden route .Will it be possible for us to visit capetown ,do garden route and visit Kruger for 2-3 days in a span of 10-11 days. and if not kruger which other national park can I visit for a good game view? Is it really safe to self drive from capetown to port elizabeth as I have heard a lot of safety concerns

Hey Ayushi,

We did not face any safety concerns while driving through South Africa. As long as you are sensible and take the usual precautions, you should be fine 🙂

It might be a bit crammed to do all that in 10 days. That said if you spend 3 days in Cape Town, drive the garden route over 3 days, then you can fly from Port Elizabeth to Kruger/nearby airport and do a few safaris there.

Hi! Thank you for the detailed road trip itinerary. I am looking for a road trip of about 12 days in SA. Also, I wish do enjoy all the adventures that the country has to pffer! Can you please guide me regardig that?

Pease read all our articles on South Africa to get an idea of what all we did during our road trip 🙂 These articles should give you a good insight!

hey- could you help me with where you stayed on the garden route and what you did?

Hey Mitali – we did this trip pre blogging days, so didn’t both to jot down a lot of names of hotels etc. However we always use a price comparison website to find the best hotel deals and book them. Here it is https://www.hotelscombined.com/?a_aid=148771

Hi Savi and Vid, I would like to know whats the best time to go to south africa? We want to do the garden route which includes (shark cage diving) as well as kruger national park. So whats the best time to ensure that the weather permits all of this? Also is it safe to self drive in SA? any words of caution.

Hey Manali – we found it safe to drive in South Africa as long as one exercises caution (don’t flash valuables, camera gear etc). The best time to visit is b/w July and November for animal sightings 🙂

Any reason you didnt do Bungee Jumping? Also We are planning to visit in Jan end February for 15 days. Was thinking of only driving through The Garden Route and rest of the tour by other flight or car. Do u think think that will be fine? Any suggestion for 15 day itenary. Thanks

Hey sounds good. Yes a combination of flight and car sounds good 🙂 Savi’s brother, who accompanied us on this trip, did Bungee Jump and it was amazing

Can you please suggest an itneary for 8 days in South Africa.

Please customise the itinerary for South Africa in this article depending on your preferences and choices 🙂

Hello!!!! I just love your blog and both of you. Reading every blog of yours makes me want to take that leap of faith out of the couch and travelling. South Africa … Mersmerised # worried about lack of money!! Can you give a rough idea of finance for this trip and do we book the hotels and other stuff through some travel agent or how do we go about it on owr own… Looking fwd for ur reply

It’s difficult to give an idea for budget as it depends a lot on your preferences. You can stay in hostels and save a lot or you can stay in luxury hotels and spend more. We would definitely recommend booking accommodation in advance – you can easily book on your own if you like 🙂

Is Kynsya to oudtshoorn and back to kynsa possible..planning to drive from cape town to Kynsya and stay for 3 nights..please suggest

Yes it is 🙂

Hi Vid & Savi,

I am planning to visit South Africa in the month of August. I have made list of places worth exploring. But unfortunately, I cant find a way out in Cape Town especially for Accomodation and guided tours in and around the city. I am planning to stay for 4 days in Cape Town. At present my search results for accommodation has been 0 with no one to help with regard to tours, especially local representatives. Could you please help or else offer any advise?

Not quite sure why you can’t find any accommodation. Perhaps you could broaden your search and look in neighbouring towns. We stayed in Simonstown for Cape Town 🙂

Hi, what month did you guys travel to SA in? I’m slightly confused between July-August and December periods. Help is much appreciated 🙂

We went in March 🙂

December is a good time too!

Thanks so much for this itinerary. Me and my husband will be using this for our anniversary trip next month. We only will have 10 days to do it though so what would you suggest taking out or spending less days doing?

Thanks for your time! 🙂

Hey you could skip the Jo’burg/Addo bits 🙂

I am searching for South Africa topic on the internet, and I found your blog. This is really helpfull. Thanks for helping me to write this article. It’s about “When Is The Best Time To Visit South Africa “ . Kindly check and share your thoughts.

Thanks Ruma

Hey I am planning to visit south africa but really scared after reading negative reviews about thw safety issues. Jberg is completely out from my itwnary but evwn capetown and garden route seems unsafe post covid. Any suggestions please

Hey Nupur – we didn’t find it unsafe. Ofc you need to exercise common caution like not flashing expensive gadgets or money, keeping car doors locked etc but otherwise we only met the nicest people

Nice Article with beautiful images. Thanks for sharing this.

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• Travel Guide

The Perfect South African Road Trip

Published: October 2, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Debra Jablonski

• Africa & Middle East
• Car Rentals
• South Africa
• Travel Destinations
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Embark on the ultimate South African road trip and discover the breathtaking beauty of this diverse and captivating country. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an adrenaline junkie, a road trip through South Africa offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonders.

With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, South Africa is a dream destination for road trippers. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, and the picturesque coastal towns along the Garden Route, there’s no shortage of incredible sights to explore.

But before you hit the road, some careful planning is essential to make the most of your trip. From choosing the best time to visit to selecting the perfect route and finding hidden gems along the way, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan the road trip of a lifetime in South Africa.

So fasten your seatbelt, roll down the windows, and let’s embark on an adventure through the beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture that make South Africa one of the most remarkable destinations on the planet.

Planning Your South African Road Trip

Planning a road trip in South Africa requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind as you plan your adventure:

1. Decide on the Duration of Your Trip

Consider how much time you have and how many places you want to visit. South Africa is a vast country with diverse landscapes, so it’s crucial to allocate enough time for each destination.

2. Choose the Best Time to Visit

The climate in South Africa varies throughout the year, so it’s essential to choose the best time to visit based on your preferences. The summer months (November to February) are ideal for beach hopping and wildlife viewing, while the winter months (June to August) offer comfortable temperatures for exploring cities and cultural sites.

3. Plan Your Route

South Africa offers several iconic road trip routes to choose from, such as the Garden Route, Route 62, and the Panorama Route. Research each route’s highlights, distance, and driving conditions to select the one that aligns with your interests and time constraints.

4. Rent a Reliable Vehicle

Ensure you rent a reliable and comfortable vehicle for your road trip. Whether you opt for a spacious SUV or a compact car, make sure it’s suitable for the terrain and offers adequate space for your luggage.

5. Make Accommodation Reservations

Book your accommodations in advance to secure the best options and avoid disappointment. South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and budget-friendly guesthouses.

6. Research Activities and Attractions

Research the must-see attractions and activities in each destination along your chosen route. This will help you plan your itinerary and ensure you don’t miss out on any iconic landmarks, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences.

By carefully planning your South African road trip, you can optimize your time, manage your budget, and make the most of this incredible adventure. So, get your maps and itineraries ready, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes of South Africa.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and the experiences you want to have during your road trip. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and what they offer:

Summer (November to February)

South Africa’s summer is characterized by long, hot days and warm evenings. This is the perfect time for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The coastal regions, including the Garden Route, Durban, and Cape Town, are bustling with activity during this season. It’s an ideal time to indulge in water sports, go whale watching, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn brings moderate temperatures and less crowded tourist areas. It’s a great time to explore the Winelands, take scenic drives through the countryside, or go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains. The fall foliage adds a beautiful touch to the landscapes, making it a picturesque time to visit.

Winter (June to August)

Winter in South Africa is characterized by dry weather and cool temperatures. It’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, visit historical landmarks, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the country. It’s also a great time for wildlife sightings, as animals tend to gather around water sources.

Spring (September to October)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. The wildflowers of Namaqualand burst into color during this season, creating a stunning visual spectacle. It’s also a great time for game drives in national parks, as the animals are more active and the vegetation is lush.

Ultimately, the best time to visit South Africa depends on your preferences and the experiences you want to have. Consider the activities you want to engage in and the regions you want to explore, and choose a season that aligns with your interests. No matter when you go, South Africa will welcome you with its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality.

Route Suggestions

South Africa offers a plethora of incredible road trip routes, each showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Here are some popular route suggestions to consider for your South African road trip:

1. Garden Route

The Garden Route is a classic road trip route that stretches along the southern coast of South Africa, starting from Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth. This scenic route takes you through charming coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, offering opportunities for stunning beachscapes, forest hikes, and wildlife encounters.

2. Cape Winelands

If you’re a wine enthusiast, a road trip through the Cape Winelands is a must. Just a short drive from Cape Town, this route encompasses the picturesque towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Here, you can indulge in world-class wine tastings, explore vineyards, and savor gourmet cuisine.

3. Panorama Route

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga province is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Drive through the Blyde River Canyon, visit the Three Rondavels viewpoint, and marvel at the iconic God’s Window. The Panorama Route also allows access to the famous Kruger National Park for an unforgettable wildlife safari.

4. Wild Coast

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Wild Coast is the ideal route. Drive along the eastern coastline, where you’ll encounter rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, traditional Xhosa villages, and beautiful natural reserves. The Wild Coast offers a unique cultural experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

5. Route 62

Route 62 is known as the longest wine route in South Africa, stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. This route takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming towns like Montagu and Robertson, and offers opportunities for wine tasting, hot springs visits, and stunning mountain views.

These are just a few of the many incredible road trip routes to explore in South Africa. Whether you choose the Garden Route, the Cape Winelands, or any other route, you’re guaranteed to be captivated by the diverse scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences that South Africa has to offer.

Must-See Attractions

South Africa is a country filled with incredible attractions that will leave you in awe. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, here are some must-see attractions to include in your South African road trip:

1. Table Mountain, Cape Town

A visit to Cape Town is not complete without a trip to Table Mountain. Take a cable car or hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding ocean. The Table Mountain National Park also offers fantastic hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a self-drive safari or join a guided tour to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and a multitude of other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

3. Robben Island, Cape Town

Visit the historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Take a ferry from Cape Town and explore the prison complex while learning about South Africa’s turbulent history. The guided tours provide powerful insights into the country’s struggle for freedom.

4. The Cradle of Humankind

Explore the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Johannesburg. This archaeological treasure trove is home to several significant fossil sites, including the Sterkfontein Caves. Visit the Maropeng Visitor Center to learn about the origins of humankind.

5. Blyde River Canyon

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. Marvel at the stunning viewpoints such as God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The scenic drives and hiking trails in the surrounding area offer unforgettable experiences.

6. Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Pay tribute to Nelson Mandela by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick. This memorial marks the location where Mandela was arrested in 1962. Explore the museum and the magnificent sculpture of Mandela, created from 50 steel columns.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that South Africa has to offer. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, each destination on your road trip will unveil a unique and memorable experience. So, make sure to include these must-see attractions in your itinerary and create lasting memories in the rainbow nation.

Coastal Exploration

South Africa’s coastline is a treasure trove of beauty and adventure, offering endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. From bustling cities to quaint coastal towns and pristine beaches, here are some must-visit coastal destinations to include in your South African road trip:

1. Cape Town

Start your coastal exploration in Cape Town, where you’ll find beautiful beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton. Take a leisurely stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and witness the penguins at Boulders Beach in nearby Simon’s Town. The Cape Peninsula offers breathtaking coastal drives, including the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive.

2. Garden Route

The Garden Route is a coastal paradise, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Travel along this scenic route to discover stunning beaches, charming coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and the ancient Tsitsikamma Forest. Bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, go whale watching in Hermanus, or indulge in water sports along the coastline.

Head to the vibrant city of Durban, known for its warm climate and golden beaches. Relax on the famous Golden Mile beachfront, explore the uShaka Marine World, and discover the unique blend of cultures at the Indian Quarter. Durban’s coastline is also renowned for its surf spots, so don’t miss the chance to catch some waves.

For a more rugged and off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape. This remote and untamed coastline is characterized by cliffs, rolling hills, and hidden coves. Discover unspoiled beaches like Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall, experience the laid-back vibe of seaside villages, and immerse yourself in the local Xhosa culture.

5. Port Elizabeth

End your coastal exploration in Port Elizabeth, known as the Friendly City. Relax on the stunning beaches of the Sunshine Coast, explore the charming seaside village of St. Francis Bay, and enjoy water sports like surfing or sailing. Port Elizabeth also serves as a gateway to the famous Addo Elephant National Park, where you can spot herds of elephants and other wildlife.

South Africa’s diverse coastline offers something for every beach lover and coastal adventurer. From the iconic beaches of Cape Town to the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast, make sure to include a coastal exploration segment in your South African road trip itinerary. It’s the perfect way to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun and surf of this magnificent country.

Wildlife Safari

A wildlife safari in South Africa is a bucket-list experience that allows you to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most magnificent creatures. From the Big Five to diverse birdlife, South Africa offers incredible opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitats. Here are some must-visit destinations for a memorable wildlife safari:

1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship wildlife reserve and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. Embark on a self-drive safari or join a guided tour to explore the vast landscapes and spot these iconic animals in their natural environment.

2. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Located in the heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for its conservation efforts and for being the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. This reserve is known for its significant population of white rhinos, as well as its diverse birdlife and other wildlife species like elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.

3. Addo Elephant National Park

Located near Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park is a must-visit destination for elephant lovers. It is home to over 600 elephants and offers the unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other wildlife, such as lions, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

4. Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden gem tucked away in the North West province. It offers a luxurious and exclusive safari experience, with a focus on conservation and wildlife protection. Here, you can spot the Big Five, as well as rare and endangered species like wild dogs and cheetahs.

5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Located in the Kalahari Desert, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a unique and remote safari destination. It straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana and is known for its striking red dunes and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and herds of antelope. The park also offers birdwatching enthusiasts an opportunity to spot a variety of desert-adapted bird species.

Whether you choose to visit Kruger National Park, explore the lesser-known reserves, or embark on a cross-border adventure, a wildlife safari in South Africa is an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness and witness the beauty of nature at its finest.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse cultures of South Africa during your road trip. From vibrant cities to traditional villages, South Africa offers numerous opportunities to learn about its fascinating history and experience its unique heritage. Here are some ways to enhance your cultural immersion:

1. Johannesburg

Start your cultural journey in Johannesburg, a city that played a significant role in South Africa’s history. Visit the Apartheid Museum to gain insights into the country’s struggle against racial segregation. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Soweto and Newtown, where you can learn about the iconic leaders, such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and visit important historical sites like Mandela House.

2. Cape Malay Culture, Cape Town

Discover the Cape Malay culture in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Take a walk through the colorful streets lined with traditional houses and explore the local markets. Indulge in the unique flavors of Cape Malay cuisine, influenced by Indonesian, Malaysian, and African culinary traditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a cooking class or a traditional Cape Malay music and dance performance.

3. Zulu Cultural Experiences, KwaZulu-Natal

Experience the vibrant Zulu culture in KwaZulu-Natal. Visit cultural villages like Shakaland or Dumazulu, where you can learn about Zulu traditions, music, dance, and craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the local way of life by participating in traditional activities like spear throwing or beading workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste traditional Zulu cuisine and witness captivating traditional ceremonies.

4. Afrikaans Heritage, Western Cape

Learn about the Afrikaans heritage in the Western Cape. Visit the quaint towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl, known for their Dutch-influenced architecture and vineyards. Explore the Afrikaans Language Monument in Paarl, which celebrates the language and culture. Discover the history of the Afrikaans people at the Afrikaans Language Museum and the Taalmonument in Wellington.

5. San Rock Art, Eastern Cape

Delve into the ancient history of the San people by visiting rock art sites in the Eastern Cape. The Cederberg Mountains and the Drakensberg range are home to remarkable rock art paintings, showcasing the spiritual beliefs and daily life of the San. Join a guided tour to learn about the mythology, symbolism, and preservation efforts surrounding these incredible ancient artworks.

Cultural immersion in South Africa offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country’s diverse heritage. Embrace the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, taste their cuisine, and witness their vibrant celebrations. By immersing yourself in South Africa’s rich culture, you’ll create memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

Adrenaline-Fueled Activities

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush during your South African road trip, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. From thrilling outdoor activities to heart-pounding adventures, South Africa offers a wide range of adrenaline-fueled experiences. Here are some activities to get your heart racing:

1. Shark Cage Diving

Take a plunge into the ocean to come face-to-face with one of nature’s most feared predators – the great white shark. In popular spots like Gansbaai and Mossel Bay, you can have the thrilling opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from the safety of a shark cage. It’s an exhilarating experience that will leave you in awe of the underwater world.

2. Bungee Jumping

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head to the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world. Take the leap of faith and plummet 216 meters down towards the river below. It’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that will test your courage and leave you with an incredible sense of accomplishment.

3. Skydiving

Experience the thrill of freefalling from thousands of feet above the ground with a tandem skydive. Whether you choose the scenic views of Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Johannesburg, the adrenaline rush of soaring through the sky will give you an unmatched sense of exhilaration and a new perspective on South Africa’s stunning landscapes.

4. Abseiling

Challenge your fear of heights by taking part in an abseiling adventure. Descend down towering cliffs with the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. From Table Mountain in Cape Town to the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal, there are plenty of thrilling abseiling spots that will test your limits and provide an adrenaline-fueled experience.

5. Quad Biking and Off-Roading

Rev up your engines and feel the adrenaline pump through your veins as you navigate rugged terrains on a quad bike or off-road vehicle. From the scenic trails of the Western Cape’s winelands to the sandy dunes of the Kalahari Desert, quad biking and off-roading adventures provide an exhilarating way to explore South Africa’s diverse landscapes.

These are just a few examples of the adrenaline-fueled activities that South Africa has to offer. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking to push your boundaries, these heart-pounding adventures will create memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up, get ready to conquer your fears, and embrace the excitement of these adrenaline-pumping experiences on your South African road trip.

Delicious South African Cuisine

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa is through its delicious and diverse cuisine. Influenced by a blend of indigenous, Dutch, Malay, Indian, and African flavors, South African cuisine is a true reflection of the country’s rich heritage. Here are some dishes and culinary experiences you must try during your road trip:

No South African road trip is complete without experiencing a traditional braai, which is similar to a barbecue. Join locals in parks, beaches, or even at dedicated braai spots to enjoy a feast of grilled meats, including boerewors (spicy sausage), lamb chops, and sosaties (marinated skewered meat). Don’t forget to try the popular side dishes like pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).

Bobotie is a beloved dish that represents the fusion of cultures in South Africa. It’s a spiced minced meat casserole with flavors of curry powder, fruit, and chutney, topped with a savory custard layer. Typically served with yellow rice and a variety of condiments, bobotie is a must-try dish that showcases the diverse culinary influences in the country.

South Africa has a strong Indian influence that is reflected in its cuisine, and biryani is a prime example. This fragrant rice dish is made with aromatic spices, meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef), and a variety of vegetables. It’s a flavorful and hearty meal that will tantalize your taste buds with its combination of spices and textures.

4. Bunny Chow

A unique street food experience in South Africa is the bunny chow. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry, such as chicken or mutton. Originating from the Indian community in Durban, this dish has become a popular and satisfying comfort food that is sure to leave you craving more.

5. Melktert

End your South African culinary journey on a sweet note with melktert, a traditional milk tart. It has a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy cinnamon-infused custard. This delectable dessert can be enjoyed at tea time or as a sweet treat after a meal. Pair it with a cup of rooibos tea for an authentic South African experience.

These are just a few highlights of the delicious South African cuisine that awaits you. Throughout your road trip, be sure to indulge in the diverse flavors and explore local markets, food stalls, and restaurants to truly immerse yourself in the country’s culinary delights. From hearty barbecues to mouthwatering curries and delightful desserts, South Africa’s cuisine is a journey for your taste buds that will leave you craving more.

Essential Travel Tips

As you embark on your South African road trip, here are some essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:

1. Plan Your Itinerary and Routes

2. drive with caution, 3. take precautions for safety, 4. carry valid identification and travel documents, 5. pack accordingly, 6. stay hydrated and use sun protection, 7. respect local customs and cultures, 8. try local cuisine and be adventurous, 9. stay connected and stay informed.

By following these essential travel tips, you can make the most of your South African road trip and create unforgettable memories. Embrace the beauty, diversity, and warmth of this incredible country as you explore its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.

South Africa is a road tripper’s paradise, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich culture, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the wild beauty of the Kruger National Park, and the vibrant cities to the charming coastal towns, there is something for every traveler in this remarkable country.

By planning your road trip carefully, considering the best time to visit, and selecting the most suitable routes, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in delicious South African cuisine, and embark on thrilling adventures. Whether it’s observing the Big Five on a safari, exploring picturesque coastal towns along the Garden Route, or learning about the rich history of the country, every experience will leave you enchanted.

However, as with any travel adventure, it’s important to prioritize safety, respect local customs, and follow essential travel tips. Be cautious on the roads, stay informed about the destinations you visit, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and memorable trip.

So, fasten your seatbelt, tune in to your favorite road trip playlist, and let the open road guide you through the unparalleled beauty and diversity of South Africa. Embrace the journey, immerse yourself in the captivating destinations, and create lasting memories as you explore all that this incredible country has to offer.

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• Travel Tips

South African Tourism Routes

Whether it's motorcycling along the wide rolling roads of panoramic waterfall country, dipping your toes in the Indian Ocean of the Garden Route or Elephant Coast or taking a tipple in the winelands, there are South African Tourism Routes to suit you. Read this quick concise guide by independent travel writer Carrie Hampton and choose a route.

PANORAMA ROUTE - Mpumalanga

Tumbling water, forest plantations and canyon views create the theme of this route. Enjoy this perfect self-drive or motorbike country on your South African holidays with wide roads, little traffic and small towns big on hospitality. There are nine waterfalls near Sabie and Graskop, with many crystal pools to swim in, and the added bonus of being only an hour's drive from Kruger National Park.

Take home: Gold dust from Pilgrim's Rest Must Eat: River trout in Sabie and Harry's Pancakes in Graskop Photo Op: Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon

GARDEN ROUTE & ROUTE 62, Western & Eastern Cape

Take the low road (N2) or high road (R62) into the Garden Route. Cruise the N2 through the lush coastal belt to where the road meets the Indian Ocean at Wilderness. Then stop often to laze on beaches or fill your days with adventure. Go on a dolphin watching boat or mountain biking in the forest. Cruise on Knysna lagoon or scare yourself silly on the world's highest bungee jump. Have close encounters with monkeys and birds at Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. The R62 can get you to these places too, via the winelands of Worcester and Robertson, then via the charming town of Montague and picturesque streets of Calitzdorp culminating in the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn.

Take home: Ostrich-feather duster. Must eat: Knysna oysters Photo op: Dolphins leaping in Plettenberg Bay

ELEPHANT COAST EXPLORER. KwaZulu Natal

ELEPHANT COAST EXPLORER. KwaZulu Natal Bask in sub-tropical sunshine of northeast KwaZulu Natal and be amazed at the variety of eco-systems supporting all sorts of life. Guests on South African holidays can see elephant and whales in the same day, not to mention antelopes, zebra, hippos, and turtles. Find them in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, Mkuze Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park and Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. This amazing eco-tourism route extends 220km up the Indian Ocean coast the Mozambique border.

Take home: Zulu beadwork Must eat: Sweet and delicious Hluhluwe queen pineapples Photo op: Zulu dancers, elephant and turtles

CAPE WINE ROUTES, Western Cape

The Cape Winelands has 17 wine routes containing hundreds of estates offering wine tastings. Stellenbosch is the capital of the wine industry with beautiful old estates and some new trendy ones in the mountains and valleys of this genteel area. Pop over the Helshoogte Pass and you enter Franschhoek, literally translated as French corner. Taste noble cultivars in this beautiful valley hemmed in by high granite mountains. The estates have distinctly French estates names like; Dieu Donné (God Given) or Haute Espoir (High Hopes). Constantia Wine Route is closer to Cape Town, just 15 minutes out of the city, and contains the Cape's oldest wineries and historic manor houses.

Take home: Wine of your choice Must drink: Pinotage - a South African red varietal Photo op: Wine tasting on horseback on your South African holidays

By Carrie Hampton

Self-Drive Route Itineraries

See detailed South African self-drive route itineraries below.

Open Africa Routes

Self Drive Routes From Cape Town

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary

July 21, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

I’ve always loved road trips.

There’s something so incredibly magical about waking up at the crack of dawn, cruising down an endlessly straight road, jamming to Spotify’s Top Cheesy Hits playlist and getting to experience a destination at a much slower pace.

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga has been at the top of my South Africa bucket list for years. What’s all the hype about?

Well, the entire road trip is centered around the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. It’s the third-largest canyon in the world and the second-largest in Africa.

Ever since I first saw pictures of the Blyde River Canyon popping up on my Instagram feed, my feet got that undeniable wanderlust itch.

The only problem?

I lived in Cape Town , and life got in the way. In between teaching in Thailand , country-hopping around Europe and attempting to eat Bali out of smoothie bowls, my plans to road trip through the Panorama Route never materialised.

Until my friend Jina invited me on a spontaneous Panorama Route road trip, and the weather was on our side! We finally got to see why it’s dubbed South Africa’s most scenic road trip and considered one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.

Here’s my complete 2-day itinerary for the Panorama Route in South Africa as well as everything else you need to know!

Psst…Want more travel tips for South Africa? Check out my other posts:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
• Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
• 8 Magnificent Mpumalanga Waterfalls For Your Next Adventure
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• An Epic One-Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Panorama Route

Best time to visit pinnacle rock, mac mac pools, best time to visit the three rondavels and blyde river canyon viewpoints, lone creek falls, lisbon falls, best time to visit god’s window, bourke’s luck potholes, berlin falls, mac mac falls, even more waterfalls, panorama route map, hiring a car, car insurance, rules of the road, e-tolls and toll gates, wild forest inn, blyde canyon, a forever resort, high season, panorama route travel tips.

The easiest way to get to the Panorama Route is to drive down from Johannesburg. The distance from Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon is 6 hours 26 minutes (486 km), and the road is in good condition for the most part.

If you don’t want to drive down, you can also fly into Nelspruit or Hoedspruit and rent a car from there. It’s what most travellers do that want to visit the Kruger Park and visit the Panorama Route as a day trip.

Nelspruit is a 2h 45 drive from the Blyde River Canyon, and Hoedspruit Airport is only one hour away. 

Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Travel Guide

The Best Places to Stop on the Panorama Route in South Africa

Ready to explore the best of the Panorama Route? Here are the top sights to add to your itinerary, entrance fees, photography tips and everything else you need to know.

Pinnacle Rock

Start your Panorama Route itinerary with an early morning adventure to Pinnacle Rock. It’s a massive quartzite rock that towers over the dense indigenous forest at 30 meters high!

While there are two viewing platforms, I recommend walking over the stream that becomes a waterfall to the other side of the gorge.

You’ll get a viewpoint of Driekop Gorge and the Pinnacle that most people skip!

The sun rises directly behind the Pinnacle Rock and turns the entire landscape into beautiful hues of gold. Plus, if you’re arriving at the crack of dawn, you won’t have to pay the entrance fee.

But if you’re not a morning person, the sunset here is also incredible.

2023 Entrance Fee to Pinnacle Rock: R20.00 per person

If you’re visiting the Panorama Route in the summer, there is no better way to cool off from the afternoon heat than at Mac Mac Pools.

You can also conquer the 3km circular Secretary Bird hiking trail that starts and ends here.

Top Tip: Walk further downstream to find a quieter rock pool. Most of the families stay near the top where the picnic areas are, and it’s usually quite crowded and loud.

2023 Entrance Fee for Mac Mac Pools: R30.00 per person

Three Rondavels & Blyde River Canyon

End off your first day exploring the Panorama Route by visiting the Three Rondavels lookout point inside the Blyde River Canyon Reserve.

The three massive peaks of quartzite tower 700 meters above the landscape and are named after the three troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile – Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

Pack a few drinks and snacks, choose a spot on one of the rocks and watch the sunset across the incredible vista!

The best time for photographers to visit the Three Rondavels and the Blyde River Canyon is during golden hour (the hour before sunset). The light is at its best, and the afternoon haze will start to melt away.

If you want to avoid the crowds, get here early in the morning or late afternoon. The area is a major attraction, and it can get super busy, especially with all the tour groups.

2023 Three Rondavels Entrance Fee: R35.00 per person.

For your second day along the Panorama Route, grab some breakfast at Harrie’s Pancakes and make your way to Lone Creek Falls. It’s a 68m high waterfall in Mpumalanga and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the area.

There’s a viewpoint that goes up one side of the falls, and while there is a picnic area, no swimming is allowed. If you’re bringing your camera equipment, bring along a waterproof bag, the spray from the waterfall is no joke!

Update: A gate has been put around the falls. You won’t be able to get as close as I did in this photo.

2023 Entrance Fee for Lone Creek Falls: R 30.00 per person

Lisbon Falls is one of my favourite waterfalls in South Africa ! It’s an impressive 90m drop, making it the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga!

But don’t just take in the view from the top of the falls at the parking lot. There is a hiking trail that winds all the way down to the base of the falls.

You will need hiking shoes or closed shoes that have good grip to get up and down safely. There are angry ants that will bite your toes, and if it’s been raining, the terrain is slippery.

Once you make it to the bottom, you can relax in the small rock pools, set up a picnic, and really take in the force of nature that is Lisbon Falls!

Update: You can no longer hike down to Lisbon Falls. A fence has been put up, and cameras after a drowning.

2023 Entrance Fee for Lisbon Falls: R 15.00 per person

Read More:  15+ Wonderous Waterfalls in South Africa That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

God’s Window

During my second trip to the Panorama Route, we went to God’s Window twice: once in the morning (around 7 a.m.) and again for sunset. If you want to do the same, you only have to pay the entrance fee once for that day.

God’s Window is a 900 m high viewpoint where you can see the entire Mpumalanga Lowveld and all the way to Mozambique on a clear day!

There are quite a few viewpoints and walkways here, so take your time exploring the area.

Make your way to Wonder View (2km north of God’s Window). Entrance is free, and it’s the highest viewpoint in the area, standing at an altitude of 1,730 meters.

The best time to visit God’s Window is during golden hour at sunrise and sunset. You’re high enough to watch the sun turn the sky and landscape turn to beautiful shades of blue, purple, orange and red.

2023 God’s Window Entrance Fee: R20.00 per person

Other Panorama Route Attractions

Here are a few other attractions that you can add to your Panorama Route itinerary:

Bourke’s Luck Potholes is the most expensive attraction to visit along the Panorama Route in South Africa, and it also marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.

The area is named after prospector John Bourke who came to the Mpumalanga Province in search of gold and thought he found deposits in the area.

While the canyon is impressive to see and explore, it’s nowhere near the same level as the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. If you’re short on time or you’re on a budget, I think you can give it a miss and use the money to see two to four other attractions for the same price.

2023 Entrance Fee for Bourke’s Luck Potholes: R65.00 per person

The weather took a turn for the worst on our last day in Graskop, and I didn’t get a chance to make it to Berlin Falls.

It’s one of the most popular stops along the Panorama Route, and the 45 m waterfall drops down into a beautiful sapphire pool.

2023 Entrance Fee for Berlin Falls: R 5.00 per person

Mac Mac Falls is 65 m high and is a national monument.

While the entrance fee is only R15.00, I don’t think it’s worth it, especially when you have the more impressive Lisbon Falls in the area.

At Mac Mac, you can only view the falls from behind a tall metal fence. The viewpoint is quite far from the falls, and you can’t walk down the gorge to get closer.

2023 Mac Mac Falls Entrance Fee: R15.00 per person

Not done chasing waterfalls? Here are more you can see during your Mpumpalanga road trip:

• Bridal Veil Falls
• Sabie Falls
• Horse Shoe Falls
• Forest Falls

Here’s a Panorama Route, South Africa map of all the attractions that you can see during your road trip:

Driving in South Africa Tips

If you want to hire a car in South Africa , make sure you have a credit card with enough money on it for the security deposit. Most car rental companies will deduct that amount from your account as soon as you take the car and will refund it at the end of your trip.

It can take a couple of weeks for the deposit money to come through, so make sure you budget for it.

When it comes to choosing a car rental company, I’ve used Thrifty for other road trips around South Africa .  You can also use a website like RentalCars that will compare prices from all of the leading car rental companies in the country.

The Panorama Route is notorious for having low-visibility driving conditions, especially in the summer months. I highly recommend buying the additional car insurance offered by a car rental company if your travel insurance policy doesn’t cover you for damages.

World Nomads Travel Insurance lets you combine a standard travel insurance policy with car rental insurance. It covers any damages to the car and will probably work out cheaper than buying two separate policies from different companies.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. You’ll also need to request an automatic car if you’re unfamiliar with driving a stick shift, as most cars in South Africa are manual.

While driving from Johannesburg to the Panorama Route, you’ll pass through a couple of toll gates.

These gates only accept cash or credit cards.

If your card is a debit or cheque, you will not be able to use it. Before you start your trip, make sure you have enough cash on you, or you have the right card.

I’ve brought along the wrong card in the past, and I couldn’t turn around because of the line of cars behind me. In the end, I had to ask other drivers for money, so I could go through the toll gate.

I died a thousand deaths on the inside.

E-Tolls are an electronic toll that you’ll pay for the roads you use in Johannesburg. However, you’ll only pay for it at the end of your trip once Sanral sends their invoice to your car rental company.

The credit card that you used to hire the vehicle will then be charged for the amount about a month later. 

Read More:  The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)

Where to Stay on the Panorama Route

Graskop is one of the closest towns to attractions along the Panorama Route. It’s only a quick 9-minute drive to God’s Window and 30 minutes from the Three Rondavels lookout point.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, it’s a great little town to stock up on supplies at the local Spar. There are also a few restaurants, with Harrie’s Pancakes being the most famous.

It’s been around since 1986 and is known for serving the best sweet and savoury pancakes in town.

These are some of the Graskop hotels and guesthouses I’ve stayed at over the years that I highly recommend:

During my first trip to the Panorama Route with Greg, we stayed at the Wild Forest Inn . It’s about 3km from Graskop and is an excellent location if you prefer secluded vibes.

It’s the only chalet on the property and comes with a double bed downstairs and two single mattresses in the loft. There’s also a bathroom, small kitchenette and braai facilities.

Wild Forest is a great budget-friendly choice for couples or travelling families.

If you want to stay as close to Graskop as possible, book a night at Rustique . It’s a beautiful guest house within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.

The decor of each room lives up to the hotel’s name, and you can choose from five different themes: sand, wood, stone, Afrique or chique.

There’s also a communal kitchen area, and breakfast can be organised on request.

Lush is one of the top-budget hotels in Graskop. It’s perfect for travellers who are looking for affordable, but beautiful Panorama Route accommodation options. The decor is modern with rustic African touches, and you can throw in an exceptional breakfast for only R 100.00!

The rooms are also completely soundproof!

Blyde River Canyon, A Forever Resort , is situated about 50 km from Graskop in Ohrigstad . It’s on the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders and is worth its price tag.

While chalets tend to go for around R1,500 to R2,200 per night, the resort does offer camping and caravan facilities. You’ll also have access to the resort’s many hiking trails that weave through the canyon, which makes staying here worth it if you want to explore beyond the typical Panorama Route stops.

Other areas that you can stay in that are close to the Panorama Route attractions include Sabie , Hazyview , and Pilgrim’s Rest (a historic town at the start of the scenic route).

Best Time to Visit the Panorama Route

The best time to visit the Panorama Route is in the winter months. From June to August, the weather is drier, and you’ll have a better chance of getting clear panoramic views at God’s Window and the Three Rondavels.

The only downside is that it’s super busy. With school holidays and perfect conditions for wildlife viewings at Kruger National Park , you can expect large crowds along the Panorama Route attractions.

I’d also include September as part of the high-season rush. When I went, there was little last-minute accommodation available, and we turned around as soon as we arrived at God’s Window because of the number of cars and tour buses in the parking lot.

If you want to escape the crowds, plan your road trip to the Panorama Route in South Africa around the summer months. From November to February, the heavy mist and rainfall keeps most travellers away.

Except during the December end-of-year holidays when Kruger National Park is at its busiest once again.

While it does mean that you’ll have less chance of clear views, accommodation prices are lower. I went in January, and we managed to find a weekend when the mist lifted for a few days. We had the top attractions along the Panorama Route all to ourselves and perfect, warm weather.

However, when we left Graskop, we had hardly any visibility on the road due to a heavy mist that rolled in over the night.

If you’re driving the Panorama Route over the summer months, please be careful and check the weather app on your phone to plan your trip around the rain as much as possible. 

Read More:  Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Withdraw Cash: To pay for all the Panorama Route entrance fees at the waterfalls and attractions like God’s Window and the Three Rondavels, you’ll need cash. You won’t be able to pay with your card, and it’s a good idea to have a stash of small notes (R10-50.00) to make it easier to get change.

Keep Your Car Filled Up: If you’re driving from Graskop to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, fill up at the petrol station in town. It’s a 30 or 40-minute drive, and you won’t find another station along the way. Avoid any problems by making sure you have more than enough in your tank for a day of adventures.

Use an Offline Google Map: While there is reception in towns like Graskop and Sabie, your phone will dip in and out of signal along the Panorama Route. If you’re using your phone as a GPS, download an offline Google Map of the area.

How long does it take to drive the Panorama Route in South Africa? The Panorama Route is 180km long, making it possible to see the best stops in one day, but 2 to 3 days is the sweet spot. It will give you time to explore more without a tight schedule.

Where does the Panorama Route start and end? The scenic road trip begins at Echo Valley and ends at Long Tom Pass.

How much does it cost to drive the Panorama Route? Besides petrol and renting a car, you’re looking at paying R20.00 to R65.00 per attraction.

What activities can you do while visiting the Panorama Route? You can tackle the various hiking trails, go quad biking, try zip lining, brave white river rafting and tubing, or visit the Graskop Gorge Lift.

Is the Panorama Route safe? The Panorama Route is safe, and you shouldn’t have any problems, besides dodging the odd pothole or two. But I’d also avoid driving at night as much as possible. The main reason is that some areas have a lot of potholes, and if it’s raining, the holes fill up and are almost impossible to spot.

You made it to the end! Woo-hoo! Hopefully, you’ve found my guide to the Panorama Route, South Africa super useful, and it’s given you all the information you need to plan an epic road trip!

Still got a few burning questions on the tip of your tongue?

Hit that comment button below and let me know all your thoughts, concerns and which part of the Panorama Route you’re dying to see!

If you like it, then you should put a pin on it!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

September 28, 2020 at 1:55 am

Thanks for sharing your panorama route experience and tips. Can it be done in one day? I have a weekend to do both the safari and the panaroma route before heading back to Johannesburg.

September 28, 2020 at 1:52 pm

Hi Pulane! You can do it in 1-day, but you wouldn’t be able to see everything. So just pick a few of your favs 🙂

October 1, 2020 at 5:06 pm

Which gate of Kruger national park can I use if I take 2 day panorama route and third day will be Kruger park sleeping at Graskop

October 3, 2020 at 7:53 pm

Put your route in Google maps and see what gate comes up or phone the national park to ask what gate they suggest.

April 23, 2021 at 4:34 pm

Great post, thanks! If staying in Hazyview how would you change up the itineraries?

April 25, 2021 at 7:25 pm

Hi! You just need to plan it around your driving times. I think Hazyview is about an hour or more from some of these locations.

October 12, 2021 at 2:15 pm

Hi Thank you for the useful information. We will be coming from Johannesburg, staying in Hazyview, is it possible to do the panorama route before getting to Hazyview? I will be travelling with a toddler and two kids(7 & 9 ysr) so the plan is to leave very early to get the around 9 or so. Is it along the way from JHB to hazyview or?

October 13, 2021 at 10:06 am

Hey Vee! Put your route into Google Maps and add all the stops you want to visit. Then you can get accurate travel times and plan accordingly 🙂

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South Africa’s ultimate road trip

Team Africa Geographic

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

If the whole world is indeed a garden, as Frances Hodgson Burnett once wrote, then the Garden Route of South Africa was cultivated by a maverick horticulturist. In truth, the name is somewhat misleading because the Garden Route is about as far from the average garden as could conceivably be imagined . Here, myriad landscapes culminate in a dramatic meeting of mountains, gorges, forest and the Indian Ocean, interspersed by quaint towns and bustling beach cities. Not for nothing is this glorious stretch of coastline one of South Africa’s most popular tourism hotspots – it is a region best explored at leisure, taking every moment to appreciate nature in her wildest glory.

What is the Garden Route?

In truth, neither “garden” nor “route” are particularly accurate descriptors, though the moniker has proved such an effective marketing tool that nearby towns clamour for (or simply claim) inclusion. Although the exact boundaries differ depending on the source, the Garden Route generally refers to an area that extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, east to the town of Stormsrivier in the Eastern Cape – a straight-line distance of around 200km. Inland it encompasses the town of Oudtshoorn right up to the Swartberg Mountain Range. This magnificent region includes rugged patches of coastline, pristine sandy beaches, forests, mountains, gorges, lakes and rivers, all easily and quickly accessible. At the right time of year (August/September), many sections are covered in a glorious carpet of flowers, only adding to the beauty of the surroundings.

Visitors can select a base from Olde Worlde towns and explore the extraordinary scenery day by day before rewarding themselves with an evening of fine dining or perhaps an afternoon at a picturesque wine farm. With the added advantage of several malaria-free nature reserves and national parks in the vicinity to tack on a safari adventure, a trip to the Garden Route can be individually tailored to every need – from families with small children and sedate couples to intrepid solo travellers and adventure seekers.

Mossel Bay is a town steeped in history and marks the spot where the very first European set foot in South Africa. Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias stopped here in 1488, searching for fresh water to replenish his ship’s supplies. As he was to discover, the land was already occupied. In a sad portent of this region’s future race relations, one of Dias’ men shot a Khoikhoi herder with a crossbow. Unsurprisingly, the locals reacted with anger and sent the mariner and his scurvy-riddled sailors scuttling back to their ship in a hail of stones. Human history in the area goes back considerably further than Dias’ misadventure. The caves below Pinnacle Point contain some of the earliest artefacts of modern man – believed to be about 164,000 years old. These Middle Stone Age people could not have chosen a more picturesque home; the caves look out on the turquoise of the Indian Ocean below.

These days, visitors to Mossel Bay visit the cave networks and admire the view before visiting the museum complex to explore the full-sized replica of Dias’ ship. Though the coastline is relatively rocky here, a couple of stunning beaches and sheltered coves are perfect for swimming in the warm sea. The quaint St Blaize Lighthouse is a popular attraction and serves as a landmark for some of the region’s popular hiking routes. There is also a Seal Island (smaller than the one close to Cape Town) where Cape fur seals gather in enormous numbers.

One of South Africa’s oldest towns and once a historic timber hub, George is nestled in the sublime Outeniqua Mountains, just eight kilometres from the ocean. As one of the Garden Route’s largest towns, it is sometimes nicknamed the “Gateway to the Garden Route” and sports a curious mixture of big city vibrance and small-town atmosphere. There are several historical landmarks to appreciate, including an ancient English Oak tree called The Slave Tree, the King Edward VII Library, the Outeniqua Transport Museum and several old churches. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens, which exclusively showcases the unique vegetation of the southern Cape fynbos, are also situated in George.

The various scenic drives around the town, including Montagu Pass, will reveal unexpected antique shops, art galleries and craft stalls, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at some of South Africa’s premier courses.

To the north and inland from George, the town of Oudtshoorn marks the northern boundary of the Garden Route region. Here the vegetation has changed from the iconic fynbos of the Cape coastlines to the sparse Klein Karoo, at the meeting point of the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountain ranges.

Offering the usual rural town charm so characteristic of the Garden Route’s urban areas, Oudtshoorn is also home to the largest farmed ostrich population in the world. This tradition goes back to the days of the Ostrich Feather Booms of the late 19th century/early 20th century, which saw the rise of “feather barons” and dynasties that built the mansions lining the Grobbelaars River. Before World War 1, ostrich feathers were South Africa’s fourth-largest export and worth almost their weight in diamonds. Today, ostriches are farmed for their meat and feathers and continue to be a major tourist attraction.

Just outside Oudtshoorn are the Cango Caves, enormous limestone caves with massive stalagmite formations, some of which date back 4,5 billion years!

Wilderness and Wilderness National Park

In keeping with Garden Route naming tradition, Wilderness is less “wilderness” and a more tranquil seaside town, situated on the banks of the Touw River Lagoon. It is, however, surrounded by true wilderness in the form of the nearby Wilderness National Park, which protects over 2,500 hectares and encompasses forests, five rivers, five lakes, two estuaries and a stretch of coastline. Though usually still referred to as Wilderness National Park, since 2008, it is technically the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park which also includes the Knysna Pools and Tsitsikamma sections (see below).

Wilderness National Park is a paradise for campers, hikers, kayakers, mountain bikers, paragliders, abseilers and kloofing enthusiasts. The magical forest paths wind their way to various waterfalls. They are filled with the calls (and occasional glimpses) of kingfishers and the colourful Knysna turacos (or ‘loerie’ if chatting to a local). The coastline section comes to a head at Dolphin Point, which, like much of the Garden Route, is a great place to look for southern right whales during their annual migration (from July until early November).

Not far from Wilderness, en route to Knysna, is the seaside village of Sedgefield – an excellent spot for families looking for a quieter seaside holiday – and the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which protects an extensive vegetated dune field.

The original route between George and Knysna is the historic Seven Passes Road which crosses over ten rivers and seven gorges and provides a taster of the exquisite scenery awaiting keen explorers. As beautiful Southern African towns go, Knysna is near the top of a very long and competitive list. Situated on the banks of a picturesque lagoon that is part of a protected marine reserve and surrounded by lush indigenous forests, Knysna is renowned for its dynamic charm and genial hospitality. The Knysna River feeds the warm water estuary. It passes between two prominent headlands –The Heads – creating an occasionally treacherous narrow strip for boats to pass through as they head for the open sea.

The town is surrounded by temperate forests that hide what ecologists believe to be the last remaining elephant of the Knysna/Tsitsikamma region. The cow is thought to be around 45 years old and is the sole survivor of the effectively extinct southernmost population of elephants in Africa. Centuries of persecution have genetically programmed her to be understandably wary of humans, and actual sightings of her are few and far between . Most of what we know about her movements come from tracks, dung and camera traps as she haunts the ancient trails of the fairy-tale forests and surrounding farms – a lonely and poignant figure.

Garden Route National Park and the Tsitsikamma Forests

Her ancestors, which experts estimate probably numbered around 3,000 individuals in the 18th century, would have wandered far and wide through the dark and mysterious forests and surrounding habitats. Though the elephants are long gone, parts of their historic range are protected by the Garden Route National Park: a disconnected amalgamation of the existing Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks, the Knysna National Lake Area, and various other protected tracts of state land.

The Garden Route National Park covers patches of the south coast between George and Port Elizabeth. Its magnificent forests are characterised by giant Outeniqua yellowwoods, stinkwoods, and Cape chestnuts, blooming upwards from thick ferns on the forest floor. From west to east, the topography becomes increasingly dramatic, culminating in the plunging cliffs and steep gorges of Tsitsikamma and Storms River, which marks the “end” of the Garden Route.

Here visitors can test their head for heights by crossing the bridge over the Bloukrans River. Adrenaline junkies can get their thrill fix by leaping from the bridge at one of the highest bungee jumps in the world – an astonishing 216 metres (roughly 70 stories) above the base of the gorge. The suspension bridge over the Storms River mouth further east offers a more sedate and less vertiginous approach to taking in the spectacular scenery.

Plettenberg Bay

The town of “Plett” is known for its expanses of white sandy beaches and glorious cerulean sea, making it one of the best choices as a base to explore the rest of the Garden Route. Nature lovers will find themselves enthralled by a circuit of the Robberg peninsula at the Robberg Nature Reserve or watching the Cape fur seals navigating the surf. Southern right (July to November), Bryde’s, humpback (May/June and from November to January), killer and sei whales are regular visitors, and dolphins are permanent residents.

Explore and stay

Want to head to the Garden Route? To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team to arrange your safari, scroll down to after this story.

The weather along the Garden Route is temperate and idyllic, with temperatures seldom dropping below 10˚C or rising too far above 29 ˚C on the coast. Unusually for South Africa, there is no set rainy season, and rain can fall all year round (and it does – the Garden Route receives some of the highest rainfall levels in South Africa, hence the verdant foliage). There is a slight peak in rainfall during the winter months from June until August, which coincides with the arrival of migrating whales. The flowers celebrate the arrival of spring in September.

As already discussed, this is not a “route” but rather an exploration and visitors can make the best of their stay by choosing one or two places to stay and travelling to the various attractions from there. Careful planning and research will ensure the best out of a trip, and even when time is limited, it is better to make the most of specific areas rather than cramming in every attraction.

It’s hard to encapsulate the magic of the Garden Route – there are many beautiful coastlines in the world. Yet, this special patch of Africa stands out as a truly extraordinary destination. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that the Garden Route offers everything from dramatic scenery, hiking and wilderness adventures to beach holidays, scuba diving and wine farms, all in the same vicinity. The eclectic collection of local artists, writers, musicians, retirees, and big-city escapees who have chosen to live there adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Whatever it may be, it is undeniable that the Garden Route casts a kind of spell over those fortunate enough to explore its many wonders.

For more on the this magnificent piece of South Africa, read The Secret Garden Route

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC:

• Travel with us . Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Browse our ready-made packages or answer a few questions to start planning your dream safari .
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South Africa Road Trip – One Month Itinerary

Updated August 2, 2020

// By Margherita

Are you planning a South Africa road trip? This monster post will tell you all you need to know about our 1 month South Africa itinerary, to help plan your very own South Africa road trip!

South Africa is probably the world’s best road trip destination. The roads are (mostly) in great conditions, points of interest are not too far from one another, drivers have great road manners, and traffic in cities is usually ok – with Johannesburg as a notable exception.

Driving around South Africa you’ll encounter a variety of sights and landscapes – from stunning Cape Town and its surf beaches , to the Garden Route with its adventure activities, the unspoiled Wild Coast , national parks like Addo and world-famous Kruger and the Drakensberg Mountains , one of South Africa’s UNESCO-heritage sites.

Renting a car in South Africa is definitely the best way to move around the country – public transport is available, but tends to connect major cities – and half the fun of driving around South Africa is stopping at national parks, coastal villages, coffee shops and other sights located away from major cities.

South Africa is also a massive country, and figuring out where to go and what to see is a very difficult task. That’s why we decided to share our South Africa road trip 1 month itinerary with you , including tips on how to plan a South Africa road trip and how to rent a car in South Africa , and some practical advice on driving around the country.

How to Plan a South Africa Road Trip

Where to go.

The most popular itinerary for a road trip around South Africa is from Cape Town to Johannesburg , or vice versa. There are pros and cons to doing the trip in either direction – starting in Joburg and ending in Cape Town you kind of ‘save the best till last’, and start with longer driving days. However, Cape Town is a much gentler introduction to South Africa compared to Johannesburg – but from Johannesburg it’s easier to visit places like Botswana and Victoria Falls . Ultimately, driving either way is fine!

You can road trip South Africa year round , with every season offering positive and negative points. Don’t forget that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, and seasons are the opposite of Europe/North America. Summer (Dec/Mar) is the hottest time of the year, but it’s also wet and humid in the north – spotting wildlife in places like Kruger becomes hard as animals retreat deeper into the bush.

Winter (Jun/Sept) can be chilly, but it’s also the best time for safaris and to spot whales – however, it can be really rainy, especially around the Western Cape.

Spring and Autumn are good compromises – we did our road trip around South Africa from late April to late May, a time known in the South African tourism industry as ‘secret season’ , with great weather and not too many people on the roads. One final warning – South Africans are frequent domestic travellers so make sure to avoid school holidays when heading to the most famous South Africa points of interest like Cape Town, Kruger or the Garden Route.

How to Rent a Car in South Africa

Renting a car in South Africa is simple, straightforward and affordable. We chose to rent from Around About Cars , a Cape Town-based operator that offered great rates even for a one-way rental. Book online to get great deals – we only paid 3500 rand (about €220) for a 26-day rental.

Don’t forget to sign up for all-inclusive insurance when you collect your rental vehicle – if you’re planning to drive in the Eastern Cape, roads are in less-than-ideal-conditions, and tire damage may occur.

We rented a Kia Picanto , the smallest and cheapest car model. The car was fine to drive along the whole itinerary, as long as you exercise caution on country roads. The boot of the car was quite small but we’re light packers, and we had more than enough space.

You’ll need a driving licence (naturally) and embossed credit card to rent a vehicle from Around About Cars. A 3000 rand (€190) deposit is blocked from your credit card when you collect your car, and it is then released about a week after you return it.

If you’re planning to drive into Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana or Namibia , make sure you inform the car hire office before you collect the vehicle, so that specific paperwork can be prepared.

Where to Stay

There’s a great range of accommodation options in South Africa – from campsites and bare-bones hostels (known as ‘backpackers’ in South Africa) to 5 star hotel and luxury lodges, and anything in between. We stayed in lots of different places, always trying to find something unique. Our accommodation options included an Airbnb villa in Cape Town, boutique hotels, design hostels and even a ‘train’ . If you’re planning visit national parks, we recommend booking accommodation INSIDE the park – chalets and cabins are usually moderately-priced and offer the opportunity to stay in the park after closing times.

We included tips on where to stay in the description of each road trip stage.

How Much Does it Cost to Road Trip South Africa

If you manage to get a good deal or if several people share a car, road tripping South Africa is quite affordable. As I mentioned above, we paid 3500 rand for our car rental, to which we added approximately another 1000 rand or so for extra insurance. Filling up cost about 400 rand. Most highways are free, with the exceptions of a few toll booths.

Accommodation costs varied dramatically, as we stayed in lots of different places – if you’re on a budget, there are lots of great hostels , offering dorm beds for as little as 150 rand and double rooms from 500 onwards. Most hostels also offer cooking facilities and budget communal dinners.

A big part of your South Africa travel budget should be allocated to activities – the Garden Route is South Africa’s adventure hotspot, and you can go hiking, canoeing, bungee jumping, white water rafting, surfing, sand boarding, canopying, rappelling… you name it. There are also many private nature reserves offering game drives, but the cheapest way to see animals is to drive yourself around national parks.

Where to Go? Our South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

We started our South Africa road trip in Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’ . The city is one of the most spectacular we’ve ever seen, surrounded by ocean and dominated by the mighty frame of Table Mountain . We spent 5 days at the start our road trip, and another 5 days at the end of our three months in Southern Africa, and only managed to see a fraction of Cape Town’s sights and attractions.

Regardless of how long you have, make sure you go on some day trips from Cape Town to the Cape Peninsula , to enjoy some great nature and fantastic hikes right on the city’s doorstep. Here’s a quick rundown of what we did in Cape Town during our stay, but trust me, the list is by no means exhaustive!

Muizenberg –  the city’s most popular surf beach on the Cape Peninsula, ideal for a surf lesson and to visit the famous colourful beach huts.

Cape Point Nature Reserve –  a protected nature reserve on the southern tip of Cape Peninsula, including Cape of Good Hope, the Cape Point lighthouse and lots of hiking trails.

Simon’s Town –  the best place to see African penguins. Don’t miss having a swim at stunning Boulders Beach.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens –  the best place to learn about fynbos, a type of vegetation that is unique to the Cape. This large park is a short drive from the city centre, and there are some hiking trails taking you all the way to the summit of Table Mountain.

Bo Kaap –  the colourful Malay neighbourhood is a must visit for Insta-perfect shots and to enjoy unique Cape Malay cuisine, product of South Africa’s multicultural heritage.

Waterfront –  Cape Town’s harbour, now reconverted as a tourist attraction with bars, restaurants, sightseeing cruises and two markets – the V&A Waterfront Food Market with quality street food stalls and the Watershed with local arts and crafts (great place to buy souvenirs!)

Robben Island –  don’t miss visiting the former maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela and many others were held during apartheid. Tours depart daily from the Waterfront and include ferry transport, a bus tour of the island and visit to the prison guided by a former inmate.

Long Street –  Cape Town’s most famous nightlife hangout, with cool bars and restaurants and a really fun vibe.

Table Mountain –  you can hike to the top of Cape Town’s most famous landmark, or take the cable car to the summit and hike around the top.

Lion’s Head –  if hiking to the top of Table Mountain sounds too exhausting, Lion’s Head is a good alternative – it’s about half as high as Table Mountain and the hike up takes only about an hour. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing

Where to Stay in Cape Town

We stayed in two different places  – this amazing Airbnb villa in Scarborough , a surfer’s town on the Cape Peninsula, and Once in Cape Town , a design hostel a short hop from Long Street.

Stellenbosch

Distance – about 50 km from Cape Town.

Not much of a drive, right? Stellenbosch is Cape Town’s fun alter ego , a town with a lively student population and an excellent food and wine scene. It’s the capital of South Africa’s Winelands and a must visit for wine connoisseurs – and even if you don’t like wine, as there’s plenty to see and do.

If you’re pressed with time (but you like adventure), a bike and wine tour is a fun way to visit Stellenbosch and the winelands. Other places we recommend visiting are Vergenoegd Wine Estate , famous for the ‘duck parade’, where we had a coffee blending experience, and Middelvlei , where we enjoyed a lunchtime braai and wine blending experience.

If you want to learn more about local life in Stellenbosch you can join a tour of Kayamandi, the largest township in the area, including a walking tour and a home-cooked dinner. Check our our Stellenbosch post for more info!

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

Majeka House is a luxury boutique hotel that won many awards for its eclectic design and decor. If you want to stay on a working wine estate, you can opt for L’Avenir , offering stunning suites with plunge pools on deck and excellent customer service.

Distance –  95 km along the N2 and R43, 120 km via Pringle Bay/Cape Whale Coast (recommended in winter for whale watching!)

Hermanus is a cute coastal town, famous for being one of the best places in the world for whale watching during the winter season, when Southern right whales come to breed on the waters just opposite the town. We visited Hermanus for Walker Bay Xtreme , an extreme sports festival held in late April.

Even if you’re not in South Africa in winter, Hermanus is worth a visit because of its stunning coastal drives like the Whale Coast Route , hugging the coast from Hermanus to Gordon’s Bay.

Where to stay in Hermanus

The Whale Coast Hotel has self-catering apartments in a convenient location not far from the coast. Apartments are comfortable and bright, with a balcony and great views – the apartment we stayed at spelt four and even had two separate bathrooms. The hotel is adjacent to a shopping centre with a supermarket and liquor store, a perfect choice if you’re self-catering.

Distance – 140 km direct, 230 km via Cape L’Agulhas (Africa’s southernmost point).

After leaving Hermanus, we headed to the Garden Route, the 300-km stretch of coastal road between Mossel Bay and Storms River, including some of South Africa’s top sights and adventure activities . Before heading the Garden Route ‘proper’, we stopped in Swellendam, a lovely country town offering a blend of nature, adventure and rural life.

There are two options to reach Swellendam from Hermanus – following the N2, the most direct route, or taking a detour via L’Agulhas , the southernmost point in the African continent. L’Agulhas is a wild place – the world agulhas means needles in Portuguese, after the rocky outcrops all around the cape. Add strong winds and waves, and there you have it – it’s a magical place to stand on, imagining the entirety of Africa stretching behind you.

In Swellendam, we spent two days hiking, swimming and kayaking around Buffelsjag Dam and enjoying delicious cuisine – the dinner we had at Field and Fork was one of the best during our entire stay in the country. Other activities on offer in Swellendam include mountain biking around Marloth Nature Reserve, horse riding and microlight flights – we were scheduled to go on one, but sadly the weather let us down.

Where to stay in Swellendam

We stayed at Umshanti Cottages , in cute self-catering cottages walking distance away from Buffelsjag Dam. Kayaks are available for free and there are some nice waterfalls a short paddle away. The owner of Umshanti also organises braai evening on a barge sailing around the dam, as well as microlight flights.

Distance –  168 km direct, 310 km via Oudtshoorn (R62)

Mossel Bay is where the Garden Route officially begins. It’s a pretty seaside town with a wide, sandy beach that seemed to have good surf. You can also go sand boarding, hike or ride a mountain bike to nearby Cape St.Blaise, or just enjoy the vibe for a few days. We also recommend having dinner at Café Gannet , a tasty seafood restaurant where we had a delicious tiger roll and salmon parcels in creamy mushroom sauce – another one of our top South African dinners!

There are two options to reach Mossel Bay from Swellendam – the first is following the N2 all the way, taking about two hours. A good intermediate stop is Heidelberg , a town with some pretty cool street art. The most scenic option is heading to Oudtshoorn on the R62, one of South Africa’s most scenic roads crossing the Little Karoo, a rocky and desert area. Then you can either stay in Oudtshoorn and visit the stunning Cango Caves , or head southwards to Mossel Bay.

We opted for the first route, as it was already afternoon when we left Swellendam and didn’t want to drive in the dark. However, if we went back to South Africa, we’d check out the R62 for sure!

Where to stay in Mossel Bay

To be honest, the reason why we decided to spend a night in Mossel Bay was staying at Santos Express , a hostel located in an actual TRAIN. I’m a train freak and I simply couldn’t resist, so I decided to splurge on a ‘luxury suite’ for one night – a vintage train car from the 1920s, complete with private bathroom and a deck overlooking the beach.

Plettenberg Bay/Tsitsikamma

Distance –  140 km following the N2

Once you hit the Garden Route, deciding where to stop is likely to be a challenge. Shall we check out the sand boarding in Sedgefield ? Or the famous Knysna Heads ? Or why not evocatively-named Wilderness ? Every town and village along the Garden Route seemed to have something special to offer, and one could truly spend weeks exploring it all.

However, I’m not a fan of packing and unpacking every day, so we decided to base ourselves in the Plettenberg Bay/Tsitsikamma area for a few days . There’s plenty to do – here’s our things to do in Plettenberg Bay and Tsistikamma post if you want to know more.

Some of our favourite activities in the area included the canopy tour in Tsitsikamma, hiking Robberg Nature Reserve and visiting a trio of animal sanctuaries – Jukani, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland.

Where to stay in Plett

We split our stay between two places – charming Kurland , a luxury property where guests are accommodated in Cape Dutch villas and invited to enjoy afternoon tea and scones by the fire (in winter, of course) and Nectar Cottage , a funky A-frame cottage in the heart of Nature’s Valley, perfect for a secluded family stay.

Jeffrey’s Bay

Distance –  164 km following the N2

Leaving Plett and heading east, you’ll leave the Western Cape and enter the Eastern Cape province – there’s a tollbooth where vehicles are required to pay a 45 rand toll. At the border between the two provinces you’ll also find the famous Bloukrans Bridge , home to one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. The bridge spans a spectacular gorge, and it is worth a stop even if you’re not jumping – you can just sit with a drink, enjoy the landscape and cheer the daredevils!

After stopping in Bloukrans, we powered on to Jeffrey’s Bay, also known as J-Bay , South Africa’s surf capital. We visited in mid-May and the weather was less than ideal for surfing, with some really choppy waves, but we still managed to catch some breaks. We also joined a tour to a nearby farm where we went cliff-jumping and zip lining near a waterfall, and then finished off the day with sunset paddle boarding… which was fun, until the wind started blowing and we had to paddle against the current.

Where to stay in Jeffrey’s Bay

In J-Bay we stayed at Island Vibe , the top hostel and surf school right on the beach. We visited in May, when the weather was less than ideal, and the hostel wasn’t at all full – apparently in summer it’s crazy busy, but the vibe can’t be beaten. Island Vibe has an excellent restaurant onsite , serving a selection of breakfast dishes, wraps, pizzas and a very affordable dish of the day. Just one word of warning – if you’re found sitting around the bar in the evening, the staff will invite you to join a game of beer pong, and it might get messy!

Addo Elephant Park

Distance – 115 km to the southern gate of the park  

Initially, our plan was heading to Port Elizabeth – then we found out that Addo Elephant Park was one of the best places in South Africa for a self drive safari , so we decided to head there instead.

Addo is South Africa’s third largest national park, but it’s tiny compared to Kruger, over 10 times smaller. On one hand, that makes it easier to spot animals – on the other, there are far fewer animals compared to Kruger. Addo has about 120 km of unpaved roads suitable to all cars , one north-south road and several loops running off the sides. You can drive at will between sunrise and sunset, but when it gets dark you either have to be out of the park, or in your camp area if you’re staying inside the park.

We spent one night in Addo , and reached the park in the early afternoon. We spent the first day driving around the southern section of the park, and we spotted several elephants, kudu, zebras, buffaloes and even a honey badger. The second day, we slowly made our way towards the north of the park, driving all the loops we could find – we were trying to find some lions but we couldn’t see any. Instead, we saw several more boks and elephants.

If you’re planning to self-drive Addo , check out our post about Etosha National Park in Namibia – the two parks are completely different, but we include some self-driving safari tips which could be helpful.

Where to stay in Addo

Having booked very last minute, we only found room at Matyholweni camp , in the southern part of the park. We stayed in a ‘Family Chalet’, sleeping two adults and two children in a large room with kitchenette. The chalet had a thatched roof, a nice balcony and braai facilities. All in all, we were happy with our choice!

Distance –  228 km from the northern gate of the park

When we left Addo, everything changed . Gone were the wide, well-maintained roads of the Western Cape, with their good asphalt surfaces and passing lanes – welcome to the Wild Coast , the unspoilt and sparsely-populated region between Post Elizabeth and Durban.

The region is also known as the ‘Transkei’ – many people will warn you not to visit , citing poor road condition and crime as possible dangers. We totally agree that roads were passable at best, and we didn’t experience any crime. The area was definitely rougher around the edges, ‘wilder’ and with a much more distinct African feel compared to Cape Town and the Western Cape. We really recommend visiting, both to learn about Xhosa culture, and to enjoy wonderful nature.

Our first stop was Hogsback , a hippie town surrounded by forests and waterfalls in the heart of the Amathole mountains. The name ‘Hogsback’ comes from the fact that one of the mountains overlooking the village resembles a ‘hog’s back’ when seen from a certain direction – to be honest, I think whoever came up with this idea had one too many.

Hogsback is another great place to enjoy adventure. You can hike a multi-day trail over the Amathole Mountains, go mountain biking around the village, go hunting for waterfalls and even rappel down the stunning ‘Madonna and Child’ waterfall.

Another cool place to visit in the Hogsback area is Elundini, a traditional Xhosa village where you can learn about traditional culture while staying at Elundini Backpackers , a hostel opened by a local family. We didn’t stay in Elundini, but we spent a day in the village and learnt how to make bread Xhosa-style!

Where to stay in Hogsback

Book this place right now! Away with the Fairies is a true dream, a real hideaway in the heart of nature, the kind of place where you just keep extending your stay and never want to leave. There are dorms, doubles, cottages and campsites to choose from, and even ‘Acorn House’, a secluded house away from the main building with a fantastic view over the Hogsback mountains. There are plans to turn Acorn House into a holistic center – I can just imagine it will be amazing!

The most famous feature of Away with the Fairies is the cliff bath , a wood-heated bathtub located on the edge of a hill with a real million dollar view. All guests are free to access the cliff bath and enjoy half an hour of pure bliss surrounded by nature – just don’t forget to book your slot as soon as you arrive, especially in high season!

Two other great reasons to stay at Away with the Fairies are having a yoga lesson or massage with Miki, the amazing resident masseuse. If she’s there when you get to Hogsback, don’t miss booking a massage with her! And last but not least…. PIZZA. The pizza at Away with the Fairies was simply epic. I still dream of it, and I live in Italy. Need I say more?

Distance – 180 km via King William’s Town

After Hogsback, we headed to the Wild Coast proper. Our first stop was Chintsa, a beachside village about 50 km east from East London . When we got to Chintsa, travelling fatigue hit us and we spent a couple of days enjoying beachside walks, rest and silence – so, unfortunately, I can’t say much about activities in the area.

However, if you want to ‘get busy’ during your stay in the region, there are plenty of choices – surf lessons, volunteering opportunities with a local school, Xhosa cultural tours and even visit or stay at nearby Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve – we spoke to some fellow travellers who described game drives as ”phenomenal’.

Where to stay in Chintsa

Bucccaneers is an excellent hostel a short walk away from the beach, organising a variety of activities and some tasty communal dinners.

Distance –  263 km via Butterworth/Mqanduli

Oh, Coffee Bay! That’s another one of those places I’d love to disappear to – kind of like Jericoacoara or Jyrgalan , to give you an idea. Coffee Bay is truly a place to take a holiday from your holiday , to slow down for a few days and enjoy beach life, surfing and nature.

The stretch of coast between Coffee Bay and Port St Johns is one of the most scenic in South Africa, and really puts the ‘wild’ into Wild Coast . Roads are further inland, so the only way to move between coastal villages is hiking. There’s a wonderful 5 day hike that can be done between Coffee Bay and Port St Johns, and a shorter two-day version stopping in Bulungula. Given our love for long distance hiking , why didn’t we do it? Because we were told that in May, the chances of rain are quite high – but guess what, we had sunshine and bright skies for our whole stay on the wild coast.

Things to do in Coffee Bay include surfing – the Coffee Shack, where we stayed, organises surfing lessons for just 50 rand per person, so if Cape Town prices are too high for you, this is your chance! You can also join day or evening village trips to learn more about Xhosa culture, as well as day hikes to the Hole in the Wall , a spectacular rock formation along the coast, and to the nearby Mpuzi cliffs and caves , where you can also do some cliff jumps if you dare!

Where to stay in Coffee Bay

Coffee Shack , where else! This hostel is one of the friendliest places we stayed at during our month-long South Africa road trip, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. As supporters of sustainable travel we appreciated the environmental focus of Coffee Shack – visitors and staff are invited to recycle, and management supports several community projects.

Distance – about 600 km via the stunning Maloti Route

This is the longest drive of the whole trip – in hindsight, it’s probably better to divide it into two stages, perhaps stopping in the vicinity of Aliwal North. If you’re set on wanting to do it in one day, we recommend leaving early – it’s always better not to drive at night, and most border posts between South Africa and Lesotho are NOT open 24 hours . The border post at Maseru Bridge is the only one open round the clock, as far as we know. We used the Van Rooyens Gate border post, open until 10 pm . The most direct route was via the Sephapos border, but it closes at 4 pm and we were too late.

Leaving Coffee Bay, head north to Mthatha, then keep heading northwest until you hit a town called Ugie, where you’ll notice mountains looming in the distance. Shortly after passing Ugie the stunning Maloti Route begins , a scenic road that circles around the southern and western border of Lesotho. Follow the Maloti Route all the way to the Van Rooyens Gate border (or Sephapos, if you’re there in time) and then that’s it, you’re into Lesotho.

Where to stay in Lesotho

We opted to spend three days at Malealea Lodge , a fantastic eco-lodge running a variety of community projects. You can also hike, go on pony treks or mountain bike rides , with locals as your guides. Here is our 3 days in Lesotho post if you want to know more.

Getting to Malealea is straightforward if you follow the directions provided on the website. The last 7 km are on a twisty, potholed, unpaved mountain road, crossing a 2000 m pass – it can be done in a regular car, but please pay attention and try to avoid driving in the dark.

Johannesburg & Soweto

Distance – about 500 km via the N1

After leaving Lesotho, it’s another full day drive to Johannesburg, entering South Africa at Maseru Bridge and then heading towards Johannesburg on the N1. Two tips for this stretch – first, try to avoid peak hours driving around Maseru and crossing at Maseru Bridge, because both Lesotho’s capital and the border post are very busy. Second, try to avoid driving around Johannesburg . Traffic is crazy, and it can be very, very stressful. If you need to drop off your rental car, do it at the airport and catch an Uber or the Gautrain into town.

We weren’t sure we would like Johannesburg, and we debated whether or not to stop until the very last minute – then we decided to spend 48 hours in Johannesburg and Soweto , and we’re glad we did. Here’s a quick rundown of what to see in Joburg!

Johannesburg CBD –  the former centre of economic life in town, all but abandoned in the 1980s, and now being slowly renovated. It’s worth a visit for the strange mix of street markets surrounded by skyscrapers and Victorian buildings.

Maboneng – right next to the CBD, this was one of Joburg’s first neighbourhoods to be regenerated. It’s now a hangout for local hipsters and tourists, with artisan coffee shops, breweries, craft markets and lots of independent stores.

Braamfontein –  this ‘hood has a similar vibe to Maboneng, but it’s located on the opposite side of Park Station, about 15-20 min walk away. We loved having dinner and catching a concert at the Orbit, a super cool jazz club.

Apartheid Museum –  together with Robben Island and Soweto, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is a must if you want to learn more about this terrible period of South African history.

SAB World of Beer – one of the world’s largest beer museums, with a fun exhibition and beer tastings.

Soweto –  whether you opt to stay in Soweto, or just visit for the day, we recommend joining a Soweto bike tour guided by locals – we did the full day tour and loved it.

Where to stay in Johannesburg and Soweto

We divided our stay between two different places – Once in Joburg , a cool design hotel in Braamfontein, and Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers , a family-run Soweto hostel that has become a meeting point for the whole community. Lebo’s also runs the Soweto bike tours we recommended.

Beyond Joburg

After leaving Joburg, we spent 10 days in the Greater Kruger region where we had a  safari/volunteering experience , and we also visited the world’s largest rhino sanctuary . We didn’t include this part of the trip in this road-trip itinerary as we didn’t road-trip there – however, we do recommend visiting Kruger, you can’t miss it!

If you have time, we also recommend heading next door to Namibia – we were tired of driving so we opted to overland. Here is our article with 19 reasons to visit Namibia on an overland safari if you needed more convincing!

South Africa Road Trip Practical Tips

Allow for delays –  you’ll notice I didn’t give any time estimates throughout this article – that is because driving times around South Africa can vary dramatically depending on traffic, potholes, accidents, road works, road blocks… you name it. Google Maps always underestimates driving time, and so do locals when you ask them – if they say 3 hours it’s likely to take you 5. So, make sure you always allow for extra time!

Don’t drive at night –  especially in the Eastern Cape. Roads are rarely lit and almost always unfenced, and animals sometimes stray into the road.

Have cash on you –  South Africa is usually quite card-friendly, but if you stop for petrol or snacks in some remote places cards may not be accepted, or connection might be bad. Having some cash will come in handy.

Tip parking guards and petrol station attendants –  it’s customary to tip parking guards and petrol station staff after they fill your car. About 2-5 rand is fair – or you can give more if they’re very helpful.

Beware of the state of the roads –  roads are in good conditions between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, then they get worse the deeper you get into the Eastern Cape. Get ready for potholes, uneven surfaces and even unpaved roads. In the Eastern Cape, roadworks are also frequent and they’re often accompanied by traffic standstills lasting up to 2-3 hours – make sure you factor this possibility into your driving time.

Have your documents in order – there are frequent police checks on the road, and having your driving licence and car documents easy to get will save you a lot of headache. I mentioned it above but I’ll say it again – if you are planning to cross into Lesotho, make sure you let your rental car company know, as they need to prepare extra paperwork.

Use a GPS/Google Maps (with caution) –  if you’re a map noob like me, having a GPS or Google Maps will help. However, Google Maps is notoriously unreliable in South Africa, so make sure you always double check pin location with directions on your hotel/hostel website.

Learn passing etiquette –  South Africans are very polite and respectful on the road. If a vehicle is driving slowly, they’ll usually pull onto the shoulder to let you pass. After you pass them, it’s customary to say ‘thank you’ by flashing your hazard lights – the vehicle that let you pass will reply ‘you’re welcome’ with a quick flash of their high beams. Now that you know, try it!

Lean the South African lingo – if you ask for directions and the answer is ‘turn right at the robot’ don’t worry, you don’t have to go looking for Optimus Prime – in South Africa, robots are traffic lights! A bakkie is a pick up truck and if someone says they’ll be with you ‘just now’, don’t expect them to arrive anytime soon!

We would like to thank Around About Cars offering a discounted rate on our car rental. Some of the accommodation and activities we mentioned were sponsored, others were discounted, and for some we paid for in full. However, this doesn’t influence our opinions. We loved  our South Africa road trip, and we miss the country and our friends tremendously.   

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4 thoughts on “South Africa Road Trip – One Month Itinerary”

Great Itinerary. Would really love to try it soon 🙂 However how safe is it ?

We found South Africa to be mostly safe. We exercised the same amount of caution as we do in Europe, but we avoided driving at night.

WOW What a post!! Very well done. I’m hoping to make it SA next year, and this will definitely come in handy. I love a good road trip, and know it would be amazing.

Thanks so much Dave! I am glad you found this post useful.

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Garden Route South Africa: Road Trip Itinerary Planning

The Garden Route South Africa is the country’s most iconic road trip. The full Garden Route stretches from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to the friendly town of Port Elizabeth. It winds past beautiful beaches, staggering cliff drops and peaceful beachside communities.

The epic road trip is one of the most popular things to do in South Africa. And for good reason. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a road trip with friends or a wonderful family holiday, it has something for everyone. There is simply so much to do en route. You could drive the Garden Route time and time again, and still do different activities every single time.

Best of all, the Garden Route is a great self-drive adventure. Whilst you can take bus services or organised tours, such as this one, you can definitely self-drive the Garden Route. So in this guide, I’ve listed top things to do along the Garden Route. I’ve also included suggestions of places to stay and to eat, all within an itinerary for driving the Garden Route.

Essential information: Garden Route South Africa

You can of course start the route in either direction. But for the purpose of this blog post, this itinerary will start in Cape Town and end in Port Elizabeth. More officially, the Garden Route actually starts in Mossel Bay (387km outside of Cape Town). And it finishes in Storms River (166km from Port Elizabeth). The distance between Mossel Bay and Storms River is actually only between 200km and 300km, depending on the route take. If you drove the official Garden Route from start to finish, this would only take you between 2-3 hours. So you can really see how many amazing attractions and places to visit are concentrated in this relatively small area.

However, this 7-day Garden Route itinerary could be squeezed into just 3 or 4 days if needed. But it’s more common to spend at least a week driving the Garden Route. There’s certainly enough to do to in two weeks, or even longer!

Best time of year to explore the Garden Route

As with everywhere along the coast in South Africa, the spring and summer months are the best time to visit. This is from around October to April. Daily average temperatures during this time range from 24c and 30c, and you can expect long sunny days. It can rain occasionally during the summer months. And when it does, it tends to linger a full day, rather than be a flash rain storm. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do on the drive if you do have a day of drizzle.

With the great weather, of course there will be larger crowds. The Garden Route is likely to be busy in some areas if you visit in the peak summer season.

Self-drive or organised tour

The best way to explore the Garden Route in South Africa is to hire a car. It offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. You could collect a car at Cape Town airport and drop it off in Port Elizabeth. Doing this, you would just have to pay the one-way fee. f you had the time, it would be possible to drive the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town again to drop the car off

Furthermore, I would say the quality of roads are really good on the Garden Route. Traffic is minimal and the roads are mostly two lane. I would say to only choose an organised tour if you’re a very low confidence driver. Or if having a car is simply impractical.

However, here are a couple of suggestions of organised tours doing the Garden Route South Africa:

• 3 Day Garden Route & Safari (depart and return Cape Town)
• 4 Day Garden Route Adventure Tour (depart and return Cape Town)
• 6 Day Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (depart and return Cape Town)

Driving tips in South Africa

As always in South Africa,  be vigilant when stopping at traffic lights . Although the risk of any car robberies happening does decrease as you leave Cape Town.

Watch out for roaming wildlife . A real hazard across the whole of South Africa is wandering animals such as baboons, ostriches, tortoises and hares. Even antelope may suddenly come bounding from the side of the road. Drive carefully and slow down when you see the signs showing animals when doing day trips from Cape Town .

Remember to  keep spare change at hand for toll roads . Many of these don’t accept foreign credit cards so keep some South African rand for this.

Also, remember to  keep 5 Rand coins spare for parking guards  at the car parks along the Garden Route. The car guard will help direct you into a space and mind your car whilst you go off sightseeing. When you return, they will approach you expecting 5 Rand as a tip.

Where to stay on the Garden Route

The Garden Route offers tons of accommodation to suit all budgets. There are plenty of camping and glamping sites, as well as hostels for those looking for budget accommodation. For those seeking luxury accommodation on the Garden Route, there are some wonderful places to stay. I’ll include suggestions for each area below.

In terms of campsites along the Garden Route, these are some of the best:

Ebb & Flow campsite in Wilderness . Offering camping and caravan spots, as well as 4-bed log cabins and forest lodges.

Timber camping decks in the Knysna Forest . Beautiful camping decks for tents as well as treetop forest chalets.

Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in Tsitsikamma National Park. Forest huts and camping spots.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp in Tsitsikamma National Park . Offering a mix of forest huts, rondavels and camping spots.

Budgeting for the Garden Route

As with most trips, this epic road trip can be done on a budget, or you can splash out.

Transport:  The first thing you’ll need to consider is the hire car or the cost of the bus pass. Car hire will really vary depending on the time of year you drive the Garden Route. If you visit in peak season, car hire will be a lot more expensive. Most car hire companies also charge an insurance premium that lowers the cost of the excess should anything go wrong. So I would recommend budgeting for the insurance premium – just in case.

Gas/Petrol: This is generally quite affordable in South Africa.

Accommodation : As mentioned, there are places to stay on the Garden Route to suit every budget. A nice hotel room is likely to cost around £50 per night. Whilst a camping spot will be around £12 per night.

Activities and Entrance Fees

One of the best things about the Garden Route is that so many activities are free or inexpensive. For example, you’d need to pay an entrance fee into the national parks. But once inside, many activities are free like hiking and swimming.

To help you plan, here are the entrance fees to various sections of the Garden Route National Park:

Tsitsikamma section:

• South African citizens (R62/£3.25 per adult per day, R31/£1.65 per child per day)
• Overseas tourists (R248/£13 per adult per day, R124/£6.50 per adult per day)

Nature’s Valley section:

• South African citizens (R56/£3 per adult per day, R28/£1.50 per child per day)
• Overseas tourists (R112/£6 per adult per day, R56/£3 per adult per day)

Wilderness section:

• South African citizens (R38/£2 per adult per day, R19/£1 per child per day)
• Overseas tourists (R152/£8 per adult per day, R76/£4 per adult per day)

Kynsna section:

Another option is to purchase Wild Card membership . This gives one year’s unlimited entry to 80+ national parks, reserves and resorts across South Africa and neighbouring countries. It can be bought for an individual, a couple or a family (two adults, two children). This may work out to be really good value depending on how many parks you’re planning to visit.

The prices are as follows (valid until 13 October 2020):

• All parks in Southern Africa (80+):
• Individual R685/£36, Couple R1,130/£60, Family R1,380/£72.

A (slightly) less expensive if you’re a South African citizen is to opt for the SANParks Wild Card, which gives access to 21 parks in SA:

Individual R655/£34, Couple R1,065/£65, Family R 1,280/£67

Note this is not available to international tourists. You can check full details of all pricing here .

Garden Route South Africa Itinerary

So let’s get stuck into this itinerary. Although the official Garden Route is far shorter, logistically, for most travellers it’ll make sense to travel from Cape Town so that’s where I’ll start this route.

As I did the whole route to Port Elizabeth, I’ve extended my Garden Route itinerary to here and provided several suggestions of things to do and see near this lovely city.

Cape Town and Mossel Bay

From Cape Town , you have several options to go from here to Mossel Bay. For example, you could start your Garden Route itinerary by driving towards the Cape Peninsula. This shorter drive is one of top things to do in Cape Town . I’d normally suggest it as a day trip, but it is also a great start to the Garden Route if you have time. Along this mini road trip, you can spot penguins at Boulder’s Beach and visit the beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve. You could also stop by the charming Simon’s Town or Kalk Bay.

Alternatively, you could also make your first stop Hermanus, instead of doing this as a day trip from Cape Town. This beautiful town is often visited by a huge Humpback whale population every year, and is widely considered one of the best whale watching spots in South Africa. Between Hermanus and Mossel Bay is the official most Southerly point on the African continent, at Cape Aghulas .

As you can see in the below, the most direct way to get to Mossel Bay from Cape Town is along the N2. But Hermanus or the Cape Peninsula would be nice stop points.

But it is Mossel Bay that is the official starting point of the Garden Route. This is a relaxed coastal resort with some lovely beaches and interesting history. One night is probably enough time here, but it’s well worth a stop.

You can do some great hikes near Mossel Bay, including a 14km route from St Blaize Cave to Dana Bay and a much longer route known as the Oystercatcher Trail . Note this is a one way hike and you’ll need to jump in a taxi back to town.

Mossel Bay is also one of the places in South Africa where you can go cage diving, but if you’re after something a bit more relaxing then sunbathing and surfing is definitely top of the order in Mossel Bay. Make sure to check out this detailed guide on all the best things to do and see in Mossel Bay here .

Places to stay in Mossel Bay

If you plan on staying over night in Mossel Bay, there are some great places to rest. From the family-friendly convenience of the Protea by Marriot in Mossel Bay , to the stylish Lavandula Manor and 94 on Rodger .

Distance from Cape Town to Mossel Bay: 387km

This town, a little further inland is well worth the short detour. Home to both the  Cango Caves , an interesting web of underground tunnels and caves, and the  Cango Wildlife Ranch , the perfect place for up-close encounters with unusual animals. You can pay to hold lemurs as well as meerkats and servals. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world, so make sure to stop at the nearby  Cango Ostrich Farm  too, the main place to meet these quirky birds!

There are also plenty of great hiking trails nearby in and around the Klein Karoo if you fancy spending a couple of days longer here.

Some great tours in and near Oudtshoorn include:

• Guided Ostrich Farm Tour
• Cango Caves Zipline Adventure
• Swartberg Pass Tour

Some recommended places to stay nearby include  Old Mill Lodge ,  Karoo Retreat  and Raw  Karoo Guesthouse .

Distance from Mossel Bay to Oudtshoorn: 85.6km

George is the largest town around and has an airport, so it is a convenient access point to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay if you want to visit the Garden Route, but you’re short on time. There’s also a  large shopping centre  here, but otherwise I wouldn’t recommend stopping for too long in George.

Distance from Oudtshoorn to George: 63km or go directly from Mossel Bay (46km)

Wilderness is nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and is a small, peaceful town with an abundance of natural beauty. This beautiful destination is bordered by the Kaaimans River to the West, and the Goukamma Nature Reserve to the east, and faces the warm Indian Ocean.

Its location means visitors can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities along the vast stretches of beaches and in the nearby mountains, lagoons, forests, lakes and rivers. Days can be spent hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, whale-watching, angling, boating, horse-riding and swimming. Soif you’re into outdoors activities, you can easily spend several days here!

Make sure to check the SANparks site for a guide of the  five main hiking trails in Wilderness and also visit Dolphin Point Lookout too. Here you can take in expansive views over the stunning coastline and Kaaimans River Mouth.

Wilderness is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature – definitely take the time to absorb the charm of this soulful town.

Places to stay in Wilderness

Wilderness is home to the excellent Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, which offers budget-friendly forest huts, log cabins or camping spots.

If you’re not camping, there are plenty of well-priced small boutique hotels to pick from, including  On the Beach ,  Oceans Wilderness  and  Views Boutique Hotel & Spa .

Make sure to stop at  BITE Wilderness  for some great food and excellent craft beers, and book a table at the stunning Serendipity Restaurant for a delicious South-African inspired meal in a beautiful location.

Distance from Mossel Bay to Wilderness: 59km

Knysna is a beautiful town set around a huge lagoon and is a definite highlight along the Garden Route. Days in Knysna can be spent exploring the huge estuary on boat trips, enjoying numerous watersports or hiking along the cliff tops. In fact, between just Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (the next town in my guide), you can easily spend a week or two doing something different every single day, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

My favourite things to do in Knysna include trying my luck at fishing in the huge lagoon, playing in the shallow waters near Bollard Bay beach or making my way around some of Knysna’s excellent restaurants.

Some excellent tours in Knysna include:

• Lagoon Boat Cruise and Oyster Tasting
• Knysna Kayak Hire
• Sailing Experience in Knysna
• Knysna Whale Watching Tour
• Downhill Forest Scootour Adventure
• Knysna Standup Paddleboard Hire

Places to stay in Knysna

Knysna has an enormous number of places to stay. Not only can you stay around the edge of the lagoon, but you can also stay on some of the islands within the lagoon, including Thesen’s Island. My favourite place to stay is  The Turbine Hotel & Spa  and I highly recommend enjoying booking into their spa to enjoy some of their spa treatments too.

Other places to stay in Knysna include the  Westhill Luxury Guest House  for its views,  The Rex Hotel  for comfort and convenience, or the  Knysna Guest House  for a budget-friendly option.

Places to eat in Knysna

Knysna food is great! I’ve enjoyed many delicious lunches at the  East Head Cafe  on its beautiful terrace out the back, and I also highly recommend sailing over to  Featherbed Beach Bar  for a wonderful lunch at the water’s edge. On Thesen’s Island, I highly suggest visiting  34 Tapas & Oysters ,  Ile de Pain ,  Sirocco  and enjoying lunch at the  Island Cafe at The Turbine Hotel .

One thing to definitely try is the oysters in Knysna – the town is known for them!

From Knysna, it is just 30 minutes to Plettenberg Bay (32km drive)

Plettenberg Bay

This beautiful beach town is the home of the South African summer holiday, so if you visit November – February, expect it to be very busy with locals on vacation. It’s affectionately known as Plett and many South Africans have holiday homes there.

My favourite thing to do in Plettenberg is to visit the Robberg Nature Reserve , one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. From one of several hiking routes in the Reserve, you might see seals, dolphins and whales and the beaches here are truly some of the best in South Africa .

Other brilliant things to do in Plettenberg include diving with seals, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking and if you’re with kids, definitely stop at Adventure Land, a huge complex of pools, slides and water-based activities.

You can even go on game drives near to Plettenberg. As Knysna and Plett are so close, I’ve popped all the best things to see and do near the two below.

Places to eat in Plettenberg Bay

One of the most popular places for lunch in Plett is  Lookout Deck . Serving up excellent seafood all day long, it’s definitely somewhere to visit whilst in Plett.

Slightly outside of town, the Bramon Wine Estate is well worth a visit, and is the only vineyard in the area. You can even spend a full day here, but make sure to book in advance for picnic-style lunches.

Another popular spot is the awesome Emily Moon River Lodge, a bohemian guesthouse where day visitors are welcome to visit for lunch, dinner or sunset drinks. Another place not to miss includes seafood at The Fat Fish .

Best things to do near Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

As mentioned above, the two towns are just a 30 min drive apart, making them excellent places to spend a couple of nights whilst driving the Garden Route. I’ve listed some of the best things to see and do near Knysna and Plett here:

• Knysna Elephant Park is well worth a visit, and is one of the best things to do on the Garden Route for kids. Visitors can arrange several different elephant interactions, from feeding them to walking with them. Another similar alternative is at Plettenberg Bay’s  Elephant Sanctuary .
• At nearby, Tenikwa Animal Sanctuary, you can have even more animal encounters, including the chance to walk with a cheetah. Book your visiting to Tenikwa here.
• Another stop is the Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary , a fascinating centre to learn about these interesting creatures.
• If you can fancy getting out on the water, then perhaps consider whale watching with  Ocean Safaris . July to December is a particularly good time to do this.

Other great tours include:

• Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife centre visit
• Plettenberg Game Reserve 2 Hour Guided Tour
• Wild Cat Experience
• Swim with seals in Plett
• 2 Hour Horseback Game Reserve Tour
• Plettenberg Bay Canyoning

Nature’s Valley

This town is, as you might guess, a paradise for nature lovers. Just another 30 minutes’ drive along from Plettenberg, this coastal town sits at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and between the Salt River and the Groot River lagoon. Similar to Wilderness, it’s a beautiful place to stop on the Garden Route.

There are an endless array of activities to enjoy here, between the untamed coastline, the deep forest and the rugged mountains. The order of the day in Nature’s Valley is simply to embrace Mother Nature, and all of the wonders she decided to place in Nature’s Valley. Trails wind through the forest canopy, where you might emerge into an opening with a deafening waterfall ahead of you, or see curious monkeys playing in the trees above you.

One of the most unusual things to do on the Garden Routes is here at Nature’s Valley in its ‘gully’, where visitors can swim with sharks in shallow waters. The sharks, known as the Sharptooth Houndshark are not dangerous, and the ones here feed on lobsters, crabs and other small fish.

If you’re up for some physical adventure than make sure to hike the Kalanderkloof hiking trail, or cycling the Groot River pass amongst the indigenous rainforests of the Tsitsikamma.

Places to stay in Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is a fantastic place to stay somewhere a little unusual and right in the heart of nature. One option is Nature’s Valley Rest Camp , where you can stay in wooden forest huts, or of course, camp surrounded by the towering trees.

Alternatively, there is the Four Fields Farm or the stylish Entre Mer et Fôret Beach House . A little further out is the Trogon House & Forest Spa , offering tree top accommodation.

Distance from Plettenberg Bay to Nature’s Valley: 34km

Storms River

Another 40km along the Garden Route and you’ll find yourself in the Storms River National Park . This is another stunning spot to visit on the route, particularly as it is where the Indian Ocean meets the river. The drive from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to Storms River weaves between canyons, with jaw-dropping views from the bridges you cross on route.

Storms River is known for awesome adventures in the forest canopy, including rope bridges, suspension bridges and zip lining. In fact, a canopy tour in Storms River is often considered one of the best things to do in the whole of South Africa!

Book your Canopy Tour here

In the river and along the shoreline, kayaking and tubing are two of the best activities to do, as well as snorkelling in the marine protected area, where you might see sharks, rays and even octopus!

Arrange your Storms River kayaking tour here in advance

There are also several walking trails and waterfall hikes, mostly taking around 2-3 hours, and exhilarating mountain biking on the scenic Storms River Pass. Book your hiking tours here .

One other activity to do near here, which is particularly good for thrill-seekers, is the bungy-jump at Bloukrans Bridge. At 216m, it’s one of, if not the highest bungy jumps in the world.

Where to stay in Storms River

Like Nature’s Valley, stays here meaning immersing yourself in the surrounding nature. Storms River has a good variety in places to stay, from camping at the Storms River Rest Camp, to quaint stays at places such as Swallows Nest Country Cottages or the Storms River Guest Lodge . There are also some beautiful luxury places to stay, including The Fernery Lodge & Chalets and the stunning Forest Nest .

From Storms River to Port Elizabeth, the final stop on this Garden Route itinerary, it takes around 2 hours of driving (170km).

Jeffreys Bay

This world-renowned surf spot is on the way to Port Elizabeth. Often known as J-Bay, Jeffreys Bay is one of the best places in the world to surf. Every year, the planet’s best surfers come to Jeffreys Bay to ride some of the iconic waves and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re not into surfing yourself, it’s actually a great beachside community to spend a few days in with excellent accommodation options and good beach facilities.

Book your surf lessons for Jeffreys Bay here

You probably don’t need that long here if you’re not into surfing but if you do choose to stay, a great value option is Villa Petit, or The Mandyville .

Port Elizabeth

The final stop on this Garden Route itinerary is the friendly city of Port Elizabeth , one of the lesser visited cities in South Africa. Whilst it doesn’t have the obvious natural beauty of Cape Town or the vibe of Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth is in itself a peaceful, chilled out town to spend a few days in.

Port Elizabeth, aka PE is a safer and calmer place to visit in South Africa that still offers plenty of interesting attractions and beautiful places to visit.

Things to do in or near Port Elizabeth

My favourite place in PE is the unbelievable Sardinia Bay beach, which, despite seeing all of incredible beaches on the Garden Route, will still blow you away with its beauty.

Accessed by climbing a huge golden sand dune, you emerge on a vast beach with miles of soft golden sand and turquoise waters. There are few facilities here, but days can easily be spent enjoying the sea or playing ball games on the expansive sand. Make sure to stop at Grass Roof café , which is a brilliant farm stall and restaurant with a great laid back beach atmosphere. Sardinia Bay is about a 15 minute drive from the heart of PE, but if you want more centrally located beaches than try perhaps Hobie Beach or Humewood Beach.

In the heart of Port Elizabeth, a day can easily be spent in Summerstrand between the beach there and The Boardwalk . This is a shopping and leisure centre in one, all built around an artificial lake. There’s a light show on the fountains in the evening, as well as numerous other entertainment venues, shopping and great restaurants.

Another great spot to visit in the historical centre of PE is Route 67 , an arts and heritage trail showcasing artworks made by artists based in the Eastern Cape. The idea is that there’s one piece of art for every year that Nelson Mandela devoted to South Africa, and the trail weaves together the story in the run-up to the 1994 elections. Whilst wandering in the old part of the city, why not also visit the old public library?

Book your Port Elizabeth walking city tour

Near to Port Elizabeth are some excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including Addo Elephant Park and the Cape Recife Reserve, where you can see an abundance of marine life and penguins.

Book your tour to see the marine life near Port Elizabeth here

Where to stay in Port Elizabeth

There are a huge number of really good value places to stay in Port Elizabeth, many of which are located really centrally.

To stay in the very heart of the the city, I’d recommend staying at the Boardwalk Hotel or alternatively, the Radisson Blu Hotel .

Places to eat in Port Elizabeth

I’m always so pleasantly surprised by the dining options in PE, and have now sampled a fair few places in the city. La Kouzina on the seafront is an amazing spot for Greek and sushi in one place, as well as the neighbouring Coachman’s restaurant . Make sure to also stop by the original Vovo Telo , the now super popular café and bakery that has spread across South Africa. Another great smoothie and coffee spot is Rhubarb and Lime , which is right by St George’s Park, home to the city’s cricket ground.

Addo Elephant Park

Another amazing activity to do near Port Elizabeth is to visit Addo Elephant Park . Just 45 minutes from the centre of PE, and you can experience a true African safari – and you can even self-drive in the park with your hire car!  

If you don’t fancy self-driving amongst the wild animals, fear not! Another option is to book a full day guided tour, such as this one!

As South Africa’s third biggest national park, it offers more than 440,000 acres of game viewing land, and you can see a lot more than elephants – including lions, zebras, rhinos, hyenas and antelope.

Where to stay in or near Addo Elephant Park

I spent the most amazing day here, but you also do overnight stays. Some recommendations include:

Luxury : Gorah Elephant Camp or Hitgeheim Country Lodge

Mid-range: Addo Wildlife or Avoca River Cabins

Budget: Addo African Home or Addo Rest Camp

Garden Route South Africa

So there you have it! My complete guide to planning your Garden Route itinerary, including all the stop towns and beaches communities to visit. I hope this is useful but feel free to drop me a line if you would like any further information.

If you’re planning on spending a bit of time in Cape Town, then you might find some of my other guides useful. From this detailed Cape Town itineraries post, to these guides on the best places to eat in Cape Town and things to do in the city too.

I’ve also written a complete guide to the best beaches in South Africa , as well as a guide to going on safari in Kruger National Park .

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to South Africa was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

Enjoyed my guide to the Garden Route South Africa. Pin it!

You may also enjoy:

Complete guide to safari in kruger …, best things to do in ghana, …, chobe national park, botswana: day trip …, the best beaches in south africa.

The photos of Knysna Heads are amazing! I can’t believe so much is in such a small bit of the country! I’m dying to re-visit!

I know! It’s crazy isnt it!

You had quite an adventure of 7 days! When I visited Cape Town years ago, I booked only a day tour around the coast. So, I’ve learnt lots from your post today.

Ah that’s awesome! Yes, we did have a huge adventure! Amazing country.

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10 of the Most Scenic Drives in South Africa

If you’re self driving through South Africa, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic drives. From epic mountain passes to winding coastal roads and quaint little towns to eye-popping vistas, there’s a route for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take you through 10 of our favorite scenic drives in and around South Africa.

1. The West Coast Flower Route

Known by locals as the Daisy Route, the sprawling beds of Cape wild flowers attract thousands of visitors every year.

Located in the semi-desert of the Namaqualand, the landscape comes to life with hundreds of thousands of blooming flowers after the first rains of the season, while dry gray scrub turns immaculate green.

Drive about five hours outside Cape Town up the R27 or along the N7 to witness this natural annual miracle. 

2. Route 62  

Famous for being the longest wine route in the world, Route 62 starts in Cape Town and winds its way all the way to Port Elizabeth.

Meandering through the wine villages of the Karoo, this route includes rivers, orchards, vineyards and a selection of valleys and mountain passes, many of which were built by Andrew and Thomas Baine.

You don’t have to do the whole route for an impressive drive – if you’re pushed for time simply drive from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and back. This route alone is a great reason to rent a car in South Africa .

3. The Panorama Route

The Panorama Route takes in mountains, waterfalls, forests, and the astonishing Blyde River Canyon.

The route connects the Mac Mac Pools and Falls, Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, the Three Rondawels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Berlin Falls, and Lisbon Falls.

While the route can be driven in a day, you might want to take longer to explore this incredibly photogenic route.

4. Maloti Route / Route 26

Easily one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, the Maloti Route winds its way for 280 km between Rouxville and Phutaditjhaba, staying close to the Free State border with Lesotho.

The route passes through a number of rarely visited and peculiar Free State towns. Despite the potholes, the mountainous scenery is absolutely jaw dropping and well worth the trip.

5. Midlands Meander

Kwazulu Natal’s Midlands Meander is an 80 km sightseeing route that makes its way through green countryside in the middle of the region between the Drakensberg and Pietermaritzburg.

These green hills of Natal make up an arts and crafts route that is packed with family-friendly activities, tiny villages, forests, nature reserves, and quaint eateries that are the perfect place to stop for refreshments on your drive. 

6.  Joburg to Magaliesburg

A favorite route for motorcyclists is the breakfast run from Johannesburg to the Hartbeespoort Dam in the Magaliesberg.

Make your way along the R512 to the dam, then around the dam to see the picturesque homes in Kosmos, before taking the R560 via Hekpoort to Magaliesburg town, where it’s a great idea to stop for lunch.

7. The Garden Route

Driven along the N2 between Mossel Bay and Storms River, this coastal route along the south-eastern coast of South Africa gets its name from its lush vegetation, forests, and nature reserves.

Beautiful beaches, lakes, rolling hills, inland lagoons, and the mountains of the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua create a photogenic backdrop that’s second-to-none. Take the 7 Passes Road for an exceptional drive.

8. The Eight Mountain Passes  

The Eight Mountain Passes of the Eastern Cape include the Otto Du Plessis Pass, Carlisleshoek, Volunteershoek Road, Joubert’s Pass, Naude’s Nek, Bastervoetpad, Lundean’s Nek, and Barkly Pass.

These scenic roads along the Drakensberg Highlands take in picturesque areas of peaks and valleys that will take your breath away.

9. Clarence Drive / Route 44

This delightful coastal route between Gordons Bay and Betty’s Bay is possibly one of the most epic roads in the Western Cape. You’ll want to take your time here because there’s so much to take in.

Picture blue skies, blue seas, whales, penguins, nature reserves, botanical gardens, hiking trails, mountain peaks, and coastal caves. There are also plenty of spots to pull off and admire the gobsmacking views.

10. Chapman’s Peak Drive

Although it’s only 9 km long, this incredible drive is packed with views guaranteed to take your breath away. Start in the charming seaside town of Hout Bay with its working harbor before winding your way along the rocky coastline on the M6 all the way to Noordhoek on the Atlantic Ocean.

The road itself is a massive feat of modern engineering with constructed overhangs that have been put in place to deflect rockfalls.

Wherever your road trip takes you, these incredible routes offer epic adventures and views that will stay with you forever. Grab your keys and start exploring!

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How to Spend 10 Days in South Africa

The Perfect Itinerary for a 10 Day Trip to South Africa

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South Africa is a vast country, filled with world-famous game reserves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites , stunning beaches and multicultural cities. To explore it fully would take a lifetime. However, those of us that don't have endless vacation time or unlimited resources may have to be content with a much shorter visit . If you only have a few days, don't despair—you can still see several of South Africa's highlights before heading home. In this article, we prove that short trips can still be rewarding by creating the perfect 10 day itinerary.

Top Tip: Whether you choose this itinerary or decide to create your own, don't spread yourself too thin. South Africa is so large that if you try to see everything in 10 days, you'll spend more time traveling than actually experiencing each destination. Pick your must-see places and build your trip around them. 

Arrive in Cape Town, arguably the most beautiful city in the world. As your plane circles above the airport, make sure to look out of the window for iconic Mother City landmarks, including Cape Town Stadium and of course, Table Mountain . Spend an hour or two settling into your accommodation (whether you opt for a cozy B&B, or an iconic 5-star option like The Twelve Apostles . If it's your first time in the city, book tickets for an afternoon cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, where breathtaking views of the city await.

If you've been before, you can skip this rite of passage and spend the afternoon recovering from your jet lag in beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens . An hour or two before sunset, make your way to Blouberg Beach to watch the kite surfers and take sunset snaps of the mountain on the other side of the bay. Head to nearby restaurant The Blue Peter for dinner. It's a local landmark and a great place to sample a few pints of South African craft beer while tucking into an oversized steak. 

After a leisurely breakfast, grab your camera and hop into your hire car for a tour of Cape Town's scenic suburbs. Drive south to Boulders Beach , home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Here, a boardwalk winds through the nesting site, allowing you to see these comical little birds up close. Next on the itinerary is Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing town accessed by Chapman's Peak Drive—a winding route famous for its stunning cliff views. When you get there, treat yourself to a fresh seafood lunch.

Afterward, it's time to head back to the city center for an afternoon trip to Robben Island . Sightseeing boats leave from the V&A Waterfront, and include a tour of the island on which Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Here, ex-prisoners explain the story behind the world's most notorious prison, and the role it played in South Africa's fight for freedom. When you get back to the Waterfront spend an hour or two strolling the vibrant boardwalk before choosing one of its many restaurants for dinner. 

Check out early and drive west into the world-famous Western Cape winelands. There are three main areas—Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, all of them beaming with private wine estates. You can pick one (like the iconic Spier Wine Farm ), and spend the day touring the vineyards, tasting different vintages and dining on fine seasonal cuisine. If you can't decide which estate to visit, consider booking a trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This hop-on, hop-off tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing scenery of the Franschhoek Valley, stopping along the way for tastings at different estates. Sleep off the day's indulgences at one of the region's luxury hotels.

Your fourth day in South Africa brings you back to the coast—to the idyllic town of Hermanus, known as one of the best whale-watching spots in the southern hemisphere. From July to November, southern right whales can be seen in the town's deep bay, often within a 100 meters of shore. The best place to spot them from is Gearing's Point, a rocky promontory with elevated ocean panoramas. Alternatively, book a whale-watching tour with a local company like Southern Right Charters . Even if you're not traveling during whale season, Hermanus is a worthwhile stop, with a wealth of gourmet restaurants— Burgund y is special not only for its excellent menu but for its seaside views as well. 

Drive east from Hermanus to Mossel Bay, and from there, join up with the Garden Route—a 186 mile/ 300 kilometer stretch of coastline that includes some of the best spots in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The beauty of the route is that it allows you to stop wherever you want. Pause in the town of Wilderness for a stroll along the town's beautiful, windswept beach; or sample one of Knysna's famous oyster restaurants. George is home to one of the best golf courses in South Africa, while The Crags is an ideal stop for families thanks to interactive wildlife sanctuaries like Monkeyland and Birds of Eden . The area around The Crags is full of B&Bs, allowing you to get a good night's sleep after a busy day.

Spend a relaxing morning enjoying the South African hospitality at your B&B before continuing northwards towards Port Elizabeth. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure along the way. Stop at Bloukrans Bridge to throw yourself off the world's highest bridge bungee jump ; or park your car and join a ziplining canopy tour in beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Jeffreys Bay is also well worth a visit if you have time—especially if you happen to have an interest in surfing. Home to some of the best waves in Africa , this charismatic town has played host to top pros like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and South Africa's own Jordy Smith. Spend the night just north of Port Elizabeth at idyllic Dungbeetle River Lodge . 

Day 7, 8, and 9

No South African adventure would be complete without a safari. Save the best for last by spending your final three days in nearby Addo Elephant Park . It's not as famous or as vast as Kruger National Park, but it is far less crowded. It has the same incredible variety of wildlife—including all of the Big Five. Best of all, Addo is an affordable option for everyone, since it's possible to explore in your own vehicle for a fraction of the cost of a guided game drive.

If you want the expertise of a local tracker, you can still book game drives through your accommodation, or at the main reception. Addo is especially famous for its huge elephant herds—on a hot day, you're likely to see hundreds of them at waterholes like Rooidam and Gwarrie Pan. In addition to lion and leopard, the park also has its fair share of smaller predators —many of them quite rare. Keep an eye out for caracals, aardwolves and bat-eared foxes. 

Sadly, your time in the best country on Earth is coming to a close. Head into Port Elizabeth for one last brunch, before returning your hire car and catching a flight back to Cape Town for your return trip home. Don't be too sad, though—there's still so much of South Africa left to explore that you'll have plenty of reasons to return. 

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16 Stops on the Panorama Route, South Africa | 2024 Guide

The Panorama Route is a  spectacular road trip  through one of South Africa’s most incredible natural landscapes. Located in the northeast corner of the country in  Mpumalanga province , the scene boasts lush mountain peaks scarred with ochre cliffs. Along the Panorama Route, you’ll find many impressive natural landmarks, such as dozens of magnificent waterfalls, rugged mountain peaks and flourishing flora and fauna. 

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The Panorama Route’s  main highlight is the Blyde River Canyon , the third-largest canyon in the world and a truly mesmerizing sight. There are multiple spectacular lookout points along the way where you can stop to take in the surrounding vistas of the Drakensberg Escarpment down to the Lowveld.

And because of Panorama Route’s high altitude, there are  more waterfalls here than anywhere else in South Africa.  In the summer, it’s popular for people to swim in some of the water holes at the base of the falls. Additionally, there are hiking trails in the canyon and around the waterfalls, making it the perfect place for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Part of Panorama Route’s popularity is also due to its scenic and convenient location. From  Johannesburg , it’s a  popular place to visit on the way to Kruger National Park,  as it’s located just a short drive from the park’s boundary.

If you are planning to follow the Panorama Route Itinerary, here’s some info that you might find helpful!

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Where Does The Panorama Route Start And End?

The spectacular  Panorama Route   begins at Long Tom Pass,  just outside the town of Lydenburg. Then, it heads through Sabie and Graskop to the border of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It  ends near Echo Caves .

The main stretch of the road follows the R532 and is about  160km long. 

Panorama Route Towns & Highlights

1. lydenburg.

This town sits at the  foothills of the Long Tom Pass.  The Panorama Route starts just outside Lydenburg, so it’s a popular place to drive through. The scenery that greets you is beautiful–from spectacular waterfalls to rolling hills. Its close proximity to town makes it a good add-on to Kruger safaris, being just 1hr and 30min away from Kruger National Park. 

2. Long Tom Pass

A beautiful mountain pass on the Great Escarpment, between Lydenburg and Sabie where the Panorama Route begins. It’s only a small section of the route, but has about 20 points of interest that offer breathtaking views of the Sabie Valley. Go all the way to the top and you’ll find a huge silver cannon called the Long Tom that the pass was named after.

A forested town on the banks of the Sabie River, Sabie is nestled within the Drakensberg Escarpment. The town is known for its  beautiful nature and abundant waterfalls,  with 10 just within the town vicinity and further afield. Eight of the most spectacular waterfalls in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province are connected via the Sabie Waterfall Route.

4. Horseshoe Falls

An easy walk from a campsite gets a superb view of the falls, which cascade down the mountain in a sort of horseshoe shape. Although the falls are not very high, their shape is very unusual and breathtaking in its own right. It’s become a National Monument and a must-see along the route. Visitors are also welcome to swim in the refreshing pools or appreciate the birdlife and other wildlife on the trails. There’s a small fee of about R10 to explore the area.

5. Lone Creek Falls

Just 9km from Sabie Town, Lone Creek is considered a National Monument. It’s the tallest waterfall in Mpumalanga, tumbling down 70 metres into the forest. To reach the foot of the falls, you’ll need to go through an easy 60m walk through an indigenous forest trail. Enjoy a picnic at the designated area, which has wide lawns and shade trees, as well as braai (South African BBQ) and toilet facilities.

6. Bridal Veil Falls

An incredible 146-metre high waterfall that sprays over the edge of forest-covered cliffs. The soft, misty spray from the waterfall forms a beautiful veil, hence its unique name. To reach the falls, there’s an easy path that’s less than a kilometre long, which cuts through indigenous forests. A small fee of about R17 is required upon entrance.

A small town that was set up in the 1880s during the gold rush and which now serves as  one of the main towns along the Panorama Route . Graskop is the perfect base for exploring some of the region’s most beautiful attractions and lookout points. Its streets are also lined with  pancake and biltong stores  which are popular with tourists.

8. Mac Mac Falls 

(and 3km Secretary Bird Trail): These 65-metre-high falls have been made a National Monument. They are the perfect falls to swim and paddle around, with deep pools at the base of the falling water, which you can pay to enter. You can also take the Secretary Bird Trail through the indigenous bush alongside the pools.

9. God’s Window

A famous natural landmark on the edge of a 700-metre cliff, here the world seems to open up right in front of you as you look across the edge of the Great Escarpment. The cliff edge stretches for about 250km, and you can follow a trail to the highest point for views of the magnificent vista. 

10. The Pinnacle Rock

A craggy, massive quartzite rock, The Pinnacle stands tall at 30 metres in a ravine that extends to the Lowveld below the escarpment. The standalone pillar makes for a unique sight to see, surrounded by brightly-coloured aloes and drawing in local birds and insect species.

11. Lisbon Falls

Known as the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, this one flows down 94 metres from the cliff-top down to Lisbon Creek. The Lisbon Falls are named after the capital of Portugal, which was also a farm in the region. The candle-shaped falls are best visited through an hour-long hike down the base of the falls, where afterwards, you can take a dip in the clear blue pool. There are also shaded picnic spots where visitors can take a break and appreciate the breathtaking scenery. 

12. Berlin Falls

A beautiful waterfall that cascades down 80 metres and falls into a mesmerizing jade pool. It was named “Berlin” by European miners who flocked here during the days of the gold rush. The falls is best seen from a vantage point that’s a short walk from the carpark. Aside from the stunning views, there’s also plenty of birdlife in the area, making it a great stop for those who are interested in finding different species.

13. Pilgrim’s Rest

A preserved town that has been left in the same way it was during the 1800s gold rush. The  entire town has been declared a National Monument,  and many consider it to be one of the most beautiful towns in the country. You can  have a beer in the old pub  and poke around in the old general store, which will transport you back in time.

14. Blyde River Canyon Reserve

This  25km long canyon is the third-largest in the world  and has been formed over millions of years of rivers cutting deep into the escarpment of the Drakensberg. 

Aside from these fun Blyde River Canyon facts, it’s an incredible natural landmark and offers some of the best Panorama Route activities and opportunities to get out in nature in South Africa. From viewpoints to amazing spots like the potholes, walking trails, there’s plenty to do here.

15. Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Just 35km north of Graskop, the potholes are a natural water feature that marks the start of the Blyde River Canyon, South Africa. The naturally made potholes have  formed over thousands of years  and are like carved-out swirling whirlpools. There’s a short walk to the potholes from the visitors’ centre.

16. Three Rondavels

Three stunning, gigantic peaks of quartzite and shale stand  700 metres above the surrounding landscape.  There is an incredible Blyde River Canyon viewpoint, which looks across to the Three Rondavels for a perfect photograph. It’s one of the most popular Panorama Route attractions.

Kadishi Trail:  This  2km hike  into the ravine of the canyon is a great option for any age and fitness level. It’s dotted with falls, swimming holes and picnic opportunities making it one of the best Blyde River Canyon activities.

Loerie Trail:  A circular 14km hiking route that takes you through stunning pine plantations and is perfect for those with more time and energy.

Echo Caves : These natural caves have sheltered humans since the Stone Age and now protect some of the region’s  oldest rock engravings.  The caves also boast dripstone formations that echo when struck, hence earning the place its name.

READ NEXT:  The Ultimate Garden Route Itinerary

How Long Does It Take To Drive The Magnificent Panorama Route?

A Panorama Route itinerary can be from  one to three days,  depending on how much time you have and what you want to see along the way. 

Panorama Route – Kruger National Park – 1 Day

In 1 long day, it’s possible to cover the main highlights. 

• Depart  Johannesburg  early in the morning. 
• Stop in  Sabie  to see the  Falls  and  Graskop  for  lunch  and to visit the nearby  Mac Mac Falls
• In the afternoon, drive through the main viewpoints of the  Blyde River Canyon  before finishing your day.

Panorama Route – Kruger National Park – 2 Days

In a 2 day itinerary you could have a more laid back trip and relax at some of the main sights. This is a more common time frame for a Panorama Route tour. 

• Depart  Johannesburg  at your leisure.
• Overnight in  Misty Mountain Lodge  in Long Tom Pass. 
• Next day, explore the  waterfalls in Sabie  and near Graskop. The extra time could be used to explore the towns a bit more. Check out the local market and shops in Graskop. 
• Spend the afternoon at the  Blyde River Canyon . 

Panorama Route – Kruger National Park – 3 Days 

A 3-day itinerary would allow you to see everything at a leisurely pace. In a similar plan to the 2-day itinerary, you could stay overnight  in Long Tom Pass,  before spending the day at  Sabie Falls  and swimming in  Mac Mac Falls  near Graskop. You could stay overnight  in Graskop  before visiting the  Blyde River Canyon  and all the main viewpoints along the way, like God’s Window and Three Rondavels.

Where To Stay On The Panorama Route

Misty mountain lodge, long tom pass.

Misty Mountain Lodge  offers comfortable country lodge accommodations with stunning views over rolling hills. They offer studio rooms for 2 people, cottage-style family rooms for 4, and a spacious farmhouse that sleeps 10, making it a great Panorama route accommodation choice for couples, families, and groups of friends. 

On-site, they have a delicious restaurant, 2 swimming pools, as well as lots of adventure activities—one of them being South Africa’s only monorail toboggan ride. The lodge is one of the most popular Blyde River Canyon accommodation options since it’s a great starting point for any of their tours. The famous Panorama Route attractions and Kruger Park are also easily accessible from here.

Rustique, Graskop

Rustique  is a homely guest house decorated, as the name suggests, in tasteful rustic style. Guests can choose between en-suites that offer accommodations for up to 3 people, or self-catering houses that can fit up to 4 people. 

There are no TVs in any of the rooms; instead, guests are more than welcome to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while lounging around the large garden or head out to nearby attractions such as God’s Window or MacMac Falls. The property is also within walking distance to a few restaurants and shops.

Thandamanzi Self Catering, Sabie

Thandamanzi  features self-catering rooms located in a historic farm-like setting on the outskirts of Sabie. Their accommodations feature stunning mountain views and consist of one self-catering cottage and 4 guest rooms. Each unit comes with an en-suite bathroom. The cottage can accommodate 3 guests and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge with a TV, and braai facilities. Meanwhile, the guest rooms can accommodate 2 guests and have a fridge, microwave, and tea and coffee-making facilities. 

There’s a fully-equipped communal kitchen and barbecue facilities that guests are more than welcome to use. There’s also a communal lounge and veranda with beautiful views of Sabie river and the mountains.

Entry Fees And Other Costs

Many of the viewpoints and attractions have entry fees.

• Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon : 90 Rand per adult
• Echo Caves : 85 Rand
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes : 75 Rand
• Mac Mac Pools:  36 Rand
• God’s Window:  20 Rand per adult 
• The Pinnacle Rock : 20 Rand per adult 
• Berlin Falls:  20 Rand
• Lisbon Falls : 15 Rand
• Forest Falls:  20 Rand
• Lone Creek Falls:  36 Rand

In terms of budgeting for a self-drive, you can expect car rental to cost from around US$15-20 per day. However, it really depends on the type of car you’re after. Fuel costs around 15.50 Rand per litre and you can get Panorama Route accommodation for between US$40-60 per night. 

WANT TO EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA BY CAR?   Get the best car rental rates by booking ahead! Discover Cars compares prices across all major car rental companies, so you are guaranteed to get the best deal.

Self Drive Vs Organized Tour

The Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon is  best done on a self-driving adventure  as it gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you want and take your time as you travel along the road. The  main road is tarred  and well sign-posted, making it easy to go along scenic self-drive routes. Just make sure you remember to drive on the left!

READ NEXT:   Everything You Need To Know About Driving And Renting A Car In South Africa

There are plenty of tour options though if you don’t have the time or prefer not to drive yourself. There are Panorama Route day tours that you can organize depending on your budget and available time.

Full Panorama Route Day Tour from Hazyview : This tour covers most of the spectacular sights and attractions from Hazyview, a town between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.

Half-Day Highlights Tour :  With less time, you could do a half-day highlights tour of the Panorama Route, taking in a couple of viewpoints and waterfalls. 

Blyde River Canyon & Boat Cruise :  Tours can also include a Blyde River Canyon boat cruise along the river, which provides a totally different perspective of the natural landscape of this region. 

No matter how you choose to explore this beautiful part of South Africa, we highly recommend that you add the Panorama Route to your itinerary. It’s the perfect detour en route from Johannesburg to Kruger Park!

Have You Driven Along South Africa’s Panorama Route? What Were Your Favourite Stops Along The Way?

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

8 thoughts on “16 stops on the panorama route, south africa | 2024 guide”.

Thank you for this amazing article. We are planning a trip to Kruger and really want to do the Blyde river canyon and panorama route on our way back home. This was extremely informative and certainly makes us want to go for sure!

Beautiful road trip! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

It’s a driving route. Love the descriptions but would really appreciate a map to get an idea of where things are in relation to each other.

We’ve added a rough map of the area to help you visualize the route

Wow, thank you so much for this article. we are in Graskop and were deciding where to go to from there on. your article has been very helpful in helping us curate our tour of this beautiful province. and this amazing Panorama route.

Want to do a tour from joburg with a group of 15 frm the usa… Any partucular guys (tour operator) that you can recommend to us.. We want to spend 3 nights near kruger…

Hi Sam, we recommend a couple of tours via Get Your Guide platform at the end of the article.

Hi Oksana & Max, Can you tell me whether there are opening and closing times at the main scenic attractions? I want to visit at sunrise and sunset to get the better light. Also does it take considerable time to make ones way up, and down, from the higher views by car? Can you give me some background? I am thinking of staying at Ohrigstad, self-driving, and going late November to get the moody skies and mist effect.. Thanks.

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Nicely planned tour of Garden Route, no moment wasted. Hit all the highlights and a couple surprises too! Accommodations were great and full of character, as was Chrstine our guide. Enthusiastic and took great care of all of us! Don't hesiitate to book this tour!

Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Die Reise war perfekt geplant und durchgeführt! Besonders möchte ich den Reiseleiter hervor heben! Tolle Stimmung!

11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger

Everything was perfect organized. Also the contact with the staff members was very good. We had an amazing time in South Africa. With great tour guides. Amazing trip

Kruger in Depth

Tour was great. Lots to see. Very busy and covered a lot of ground but worth it.

7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo

Isaac was caring, attentive and kind to all of the guests on the tour no matter how long the days were.

10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package

Uriel was excellent can not asked for a better guide.The tour with him was perfect.I was solo in South Africa everything was good planning was really amazing and it was an experience to remember .

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

Great wat to experience a lot.... they should make Moholoholo animal reserve an optional as that was the best idea and plan I did for the free day!!! Love Thornhill

5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park

Loved it although it would be better to do the same tour in more days if you have the time. We did the luxury tour and the locations were marvelous so 2 nights per accommodation would give you time to relax In the surroundings.

• Coach / Bus

South African Escape

Very good and would thoroughly recommend it to my friends. The accomadation was reallly nice just long trips in the bus and the 1 night stays were tiring but that couldnt be helped because of the distance to Kruger Park.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

My Safari adventure at the Kruger National Park and panoramic tour in Johannesburg SA was a dream come true, a journey filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking sights, and cherished memories that will stay with me forever. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to all adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the African wilderness. Thank you, Tour Radar, Msanzi Experience and Team Kruger Adventure Lodge, for an amazing and wonderful lifetime experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Nelfa Cabrera-Lehnert

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Garden Route Splendour

Quality of driver and guide was awesome. Guide was informative and interesting and able to answer questions from the guests. Interesting stops along the way. Would pass on visiting Birds of Eden. Monkeyland was awesome. Choices of accommodation were very nice. Overall tour was a great way to see the coast of South Africa.

Garden Route, Safari & Winelands Wonder

Nice tour with excellent hotels and good driver. Everyone was very helpful with our luggage and catered to our needs.

Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane

We had an amazing holiday we were always picked up on time and the staff were always helpful. Met some lovely travellers. The accommodation in Capetown was dreadful even though staff lovely. Our hotel was changed from the one we booked for and our guides agreed the Hotel cape Milner was the best and as I booked a long time ago I don’t understand why we were moved. We were only offered a small room no balcony overlooking a building site we then had to pay ourselves to upgrade. This hotel is catered for business clients the restaurant looks onto shipping crates we also realised after 3 days that we were only booked in for 4 nights not 5 but we rang rep who sorted it out . Even thouythe staff helped us out it did spoil the Capetown visit .

• Hiking & Trekking

The Garden Route 10 Days

Beyond expectations. Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. Our guide Wendy with earthstompers was superb. Mariska was extremely helpful with tourradar and Nicolene was equally as well with travel encounters. They arranged our side trips for shark cage diving and skydiving as well without having any issues whatsoever. I would highly recommend this your to anyone. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in South Africa

With Gareth we had a great, well organized short week, too short but ful of information, entertainment, fun.

An excellent tour which we couldn’t fault. Our guide, Rochelle, was superb. She was knowledgeable, always helpful and cheerful. We did everything we wanted to do and more. Highly recommended.

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.

Regions in South Africa

• Kruger National Park (105)
• Garden Route (80)
• Western Cape (70)
• Limpopo (42)
• Addo Elephant Park (9)
• Table Mountain (8)
• KwaZulu-Natal (8)
• Cape Point (6)
• Pilanesberg National Park (5)
• Sabi Sand National Park (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best Time to Visit South Africa 2024/2025
• 10 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2024/2025
• Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)

Unforgettable Things to Do in South Africa: Dive Into the Heart of Adventure!

H as the travel bug bitten you hard? Are you daydreaming of a place where diverse cultures converge and breathtaking landscapes await?

Look no further! South Africa beckons with promises of memories that last a lifetime. But with so much to see and do, where do you even start?

• South Africa 's tourism holds a significant chunk of its GDP.
• The Cape Route 62 is a must-visit for wine aficionados.
• Explore wildlife, cultural history, and vibrant landscapes.

🦁 Why South Africa Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List

South Africa is not just another destination; it's a world unto itself. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council , the travel and tourism sector contributed a whopping 2.8% to South Africa's GDP in 2019. But don't let that statistic alone sway you. This isn't merely an impressive figure; it's a testament to the magnetic pull this enchanting country has on travelers from all corners of the globe.

Beyond the numbers, what makes South Africa so alluring? Maybe it's the promise of thrilling safari adventures or the allure of pristine beaches. Perhaps it's the country's rich tapestry of history and culture or the vibrant rhythms of its cities.

From the Table Mountain's commanding vistas to the echoing footsteps in Robben Island's historical corridors, South Africa weaves a narrative that beckons the curious, the adventurous, and the seeker in all of us.

If the thought of soaking in the sunset hues over the African savannah, indulging in world-class wines, or dancing to the beats of local drums doesn't give you goosebumps, then the warm embrace of its people surely will. In essence, these are not just reasons but invitations to put South Africa right at the top of your travel bucket list. Because, as many travelers will attest, a journey here is nothing short of soul-stirring.

The Wine Route That’s Got the World Buzzing

Ah, the allure of wine – that delightful elixir that has inspired poets, lovers, and dreamers for centuries. But, where in the world can you find a route so dedicated, so entrenched in the love of wine that it seems to serenade you with every turn? Enter South Africa's pride, the Cape Route 62 .

Hold on to your wine glasses, folks, because what you're about to discover might just make you book the next flight out! Stretching between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth and beyond, the Cape Route 62 is more than just a scenic drive. It's a pilgrimage for the senses. With the title of the largest wine route on the planet under its belt, this journey promises vistas of sprawling vineyards, historic wine estates, and cellars that hold stories of a time gone by.

But here's the real kicker: It's not just about the wine. It's about the entire experience. Imagine pausing at a quaint estate, the cool breeze wafting the rich aromas of fermenting grapes as you partake in a curated wine tasting session, all while soaking in panoramic views of the majestic mountains and valleys.

The region's unique terroir lends itself to the production of world-class wines. From robust reds to sparkling whites, the variety is astounding. And it's this very diversity that draws connoisseurs from across continents. Each stop along the Cape Route 62 offers a new flavor , a new story, a new memory.

So, whether you're a seasoned sommelier or someone who just enjoys a good glass of vino, this iconic route promises a journey of discovery, indulgence, and sheer wine magic. Because, in South Africa, wine isn't just a drink; it's a celebration of life. Cheers to that!

The Melting Pot of Cultures and Landscapes

Nelson Mandela once said,

" South Africa is a country rich in diversity, with more than just its landscapes - it's a place where cultures converge and create something truly extraordinary ."

And boy, was he spot on! Whether it's the urban vibe of Johannesburg or the tranquility of the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's tapestry is rich and varied.

Kevin’s Not-So-Secret Insider Tips

• Don’t Skip the Garden Route: A dreamy drive with jaw-dropping landscapes. Psst... make a pitstop at Knysna for some oysters.
• Get Your Adrenaline Fix: Bloukrans Bridge offers one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world. Go on, we dare you!
• Local Cuisine: While you're here, give bunny chow a try. No, it's not made of bunnies. It's a delicious curry bread bowl that's oh-so-yummy!

The Grand South African Finale

South Africa, often dubbed as the "Rainbow Nation" , is not just a destination; it's an emotion, a series of moments waiting to be lived. A trip here is like flipping through the pages of the most vividly illustrated book. Every city, every street, every face tells a story - of resilience, of unity in diversity, of the unbeaten paths that lead to the heart of nature, and of the rhythmic beats that echo cultural tales.

From its soaring Table Mountain backdrop to the winding routes that lead wine lovers to their paradise, the country is a symphony of experiences.

And while its landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful, it's the heart and soul of the people that leave an indelible mark on travelers. Kevin Erickson's insights aren't just travel tips; they are the whispered secrets of a seasoned traveler, passed on to ensure every visitor finds their unique connection with this land.

As you close this article and daydream about your South African escapade, remember that it's more than just a tick on your travel bucket list. It's a journey through history, culture, adventure, and self-discovery.

South Africa isn't just a place you see; it's a country you feel. So, when wanderlust strikes next, let the diverse tapestry of South Africa weave its magic around your heart.

When's the best time to visit South Africa?

It depends on what you're after! May to September (dry season) is ideal for wildlife safaris. For beach holidays, November to February (summer) is perfect.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Like any destination, certain precautions are necessary. Stick to tourist areas, be cautious at night, and always follow local advice.

What languages are spoken in South Africa?

South Africa has 11 official languages! English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.

Are there direct flights from the US to South Africa?

Yes, several airlines offer direct flights from major US cities to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Is South Africa family-friendly?

Absolutely! There's a plethora of activities for kids, from safaris to beach holidays.

• World Travel & Tourism Council (2019). Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2019 South Africa.
• Cape Route 62. The World’s Longest Wine Route.
• Nelson Mandela Foundation. Long Walk to Freedom.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Delta
• Racial and Ethnic Diversity
• LGBTQ+ Diversity
• People with Disabilities
• Veterans and the Military
• Sustainability
• Awards & Recognition
• Global Partners

Delta is reinforcing its No. 1 position as the largest U.S. carrier to Africa this winter by relaunching daily* service to Lagos, Nigeria (LOS), from  New York-JFK on Dec. 1. Fleet enhancements in service to Accra, Ghana (ACC), and South Africa are also underway. 

The airline carries more than half a million customers between the U.S. and Africa each year on more than 34 weekly flights. 

“These enhancements reflect our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “We’re expanding our options for customers to experience the premium service and elevated hospitality they expect from Delta.”    Delta currently operates daily service between Atlanta and Lagos and, with the resumption of daily New York-JFK service, will offer a total of 14 weekly flights to Nigeria in December through the first half of January and 10 weekly flights for the remainder of winter 2024. 

Customers on this flight will have a choice of Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin experiences on the  Airbus A330-200 . Once on board, customers in Delta One can look forward to an extensive food and beverage program that includes thoughtfully curated menu options, as well as specialty snacks and premium beer, wine and spirits. Customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax and stretch out, with a wider seat, deeper recline, an adjustable footrest and leg rest. 

All customers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options – movies, TV series, music, podcasts and more – via Delta Studio. Delta also partners with diverse suppliers worldwide for in-flight products such as artisan-crafted amenity kits and beverages like Thrive Farmers Tea.

Premium upgrades in service to Ghana and South Africa 

As the first U.S. airline to initiate service to Ghana, Delta remains the largest operator in the U.S.-Ghana market, offering year-round daily service from New York-JFK.  

Furthermore, in late October 2024, Delta will upgrade its aircraft serving Ghana to the 281-seat Airbus A330-900neo , adding nearly 1,000 more seats each week, providing 30% more capacity between Ghana and the U.S. The aircraft features four differentiated cabin experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

Delta One Suites feature a sliding door for enhanced privacy, memory-foam mattress and soft bedding made from recycled materials. Delta One customers can also enjoy more beverage options and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal.      Delta is also upgrading its aircraft from Atlanta to South Africa, where it operates 10 weekly flights year-round to Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT). With the introduction of the higher-premium 35H  Airbus A350-900 , this upgrade will provide an additional eight Delta One Suite seats, bringing the total to 40, along with improved operational performance. Customers can look forward to these changes for JNB effective Jun. 20 and CPT on Sept. 9.   For more information and to book travel, visit delta.com . 

*This route will initially fly daily, shifting to three times per week on Jan. 16, 2025. 

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• A330-900neo

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