How to turn your road trip into an adventure this holiday

As the December holidays approach, many SA families are preparing to join thousands on one of the most iconic road trips in the country: the drive from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal.

While it’s tempting to “put foot” and reach your destination as quickly as possible, there is a charm in slowing down, enjoying the journey and creating memories along the way. After all, your holiday should begin the moment you hit the road.

With seven hours or more in the car, especially with children, a well-planned road trip can turn the drive into one of the highlights of the holiday.

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“Living in this amazing province, we might be a little biased, but KwaZulu-Natal offers it all – a vibrant and diverse culture, majestic mountains, award-winning gardens, big-five bush experiences and great beaches, nine of which have Blue Flag status,” said Orrin Cottle, the CEO of the Brahman Hills Weddings, Events, Hotel & Spa in the Midlands.

Drawing on his expertise in creating unforgettable experiences, Cottle shares tips to transform your trip from Gauteng to KZN into a fun-filled family adventure.

Road safety experts recommend taking a break every two hours to stretch and recharge. Rather than only stopping at service stations, consider including interesting attractions on your route because it’s worth a short detour to places like the central Drakensberg for an exhilarating canopy tour or the acclaimed gardens at Brahman Hills. Six new sculptures offer a blend of art and nature worth viewing, and the kids can meet the famed ‘giant’.

Then, there is the historic Mandela Capture Site and the PheZulu Safari Park and Cultural Village situated in the Valley of a Thousand Hills near Hillcrest.

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These breaks add something special to the trip, giving everyone something enjoyable to look forward to and a chance to recharge.

When it’s time for a pit stop, look for places offering more than just fuel and fast food.

Choosing spots like The Windmills in the Midlands lets you enjoy fresh, quality meals, clean facilities and a change from typical road trip fare.

For families, stopping at establishments like The Windmills offers more than just a quick break. It’s an opportunity for kids to enjoy a mini-adventure in safe, green spaces designed for exploration. There are also enclosed areas for your pets to stretch and relax, with water bowls to keep them hydrated.

Take a camera or use your phone to document your trip.

Snap pictures and short videos at scenic stops, take family selfies and capture the views from the car windows.

This creates a log of memories and also makes the journey more engaging.

Plus, kids and adults can enjoy looking back on these photos after they have arrived. It’s a simple way to add a bit of fun and make the drive feel like a holiday activity.

Don’t feel pressured to keep the kids entertained non-stop. Let them read, nap or even get a little bored. It’ll make the stops feel all the more exciting.

Sometimes, simply looking out the window, chatting or daydreaming is enough to keep them entertained.

By balancing fun activities with downtime, everyone can rest and enjoy the journey their way.

“Yes, taking in some sights might mean extending your trip by a few hours, but time flies when you’re having fun,” Cottle noted.

“However, slowing down to enjoy the journey, especially with family, allows you to appreciate the beauty and diversity our country offers, transforming the drive into something memorable,” he said.