It’s estimated that South Africa’s total road network is roughly 750,000 kilometres. This ranks Mzansi as the tenth longest road network in the world.
With so much to explore, what are the top five roads for trips around South Africa?
1. The Panorama Route
Located in the heart of the Mpumalanga province, the Panorama Route offers travelers spectacular views, quaint historical stops, and more!
The road trip starts at the foot of the Long Tom Pass just outside Lydenburg and includes a few roads, namely:
– The R37
– The R532
– The R533
– And the R36.
In total, the trip is around 386km in length.
Running through the center of this road trip is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the world’s third-largest canyon.
There are several towns and villages you’ll be passing through, with the first one being Lydenburg, which was home to a mysterious civilization back in 500AD, leaving behind terracotta sculptures.
The next town is Sabie, which is a forest and tourist town. Due to its elevation, it was selected by Europeans due to its lack of malaria. Now, the town is surrounded by an impressive man-made forest.
While there are some small settlements along this route, you get numerous picks of landmarks. God’s Window, a vantage point from the Drakensberg escarpment, is by far the most famous.
This busy spot has panoramic views off a 700m cliff. On a clear day, you can see the Mozambican border.
If you’re not scared of confining spaces, you can tour the Sudwala Caves. Used for eons by prehistoric man, some of the rock has been dated back 2,000 million years. The Sudwala Caves are some of the oldest on record, with their formation beginning some 240 million years ago.
The final landmark is the incredible Blyde River Canyon. While smaller than the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is officially designated a green canyon and is covered in subtropical vegetation.
Within this canyon, you’ll also pass the rock formations known as the “Three Rondavels.”
2. The Garden Route
One of South Africa’s most famous road trip routes stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The entire trip is roughly 300km long and hugs the coastline the whole journey.
This trip is a single stretch of road, but the roads you will encounter are:
– The N2
– The R328
– And the R102
However, most of this road trip will be on the N2.
The starting point of this trip is outside Mossel Bay. Over the years, this historical seaside town has boomed into a bustling city. But don’t let the development fool you into thinking it’s lost its charm, as Mossel Bay’s mild climate and sandy beaches are a must-visit.
Moving away from Mossel Bay, you’ll bypass George and Victoria Bay. The city of George is home to the Fancourt Golf Estate, which has hosted the Presidents Cup, Women’s World Cup of Golf, and more.
Travelling further along the N2, the Outeniqua Pass will welcome road trippers with its winding road surrounded by lush forests. The Outenique Mountains are also a perfect spot for hiking or a picnic.
The next small town on the route is the character-filled village of Sedgefield, which offers a fantastic stretch of beach and the Wild Oats Farmer’s Market on the weekends.
Knysna is next and is known for its picturesque town, stunning lagoon, indigenous forests, and iconic Knysna Heads, keeping the Indian Ocean at bay.
For younger partygoers, Plettenberg Bay is a beach town known for its iconic festival, Plett Rage, held in December. But Plettenberg Bay has something to offer all ages with beaches and outdoor activities.
The last stretch of the trip will take you through the lush Tsitsikama National Park, an absolute must-visit with its lush indigenous vegetation. If you can take a walk through the forest, you have to see the majestic giant Yellowwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old.
The final stop is the Storms River Mouth bridge, which offers amazing views, suspension bridge walks, bungee jumping, and canopy tours.
This road trip has made multiple international lists of must-do journeys.
Now for something else.
3. Midlands Meander
As the name suggests, if you’re looking to meander, defined as following a winding and gentle course, this road trip through the Midlands is perfect.
Starting in Howick, the journey ends in Mooi River and is just 42.8km long. What it lacks in distance, the Midlands Meander makes up for in views, activities, and more.
The road you’ll be on for this trip is the R103. As mentioned, the trip starts in Howick, known for its stunning waterfalls cascading over majestic cliffs.
Near this attraction is a significant historical location, Nelson Mandela’s Capture Site, commemorating the arrest site of the iconic free fighter, humanitarian, Nobel Prize winner, and ex-president.
After reflecting, it’s a quick journey to the next stop-off point on this meander at Nottingham Road. The small, charming village is known for its curio shops, art galleries, craft breweries, and coffee shops.
Nottingham Road is also home to a historic hotel, which is now called The Nottingham Road Hotel. This establishment gives visitors a unique glimpse into the area’s past.
If you want to travel further along the route, Rosetta is next. This village also bursts with character, offering visitors dramatic views of the Drakensberg, and is home to numerous craft shops, galleries, and a traditional pub.
For those keen to horse around, Curry’s Post is a small village that offers visitors the opportunity to get their equestrian fix via local riding schools. Another unique selling point of the village is the Swissland Cheese Farm, where you can indulge in local cheeses.
Curry’s Post is also home to fantastic outdoor activities and the Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio.
The last small village before the end of the trip is Balgowan, home to the prestigious boy’s boarding school, Michaelhouse. Those interested can walk the grounds as visitors.
The last stop of the Midlands Meander is Mooi River. In this small agricultural town, travellers can pop into local farm stalls to pick up fresh local produce to take home.
4. West Coast Travels
Dubbed the West Coast road by the locals, this trip is 130km long and sticks to the R27.
The starting point of this journey is Bloubergstrand, which has iconic views of Table Mountain. Leaving the mountain behind, road-trippers will make their way to Yzerfontein.
Yzerfontein is a coastal jewel that retains much of its small-town charms. The village also has a great stretch of beach, a famous bakery, restaurants, and more.
It’s also a few minutes away from the West Coast National Park.
It’s worth your time to explore the national park, which has access to warm lagoon beaches, braai areas, and camping spots. You can also rent a houseboat to enjoy this spectacular biome’s sights and sounds. We’d recommend booking early to see the West Coast flowers in Spring.
The next stop down the road is Langebaan, the well-loved weekend escape spot for Capetonians. There’s something for the whole family in this West Coast town, from restaurants, bars, clubs and amusement parks, to a casino.
If Langebaan is too busy for you, Velddrif is a sleepy seaside town at the mouth of the Berg River that allows visitors to truly unwind from their daily stresses. There are few restaurants and craft shops, but this is for those looking to escape the mad rat race.
Our last trip is the world’s longest wine route.
5. Route 62
We’d strongly suggest making this trip responsibly and in stages, as this is the world’s longest wine route. Originally, this route connected Cape Town to Port Elizabeth by navigating through all the wine towns in between, but with the development of the N2, most of the traffic left this road behind.
It’s kind of like South Africa’s own Route 66 in the USA, where a once bustling industrial transport road turned into a tourist route. Which means there are a lot of stop-off points.
This route begins in the small town of Montagu and ends in Oudtshoorn. In total, the trip is 236km in length and follows the R62 for the entire duration.
Montagu is a historical village bursting with charm. There are multiple restaurant options, and it has a hot spring open to the public. To the north of the village is the Koo brand’s farming area, which produces apples, pears, apricots, and peaches.
The next settlement on this route is Barrydale. Known for being a quirky town, Barrydale has an artistic vibe and offers visitors many craft shops to explore. It’s also home to the Iconic Ronnie’s Sex Shop.
Leaving Barrydale, you will have to take the Tradouw Pass. The scenic pass has multiple roadside stops that offer amazing views of the lush, towering cliffs below.
After the pass, you’ll arrive in Ladysmith, a small village boasting many examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Make sure to pop into the Ladismith Cheese Factory for snacks.
Calitzdorp is the next stop-off point on Route 62, South Africa’s biggest producer of fortified wine (port). The quaint village offers visitors scenic vineyard views, and each one of these vineyards will offer tastings and more.
The last stop is the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. When driving into the town, you will see the proper expanse of the Klein Karoo for the first time.
Oudshroon has loads to offer visitors, from the world-famous Cango Caves to the numerous ostrich farms.
While all these road trips are epic, before heading off, get your battery checked at your closest Willard battery stockist.
