From the endless coastlines and mountains to idyllic vineyards and charming towns, South Africa’s roads are lined with stunning views and tucked-away gems just waiting to be discovered.
Travelling in South Africa: Top 10 amazing drives
South Africa, renowned for its landscapes and natural beauty, offers some of the most beautiful and adventurous routes in the world. Whether you’re an avid traveller or need to become one with nature, the country’s top drives promise an unforgettable journey.
Amazing places to visit
Garden Route
One of the most scenic and popular drives in South Africa is the Garden Route, stretching along the southeastern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. It spans about 300 kilometres, passing through the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountain ranges, creating a picture-worthy backdrop for travellers.
Autumn offers mild temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and generally stable weather conditions. The likelihood of rain decreases, making it a pleasant time for travel.
Cape Peninsula
At the southwestern tip of South Africa sits the Cape Peninsula, a stunningly scenic and ecologically rich area. It is also part of the larger Table Mountain National Park. The peninsula extends from the vibrant city of Cape Town all the way to the Cape of Good Hope, featuring rugged cliffs and unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Point, and the Twelve Apostles.
Spring is a great time to visit the Cape Peninsula. The weather is stable and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). It is typically sunny, with occasional light rain.
Panorama Route
Located in the Mpumalanga province, this drive features striking landscapes. It’s particularly known for its proximity to the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons. This also includes God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Views of cliffs, valleys, and rock formations are just some of the treasures you’ll find tucked away into nature.
Spring (September to November) is a fantastic time to visit the Panorama Route, with mild temperatures and relatively low humidity. The weather is pleasant, and the scenery abundant after the winter rains.
Route 62
Route 62 is a bountiful drive in South Africa, stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, as well as an alternative to the popular N2 highway. Known for its winding roads through the heart of the Cape Winelands and Klein Karoo, this route extends roughly 850 kilometres (528 miles).
The ideal time to explore Route 62 is from spring to autumn (September to April), when the weather is mild and there’s minimal rainfall.
Drakensberg Mountain Range
The Drakensberg mountain range, which stretches from Lesotho to the Eastern Cape, is the highest in Southern Africa, covering over 1,000 kilometres (621 miles). It features striking landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys and gorges, historic rock art, and the stunning Tugela waterfalls.
The Drakensberg experiences a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Snow is common on the higher peaks in winter (May to August), making it one of the few places in South Africa where snow can regularly be seen.
Sani Pass
The pass is the only road link between the western part of KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. This route is renowned for being one of the most treacherous and beautiful mountain passes in Southern Africa.
The road to the top of Sani Pass is gravel and extremely steep, with sharp hairpin bends and narrow, winding sections. A 4x4 vehicle is ideal for navigating the rough terrain, steep inclines, and occasional icy or muddy conditions. Driving the pass is an exhilarating experience, offering incredible views of the valleys and mountains below.
The weather on Sani Pass can be unpredictable and harsh, especially in winter when snow often blankets the area. Summer months bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which can make the gravel road slippery and difficult to drive. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before attempting the journey.
Winelands
The Winelands Route meanders through the quaint towns and vineyards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia. In addition to the iconic vineyard experiences, these routes offer stunning mountain views, centuries-old architecture, museums, and a taste of South Africa’s finest wines.
Depending on your itinerary, summer is always a good time to visit, as winter brings heavy rain and strong winds. From December to February, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), though some spots may experience warmer temperatures. Keep in mind that this is the most popular time for tourists.
Wild Coast
Spanning from East London to the border of KwaZulu-Natal, this region is one of the country’s most untouched and remote travel experiences. This rugged and remote coastal drive boasts stunning ocean views, nature reserves, spotless beaches, and Xhosa villages rich in tradition.
The Wild Coast is generally pleasant to visit year-round; however, the summer months (November to March) are warm and ideal for beach activities and hiking. Winter (June to August) is cooler but offers excellent conditions for whale watching and more comfortable hiking temperatures.
Cederberg Route
Famous for its unique rock formations and historical rock art, this route will bring you up close and personal with the scenic Cederberg Mountains. The Cederberg Mountains makeup the Cape Fold Belt and stretches for about 50 kilometres, characterised by striking rock formations, towering sandstone cliffs, and deep valleys.
The perfect time to travel to the Cederberg is over the spring months (August to October), when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the temperatures are mild. The summer months (December to February) can be very hot, while winter (June to August) is cooler and ideal for hiking.
Botterkloof Pass
Located between Still Bay and the Albertinia N2 highway, Botterkloof Pass is known for its laid-back countryside. The route takes drivers through lush hills, vast vegetation, farmland, and an extensive array of fauna and flora.
The best time to visit Botterkloof Pass is during spring and autumn (September to November and March to May), when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and the landscape is especially scenic.
Enjoy the view and the drive
These routes offer a variety of views and experiences, making them popular choices for road trip enthusiasts travelling in South Africa.
If you plan to take on some of these epic routes, we’ve got road trip tips that will help make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
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