Things to remember before your road trip from Joburg to Durban

Holidays in South Africa

The N3 from Joburg to KZN makes for one of the best road trips in the country. During peak holidays, the N3 Toll Concession sees about 1879 cars pass through the Mooi River Plaza toll gate every hour! With sandy beaches, boardwalks, and sunny weather to look forward to; it truly is the go-to destination. 

We’ve listed a few tips on how you can get the most fun out of the best road trip to Durban from Joburg:

Tollgate fees

There are five toll gates between Joburg and Durban and each year the price increases. As of March 2024, light vehicles can expect toll fees to cost around R326.50. However, toll fees don’t have to suck the fun out of your road trip, you can make up games to play along the way and change to a new one after each toll gate, or you can create a different playlist and change it after each toll gate.  

Plan your road trip ahead of time, check out the Toll Road Tariffs and Toll locations. 

The scenic route

Why not leave earlier and take the scenic route? You can skip both the Tugela Plaza toll gate and the Mooi River Plaza tollgate (and save yourself R124 in N3 toll fees!). If you choose to skip Tugela Plaza toll gate (and Van Reenen’s Pass), you can go through Harrismith, catch the N5, then the R74 and back on the N3. It’ll take you 16 minutes longer (15 km), but you’ll get to pass Sterkfontein Dam and if you have time, you can visit the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. 

You can also skip Mooi River Toll Plaza on the Exit 168 toward Estcourt on the N6, right on the R103 driving through Mooi River town then get back on the N3 via Nottingham Road. It’s 17 km longer than if you go via the N3 but the scenery is far more breathtaking. If you continue on the R103, you can go through the Midlands Meander, famous for its tranquil surrounds and treasure box of tourist attractions. 

The pit stop essentials

They say it’s advisable to stop every two hours along your road trip, to stretch your legs and freshen up. 

Make a stop at the Vaal Stop 1, one of the most popular stops along the N3, for a bite to eat and a drink. Next stop is the Puma Service Station with the Thanda Tau complex. Here you can relax at one of the restaurants and even catch sight of lions, rhinos, and cheetahs – if enclosed animals are your cup of tea! 

There’s a lot more to explore if you take it easy on the road and enjoy the journey to your destination. 

For more local travel fun, use our tips on how to pack for a long road trip.