Discover the best road trips in South Africa, a country of vast landscapes, rugged terrain, diverse cultures, and abundant wildlife.

As locals, we are excited to share our knowledge of our backyard with you and reveal why South Africa should be on every traveller’s bucket list. So, fasten your seatbelt and join us on a journey to explore this stunning country. Make sure you read our top tips before embarking on your trip.

Ancient Treasures to Wildlife Wonders

Best Road Trip for History and Culture: Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park – 1 618 km over 10 days

This seemed like a natural place to start. Travelling to places like Mapungubwe, the first large settlement in Southern Africa, and the Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng and then relaxing in the Kruger National Park is an obvious choice for history-loving travellers like us.

After exploring the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, drive out to Moropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves to view fossils and hominid remains. (Check that the caves are open as they close from time to time after heavy rain.) Head up north to the Mapungubwe National Park and view Mapungubwe Hill and the site of the first major settlement in southern Africa.

Then it’s time to drive along the Panorama Route until you reach the iconic Kruger National Park. Here you can go on a game drive or simply sip sundowners on a deck overlooking the Sabie River as you view the animals that have come down to the river for…well, their sundowners.

Best time of year to do the trip

Visitors flock to this area most of the year-round, but we have found that the best time of year to visit is from the end of April to September (autumn till spring), with August being the best month of them all.

The summer months are extremely hot, and this makes travelling uncomfortable and sometimes unpleasant. The winter months are cold and dry, so by mid-August, the grass in the Kruger Park has died down, making game viewing easy.

We have provided an itinerary for your convenience. You can find some accommodation options in the itinerary or use the booking sites in our Toolkit.

Wine Route And Quaint Country Towns In The Western Cape

Best Road Trip for Wine and Small-Town Living – 996 km over 7 days

Starting in Cape Town, drive towards Stellenbosch through the beautiful Cape Mountains to the Spier and Blaauwklippen estates. Enjoy some relaxed wine tasting and a picnic. Then head on out to Franschhoek and explore this beautiful little town and the surrounding wine farms. We always enjoy a stop at La Motte, especially now that they have opened the La Motte Bakery and Garden Café.

Then, it’s up to Worcester and Cape Route 62. Take the R60 and proceed along this stunning stretch of road to Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, and Calitzdorp. After travelling on to Oudtshoorn, choose whether to drive to Prince Albert via the magnificent Swartberg Pass or through the equally scenic Meringspoort. After spending some time in Prince Albert, drive back to Cape Town along the N1. This route will take you through the Hex River Pass, a breathtaking valley between Touws River and De Doorns. Stop at the pad stalls along the way to savour the views and delicious food found in this beautiful part of the country.

Follow a more detailed itinerary here for this best road trip through the Winelands.

Best time of year to do the trip

To experience the driest and warmest weather in the Cape, plan your visit between November and February. Late April is a beautiful time, too, as are September and October.

City Delights And Coastal Thrills

Best Road Trip for Families in Cape Town – 200km over 8 days

Cape Town is a wonderful city for families to enjoy together. Whether it be ascending Table Mountain using the cable car, taking a train ride along the peninsula to Simon’s Town, or catching the ferry across to Robben Island, the city offers ample opportunities for an amazing road trip.

The best road trip should always incorporate a visit to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront with its Two Oceans Aquarium. Boulders Beach and its colony of penguins beckon, and if the weather’s good, you may even be able to swim with these cute little beasts. Fancy a bit of history, then book a tour around The Castle of Good Hope. Follow our suggested itinerary. Why don’t you link it with our itinerary for Best Road Trip for Wine and Small-Town Living?

Best time of year to do the trip

Peak summer, from December to February, is the ideal time for a holiday in Cape Town. However, these hot summer months also coincide with local school holidays, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re planning to visit over Christmas or New Year. Late April to early June is also a great time to visit. Avoid July and August, as this is Cape Town’s rainy season and not terribly pleasant for outdoor activities.

Escapades In The Drakensberg Mountains

Best Road Trip for Exploring the Drakensberg Mountains – 383 km over 6 days

Heaven on Earth. That’s how we describe the mighty Drakensberg Mountains.

Our road trip begins in the Central Drakensberg and winds its way north. A round trip, starting in Winterton, will take you on the best road trip around the area. Drive to the Champagne Valley and explore the area. As you get closer to Monk’s Cowl Nature Reserve, you will be able to see the prominent Cathkin Peak standing proudly against the blue sky. There are a variety of accommodation options in the area, as well as a delightful bakery and smaller restaurants.

Make your way up to Bergville and then to the Northern Berg, where you can see a totally different view of the mountains, the Amphitheatre. Enjoy the walks that are available, and if you have the time, drive around to the Phuthaditjhaba side of the mountain, and climb up the chain ladder to the top. This would be an experience you will never forget and is part of this itinerary.

Best time of year to do the trip

The Drakensberg can be visited throughout the year, it just depends on what type of weather you prefer. The summer months from November to March are extremely hot during the day, with late afternoon thunderstorms daily. April and May are cooler but can be rainy for prolonged periods. If you visit during the winter months, you may experience some snow. The weather is dry and cold but great for hiking.

Beaches and Sunshine In KwaZulu-Natal

Best Road Trip for Beach Fun and Outdoor Activities – 600 km over 5 days

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is a fantastic destination for families looking for fun outdoor activities.

Durban has some of the best beaches in South Africa, and they are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Stroll along the Golden Mile promenade, which stretches from Point Waterfront’s uShaka Beach (home to uShaka Marine World) to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north. Adults and children will enjoy a visit to UShaka Marine World, which boasts an aquarium, a water park, and daily dolphin and penguin shows.

Durban Walking Tours offers an unforgettable way to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and learn about its rich history, culture, and architecture on foot. Whether you’re interested in the city’s colonial and apartheid-era history, street art, beach culture, or Indian heritage, there’s a walking tour for you.

We then recommend you head out of the city, driving west to The Valley of a Thousand Hills. This breathtakingly beautiful valley is named after the thousands of rolling hills that dot the landscape and stretch as far as the eye can see. One of the most popular attractions in the valley is the PheZulu Safari Park, which offers guided tours of the traditional Zulu village and a chance to see Zulu dancing and cultural performances. The park also has a game reserve where visitors can see wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.

For more adventure, head out for the day to Sani Pass and experience the exhilarating trek up to the top.

There’s something for everyone in the family on this city trail. Explore the city on your own steam, or follow our carefully planned itinerary.

Best time of year for this trip

Durban is wonderful in April and May when the days are warm and the evenings cool. The winter months are also lovely as the weather is mild and dry. Some tourists prefer the humid heat of the summer, but I would advise you to avoid late January and February if you battle with extremely hot and humid conditions.

There is such a variety of things to do in South Africa. From exploring mountains to coastal cities, there is something for everyone, whether travelling alone, with friends, or with family. Choose one or more of the five best itineraries listed, and enjoy every kilometre you travel.