South Africa is made for road trips. Its shifting landscapes, open highways, and quirky small towns make it one of the best road trip destinations in the world. You can drive from misty mountain passes to sun-baked deserts, with a good cup of coffee or a beach stop never too far away.
What makes South African road trips stand out is the mix of adventure and accessibility. You can lose yourself in the Wild Coast hills or the wide Karoo, then roll into a well-stocked town before sunset. The roads are generally good, the views are anything but dull, and the sense of freedom is real.
Here are the best road trips in South Africa to explore with your own rental car, a solid playlist, and an appetite for the unexpected.
The Garden Route is South Africa’s most iconic road trip, and it lives up to the hype. This 125-mile stretch of the N2 highway runs between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and the Storms River Mouth on the edge of the Eastern Cape. Along the way, you’ll pass through coastal forests, rolling mountains, and towns with plenty to eat, see, and explore.
This route fits easily into any well-planned South Africa itinerary, especially if you want beaches, nature reserves, and comfortable stops with decent infrastructure. You’ll also tick off several of the best things to do in South Africa without having to cover huge distances.
Knysna Forest is one of the best places to visit in South Africa for hiking or cycling, with dense canopy cover and the rare chance of spotting an elusive forest elephant. The nearby town of Knysna is known for its annual Oyster Festival and boutique-lined streets. At Plettenberg Bay, you can swim, surf, or just sprawl out on golden sand. Push on to Tsitsikamma National Park for suspension bridge walks, dramatic coastline, and the famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump.
The Garden Route begins in Mossel Bay, a coastal town known for its history and relaxed beaches. From there, it follows the N2 east, finishing at the Storms River Mouth inside Tsitsikamma National Park. The route can be driven in either direction, and many travelers combine it with a detour through the inland Little Karoo or extend the drive into the Eastern Cape.
You can technically drive the full Garden Route in a single day, but you would be missing the point. A proper trip should take at least three to five days, allowing you to stop in towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and explore Tsitsikamma on foot. If you want to take things slowly, build in a week to enjoy nature reserves, paddle on the lagoons, or just unwind by the sea.
Garden Route, South Africa @ Shutterstock
The Waterberg Meander might not be on every traveler’s radar, but that’s exactly why it deserves a spot among the best road trips in South Africa. Just a few hours north of Johannesburg, the Waterberg region feels like a world apart, with vast savannahs, jagged cliffs, and deep forested valleys. It’s also malaria-free, making it a laid-back alternative to more famous safari spots.
This 218-mile self-drive route loops through the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed area packed with biodiversity and dramatic scenery. You’ll pass sandstone ridges, river gorges, and plenty of open plains where wildlife roam free.
Key highlights include Welgevonden Game Reserve, where you can spot the Big Five, and Marakele National Park, known for its contrasting landscapes and high-altitude viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll also find San rock art, small farming towns, and community-run conservation projects that offer a closer look at life in the region.
The Waterberg Meander is a circular route that typically begins and ends in Vaalwater, the gateway to the region. From here, you can make your way through reserves, cultural sites, and scenic detours, depending on your pace and priorities. While most of the route is drivable in a regular car, a high-clearance vehicle gives you more flexibility.
You can drive the full loop in three to four days, but it’s worth slowing down. Spend a night or two in the reserves, visit local landmarks, and give yourself time to actually enjoy the views. If you prefer a relaxed pace, five days is ideal.
Mountain range in Limpopo, South Africa. Marakele National Park © Jurie Maree/Shutterstock
The Wild Coast is remote, rugged, and untamed in the best way. Stretching around 350 miles from East London to the KwaZulu-Natal border, this dramatic coastline winds through deep river valleys, rolling hills, and steep cliffs.
While the main N2 highway runs through the region, the real magic begins when you turn off onto the gravel roads that lead to villages and coastal hideaways. You will pass traditional Xhosa homes, known as rondavels, set against green hills where cattle graze freely. Life here moves slowly, and the roads often do too.
This region was once called the Transkei, a former apartheid-era homeland with deep political significance. It was home to Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, and their lives are remembered at several local heritage sites. The history is rich, and the connection to the land and community is still strong.
Coffee Bay is a good place to pause, with easy access to the Hole in the Wall, a natural sea arch surrounded by cliffs and breaking waves. The beach here is one of the most scenic in the region and easily ranks among the best beaches in South Africa, especially if you prefer yours with more cows than crowds. Port St Johns is another key stop, where rivers, forest, and coastal trails offer plenty of room to explore, along with long stretches of unspoiled sand framed by green cliffs.
While you will not find a traditional South African safari here, the Wild Coast still delivers for nature lovers. Look out for dolphins in the surf, birdlife in the forests, and wide open spaces that stretch all the way to the sea.
Most travelers begin in East London and finish near Port Edward, at the northeastern edge of the Eastern Cape. Along the way, main stops include Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, and Lusikisiki. This is not a loop, and travel times vary depending on road conditions. Many local roads are unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
You should plan to spend at least four to six days exploring the Wild Coast. Road conditions can slow your pace, and that is part of the experience. More time means more chances to explore coastal hikes, visit local villages, and take in the natural beauty without rushing.
South Africa © Pixabay
Route 62 is one of the most rewarding road trips in South Africa, especially if you prefer back roads over bus routes. Stretching from the vineyards of the Cape Winelands into the red earth of the Little Karoo, it offers a quieter alternative to the Garden Route with fewer crowds and just as much personality.
The route winds through dramatic mountain passes, farmlands, and offbeat towns that make you want to stop the car just to look around. It is a favorite among locals for its scenery, small-town charm, and slow pace. If you are planning to explore South Africa with kids, Route 62 is ideal: the distances are short, the roads are smooth, and there are plenty of fun, family-friendly stops along the way.
Start near Worcester in the Breede River Valley, where vineyards hug the riverbanks and farm stalls sell fresh bread, local cheese, and dried fruit by the bag. The historic town of Montagu is worth a stop for its natural hot springs and quiet walking trails. Further along, Barrydale has become a creative hub, with art galleries, retro diners, and one of the best milkshakes in the country at Diesel & Crème.
The deeper you go into the Little Karoo, the wilder the landscape gets. The road leads to Karoo National Park, where walking trails and open skies offer a taste of the region’s stark beauty. For a riverside detour, the Breede River is a good spot to camp or rent a canoe for the afternoon.
This route begins just outside Worcester in the Western Cape, passing through towns like Montagu, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, and Ladismith, before ending in Oudtshoorn. You can drive it in either direction or link it with the Garden Route for a longer loop. The roads are tarred and suitable for all vehicles.
You will need at least three to five days to explore Route 62 at a comfortable pace. With overnight stops in small towns and time for wine tasting, farm visits, or a dip in the hot springs, the drive is as much about the journey as the destination.
Route 62, Little Karoo, South Africa @ Shutterstock
The Panorama Route earns its name. This stretch of road in Mpumalanga takes you past dramatic viewpoints, misty forests, and one of the largest canyons on Earth, all within a few hours’ drive of Kruger National Park.
The route is anchored by Blyde River Canyon, a massive green gorge carved over millions of years. It is the third-largest canyon in the world, and one of the most photogenic. From the top, you can gaze out over cliffs, waterfalls, and river bends far below. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagles overhead and vervet monkeys darting through the trees.
The historic town of Graskop makes a good base. From here, you can explore sights like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Three Rondavels, each offering a different slice of the region’s wild geography.
For a quieter detour, visit Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, where you can fish for carp or walk in silence among the hills. If you want to stretch your legs, the indigenous forests above the canyon offer peaceful walking trails with constant views and cooler air.
The region also has a gold rush past. In 1873, prospectors swarmed into Pilgrim’s Rest, which is now preserved as a living museum. You can wander its old shopfronts or try your luck at gold panning in the riverbeds.
The Panorama Route is a scenic loop in Mpumalanga, best accessed from Graskop, Sabie, or Hazyview. Most travelers connect it with a visit to Kruger National Park, which sits just to the east. The roads are paved and well maintained, making the route easy to drive in a standard vehicle.
You can see the main highlights in a day or two, but spending two to three days gives you time to explore the viewpoints properly, visit Pilgrim’s Rest, and enjoy walks or picnic spots off the main road.
Bourke's Luck Potholes with walkways and bridges, Panorama Route, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa © Shutterstock
For most of the year, Namaqualand is a dry, dusty stretch of scrubland in the Northern Cape. But for a few short weeks between August and early September, it transforms. After the winter rains, this harsh landscape explodes into color as wildflowers bloom across the fields, hillsides, and roadside verges.
The Namaqualand Flower Route is not a long road trip, but it is one of the most unforgettable. You can drive through entire valleys carpeted in orange, purple, pink, and yellow flowers. The best displays depend on rainfall and timing, but the core region around Springbok, Garies, Kamieskroon, and Nieuwoudtville usually delivers.
This is one of the best road trips in South Africa for photographers, walkers, and travelers who want something seasonal and unique. You will also find botanical gardens, hiking trails, and small-town hospitality in places that rarely see crowds.
The bloom only lasts a few weeks, so knowing the best time to visit South Africa is essential if you want to catch it. The peak is typically late August to early September, but it can vary slightly depending on the weather.
Most travelers begin in Springbok, which is the largest town in the region and is easy to reach from Cape Town by road. From there, head south to Kamieskroon and Garies, or northeast to Nieuwoudtville, known for its flower reserves and bulb gardens. You can loop back to Cape Town or continue deeper into the Northern Cape. The roads are in good condition and suitable for all vehicles.
Two to three days is enough to explore the main flower-viewing areas at a relaxed pace. If you are coming from Cape Town, plan for four to five days to include the drive up and back, with time to stop for hikes or local produce along the way. This is easily one of the best routes of Northern Cape.
Namaqualand, South Africa © Marie-Anne AbersonM/Shutterstock
If you are looking to escape the crowds and dive into raw nature, the Cederberg Circuit delivers. This circular route through the Cederberg Mountains, a few hours north of Cape Town, is all about remote beauty, winding gravel roads, and ancient rock art hidden in ochre-colored cliffs.
What sets this route apart from other South African road trips is the sense of space. Here, you are more likely to share the road with a troop of baboons than another car. You will pass dramatic sandstone formations, small farms, and clear rivers, with plenty of places to stop for a swim or a short hike.
The area is also famous for its San rock art, some of which dates back thousands of years. Sites like the Stadsaal Caves offer an atmospheric look into South Africa’s earliest cultural history. If you are into hiking, the trails around Algeria and Lot’s Wife range from short walks to full-day climbs.
This is also the home of rooibos tea, grown only in this region. You can visit local farms or tea houses to learn more and sample a fresh brew. At night, the stargazing is spectacular thanks to the lack of light pollution and dry air.
The Cederberg Circuit starts and ends in Clanwilliam, which is about three hours’ drive north of Cape Town. From there, the route loops through Wupperthal, Mount Ceder, and Ceres, depending on which roads you take. Most of the roads are gravel, but they are usually in good condition and can be driven in a high-clearance vehicle or even a regular car with care.
Plan on three to four days for the full loop. This gives you enough time to hike, swim in mountain pools, explore rock art sites, and spend a night under the stars. Accommodation ranges from basic campsites to comfortable guesthouses and lodges, many of them tucked into the hills far from cell signal.
Western Cape, South Africa @ Shutterstock
The Midlands Meander is less of a single road and more of a network of country routes through the rolling hills between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg Mountains. It is one of the most relaxed road trips in South Africa, perfect for slowing down and discovering small towns, farm stalls, and unexpected creativity around every bend.
This region has built a reputation for art galleries, pottery studios, leather shops, and food producers, all locally run and welcoming to visitors. You can stop to watch cheesemakers at work, buy hand-dyed fabrics, or pick up a bottle of small-batch gin. There are also cafés, craft breweries, and restaurants that take full advantage of the area’s fresh produce.
If you are traveling as a family, this route is especially good. Many of the stops are interactive and kid-friendly, from trout farms and candle dipping studios to short forest walks and horseback riding.
The landscape is green and peaceful, with views of the Drakensberg foothills in the distance. You can easily pair this drive with a stay in the mountains or a visit to nature reserves like Kamberg or Karkloof, both known for their walking trails and waterfalls.
The Midlands Meander covers several routes branching off the N3 highway between Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal. There is no set path, but most travelers begin near Howick or Hilton and explore loops through towns like Nottingham Road, Balgowan, and Lidgetton. The roads are paved and easy to navigate in any vehicle.
Two to three days is enough for a relaxed trip with time to visit workshops, explore the countryside, and sample local food and wine. Add a day if you want to stay on a farm or continue into the Drakensberg Mountains.
Kwazul Natal
written by
Chris Clark
updated 29.08.2025
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