Five of the most scenic road trip routes in South Africa

After a year spent navigating an urban landscape made of steel and concrete, most Gautengers have developed an appetite for something a little more scenic.

So, it only makes sense to hop in a car with the family and head out on the open road. If this isn’t your first rodeo, you probably already know how to plan a road trip. You know what to pack, where to get the right kids entertainment and which Engen Wimpy outlets to make your road trip pit stops. The only consideration left to make is where to go.  

If you’re keen on trekking out of Gauteng this festive season, here are a five road trip routes worth seeing.

The Garden Route (Western Cape)  

It’s easy to understand why The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s best-known road trip routes. It’s a picture perfect 200km stretch of the highway filled with picturesque vegetation and easy access to beaches, mountainscapes, lagoons and lakes. Who wouldn’t want to soak up that kind of scenery?   The landscapes aren’t the only drawcard. There’s plenty for visitors to do alone or in groups. The outdoorsy types can take a sho’t left to Knysna Forest; a popular camping, hiking, and mountain biking spot. On the other, the more adventurous travellers can surf a few waves at Plettenberg Bay or bungee off Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma.  

Route 62 (Western Cape)  

While we’re still talking about the Western Cape, we might as well mention another road trip route in that area. Here’s a bit of trivia to chew on: Route 62 gets its name from the R62 road that winds through the Cape Winelands and the Karoo. While it may not be as popular as the coastal Garden Route, it’s beauty, unconventionality, and lack of traffic has earned it a sizable following. For city slickers in search of something semi-urban, Montagu is a must-see. On the other hand, those looking for something less suburban can head to the Karoo National Park or the Breede River Valley.  

The Waterberg Meander (Limpopo)  

For those who can’t imagine driving more than a few hours from Johannesburg, the Waterberg Region is the ideal road trip route. Commonly referred to as Africa’s Eden, the 350km self-drive route is made up of striking mountains, massive rock formations, dense forests, and deep river valleys. If you have a soft spot for game viewing, this destination gets bonus points. Popular attractions include the Welgevonden Game Reserve and Marakele National Park.  

The Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)  

The Wild Coast is a combination of idyllic coastline, pristine beaches, cosy bays, and rolling hills that lead to some of the best river valleys this side of the equator. The region is also filled with backpacking spots such as Coffee Bay and Port St Johns. It is also widely regarded as a hub of Xhosa culture.  

The Panorama Route (Mpumalanga)  

This sprawling self-drive route is just a stonesthrow from the Kruger National Park, and not too far from Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on the planet. The R532 is the most popular stretch on the route, and can be accessed from other popular destinations such as Sabie Falls and the Three Rondavels. Points of interest include Mac Mac Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Joubert Bridge.  

There are plenty of places to kick up your feet and unwind. So, if you’re going to put the tyres on the tar this festive season, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.