Create a fully customized day by day itinerary for free Founded when gold was discovered in the area in the late 19th century, Johannesburg quickly grew into a bustling metropolis, South Africa's largest city and the region's economic hub. The first stop on our Garden Route itinerary for anyone who wants to see some South Africa’s legendary wildlife. Tip: Don’t forget to take a pair of binoculars to see the wildlife from a distance. We want to spend two nights in each place. Vroom Paa 4,946 views. So here we’ve collected some of our favourite road trip stories from Getaway’s years of travelling, and now it’s your turn. If you’ve been dreaming of a lengthy stay at Africa’s largest game reserve, you’ll want to read about how Madeleine van Heerden pulled off 18 days at eight Kruger campsites, from north to south. Each of the 19 family chalets at Mountain Zebra National Park has a wide stoep, braai place and great views. A local road trip around our beautiful country sounds like a great idea! Read the story: How to see the best of Botswana in 10 days. But as you approach Clarens, you’ll realize how “hectic” (see: South African definition above) the rest of this trip is going to be. Photo by Villiers Steyn. Road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town along the N1. There are some really useful tips and recommendations for an unforgettable visit. One thought to “Cape Town to Johannesburg (2011 ROAD TRIP! What better way to travel than with a house on wheels? Have a look at our ultimate South African hiking bucketlist. Don’t miss out on a trip to Lion’s Head to see the sunset from Signal Hill. As you get closer to the coast, the landscape starts getting more wild and rugged. Megan King  and her dog set out to find pet-friendly and affordable accommodation on a meander down the Garden Route and through the Eastern Cape. Heading out from Muizenberg, you end up in Simon’s Town and the Cape of Good Hope. You’ll get the best sightings in the early morning and late in the evening, usually at waterholes. Buzzing with loads of cool cafés, galleries and boutiques, the crowd is young and stylish, with a flair for fashion and design. Johannesburg - Road Trip in AUDI | Sunninghill to Brakpan | via Highways N1, ... ROAD TRIP - 16 Year Old BMW E46 - Joburg To Cape Town - Duration: 15:46. Cape Town is as diverse as South Africa itself. If it’s endless, wide sandy beaches you’re after, Chintsa is the perfect place to spend a day or two on the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town. 1. Johannesburg to Knysna road trip planner. Our South Africa road trip was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. MotorHappy shares what locals have voted as their top road trip destinations from Johannesburg. One of my favouritea of the trip – Lazy Lizard’s American Pale Ale. Their goal to find the best route was challenging and unpredictable but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. He found out why the magic of the Karoo never wears off. Johannesburg. If you're planning a road trip to Knysna, you can research locations to stop along the way. Gautrain: Road trip - See 5,458 traveler reviews, 413 candid photos, and great deals for Johannesburg, South Africa, at Tripadvisor. Road trip to Cape Town from Johannesburg. We headed from Bloukran’s Bridge to Nature’s Valley, where we spent a couple of nights in a safari tent. Read the story: A pet-friendly road trip through South Africa. Kruger experts, Villiers Steyn and Tabby Mittins, devoted seven days of travelling from the south to the north of the national park on an atypical path. Visit their blog Komm’ wir machen das einfach (Come On, We’ll Make it Easy) to find even more entries, routes, pictures and videos about their e-book on South Africa. Tip: If you visit South Africa between June and October you’ll have a good chance of spotting dolphins and whales along the coast. If you’re just looking to relax for a while, this is the place to do it. Chris Davies was determined to find a local beer that any Belgian would approve of. South Africa is not a place I knew much about, but after reading this blog, I’m hooked. Hostels are open and here’s what you need to know…. Planning to go on a road tour in Johannesburg? Standing on the edge of the platform, staring down into the deep ravine, is exhilarating. We’ve called on the expertise of travel junkies Bolle and Marco who have done the drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town, so you’ll get plenty of tips you won’t find anywhere else. Although parts of this lengthy route may not be very exciting, there are many highlights to visit en route. Read the story: The great escape: take a surf safari up the West Coast. There’s not much there, apart from a supermarket, some surf schools, a couple of small restaurants and cafés, however, Muizenberg exudes charm. The sand dunes of the De Hoop Nature Reserve were without a doubt one of our favourite South African sights during our road trip along the Garden Route. The first stop on our Garden Route road trip is Johannesburg, and right now, the neighbourhood of Maboneng is trending. Other than a comfortable, secure and spacious car, be sure to pack in some road … Most hostels also offer tours of the Kingdom of Lesotho, with hikes to the Tugela Falls. The road from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth is a long one. It’s a lovely route that hugs the coastline. Tip: Go sand boarding over epic dunes with Island Vibe Hostel. Tip: Don’t skip the Waterfall Trail, which takes 90 minutes each way. Tip: The area is one of the best places to whale watch from the shore. Calculate the driving distance and total travel time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth by car if you're planning a road trip. An opportunity to travel off-the-beaten track is irresistible but Chris Davies chose to stick to what he knew best when it came to the Fish River Canyon. It was the longest road trip … Road-trip Routes. Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip. Helen Walne offers insightful advice on how to travel with your pet from Cape Town to Cradock. Johannesburg to Durban road trip – alternate routes I’ve driven from Johannesburg to Durban four times in the past year, and on some occasions I’ve decided to take some scenic detours. This extensive list by Rachel Robinson tells you all that you need to know about from Elgin to Breedekloof. First are the goldfields of the Free State, named for the fields of golden sunflowers that grow there and for the gold that is mined there. A must-see is the incredible viewpoint that is a short 20-minute walk from the Storm River suspension bridge. Read more: See the best of the Kruger National Park in a 7-day road trip. Like many other backpackers, we ended up staying here longer than originally planned because it was just so beautiful. Buzzing with loads of cool cafés, galleries and boutiques, the crowd is young and stylish, with a flair for fashion and design. Follow the road to a lighthouse and a small trail that leads to the “Foot of Africa” where two oceans meet. Here we share our best travel tips with the help of our favourite travel writers; such as where to find those authentic, soul-filled places, and the hottest hostels to stay in while you’re at it. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. It’s around 1060km (658mi) from City to City and depending on the time of the day that you leave or arrive you should also consider traffic when leaving and arriving and the time to find your accommodation if you are not already familiar with Port Elizabeth. A Road Trip To Johannesburg South Africa by Diamondpicture(m): 8:43am On Apr 14, 2016; Hello fellow nairalanders just want to share some beautiful and natural pictures of what South Africa looks like sorry am not good at writing so just bear with me. It’s key attractions are surfing and kitesurfing. Read the story: Discover the Karoo on a pet-friendly road trip. Road trips mean a break away from the city lifestyle, if you think your car wouldn’t do well on the long road; you can hire a suitable vehicle from a car rental service in Johannesburg, Pace Car Rental. Read more: Why camper vans make for the best family road trips. Read more: The best Kruger campsites, north to south. In this vlog we finally made it to south africa and we tour around Johannesburg. Inhambane is the Mozambican town that South Africans love and Evan Haussmann made it his destination on a 12-hour road excursion. Joburg is a city that’s evolving rapidly, the result of a young and creative population who aren’t satisfied with the status quo. It seems there is a story at every turn along the Midlands Meander. Driving not your thing? The sights were comparable to paradise and the imminent lowveld clouds added to the sought-after feelings of peace and isolation. South Africa is considered one of the best road trip destinations in the world and it is not difficult to see why. If you're planning a road trip to Upington, you can research locations to stop along the way. Check out the Curiocity Backpackers Hostel while you’re there. Standing 216 metres above the valley floor, it’s the highest bridge in Africa. Read the story: An intriguing case of mowana mania. Expect plenty of stops along the way to gape at South Africa’s  stunning landscapes and experience unforgettable moments in this amazing country. A view of the hut-shaped Three Rondavels in the distance. It was our first time to Africa and we were excited to road trip around South Africa. Changing the World with WaterAid – Art Activists Need Your Vote! Read the story: 10 wine routes near Cape Town you don’t already know about. I love the vibe of this city. Get ready for an epic 3200km road trip through South Africa that passes along the Garden Route, covering deserts, sand dunes, wildlife, buzzing cities, traditional villages, romantic coves, heavenly beaches, rugged coastline and adrenaline-fuelled thrills. This part of KwaZulu-Natal isn’t known as the “wild coast” for nothing. for our flight tickets (in January, start in Johannesburg and end in Cape Town). )” Mike Golby says: March 8, 2014 at 10:44 pm Wendy, Sean and I took a drive up to Durban via Bloemfoentein thirty-two years ago and I recognise that stretch outside of Colesberg – where we’d also overnighted. 11 superb road trips in Johannesburg. If you want to know about a country’s hidden gem destinations and old-school favourites, ask the locals. Take a 4×4 up through the legendary Sani Pass to be rewarded with a view that’s out of this world. Ours began in Johannesburg on a bright and sunny winter day and we were eager and ready to explore. If you haven’t already fallen in love with South Africa by this point, you will be after visiting Tsitsikamma National Park. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Johannesburg to Knysna. Read on if you’re ready to be inspired to #MeetTheWorld BEYOND the tourist brochure! The great thing about this trip … The Ultimate South Africa Road Trip Itinerary Read More » The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge is officially open to visitors. The ramp leading up the hide that overlooks Sable Dam. We fly with KLM and paid € 550 p.p. You can rent out a board and a wetsuit for about €15-20 a day at Gary’s Surf School or Surf Emporium. Also don’t miss out on the chance to visit one of the many ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn itself. Back in the UK a road trip was anything over an hour! Read the story: The ultimate Beer Route from Joburg to North West. Each year from June to December, southern right whales and humpbacks arrive from the Antarctic. Here’s how you can horseback ride from bush to beach, kayak across Nhambavale Lake and eat as many prawns as you possibly can. What I really loved about it was the openness and friendly nature of the locals, who are quite likely to invite you to hang out again and again. The buses are modern and cheap. Catch a sighting while hiking on the “Whale Trail”. The first stop on our Garden Route road trip is Johannesburg, and right now, the neighbourhood of Maboneng is trending. Then it’s worth taking a guided tour of the SOWETO township, stopping off at the Hector Pieterson Museum and the house where Nelson Mandela once lived. It is now on my short term travel. Consider yourself an adrenaline junkie? Our road trip starts in Johannesburg. Read the story: The ultimate Overberg motorbike route: Cape Town to Mossel Bay. Chris, Tyson and Scott Ramsay spent a week off the N2 from PE to Cape Town and stopped at our best national parks along the way. And you'll want to overnight at some of the interesting stops along the way. Then don’t miss the chance to bungee-jump from the Bloukrans Bridge. They are located between Mossel Bay and Cape Agulhas nature reserve. Visit their blog. Since moving to South Africa we have learnt that most people thinking nothing off putting the kids in the car and driving 10 - 12 hours! This time it’s on a classic motorcycle with two of his favourite people revving beside him. This road trip along the Garden Route and Eastern Cape was, hands down, one of the best trips of my life. I cannot stop raving about my South Africa road trip. Everyone loves a good road trip – and with a country as beautiful as South Africa, it’s easy to see why. Winter is the perfect reason to stay indoors: unless you’re Getaway’s Melanie van Zyl. Bolle and Marco have been travelling the world for over a year. Giraffes are especially fond of knob-thorn trees, which are very common in southern Kruger, especially in the vicinity of Crocodile Bridge. The hotel incurred... A public survey conducted by Sandton Central Management District reveals that most people are eager... Every ‘normal’ year in November Ficksburg sees red, when the 
Cherry Festival comes to town.... Have a look at our ultimate South African hiking bucketlist, Head in the clouds: road tripping the Panorama Route, The ultimate Beer Route from Joburg to North West, Find snow this weekend: follow the cold to Clarens, The best Kruger campsites, north to south, See the best of the Kruger National Park in a 7-day road trip, Life just off the road: a guide to Howick, Why camper vans make for the best family road trips, Discover the Karoo on a pet-friendly road trip, A pet-friendly road trip through South Africa, The Karoo on wheels: a magic route for repeat for offenders, 10 wine routes near Cape Town you don’t already know about, The great escape: take a surf safari up the West Coast, The ultimate Overberg motorbike route: Cape Town to Mossel Bay, Off the N2: the best route for a wild road trip, A road well travelled: Orange River to the Fish River Canyon, How to see the best of Botswana in 10 days, Road tripping from Joburg to Mozambique’s cowboy town, Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge is officially open, Staycations, dining and outdoor events are topping to-do lists, Get your ducks in a row before travelling this festive season. my road trip from Kenya to South Africa has nearly ended. There was plenty of room to explore as they made their way from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal in their hired camper van. The Mokoro trips into the delta are a great way of getting to grips with the channels and spotting wildlife hiding in the papyrus. Answer 1 of 7: We are driving to Cape Town from Joberg just before easter. Moving in the opposite direction proved to be rewarding. You absolutely can. Fresh sea air, rugged cliffs, green hillsides and turquoise ocean waters are just some of the highlights. Muizenberg was another one of our favourite places in South Africa. This scenic road is one of the most beautiful in the world and is a must-visit destination on the Garden Route. This is where the Garden Route starts to head back inland, and before long you’ll reach “little Karoo”, a semi-desert wilderness that feels like the Australian Outback. Tip: Visit the Blue Shed Coffee Roastery for its great coffee and instagrammable exterior. Tyson Jopson and Chris Davies tackled the gravel roads of the Overberg, trying to get as far from the highway as possible. South Africa Travel Guide The admission is a steal, at less than €2.50 a person. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Johannesburg to Upington. An overabundance of exciting game reserves, small towns, and parks—perfect for day outings—surround Johannesburg. Surfers emerge from a playful session at Sunset Beach, just north of Cape Town. Ed’s note: some of these stories were published a year or two ago, so make sure to check the details before you hit the road! South Africa has the world’s 10th largest road network (746 978km gravel and paved) with a total of 158128km being paved, and 21946km being national roads (maintained by SANRAL).. Climbing up the Tafelberg from Kistenbosch Botanical Gardens was a favourite, as was the Neighbourgoods market in Woostock. 12 reasons why everybody is obsessed with Lisbon right now, Best Hostels in Venice Among Palaces And Canals, 14 free things to do in Miami for the perfect kinda vibe , Warning: Solo Travel Makes You Undateable, The 50 Weirdest Foods From Around the World, 15 gay-friendly cities that LGBT travellers love, 17 Traditional Canadian Foods You NEED To Try, The best countries to teach English abroad. Read the story: The Karoo on wheels: a magic route for repeat for offenders. Book on the go with the new Hostelworld mobile apps. Photo by Melanie van Zyl. He started his action-packed adventure from another southern African delight, the Orange River. Tip: Take a couple of hours to hike along the Cliff Path Trail. Feeling inspired to go road tripping? We love the cool markets and cafés, international cuisine and colourful nightlife. How long, as in how many days, did you do this trip in? Read the story: A road trip through the Waterberg. Read the story:  A local’s guide to the Midlands Meander. We loved having a home on wheels and never having to unpack. Each year sees thousands of surf-junkies flock to Jeffreys Bay. We’ll arrive at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg around 10 pm. Hermanus is an incredibly beautiful little town on the coast. Johannesburg. Tyson Jopson discovers what it is about the Karoo that sees him returning time and again. Make friends with other travellers at the Coffee Shack Hostel in front of the cosy bonfire with a cool Savanna Dry. Cappuccino and cheesecake is a must at Blueberry Cafe. Tip: Venture about 2km further and you’ll find old shipwrecks sitting in the sea, like the Meisho Maru38, which ran aground during a violent storm in November 1982. Check out 11 great road trips in Johannesburg supported by 3 reviews. Get driving directions from Johannesburg, South Africa to Port Elizabeth, South Africa . Just three hours from Johannesburg is a place that will make any wildlife enthusiast rejoice. What’s the best way to experience wildlife? The Neighbourgoods Market is held here every Saturday, with a DJ, a rooftop terrace, mouth-watering food from around the world and a cool urban atmosphere. These backroads took her through the Langkloof where she found many rural delights. You can see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and hyenas at Addo Elephant National Park, a diverse wildlife conversation park situated close to Port Elizabeth – all without having to get out of the car. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe. Soweto, Gauteng A guided tour will lead visitors to the most interesting spots in Soweto, from the Hector Pietersen Memorial and Museum and Freedom Square, to an informal settlement and the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. I couldn’t believe the natural beauty of the garden route, plus they made it all sound so simple to do it. Just south of the N2, the quiet, well-graded gravel roads are perfect for biking. Melanie van Zyl returns to her childhood stomping ground. His trip took him through Gauteng where he tested nine microbreweries. So here we’ve collected some of our favourite road trip stories from Getaway’s years of travelling, and now it’s your turn. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe. This tranquil destination with lush subtropical vegetation and wild banana trees only has a population of 1800 people. Bolle and Marco have been travelling the world for over a year. 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 … Find out how they took on the Karoo. From barrelling across the North West province in search of the perfect beer to a pet-friendly wander down the Garden Route, what’s next on your list? She decided to break the ice and make snow the subject of her roadtrip to Clarens. Read the story: Road tripping from Joburg to Mozambique’s cowboy town. We could probably write a whole novel about this unique, buzzing metropolis. Hermanus is considered the whale-watching capital of the world. Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa. Here you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, bars and restaurants, supermarkets and boutiques. It’s also worth taking a hike through the Royal Natel National Park and staying a night or two at Karma Backpackers. The final stop on the Garden Route from Johannesburg to Cape Town will throw you back into the deep end of civilisation. Here's our ultimate road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. South Africa Road Trip Itinerary Johannesburg. The Panorama Route threads through the northern Drakensberg (the highest mountain range in South Africa) in the Mpumalanga province. You can bet he found a winner. 1. The standard route keeps you on the tolled N3 road the entire journey. The road from Johannesburg to Cape Town is pretty long: roughly over 1200 km’s, and almost a day’s worth of travelling. Photo by Justin Fox. Here, you can relax on the beach, stay in a converted train (Santos Express Train), enjoy good food and sip on delicious lattes. The GPS will tell you that the quickest route is the 400-kilometre road from Johannesburg Airport to Kruger’s Phabeni Gate via N12 and N4 highways. From barrelling across the North West province in search of the perfect beer to a pet-friendly wander down the Garden Route, what’s next on your list? Disregard that and take the more leisurely, scenic regional roads (R450, R36, R532) that go via the towns of Dullstroom, Graskop, and Hazyview. Your email address will not be published. Everyone loves a good road trip – and with a country as beautiful as South Africa, it’s easy to see why. Driving over the Robinson Pass with its countless twists and turns, is a real highlight. The … Getaway photographer, Teagan Cunniffe discovered this when she spoke with a few of the locals who guided her around the place they know best. His road trip also goes beyond the surf and into the other exciting stops that you must take along the R27. Read the story: Find snow this weekend: follow the cold to Clarens. Your email address will not be published. Tip: Did you know that Lesotho boasts the highest pub in Africa? Tip: Rent a surfboard and wetsuit at the Buccaneers Backpackers hostel to catch a few waves. Justin Fox  relives his days as a student and hits the waves of the West Coast – Blouberg, Melkbos and Langebaan to name a few spots. Mossel Bay is a cool and laid-back town. Johannesburg is a great starting point for a road trip and with its rich history and the Apartheid Museum, a helpful introduction to South African culture. Down the road is the historic city of Pretoria, where you can learn more about the divided history of this country, while not far away, Sun City offers amusement and water parks for those looking for a different kind of escape from Johannesburg. There are many great day trips to be done from Johannesburg, and here are the best. We were wondering where to stay, We were told to stop in the karoo ( colesberg) and beaufort west. A lot of you have written me asking how you can do the same trip. Don’t miss taking a hike to the “Hole in the Wall”, an extraordinary natural doorway in a rock formation in the ocean. Though many travelers dismiss Johannesburg, mostly due to its dangerous reputation, it was a highlight of our time in South Africa. Finding places to travel with your pets is not always easy, especially during the holiday exodus. All road trips are delivered by tour agencies in Johannesburg. It’s a road he’s very familiar with, but his sense of wonder was renewed as he took in the Namibian landscapes. Read the story: Off the N2: the best route for a wild road trip. Check out the Curiocity Backpackers Hostel while you’re there. Check out our car hire service. Stunning Coffee Bay has rugged rock formations and cliffs, traditional round huts and heavenly coves. The park boasts amazing viewpoints, waterfalls, natural pools and much, much more. Prices range from 160 USD to 15,052 USD and our road trips last from 1 day and to 52 days. Read the story: A road well travelled: Orange River to the Fish River Canyon. Required fields are marked *. Feel free to go through our blog: Road Trip South Africa: 5 Of The Most Unforgettable Routes We … With plenty of highs came hilarious lows thanks to her dog, Lily. The pros here especially like to surf the legendary 800 metre-long “super tube” waves. Jeffrey’s Bay also hosts the fantastic JBay Winter Fest, music festival. We would like to do a girls’ self drive trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town around September, we have (4) days of which (2) we have to spend in Twelve apostles hotel (Cape Town) , during the trip we’d like to do a quick adventure of the Garden route and one of the wine lands, preferably Franschoek but any one would do. An essential guide to a working holiday in the UK. When viewed from directly in front, the cluster of columns set at different depths align to create a perfect portrait of Nelson Mandela. Spend an evening with the locals, enjoying good food, music and dancing. Rafikis! Follow the Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth driving route along N1. Day 1 – Arrival Johannesburg. Pore over Melanie van Zyl’s  itinerary to see how she pulled it off and why she can’t wait to do it again. Which is why, when MotorHappy decided to create the ultimate road trip route around South Africa, they turned to South Africans. If you can’t get enough of wine but have exhausted the popular wine farms, try these new routes. Tip: Want to learn more about the country’s past? Our aim with this travel blog is to feed and water your wanderlust. We can’t think of a better place to chill out. The sheer scale of the scenery and the majestic mountains is awe-inspiring. It sounds like the plot to a family comedy but for the Rogers clan, it turned out to be a convenient way to travel. Braamfontein should also be on your list. Caveat - it takes 28 hours of driving instead of the 16 hours it would take along the N1 National Road. 10 most haunted hostels to visit this Halloween! A chilled evening at Matamba Bush Campsite. The road between Hobas and Ai-Ais. Make the spectacular Panorama Route the highlight of your road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. Johannesburg to Upington road trip planner. Their finds were well worth the trip, not to mention the picturesque surrounds of the Garden Route. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Read the story: Life just off the road: a guide to Howick. They’re heavenly. Getaway’s Associate Editor, Caroline Webb resisted the urge to head to the coast from Port Elizabeth and meandered along the path overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, Route 62.