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South African Road Trip Good Hope

South African Road Trip’s ‘Good Hope’ is a swinging and exuberant musical experience, including uplifting songs, sensitive songs, close harmony and invigorating dance and music. Presented by the accomplished men of the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir and four renowned female Xhosa singers, with musical accompaniment of two imposing South-African musicians.

Thanks to the dazzling costumes, a beautiful video stage set and personal narratives by the artists, the audience can immerse in a pure and sincere South-African experience.

This exuberant new edition of South African Road Trip is packed with traditional music, both cheerful and sensitive. Enjoy this vibrant authentic show!

Header image © Stefan Hurter

1 hour 26 minutes (no interval)

Please download the freesheet:

25 – 30 October

An evening that feels like a physical manifestation of joy ★★★★★ THE REVIEWS HUB

Breathtaking, uplifting and joyous, this is a musical journey you won’t want to miss! ★★★★★ LOST IN THEATRELAND

Full of energy, love for music, and a desire to show themselves, their culture and their dreams to the world, at moments, it feels that the whole country came to perform! ★★★★ THEATRE WEEKLY

A dazzling, thrilling, moving show ★★★★ REVIEWSGATE

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South African Road Trip Good Hope

Review: South African Road Trip: Good Hope at the Peacock Theatre

The ensemble of Good Hope includes eight men of the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir, four female Xhosa singers, and two South-African musicians, focusing on drums and other forms of percussion. Some of them are siblings, some are good friends, and they all interact like a large family with each other. At moments, it feels that the whole country came to perform, with the show representing many voices and sounds.

The range of songs, as explained by the artists themselves, covers all sorts of topics from folk songs about rain and prayers to God, to popular romantic and tragic motives of love, loss, pain and fear. But even when singing about the worst things in life, the melody stays cheerful, there is a spring in their steps and there is hope for a better tomorrow. Authentic, unmistakably African sounds turn into somewhat familiar tunes that you can relate to without understanding the lyrics. It’s a constant contrast of vocals and choir, of instrumental versions and a cappella singing.

The stage design is minimal; we have two massive screens with a small path in between and the band set up on the right-hand side. Constantly moving artists occupy the rest of the stage. The content on the screen shows scenes from the daily life of the performers and their families as well as more generic views of modern South Africa. There are also pre-recorded monologues of the artists, and these are full of emotional personal stories. Presented in simple words and phrases, they convey so many emotions. It is moving to watch them trying to find English translations for terms, such as love, God, family, that were formed and shaped in their minds for years to become part of their identity.

Changes of costumes take us from modern outfits to traditional clothing and back again. Yet at any point of the show, the clothes, as well as their moves and their facial expressions, convey their spirit. Everything is full of energy, love for music, and a desire to show themselves, their culture and their dreams to the world.

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The whole show is built around performers’ love for their heritage and their hope for a better future: for themselves and for their families, their children, and future generations’. That emotion resonates with the audience and makes you want to clap along, sing along and be part of the song, even when you don’t know the words.

Whether you are already familiar with South African music and want to spend the evening singing along, or curious to discover a rich musical culture of this region, South African Road Trip’s Good Hope at Sadler’s Wells is the right show for you. Catch them at the Peacock Theatre until 30th October 2022.

Elizaveta Kolesnikova

Elizaveta is a journalist by education and marketer at the present moment, she practices ballet in the weekends and reads classic plays in the evenings. Elizaveta has been in love with the theatre for years and is always happy to recommend some interesting, original, and undiscovered theatrical gems.

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South African Road Trip - Good Hope

Why watch south african road trip - good hope.

• Indulge in a joyous, lively, and celebratory musical experience by the South African Road Trip crew.
• Immerse yourself in a pure and heartfelt South-African experience.
• Enjoy this authentic show packed with traditional music, invigorating dance, and personal narratives from the performers.
• Good Hope stays at London for only a limited 15-performance run. Book your South African Road Trip Good Hope London tickets while they are still available.

Show Details

Age suitability.

South African Road Trip has its roots in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa’s largest township. From being street performers, the team was invited to perform at Voorkamerfest in Darling in 2006. Since then, the team has presented many shows in the Netherlands. Good Hope is a musical treat by the South African Road Trip that is not to be missed! Good Hope is presented by the fourteen members of the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir. The team includes four renowned female Xhosa singers, and two South-African musicians. The vibrant team makes the South African Road Trip Good Hope London tickets worth the value.

Love, Faith, and Hope are what the South African Good Hope show is all about. The artists from Khayelitsha hope to conquer the world with their music and hope for a better future for everyone.

Get your South African Road Trip Good Hope London tickets to enjoy a traditional South African treat featuring a gorgeous video stage set and stunning costumes. The personal narratives of the performers make the show an even more authentic experience. Good Hope will be performed on West End for the first time from October till November 2022.

Show Timings

• Tue, Thu, & Fri: 7:30 PM
• Wed & Sat: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
• Sun: 2:30 PM

Cast & Crew

• Artists Include: Bulelani Zola Qumza, Thanduxolo Arthur Qumza, Xolisile Sydney Hobhoboshe, and Simphiwe Een Hobhoboshe among others.
• Director: Albert Klein Kranenburg
• Music Supervisor: Jeroen Sleyfer
• Choreographer: Silumko Koyana

Note: Producers can not guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.

• Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted.
• Please keep in mind that London theatres do not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.

South African Road Trip - Good Hope Tickets

Book online tickets for South African Road Trip - Good Hope musical in London.

Booking Period: From 25 Oct 2022 to 05 Nov 2022

Tickets Redemption

• E-tickets will be provided when you check in online.
• You will receive an email confirmation with your South African Road Trip - Good Hope musical voucher instantly.
• Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID. A physical printout is not necessary.

Peacock Theatre

Situated on Portugal Street, the Peacock Theatre is located at West End in the City of Westminster. Owned by the London School of Economics and Political Science, this 999-seater theatre is used not only for holding lectures and conferences but also for dance performances, pop concerts, ballets, and more. The Rat Pack, Doldrum Bay, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Calcutta, etc. are a few hit productions featured here. Currently, one can see The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre.

Seating Capacity : 999

Peacock Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

Getting There

Facilities & accessibility, additional information.

Address : Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT, United Kingdom

Tube : the underground stations that lie closest to the theatre are Temple (District/Circle Lines) and Holborn (Central/Piccadilly Lines).

Bus : The theatre is quite well serviced by bus lines 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 19, 22B, 23, 25, 26, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 341, 501, 505, and 521.

Available Facilities : Wheelchair accessible, In-house bar, Coat check, Assistive Listening System, Guide dogs, Washrooms

Accessibility : Peacock Theatre welcomes disabled guests and strives to make the show accessible for everyone

Security : Please be aware that for your comfort and security all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the Peacock Theatre.

Dress Code : Smart and casual wear are recommended. Keep in mind that the theatre is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get chilly.

Outside Food : Most theatres do not allow outside food inside the theatres but most of them also have a café or restaurant inside the premises or nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions About South African Road Trip - Good Hope Tickets

Buy your South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets online at www.london-theater-tickets.com for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.

The cost of the South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.

The best way to buy cheap or discounted South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your South African Road Trip - Good Hope London tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.

You can easily buy last-minute South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets at www.london-theater-tickets.com . You can even visit the TKTS booth at Leicester Square to procure cheap and last-minute South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets. However, the only way to purchase South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets at the TKTS booth is in person so be prepared for long queues.

Booking South African Road Trip - Good Hope tickets online will give you the opportunity to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view seating. But if you try your luck with lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.

South African Road Trip - Good Hope opens on 25 October 2022 at Peacock Theatre.

Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted to watch South African Road Trip - Good Hope.

South African Road Trip - Good Hope is playing at Peacock Theatre in London and opens on 25 October 2022.

If your child is above the age of 5, you do need to purchase a South African Road Trip - Good Hope ticket for your child.

Generally, children above 5 years are expected to pay full price for a London theatre ticket. However, Kids Week, which is an annual event during the summer, lets you purchase theatre tickets for children under 16 at half price as long as they are accompanied by two adults.

The running time of South African Road Trip - Good Hope is 1 hour and 20 minutes (no interval).

South African Road Trip - Good Hope is a musical by the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir. It is an authentic South African experience with traditional music, dance and personal narratives from the performers.

Among others, the artists in South African Road Trip - Good Hope include Bulelani Zola Qumza, Thanduxolo Arthur Qumza, Xolisile Sydney Hobhoboshe, and Simphiwe Een Hobhoboshe.

There is no specific dress code at West End. However, it is prudent to dress in semi-formals or smart casuals and something comfortable. Carry a light sweater or a jacket as the theatre can get a bit chilly.

No, outside food is not allowed while attending South African Road Trip - Good Hope. Most theatres do have a cafeteria or bar inside the premises where you can get snacks and drinks.

Peacock Theatre has multiple facilities including wheelchair accessibility, in-house bar, coat check, Assistive Listening System, and Washrooms available for the audiences during South African Road Trip - Good Hope.

Photography, videography, and sound recording are prohibited inside the theatre. Some theatres do have a souvenir shop from where you can purchase pictures of stills of the show.

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South African Road Trip – Good Hope

About this show.

South African Road Trip’s ‘Good Hope’ is a swinging and exuberant musical experience, including uplifting songs, sensitive songs, close harmony and invigorating dance and music. Thanks to the dazzling costumes, a beautiful video stage set and personal narratives by the artists, the audience can immerse in a pure and sincere South-African experience. This exuberant new edition of South African Road Trip is packed with traditional music, both cheerful and sensitive. Enjoy this vibrant authentic show!

Show Details

The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary with map (2023)

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

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.

Buy now on Amazon!

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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The ultimate 3 week South African road trip

Tips for creating your South African road trip

Public transportation or rental car, best travel period.

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Tempting Jo’burg

Impressive Drakensberg Mountains

You can find more tips & info in our Drakensberg Guide .

So close to wildlife

You can find more tips & info in our Big5 safari Guide .

Panorama Route

Extending your South African road trip

Victoria falls.

You can find more tips & info in our Victoria Falls Guide .

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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 of year To Visit South Africa “ . Kindly check and share your thoughts.

Thanks Ruma

Thank you Ruma!

nice trip. hope you keep continue posting your travel advancers.

Thanks Cory, we sure will!

Marlo & Kristof

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Panorama Route and the waterfalls makes me want to go their sooner. I have been to Burundi, Kenya and Nairobi before but couldn’t touch South Africa. South Africa is my next travel destination. I was searching for it and i found your post. I actually kayak on my vacation. Is there any place you can recommend for kayaking?

hmm we haven’t kayaked in South-Africa so can’t really recommend any good spots but I’m sure there are possibilities in South-Africa. Depending on the time of year you can do rafting near the Blyde River Canyon, no idea if during other times of the year it’s suitable for kayaking tho.

Marlo & Kristof xxx

Hi there,did you go through mozambique? It’s seems like it? You would have needed a 4×4?

We did not go through Mozambique, we crossed Swaziland though. We went through Swaziland, to the Panorama Route and accessed Kruger from the South. Yes, you would need a 4×4 to enter Mozambique. We would’ve liked to go to Tofo to swim with Whale Sharks but it turned out taking the plane to Vic Falls was way cheeper than renting a 4×4 to go to Mozambique.

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Thank you so much for your kind words and thank you for nominating us!

Hi Marlo & Kristof,

I really love this post and the photos! I really hope to get the chance to visit South Africa one day!

Anyway, I want to let you know that I've nominated the both of you for the Blue Sky Tag Challenge for bloggers! You can find the 11 questions that I have for you here: https://www.ensquaredaired.com/blue-sky-tag-challenge . Can't wait to read your responses 🙂

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The Best South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

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Our South Africa road trip was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

We drove from Johannesburg to Cape Town in just over a month stopping to see the Big 5 on safari in Kruger, hike lush green mountains in the Drakensberg, walk along the dramatic Wild Coast, and explore the beaches and parks of the Garden Route.

We learnt about South Africa’s turbulent history, met its diverse people, sampled the country’s excellent wine, and ended in one of our new favourite cities, Cape Town.

South Africa is a stunning and diverse country and a road trip is the best way to explore it.

South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

South africa road trip map, where to stay in johannesburg, where to eat in johannesburg, where to stay in graskop, where to eat in graskop, day 6 graskop – timbavati private game reserve (2 nights), day 8 timbavati – klaserie private nature reserve (3 nights), day 11 klaserie – olifants, kruger national park (1 night), day 12 olifants – lower sabie, kruger national park (2 nights), where to stay in wakkerstroom, where to eat in wakkerstroom, where to stay in champagne valley, where to eat in champagne valley, where to stay in underberg, where to eat in underberg, where to stay in coffee bay, where to eat in coffee bay, where to stay in chintsa, where to eat in chintsa, where to stay in hogsback, where to eat in hogsback, where to stay in storms river mouth, where to eat in storms river mouth, where to stay in plettenberg bay, where to eat in plettenberg bay, where to stay in wilderness, where to eat in wilderness, where to stay in oudtshoorn, where to eat in oudtshoorn, where to stay in robertson, where to eat in robertson, where to stay in cape town, where to eat in cape town, south africa road trip resources.

Our road trip was a total of 33 nights or 36 nights including Johannesburg, where we spent three nights at the start without a car. This doesn’t include Cape Town , where we spent two months at the end of our trip. We drove 4638km (2882 miles) in January-February, which is South Africa’s summer and the rainy season in the north and dry season along the Garden Route and Cape Town.

• Johannesburg – 3 nights

Greater Kruger

• Graskop – 2 nights
• Timbavati Private Game Reserve – 2 nights
• Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – 3 nights
• Olifants, Kruger National Park – 1 night
• Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park – 2 nights

Drakensberg Mountains (KwaZulu Natal)

• Wakkerstroom (stop on way) – 1 night
• Champagne Valley (Central Drakensberg) – 3 nights
• Underberg (Southern Drakensberg) – 2 nights

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)

• Coffee Bay – 1 night
• Chintsa – 3 nights
• Hogsback – 3 nights

Garden Route (Western Cape)

• Storms River Mouth – 1 night
• Plettenberg Bay – 4 nights
• Wilderness – 2 nights
• Oudtshoorn – 2 nights
• Robertson – 1 night
• Cape Town – 2 months

You could do this trip in three weeks by skipping a few places or moving faster or even two if you cut out Kruger (but it was our favourite part). If you only have a week then drive the Garden Route from Cape Town.

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The blue line on the map is only an approximate route.

Note: The distances of each leg of our journey below are taken from Google Maps (which we used for navigation) and the times are the actual time it took us, usually including a petrol/toilet break. I’ve noted if we stopped for a longer break.

Days 1–3 Johannesburg (3 nights)

International flights to South Africa are usually cheaper to Johannesburg than to Cape Town so it makes sense to start your trip here. Many people skip the city but I think it’s worth a few days to learn about the country’s recent history.

We visited the Soweto township on a tour with Curiocity Hostel and the Apartheid Museum. Both are worth visiting for an understanding of the horrors of apartheid and the path to peace. I also recommend reading these South African books before your trip. 

Johannesburg has a reputation for being dangerous but it has improved in recent years and we had no problems. That said, you do need to be cautious and it’s best to get around by Uber rather than walking.

We stayed in the Maboneng Precinct which is safe to walk around even at night (but don’t stray too far). We loved this newly regenerated area full of art galleries, street art, cool restaurants, and an independent cinema and theatre. It was the most integrated area we visited in South Africa with a mix of black and white locals and visitors (so many places we visited later in the trip were all white).

In Maboneng you can either stay at the Curiocity Hostel or in one of the many Airbnbs , which is what we did. Our studio apartment was in the perfect location and was large and bright with a comfortable bed and the fastest WiFi we had in South Africa (10 Mbps up and down). If internet is important to you, make sure your apartment has free, unlimited WiFi as most don’t. 

You can find more hotels in Johannesburg here .

Maboneng has loads of great restaurants but many of them were closed for the summer holidays when we visited in early January. Our favourite place was Thali , which serves the best Indian food we had in South Africa. It is simple, inexpensive, tasty and has quite a few vegetarian options. Try to time you visit for a Sunday so you can visit Market on Main for food and art stalls. Find more places to eat in Maboneng here . 

Day 4 Johannesburg – Graskop (2 nights)

Distance: 382km Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

We took an Uber back to Johannesburg Airport to pick up our rental car. We chose to stop in Graskop rather than head straight to Kruger National Park so that we could drive the Panorama Route and be able to arrive at our first safari lodge in time for lunch.

Graskop is a small town with single storey buildings and wide roads that reminded us of Outback Australia. It’s the ideal base for driving the Panorama Route (hotels can provide a map). We spent four hours driving along Blyde River Canyon with stops at God’s Window (the viewpoint was obscured by fog), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (impressive rock formations), Three Rondavels (the best viewpoint with dramatic views of the canyon, river and massive rock formations), and the huge Lisbon Falls. Despite bad weather it was a beautiful drive.

We loved Havana Nights where we stayed in a three-bedroom self-catering bungalow. It was very comfortable with lots of homely touches and a very friendly owner. It’s in a quiet garden but only a short walk to town. The heater was handy as nights get chilly here even in summer. The WiFi was slow but that’s the norm in South Africa.

Find more places to stay in Graskop here .

Harrie’s Pancakes is the most famous spot and has tasty sweet and savoury pancakes. Canimambo is a Portuguese/Mozambique restaurant with three vegetarian mains including a good burger and a simple bean stew. There’s a SPAR supermarket for self-catering but it doesn’t have a huge amount of choice.

Distance: 133km Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

We spent eight nights on safari in the Greater Kruger area starting in two lodges in private reserves bordering Kruger National Park and moving on to government-run camps in the park—read my comparison of Kruger lodges vs self-drive .

We stayed at Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati Reserve, a rustic off-the-grid camp that’s one of the most affordable in Kruger. In safari lodges all meals and two game drives a day are included. Our game drives were amazing and included an exciting wild dog chase and seeing the Big 5 in one drive—leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Read my Umlani Bushcamp review for more details.

Distance: 21km Time: 45 minutes

We were sad to leave Umlani when we moved to the neighbouring Klaserie reserve, but Klaserie Sands River Camp was even better (although very different). This luxurious yet relaxed and intimate lodge with just four rooms is the best place we’ve ever stayed. We loved the stunning design, the friendly team who made us feel at home, and the excellent game drives including getting up close to male lions for the first time. Read our detailed Klaserie Sands review .

Distance: 212km via Orpen Gate Time: 6 hours including lunch break at Satara and game viewing

We left our safari lodge behind for the next adventure— self-driving in Kruger National Park . It was a long drive from Klaserie Sands to Olifants Rest Camp but along the way we saw wildebeest, four elephants, large herds of zebra and giraffe, kudu, and hippos.

Self-driving is a very different experience to taking guided game drives from a lodge. We found it more difficult to get close to the animals, but it’s pretty exciting when an elephant walks across the road in front of you. Self-driving is also a lot more affordable than staying in a lodge—see our Kruger self-drive costs .

Read our detailed Kruger self-drive guide for everything you need to plan your own trip.

Distance: 153km Time: 6.5 hours with lunch break at Satara, game viewing, and detour due to road closure.

Kruger National Park is huge so it’s best to stay in a few different rest camps. From Olifants we moved to Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the south of the park. Usually this is the busiest but most wildlife-rich area, but in the rainy season we didn’t see as much as we expected. See our Kruger self-drive guide for our itinerary and accommodation reviews.

Day 14 Lower Sabie – Wakkerstroom (1 night)

Distance: 460km Time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Wakkerstroom is rather off the beaten track and I chose it purely as a stopover between Kruger and the Drakensberg, but it turned out to be a lovely destination. The drive here was scenic through beautiful green mountains and farmland.

Wakkerstroom is a tiny town surrounded by meadows of long grass and wetlands that attract rare birds. Most visitors come for the birding but it’s a beautiful spot for relaxing and hiking—we could easily have spent more than a night here.

Forellenhof Guest Farm is gorgeous. It’s a little out of town down a bumpy dirt track, but the setting is worth the extra drive. We stayed in Pretty Pig, a two-bedroom cottage with a comfortable living room and well-equipped kitchen but no WiFi. From all the rooms and terrace are views of a small dam full of birds with lush meadows and mountains in the background. It was very private and quiet except for the chattering of birds.

You can find more places to stay in Wakkerstroom here .

The Bistro is in a pleasant garden and has a few good vegetarian options including a Caprese salad, lentil curry, and feta and spinach pancakes. The grocery shop in town is very limited but there is a bakery and farm cheese shop.

Day 15 Wakkerstroom – Champagne Valley (3 nights)

Distance: 249km Time: 4 hours including stops at Superspar in Winterton for supplies and Valley Bakery for lunch.

The Drakensberg mountain range is the highest in South Africa and stretches for more than 1000km. Getting around is slow going so it’s best to focus your stay on one area rather than try to see it all. We started in the Champagne Valley near the Monks Cowl entrance to the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

On our first day we began at 7.30am for the hike to Nandi Falls, which is the easiest hike in the area and took us 2.5 hours. We walked through meadows and forests with stunning views of the lush green mountains and jagged peaks—South Africa is astonishingly green at this time of year—and stops at Nandi and Sterkspruit Falls. It was a beautiful, relatively easy, and quiet hike that was a great introduction to the Drakensberg.

The next day we planned to hike to Blind Man’s Corner but it rained all day. There are lots of other hikes in the area but most are quite long and challenging.

We stayed at Inkosana Lodge , a hostel in a gorgeous setting of lush gardens with a natural swimming pool and mountain views. Our rondavel hut was more basic than we were used to on this trip, a little small and dark, but the bed was comfy and we had an ensuite and access to a clean shared kitchen. WiFi is only available in the common areas and costs 40R per person. The location was ideal just 7km from the Monks Cowl entrance.

You can find more hotels in the Central Drakensberg here.

Meals are available at Inkosana and there are a few restaurants in the area, but we self-catered. We also had lunch at the nearby Valley Bakery, which has decent sandwiches, salads and homemade products on sale.

Day 18 Champagne Valley – Underberg (2 nights)

Distance: 235km Time: 3 hours

Underberg is in the southern Drakensberg and is known as the start of the drive up the Sani Pass to Lesotho , which can be done as a day trip in a 4WD or on a tour. The area isn’t as convenient for hikes as Inkosana as the mountains are further away.

We went horse riding with Khotso Backpackers , 15 minutes outside Underberg. The saddles were a little uncomfortable but it was a stunning ride on impressive horses who manage to scramble up the steep rocky hills. The views from the top were stunning with green rolling hills and farmland in one direction and the dramatic craggy mountains of Lesotho in the other.

Khotso Backpackers has budget rooms and cottages in a lovely quiet setting, but we went for more comfort at Bergview Log Cabin closer to town. It’s a large, three-bedroom house with a garden, plunge pool, and terrace with mountain views. It felt like a real home and was very comfortable and well-equipped. There’s no WiFi but we had 3G most of the time. The only strange thing (for us at least) was that a uniformed housekeeper lives in a room under the house and comes to clean twice a day.

You can find more hotels in Underberg here .

Pukkety Tea Garden is a cute, cosy cafe with eclectic decor. Next door is their self-service farm shop where you can buy homemade jams, chutneys, cakes, cookies, bread and more. The SPAR supermarket has a good selection for self-catering. ( Update October 2019: Pukkety Tea Garden has now closed permanently.)

Day 20 Underberg – Coffee Bay (1 night)

Distance: 383km Time: 5.5 hours

It’s a beautiful drive through the mountains down to the Wild Coast. We felt the difference as we drove into the Eastern Cape—Nelson Mandela’s homeland—as it’s more traditional with colourful rondavels (traditional huts) dotted on the hills. On the road down to Coffee Bay horses, cows, sheep, and goats wandered freely into the road.

Coffee Bay is a small surf town with a wild beach and a rough around the edges vibe. We didn’t get the best first impression—read more about our experience in Coffee Bay here —and as we hated our hostel, we left after one night despite paying for two. In retrospect, I wish we had given it more of a chance (and stayed somewhere else) as it was so different from anywhere else we visited in South Africa and was an interesting insight into rural African life. The hike along the dramatic coastline to Hole in the Wall is worth doing.

There isn’t a lot of accommodation in Coffee Bay and it’s mostly backpacker hostels. I recommend staying at the Geckos B&B , which looks like the nicest option and I think we would have had a much better experience if we had stayed there (it was closed during our stay). If you are looking for a hostel, Coffee Shack is the most popular one. I do NOT recommend staying at Friends Backpackers, which was awful.

You can find more places to stay in Coffee Bay here .

There isn’t a lot of choice. Friends Wild Coast Cafe has a sea view, good cake and a few vegetarian options. Most backpackers also have restaurants.

Day 21 Coffee Bay – Chintsa (3 nights)

Distance: 263km Time: 4 hours

Chintsa (formerly Cintsa) is further along the Wild Coast and feels less traditional than Coffee Bay. We stayed at Buccaneers Backpackers , which has an isolated location and a beautiful view of the lagoon, beach and sea. It’s more of a hostel resort with a huge range of accommodation, pool, restaurant, bar, volleyball, and activities such as surf lessons, horse riding, and visits to community projects.

I did take one of the yoga classes but otherwise we just relaxed and took walks on the 18km long beach—wild and empty with pounding waves. We both came down with a stomach upset—it could have been something we ate at Buccaneers but I’m more inclined to blame the last hostel—so didn’t do much.

We loved the bright, modern suite at Buccaneers with a big comfy bed, two armchairs, fridge, ensuite and, best of all, sliding glass doors onto the terrace with an amazing sea view, which we could even enjoy from bed. It did not feel like a hostel room at all. Make sure you book in advance for the suite.

The suite was booked up for our last night so we moved to a two-bedroom cottage, which was fine but much more rustic.

Annoyingly Buccaneers charges for WiFi—25R per 500mb or 40R per GB and it only works in the bar/reception/restaurant area. We used our 3G instead.

You can find more places to stay in Chintsa here .

We mostly self-catered (stock up in advance) but Buccaneers does serve breakfast and lunch. Dinners are communal with a different theme every night—Mexican night was pretty good with help yourself burritos. There’s always a vegetarian option.

Day 24 Chintsa – Hogsback (3 nights)

Distance: 175km Time: 2 hours 45 minutes with a supermarket shopping trip

Despite still being sick we struggled on to Hogsback up in the Amatola Mountains of the Eastern Cape. Hogsback is known as a mystical place where you can visit fairy gardens or get a fairy reading, walk through magical forests to waterfalls, meditate around a labyrinth, or heal yourself with crystals. It’s often obscured by fog adding to its mysterious vibe.

Unfortunately, we were too ill to do any of this. Luckily, our rondavel at The Edge had gorgeous views of the mountains so at least we could enjoy the scenery from our sick bed.

From what we saw of it, Hogsback looked beautiful.

We stayed at The Edge Mountain Retreat , which is a short drive outside the village down a very bumpy dirt track. There are a number of bungalows spread out along the edge of a cliff, most with great views. Our Over the Edge rondavel was spacious with a comfortable bed, two armchairs by the fireplace, a big dining table, small kitchen, and lovely views. There’s decent free WiFi in the restaurant but only Edge cell signal.

If you are on a budget, Terra-Khaya Eco Farm and Away with the Fairies are backpackers with good reviews.

You can find more accommodation in Hogsback here .

We were too sick to eat, but the restaurant at The Edge is supposed to be good.

Day 27 Hogsback – Storms River Mouth (1 night)

Distance: 446km Time: 7 hours including road works and lunch break

It was a long drive from Hogsback but we took a break for lunch at the excellent InFood in surfer town Jeffrey’s Bay. With its bakery and fancy deli, it felt very different from the Wild Coast. We drove past Addo Elephant Park on the way, so this would have been a good place to break up the journey, but we decided to skip it after having seen many elephants in Kruger.

Storms River Mouth is a rest camp in the Tsitsikamma National Park at the start of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. In the morning we walked along the Mouth Trail to a suspension bridge swinging over the sea. Most visitors stop here but we carried on up a steep rocky path to a viewpoint where you can enjoy the bridge from above and the whole dramatic coastline. The total hike took us 1.5 hours. There are other hikes to do including the Waterfall Trail if you have more time.

The Storms River Mouth SAN Parks camp is spread out along the coast so most places have sea views. Our Oceanette was a basic studio apartment with sliding doors onto a terrace and the sea just beyond with massive waves crashing onto the rocks. Sometimes you can see dolphins (we didn’t). There’s no WiFi and we only had Edge cell signal.

There’s a restaurant and basic shop at the camp but it’s best to bring your own supplies.

Day 28 Storms River Mouth – Plettenberg Bay (4 nights)

Distance: 66km Time: 1 hour

We needed to slow down so spent four nights at Plettenberg Bay, one of the most popular beach towns on the Garden Route. There are plenty of beaches to explore and the water was just warm enough in February for a quick (chilly) dip. Lookout Beach was our favourite in walking distance of town.

The best thing we did was hike in the nearby Robberg Nature Reserve. The full hike around the peninsula takes about four hours but we did the medium hike, which took us 1 hour 45 minutes. It was a beautiful walk along the edge of cliffs with views of beaches and a seal colony. Our hike cut across the peninsula and we walked down a giant sand dune to reach a stunning, deserted beach.

There are plenty of other things to do in Plettenberg Bay including boat trips, swimming with seals, and canoeing and hiking at nearby Nature’s Valley.

We rented a two-storey, three-bedroom Airbnb apartment. It was very central, just off the main road and a 10-minute walk down a steep hill to the beach. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available but you can find more hotels in Plettenberg Bay here .

Le Fournil bakery has good bread and pastries. We liked the cupcakes at Clare’s Cakes and Deli. Pizzas at The Table were OK. The Lookout Deck has great views of the beach and is a good place for a drink, but the vegetarian options were limited.

Our best meal was a 20-minute drive from Plett at the Bramon Wine Estate . We booked an outside table in advance and are so glad we did. Our picturesque table was like a private booth tucked in a row of vines with mountains at the end. The tapas style menu has plenty for vegetarians including salads, cheeses, pastries, olives, and the most delicious homemade bread, all accompanied by their wines.

Day 32 Plettenberg Bay – Wilderness (2 nights)

Distance: 76km Time: 1.5 hours with stop at Knysna Heads

On our way to Wilderness we stopped at Knysna Heads (get directions to Viewpoint Eastern Knysna Head on Google Maps) where there’s a short walk along a boardwalk to various viewpoints with stunning views down the cliffs to rock formations and crashing waves.

Wilderness is a quiet beach town with a long wild beach backed by cliffs. The sea is too rough for swimming but the beach is perfect for long walks.

You can canoe and hike at Wilderness National Park just inland. We hired canoes from Eden Adventures , paddled for 40 minutes along a calm river and walked for 35 minutes through lovely forest to the Touw River Rockpools where there are two small waterfalls, rocks to sunbathe and picnic on, and chilly pools to swim in. It’s an easy and beautiful trip, but I recommend starting early as it gets busy later in the day.

We loved Wilderness and could easily have spent longer here and gone hiking, horse riding and paragliding.

Wilderness Beach Resort is more of a guesthouse than a resort but it is lovely. The owners are very friendly and the setting is spectacular on the cliffs above the quieter end of Wilderness Beach with 100+ steps down to the sand.

Our one-bedroom suite was bright, modern and comfortable with a bedroom, bathroom, living room with basic kitchenette, and sliding glass doors with sea views. There are loungers on the terrace to enjoy the view, but it’s not super private as people walk past on the way to their room. There is slow WiFi in the rooms and an indoor pool. It’s great value and definitely recommended.

You can find more places to stay in Wilderness here .

Flava Cafe has more vegetarian options than most places including a good veggie burger and curry.

Day 34 Wilderness – Oudtshoorn (2 nights)

Distance: 77km Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Oudtshoorn is inland in the Klein Karoo semi-desert but it’s often included on the Garden Route. It’s a short but stunning drive from Wilderness and the landscape changed dramatically as we drove up into the mountains. It’s a much drier, hotter landscape, starkly beautiful with plains dotted with thorny bushes and backed by orange, red and chocolate mountains. It was unlike anywhere else we visited in South Africa.

Oudtshoorn is known for its ostrich farms, but as vegetarians, we decided to skip those and instead visited the impressive Cango Caves, did an early morning meerkat safari (a highlight of our trip), and drove over the dramatic Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert. Read about things to do in Oudtshoorn here.

We chose to stay out of town at De Oulde Meul Country Lodge , a large farm on the road towards the caves. Our room was a little dated but it had a fridge and air conditioning and was good value. There are two pools which we appreciated in the desert heat.

You can find more places to stay in Oudtshoorn here .

Signature Divine is a good lunch spot on the way to Cango Caves (and De Oulde Meul). The veggie options at  Buffelsdrift Game Lodge  aren’t very exciting but the setting makes up for it—we watched hippos, antelope, and giraffe at the waterhole while we ate. ( Update October 2019: Unfortunately, Signature Divine is now permanently closed.)

Day 36 Oudtshoorn – Robertson (1 night)

Distance: 298km Time: 4 hours

We originally planned to drive straight from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town but at the last minute we added a stopover in the Robertson Wine Valley and we’re so glad we did. The drive there was one of the most scenic of our trip through stunning desert mountains on Route 62, the longest wine route in the world.

Robertson is less well known than the wine towns closer to Cape Town and is quieter and cheaper, but the wineries are spread out and you’ll need a car. A highlight is wine tasting at Graham Beck who specialise in Methode Cap Classique, South Africa’s bubbly that’s made with the same method as champagne. Tastings are free and we bought a bottle of their rosé (which became our favourite South African bubbly) to toast the final night of our road trip.

The main reason we loved Robertson so much was the wonderful Orange Grove Farm . The farm has an isolated setting at the foot of craggy mountains amongst vineyards and olive groves. All the cottages are spread out for privacy, so it’s a real get away from it all experience.

We stayed in Mosesberg Cottage which has a spacious main room with a high ceiling, double bed, big comfy couch, armchairs, and fireplace. The WiFi is surprisingly good, the kitchen is well-equipped, and there’s a braai (barbecue). The terrace has a plunge pool and loungers to enjoy the view.

It was the perfect place for our last night and we desperately wished we didn’t have to leave the next day. I highly recommend splurging on a stay at Orange Grove as it’s excellent value for the quality and setting. We will return!

You can find more hotels in Robertson here .

Orange Grove Farm can deliver braai , picnic, and breakfasts baskets, and although they are a bit expensive, they are worth it (ask for a discount if you are vegetarian). Our  braai basket made barbecuing easy. We had olives and hummus to keep us going while we cooked the butternut squash stuffed with peppers and feta, garlic bread, and garlicky potatoes and served it all with salad. 

Our breakfast basket was another delicious feast and we loved eating on the terrace with that gorgeous view. You can choose from a range of options and we had croissants, chocolate muffins, seed bread, fruit salad, granola, yoghurt, and orange juice.

Day 37 Robertson – Cape Town

Distance: 151km Time: 2 hours

I definitely recommend spending more than one night in the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek would be the ideal next stop from Robertson (1 hr 20 mins away), but we visited as a side trip from Cape Town the following month. Franschhoek is more touristy and expensive than Robertson, but it’s even more beautiful with a cute village and stunning setting surrounded by mountains. It’s also easier to go wine tasting without a car on the fun wine tram . The food in the area is exceptional.

There’s gorgeous mountain and vineyard scenery most of the way from Robertson to Cape Town and then arriving in the city we had the breathtaking moment of seeing Table Mountain for the first time.

Cape Town is a truly amazing city with so much to do —beaches, hikes, markets, gardens, museums, helicopter rides , superb restaurants , and the stunning  Cape Peninsula drive to Cape Point. Spend as long as you can here—you could easily spend 10 days in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. We were there for two months and it wasn’t enough.

Airbnb is a great option in Cape Town, especially if you are staying for more than a few days ( get $39 off your first stay here ). We rented a modern one-bedroom apartment in Sea Point just one block from the sea and a 10-minute Uber ride downtown. Sea Point feels very safe and I loved being able to run along the promenade.

Some parts of downtown Cape Town are sketchy and you have to be on your guard and not walk around at night. Gardens is a good central neighbourhood with great restaurants.

You can find hotels in Cape Town here .

There are so many incredible restaurants in Cape Town. You can read our detailed guide to the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Cape Town but some of our favourites include La Colombe (one of the best restaurants in the world, worth the splurge), Asoka (go for Tuesday Jazz Night), Addis in Cape (Ethiopian), Blacksheep (seasonal daily menu), Kloof St House (eclectic cuisine and decor in a Victorian house), Cousins Trattoria (homemade pasta), Jarryds (amazing breakfasts), Pot Luck Club (creative tapas), V&A Waterfront food market and any of the weekend markets.

• Accommodation – Use Booking.com to find self-catering accommodation, backpackers and hotels. We got some great last-minute deals. Airbnb is also good in the larger towns and cities.
• Car hire – Search Rental Cars for the best deals.
• SIM card + Google Maps – These made directions easy. We bought a Vodacom SIM card and 10GB data plan from Johannesburg airport.
• Travel insurance – Essential in case anything goes wrong. We used True Traveller as always—they are the best deal we’ve found for UK/EU residents. For other nationalities, Heymondo is a well-respected company who we’ve used in the past. 

You can also see our South Africa road trip costs and our guide to planning the perfect South Africa road trip . 

A road trip is a fantastic way to explore everything South Africa has to offer from safaris to mountains to beaches. It’s an easy, affordable place to travel and we never felt unsafe. 

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20 Comments

Hai , we r also planning tondo road trip after reading about your tour . It was too good . I am coming from india and plan to travel in mid May 2020 . I am with two children 12 amd 14 yrs. What are safety measure should I take ? And i have only 15 days . How can manage if can guide me . Thanks

Reply ↓

Great write up and a very accurate account of a well planned holiday.

I am living in South Africa and would be more than willing to give assistance, pointers and just general information to make your holiday one to remember.

Thanks very much! Sadly we’ve left South Africa but we’ll definitely be back.

Yep, I know! I would be more than willing to give direction to other fellow travelers too. We do quite a bit of traveling ourselves (retired!) and I know how great it is to be well informed, especially from a “local” perspective .. ??‍♀️

Love your writing style! Avid follower??

We are starting to read up on South Africa since we are planning our first trip to Africa for January to March (2.5 months or so) of 2020. I came across your absolutely fantastic road trip account and your route is pretty similar to what I had been thinking for our adventure. Certainly looks as if we could easily spend a month traversing S.A. from J’burg to Capetown with a rental car. Plus at least 2 weeks in CT and area. Thanks so much for the detail, accommodation suggestions, the gorgeous photos and the beautiful text. We’re both retired teachers so we appreciate great writing!

We had been thinking of spending a few weeks in East Africa but I’m intrigued by Namibia and/or Botswana. Have you guys been to either country?

Thanks again, Graham and Sue

Hi Graham, We definitely recommend this route (plus as much time as you can in and around Cape Town!) and you’ll be going at the same time of year as we did.

After our two months in Cape Town we flew to Namibia and did a two week road trip which you can read about here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/namibia-road-trip-itinerary/

It was a great addition to South Africa as it feels very different – wilder and more remote but still easy. It is more expensive though and you’ll be visiting in the rainy season. We did consider Botswana as well but it worked out to be too pricey and one way car rentals to multiple countries were especially expensive. Some people do a road trip to all three countries though.

Have an amazing trip! Erin

I will check out your Namibia road trip. Thanks!

It sounds as if you guys enjoyed your Wild Coast stops -with a couple of reservations. I’ve read a few ‘negative’ comments about that part of the country mainly about safety issues and pretty spotty roads. Anything to worry about re: safety providing we’re sensible and follow the basic rules of common sense? Is a normal 2WD rental car doable, again providing we’re careful and don’t try to break speed records while driving on questionable roads?

Accommodation was our main issue – if we’d had a better place to stay in Coffee Bay we’d have enjoyed it a lot more. The roads weren’t as bad as we were expecting and we managed fine in a normal 2WD compact car. And just normal common sense for safety is fine – we always kept our car doors locked and luggage hidden in the boot everywhere in South Africa. We had more issues in Cape Town than on the Wild Coast (but nothing serious). I’d definitely include the Wild Coast on your trip.

I stumbled upon this during hours of research for our 2018 road trip to SA, Originally we were going to fill in with the train from JNB to CPT. Why bother doing that when you’ve this gorgeous itinerary! Thanks massively, Jonathan- UK.

It’s a great drive with so much to see along the way – enjoy!

Hey, yes a price to work our budget towards would be awesome to repeat this journey. Also, what happened to that male lion? Looked as though it was in a fight?

What a great read.

Here’s what we spent: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/south-africa-travel-costs/

Yes, the lion had been hunting the day before and was injured.

What was the total cost for this trip (airfare it included).

I will have about 3 weeks holiday attached to a business trip recruiting teachers to China.

We’ll actually have a budget post coming out next Monday that will share a detailed breakdown of our costs.

Here’s our travel costs post: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/south-africa-travel-costs/

I am so desperate to do a road trip through Africa! I’ll be sure to come back to this guide when I somehow get the chance to plan it. I don’t think you could find a more in depth guide to South Africa. Amazing X

I hope you get the chance to visit South Africa Kate! It’s such an amazing country.

Thanks for such a comprehensive guide,,we are planning to do a similar route next year and this is just perfect aid to our plans.

Also you guys being veggies like us, have you tried the happcow app and site, we used them quite a bit in Russia and were amazed to find a good list of places to eat, yes russia had veg places to eat ;)

Yes, we use Happy Cow all the time – it’s so useful! Most of the places we visited on our road trip were too small to have a vegetarian restaurant but luckily most restaurants have at least one vegetarian option, even if it’s not that exciting. Cape Town is veggie heaven!

Have an amazing trip to South Africa!

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip

July 12, 2019 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

When I was a kid, I HATED road trips.

I was that annoying child asking every five minutes: “ Are we there yet ?”

The boredom of hours on the road drove me nuts. I couldn’t read because I got motion sickness, and there was only so much Tetris I could play on my Game Boy knockoff.

Fast forward 20 years later, and I’m 50% less brat, and 100% more partial to sitting in a car for 6-8 hours.

I’ve conquered famous road trips in South Africa like the Garden Route , and Sani Pass, but there’s been one adventure that’s been on my South Africa bucket list FOREVER: Kruger National Park.

So I found three other friends with the same kind of dream who were down for an adventure from Cape Town to Kruger National Park .

(You can reverse this itinerary if you’re starting in Johannesburg)

Here’s my full South Africa road trip itinerary with a sprinkle of a few optional adventures!

Table of Contents

Fill Up As Much As Possible

Choose the right car, travel & car insurance, don’t always rely on google maps, avoid driving at night, where to stay in plettenberg bay, things to do in plettenberg bay, what to eat in plett, where to stay in storms river, things to do in storms river, what to eat in storms river, where to stay in morgan bay, things to do in morgan bay, what to eat in morgan bay, where to stay in coffee bay, things to do in coffee bay, optional detour: magwa falls, where to stay in uzumbe, things to do in uzumbe, where to stay in durban, things to do in durban, what to eat in durban, where to stay in kruger national park, things to do in kruger national park, where to stay in graskop, things to do in graskop, where to stay in johannesburg, things to do in johannesburg, what to pack for a south africa road trip.

Before you start your South Africa road trip, there are a few essentials that you’ll want to make sure are in your car:

• Credit card to pay for tolls (or cash) • Soy milk if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan • Cellphone charger for the car • A downloaded road trip playlist from Spotify

• Money to pay for entrance fees at national parks • A spare wheel, spanner and jack • Tyre repair spray for punctures

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

South Africa Road Trip Safety Tips

I’ve heard so many stories from South Africans and tourists alike who waited until their tank was almost empty before looking for a petrol station. A lot of these stories end with people making it just in time, but there are the few that got stuck on the side of the road.

A good rule of thumb is never to let your petrol dip below half a tank.

While some roads will frequently have petrol stations, you’re also going to be on roads where you won’t see one for hours.

If you can afford it, a high-clearance vehicle is your best option for the Kruger National Park. The higher you are, the more likely you’ll be able to spot animals sleeping in the grass.

A 4WD will make it easier driving the roads in the Eastern Cape, but it’s not a necessity. The conditions have improved a lot over the last couple of years.

For this trip, we used my Toyota Etios Cross.

World Nomads Travel Insurance is one of the best insurance options for travellers. It covers more than 150 adventure activities, lets you donate to local communities, protects all your gear and will pay out for any unexpected trips to the hospital.

For car insurance, I recommend taking the tire & windshield option when you fetch your vehicle. You won’t always be driving on good roads, and Coffee Bay is notorious for its potholes .

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.

For the most part, Google Maps will get you where you need to go. However, South Africa doesn’t have cellphone signal across the whole country.

I didn’t have any service inside the Kruger National Park. We had to rely on an old school physical map to get around.

Some hotels will also send you directions to follow. Save these to your phone so that you can access them offline.

While Google is accurate for the most part, occasionally it tries to take you down roads that are in horrible condition.

It can be tempting to drive through the night, but it’s not the wisest decision. There are a lot of trucks and long-distance buses on the main national roads that often drive at crazy speeds.

When you arrive in the Eastern Cape, you’re going to find a lot of cows, sheep, goats and horses sleeping on the roads at night.

You also won’t be able to see potholes as easily, and getting a puncture at 1 AM is not fun for anyone.

South Africa Road Trip Itinerary

Cape town to plettenberg bay (3 days).

Distance: 520 km Time: 6 hours

Get ready for multiple alarms, and plenty of coffee to get you ready for the start of your South Africa road trip. You’re going to need to leave Cape Town between 6:00 – 6:30 to avoid the traffic, especially if you’re travelling during the week.

If you want a more scenic drive, take the R44 from Strand instead of staying on the N2. You’ll drive past dramatic cliffs and sparkling blue water as you wind around Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay, and Betty’s Bay.

Stop at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay and hang with the massive penguin colony that lives there!

Urban Plett is a beautiful group of apartments right in the centre of town. You’ll be within walking distance of multiple restaurants and cafes, and only a quick 5-minute drive from the beach.

Each apartment comes with all the kitchen appliances you’ll need, complimentary tea and coffee, free WiFi, an adorable fireplace and a stunning en-suite bathroom.

If you don’t want to stay in the centre of town, book a stay at Wild Spirit Backpackers . Surrounded by indigenous forest, the property caters for conscious travellers who are interested in Green Living and Alternative Travel.

The backpackers is not on your usual accommodation sites, so you’ll need to book direct.

Sundowners at Emily Moon: Visitng Emily Moon is one of the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay for sunset. The property is set on the banks of the Bitou River and has magnificent views of the river, wetlands and mountains. Plus, the on-site Simon’s Bar usually has specials on pizzas and cocktails!

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary: Monkeyland is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. It’s home to lemurs, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, gibbons and more! It’s also a proud supporter of the #HandsOffOurWildlife initiative.

Birds of Eden: Birds of Eden is a free flight sanctuary in The Crags, a short drive from Plett. It’s one of the best things to do in The Garden Route and is home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species.

Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve: One of my favourite things to do in Plett is hike Robberg Nature Reserve . Depending on how much time you have, you can do the 4 km loop (2-3 hours) or the full 9 km hike. Plan your visit to finish your hike during sunset! Entrance is R 50 or free if you have a Wild Card .

Emily Moon: Besides the pizzeria at Simon’s Bar, Emily Moon has a gorgeous downstairs restaurant that overlooks the river. The menu is hearty, delicious, and there are vegan-friendly dishes that will leave you feeling satiated!

Down to Earth: Down to Earth is the on-site natural/organic restaurant for Plett River Lodge. It’s situated on the waterfront and has a delicious menu that’s made from locally sourced ingredients.

Roost Café: Roost Café is an adorable café a few minutes outside of Plettenberg Bay on the N2. It’s located inside Old Nick Village which houses a handful of shops that sell all kinds of treasures. The coffee here is delicious, and café does offer almond milk as a dairy alternative. There isn’t anything strictly vegan on the menu, but it’s easy to enough to ask the kitchen to hold the cheese.

Read More:  10+ Incredible Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay [WARNING: High FOMO Levels]

Plettenberg to Storms River (2 Days)

Distance: Time: 47 minutes

If you want to cut down on the number of days on your South Africa road trip itinerary, you can visit Tsitsikamma National Park as a pit stop en route to Morgans Bay.

For those that have the time, don’t miss out on exploring this part of the Garden Route!

It’s one of my favourite places in South Africa , and there’s a seemingly endless list of adventurous things to do. Keep in mind there is a toll fee of R 50 for this part of the N2. You’ll need to pay with cash or credit card, and there aren’t any ATMs near the toll.

One of my favourite places in Tsitsikamma is Tube ‘n Axe Boutique Backpackers . You can choose from shared deluxe dorms to eco-luxury tents and private rooms.

It’s glamping in the Garden Route at it’s best and you’ll only be 10-minutes from Tsitsikamma National Park.

Tsitsikamma National Park: Tsitsikamma National Park is a treasure trove of adventurous activities. If you’re short on time, the best thing to do is hike towards the famous suspension bridges! Get here as soon as the park opens if you want to soak it all up before the crowds arrive. Entrance is R 60 for South Africans, R 235 for non-SADC nationals or free for Wild Card holders.

Hiking: Tsitsikamma National Park is also home to the start of one of the best hikes in South Africa – The Otter Trail. Day visitors are allowed to walk the first 6 KM to a beautiful waterfall.

Kayaking and Scuba Diving: For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can sign up for kayaking tours along Storm’s River Mouth. You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling in the marine protected area of the national park.

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour: The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a super chilled activity for the whole family. The ziplines will have you gliding past the lush indigenous forest, and there are a few lines that you can do without holding on the rope!

There are only a handful of restaurants in Tsitsikamma, and the grocery store is expensive. I’d recommend buying some food before leaving Plett and making it at your accommodation.

If you feel like eating out, Axe ‘n Tube Backpackers does have an on-site restaurant. There’s also a super cute 1960’s dinner in Storms River that’s a six-minute walk from the backpackers.

Storms River to Morgan Bay (2 Days)

Distance: 556 km Time: 5 hours 45 minutes

Morgan Bay is a peaceful seaside village situated on South Africa’s beautiful Wild Coast. It’s a popular holiday destination for locals in the December holidays and deserves a spot on any South Africa road trip itinerary.

Morgan Bay has some stunning accommodation options for all budgets.

Neptunes Cove is luxury self-catering accommodation right on the beach in Kei Mouth. The apartments have sea views and come with all the essentials you’ll need.

In The Green Backpackers is an eco-friendly hotel that’s within walking distance of a mile-long beach and lagoon. It’s the best budget option with a double private room for R 400 and shared dorms for R 140 per person per night.

Morgan Bay Cliffs : The Morgan Bay cliffs are stunning and are a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise or set. We came here for sunset and astrophotography and got some incredible photographs. The adventurous can also sign up for abseiling or climbing tours down the 50-meter cliffs!

Double Mouth Nature Reserve: If you’re into camping, you’ll love Double Mouth Nature Reserve! It boasts one of the most scenic campsites in South Africa and is home to a 16th-century Portuguese shipwreck where people have found Carnelian Beads, Money Cowries and Ming Porcelain.

Crossing the Pont: Without a doubt, one of the best things to do near Morgan Bay is taking The Pont over the river. It’s not every day that you get to ferry your vehicle around for the low price of R 100!

For Morgan Bay and Kei Mouth, I highly recommend buying groceries or ready-to-heat meals before arriving in town if you want to save money. Alternatively, there are restaurants at some of the hotels in the area, but I didn’t find them to be that great.

Morgan Bay to Coffee Bay (3 Days)

Distance: 281 km Time: 3 hours 44 minutes

Coffee Bay is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in South Africa. Traditional colourful Xhosa huts are sprinkled over the hills, and it’s a short drive away from the famous Hole-in-the-Wall that has an intriguing history and folklore .

While Coffee Bay’s roads have improved immensely over the years, there are plenty of potholes that can quickly fuck up your vibe.

Trust me. You don’t want to forget the spare wheel.

Coffee Bay mainly operates on cash and there are no ATMs in the town . Make sure you draw at least R500 – R 1000 to have enough money for food, drinks, tours and any other small expenses.

If you do get a puncture, ask your hotel for directions to “Magic Tyres”. The shop can fix your tyre for R70.

When I spent a month backpacking South Africa , I spent three days at Coffee Shack Backpackers . It’s still one of the best budget accommodation options in the area and perfect for solo travellers that want to meet other people and soak up a lively atmosphere.

If you want something more low-key, stay at Coram Deo Cottages . The property has recently gone through a renovation and has three new modern apartments that have beautiful views of Coffee Bay.

Both options have delicious on-site restaurants, but if you want a change of scenery, go to Papazela’s Pizza. It has a deck that overlooks Coffee Bay and is the perfect spot for sundowners.

Hole in the Wall: You can sign up for a guided hike to Hole in the Wall from Coffee Shack Backpackers, or you can drive to the landmark. For your own safety, please park your car at the Hole in the Wall Hotel and walk the extra 10-minutes to the rock. Locals will come up to you and try “guide” you. There is no need for one, but if you would like one to keep people from harassing you, ask your hotel to put you in contact with a certified local guide.

We hired a guide for Hotel in the Wall because we were shooting astrophotography late at night and went here for sunrise. We wanted the added security because of all the gear we had on us.

Mapuzi Caves: Hire a guide and hike to Mapuzi Caves for a day full of cliff jumping! It’s only 2.5 km, so it’s a great option for those that only want a half-day hike.

If you decided to hire a guide for any activities, you’re going to need to haggle . The locals are used to getting away with charging the internationals high prices.

Magwa Falls is an iconic waterfall in the Wild Coast. It lies in the middle of the 1 800 hectare Magwa tea plantation, South Africa’s last remaining tea estate and is a 50-minute drive from St. Port Johns.

The curtain of the waterfall falls 144 meters into the gorge below!

To get here, you can plan a day trip from Coffee Bay or stop here on your way to Durban. But if you don’t want to drive 4 hours to reach the waterfall, you can add a stop to Port St. Johns on your South Africa road trip itinerary.

Magwa is only a 1-hour drive from the seaside town. While in the area, you can explore the coastline between Lusikisiki and Msikaba and Mbotyi, which is full of waterfalls and nature reserves.

Coffee Bay to Uzumbe (1-2 Days)

Distance: 405 km Time: 6 hours

Uzumbe is one of my favourite places on South Africa’s South Coast. It boasts a Blue Flag beach and is a must-visit if you’re a surfer or you want to learn.

Want to stay in a glass treehouse and spot vervet monkeys from your bed? Then pack your bags and check into Mantis and Moon Backpackers !

It’s a beautiful little oasis that’s completely hidden inside the coastal forest and is minutes from Uzumbe Beach. I think it’s one of the most romantic places in South Africa and is worth the pit stop en route to Durban.

There’s also an on-site yoga studio, restaurant and bar area.

Mantis and Moon is another backpackers that isn’t on your typical accommodation booking sites. You’ll need to book directly with the property if you want to stay here.

Learn to Surf: Mantis and Moon has on-site professional surf instructors to help you ride your first wave. If you sign up, you get a free trip to the Maisch surf factory where you can order a custom board.

Oribi Gorge: Adventure junkies should not miss out on exploring Oribi Gorge! You can test your limits with the Wild Gorge Swing that reaches speeds of 120km/hours in 2.5 seconds! There’s also a zip-lining tour, abseiling, white river rafting and a suspension bridge over the gorge.

Lake Eland: Lake Eland is set inside Oribi Gorge and is the perfect trip to give you a taste of what to expect in Kruger National Park.

Uzumbe to Durban (1 Day)

Distance: 102 km Time: 1 hour

Use your day in Durban to relax and prepare for the long drive to Kruger National Park. Durban is one of my least favourite places in South Africa, but there are still a few things to check out if it’s your first time in the city.

If you want to stay in the city, book a room at Curiocity Backpackers . I stayed here during my backpacking trip across South Africa and loved it. The hostel organises inner-city walking tours and culinary tours of Durban.

I also love the sense of community the hostel creates with their movie nights, yoga classes, and braai nights.

A good alternative to the inner city is Umhlanga. It’s an affluent area, and you’ll find more bougie hotels, resorts and apartments.

The Oyster Box is a popular luxury hotel, but there are tons of other excellent options like 27 on Chartwell, and aha Gateway Hotel that cost a fraction of the price.

The Golden Mile: Take in the day-to-day life of Durban by strolling along the famous Golden Mile. It stretches from Blue Lagoon South to Addington Beach and Durban Harbor.

Umhlanga Lighthouse: You can view the famous Umhlanga Lighthouse from the promenade or take in the view from the Lighthouse Bar inside The Oyster Box Hotel.

Whalebone Pier : Not too far from the Umhlanga Lighthouse is the Whalebone Pier. Come here for sunrise if you can!

Jump Off the Moses Mabhida Stadium: The Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest swing. You’ll freefall for 80 meters before swinging out into the heart of the stadium.

I haven’t gone to any restaurants in Durban. I usually grab a takeaway traditional Durban curry or bunny chow from one of the roadside shops.

You won’t regret stocking up with 10-20 samoosas for your road trip to Kruger National Park the next day.

Durban to Kruger National Park (5 Days)

Distance: 725 km Time: 8 hours

Driving from Durban to Kruger National Park means you’re not going to make it to one of the gates before closing. So for your first night, you’ll need to stay at one of the lodges outside of Kruger.

There are plenty of options to choose from ranging from budget to five-star luxury.

However, I highly recommend staying inside Kruger for the rest of your time in the area. You’re going to have more time in the park, and the camps have something for everyone.

If you’re staying at the camps, you’re going to need to buy your own food at the shop in the camp . The shop sells everything from firewood to paper plates and a range of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat.

We spent two nights at Pretoriouskop Camp, one night at Sakuza Camp and one night at Tamboti. We tried to get accommodation at Lower Sabie, but it was sold out.

In hindsight, we should have spent two nights at Tamboti to give us more time to spot the wild dogs that live in the area.

You need to book all your Kruger National Park accommodation through the SANParks website .

Self-drive Game Drives: It’s super easy to go on a self-drive game drive in Kruger National Park. However, you will need to buy a Kruger Park Map & Guide when you arrive as Google Maps won’t work. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the key on the map so you can work out how long it will take you to drive to different sections of the park. Remember, there is a 40-50 km/h speed limit (yes, there are speed cameras!) and you’ll get a fine if you return to camp after the gates close.

Guided Game Drives: One of the best things you can do in Kruger National Park is to go on a guided game drive. The guides are knowledgable and can read the signs of the bush to help you spot things you would typically miss. I recommend going on the morning drives. They are the least popular, but you’ll be the first to see Big Cats or any kills as these drives leave before the gates to the park open.

Walking Safaris:   There is so much you don’t see from your car in Kruger! A walking safari lets you get up close and personal with the bush and spot the smaller animals. You’ll have a guide and a ranger with you at all times for safety.

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

Kruger National Park to Graskop (2 Days)

Distance: 51 km Time: 48 minutes

Graskop is home to one of the best road trips in South Africa – the Panorama Route ! It’s the best place to base yourself so you can explore the area and see some of the most iconic attractions.

There are a few restaurants in the area, including the famous Harrie’s Pancakes. You can also grab what you need to cook at your accommodation from the local Spar.

Rustique is a beautiful guesthouse in Graskop that’s within walking distances of the shops and restaurants. There’s a communal kitchen area if you want to cook your own meals and breakfast is available on request.

Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort is the closest accommodation option to the famous Blyde River Canyon. There are also a few hiking trails that are only accessible within the resort, a pool and an on-site restaurant.

Blyde River Canyon: Inside the Blyde River Canyon is the iconic Three Rondavels lookout point. The best time to visit is the hour before sunset. Entrance is R 30 per person.

Gods Window: God’s Window is a 900 m high viewpoint where you can see Mozambique on a clear day! Entrance is R 20 per person.

Lisbon Falls: Lisbon Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in South Africa . You can hike down to the base of the falls and spend the afternoon swimming in the small rock pools. Entrance is R 10 per person.

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

Graskop to Johannesburg (1-2 Days)

Distance: 396 km Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Phew! After an incredible two days, you’ll end of your South Africa road trip in Johannesburg. You can drop off your rental car in the city and catch a flight home, or you can drive back to Cape Town .

It’s also up to you if you want to explore the city or not. If you have the time, here are some of the best things to do in Johannesburg!

A lot of international travellers like staying in Maboneng. There is a Curiocity Backpackers here and plenty of AirBnBs .

If you want to stay somewhere a bit more trendy and you’re a foodie, book a hotel in Rosebank , Parkhurst or Morningside . There are tons of cute restaurants, bars and cafes in these areas!

Some of my favourites are Naked Coffee , Sin Tax and Saigon Suzy .

Read More: The Most Unique Places to Stay Near Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum: If it’s your first trip to South Africa, visit the Apartheid Museum to understand our past and the effect it’s had on our present and future.

Inner City Walking Tour: Curiocity Backpackers Joburg runs an inner-city walking tour that will take you to attractions like the Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Healers Market, the Collector’s Treasury (the largest second-hand bookstore in Africa) and Little Addis (Joburg’s Ethiopian Quarter).

Maboneng Precinct: Maboneng is a trendy, artsy district in the heart of Johannesburg. You’ll find everything from art galleries to rooftop bars and designer boutiques.

Good Luck Bar: Good Luck Bar is one of my favourite bars and live music venues in Johannesburg. If you want to spend an evening listening to some local music, you won’t regret having a drink or three here.

Read More:  Where to Find Delicious Vegan Food in Johannesburg

You know what we both deserve right now? A fucking drink.

Congrats for making it to the end of this post. It’s been a long one, but hopefully, you feel prepared and inspired for your South Africa road trip!

If I’ve missed out any must-see spots on this itinerary, tune me in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Psst…Want more South Africa road trip inspiration? Check out these other posts:

• The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
• An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
• Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)

?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

July 13, 2019 at 10:08 am

Thanks so much for the info. Your pictures are stunning!

July 16, 2019 at 9:25 am

Thank you so much! I’m stoked you found my South Africa road trip itinerary helpful 🙂

July 13, 2019 at 10:28 am

What an awesome itinerary for South Africa! I’ve always wanted to visit and now I want to even more. Looks like such a beautiful country. ?

Thank you!! I hope you get to come explore South Africa soon 🙂

July 13, 2019 at 3:34 pm

Your photos are gorgeous! Wow what an amazing itinerary. I never thought to do South Africa as a road trip. Thanks for the new inspiration.

July 14, 2019 at 12:30 am

What an amazing itinerary. I am all about water views, so all of the bays and waterfalls sounds perfect for me!

Yesss! I’m a sucker for a good waterfall!

July 14, 2019 at 3:49 am

I’ve been itching to get to South Africa for so long now! This is a great route idea and your photos are gorgeous!

August 9, 2019 at 11:58 am

I’ll be traveling to SA this December for 3 weeks from the states. This post was wonderful as many of the locations we’re visiting were also on this list. I’ll be traveling with someone from the country originially, however it’s nice to have some idea of where I’ll be prior to going!

August 13, 2019 at 6:00 pm

I hope you have an amazing road trip through South Africa!

February 4, 2020 at 8:30 am

Thanks for all the great info on your site. I’m heading to South Africa (from Canada) in August and planning a road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, with a side trip to eSwatini and Kruger. I’m going to either cut some things out or extend the trip by a week. There are too many incredible sites to see.

February 7, 2020 at 11:59 am

I hope you have an incredible time road tripping around SA!

November 18, 2020 at 8:40 pm

How much did you budget for per day?

November 19, 2020 at 12:50 pm

Hey Amber! I can’t give you exact numbers as this trip happened in 2019. I know petrol was around R8000 for our entire roundtrip. But accommodation, activity and food prices would depend on your travelling style. I’d recommend creating a spreadsheet and tracking everything beforehand so you can get an up-to-date estimate for 2020/2021 prices that’s tailored to where you want stay, eat, etc.

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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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