South Africa has always been on the bucket list of avid travelers because of its diverse landscape and natural beauty. You will be amazed by the panoramic views of sparkling oceans, snow-capped mountains, desserts, and the wildlife-dense Savanna woodlands. Not only the magnificent landscapes but also the rich historical culture and traditions are what make South Africa a must-see country for your vacations. If you are planning your next road trip to South Africa, then it is a perfect way to explore this amazing country. You can easily plan, stop, or roam around while traveling by car.
1. Panorama Route
If you are in search of a high-altitude adventurous road trip in South Africa, then the Panorama Route is perfect for you. It is approximately 193 kilometers long and it will take you in and out of the world’s third largest Mpumalanga’s Blyde River Canyon. Witness the natural beauty and picturesque scenic views. You will also find many places to stop by, take some rest, and resume your journey. Some of the main highlights of this amazing road trip are God’s Window, The Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and several towns. If you love long drives and road trips then this route is a memorable one where you can experience so much.
2. Garden Route
The Garden Route is the best road trip if you want to experience Eden. It starts from Mossel Bay and goes to Gqeberha Port Elizabeth and is approximately 300 kilometers. The Garden Route or the N2 is one of the most iconic itineraries South Africa has to offer. It meanders through the Indian Ocean Littoral. Experience the versatility of flora and fauna here. The remarkable misty mountainous forests, dazzling pristine sandy beaches, and mesmerizing coastal towns will surely blow away your mind. This road trip is not like any other and you will find numerous things to see and do. You will get opportunities to go hiking, surfing, fishing, whale watching, camping, and whatnot.
3. The Waterberg Meander
The Waterberg Meander is not much known to tourists for road trips although it’s just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg. The route is 350 kilometers and is best for game viewing. It has everything to appeal to its tourists and you will get to see it by yourself. It is tucked away in Limpopo Province. What makes this road trip unique is the picturesque landscape consisting of soaring mountain peaks, Savannah, River valleys, and Antediluvian sandstone rock formations. This iconic road trip will take you right through the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere.
4. The Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
The magnificent and spectacular route named The Wild Coast runs in the south of the Eastern Cape from the coastal city of East London to the border of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The region has the most idyllic and unspoiled beaches. The Wild Coast road trip is best for you if you are looking for historically rich archaeological sites and a pristine coastline. This 350-kilometer laid-back drive will take nearly 7 days and is all about stunning, off-the-beaten-path scenic views. Take time and explore the crashing waterfalls, dazzling sandy beaches, and emerald-green hillsides. The main highlights of this route that you should not miss at any cost are the Mkambati Nature Reserve, Trail-laced Silaka Nature Reserve, Bulungula Beach, and Nelson Mandela Museum.
5. Sani Pass
Sani Pass is another best road trip in South Africa if you want a thrilling scenic adventure. It is a short route starting from Underberg to Mokhotlong, Lesotho, and is approximately 9 kilometers. Once you have been there, you will surely know why it is hard to beat. The road is wildflower dotted and once you climb up the towering basalt cliffs of the Drakensberg mountains, the views will get change. Look out and witness the mesmerizing green midlands. This adventurous and enthralling road trip is not meant for fainthearted people because you will find no guardrails, tight switchbacks, plunging drops, hairpins, and water crossings. Avoid it if you don’t have above-average driving skills. Once you reach the top, it is where you officially leave South Africa and enter Lesotho.
6. Best of the Cape Loop
Do you want to live up to the hype then Beat of the Cape Loop is a perfect road trip for you. It starts and ends at Cape Town, covering a total of 160 kilometers. The highlight of this mesmerizing route is the bewitching meeting of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. You will find scenic views of fishing villages, dazzling beaches, and yeah penguins too. There is a lot of hype around this route and you will find it living up to it. Don’t miss out on the stunning False Bay, Muizenberg village, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town, and Boulders Beach. There are many must-see stops here and you should not miss them on your road trip to South Africa. It is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road.
