Explore South Africa: top road trip destinations for the festive season
According to Statistics South Africa, the road was the most common mode of travel used by 1 503 786 (62,7%) of the 2 397 507 travellers entering the country in February 2024.
These stats highlight that South African roads remain a popular mode of travel and are the most convenient, affordable and accessible way to explore Mzansi.
South Africa has beautiful and well-maintained roads perfect for road tripping. With summer almost here along with the festive season, many families, friends, couples, and petrol heads will embark on these roads exploring the beauty that Mzansi has on offer.
If you’re planning on hitting the road this festive season, here are South Africa’s most popular road trip journeys to explore this summer.
Garden Route, Western Cape
The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of road on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It follows the N4 highway between Mossel Bay and Storms River, with scenic stops including George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
The route stretches from Mossel Bay to the Western Cape. It is the ultimate South African road trip boasting serene beaches, lush forests, and charming small towns like Knysna.
It also has 9 900 local Google searches monthly making it a popular bucket list activity for road trip enthusiasts.
While on the route, travellers can kayak at Tsitsikamma National Park, spot whales and seals at Robberg Nature Reserve, and get up close to elephants at Addo Elephant National Park.
Being on the road can get tiring, so why not stop over at the Crags near Plettenberg Bay where you can explore wildlife sanctuaries and arts and crafts offerings?
Consider a stay at ECO Lodge Villa Villekula starting from R1 550 a night for 2.
Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal
If you’re looking for adventure but short on limited time, then look no further than the southern Drakensberg’s rugged Sani Pass.
The official Sani Pass route stretches 94 km between Underberg in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. This short but sweet road trip offers a thrilling mountainous drive with jaw-dropping views along the way.
This drive boasts 153 300 TikTok posts, proof that this unique experience is being shared globally.
The route is suited for 4x4s since Sani Pass is a rocky, gravel road that winds up the Drakensberg Mountains. Besides road tripping, you can also explore the Drakensberg by hiking and camping.
Consider a stay at Ndawana River Lodge starting from R1920 a night for 2.
West Coast, Western Cape
From stunning Langebaan Lagoon to West Coast National Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on the West Coast.
West Coast National Park is in the Western Cape, which is an hour and a half drive from Cape Town along the R27. It is a few minutes south of the small town of Langebaan, on the West Coast.
This road trip is well-known for its natural eruption of wildflower blooms along its pristine coastline.
Perfect for nature lovers, take a break and relax on the beach or spot whales in Paternoster - the third most popular staycation destination with 201 000 monthly global searches; it's one of the top three road trip destinations.
On the route, you can also visit Paternoster and taste West Coast seafood and flavours, and explore beaches and quaint art galleries.
Consider a stay at Paternoster Hotel with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean starting from R1 500 a night for 2.
Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal
To travel to Midlands by road is an easy drive linked by the N3 from Johannesburg and Durban or via the R103 alternative route.
KZN’s scenic Midlands Meander road trip offers drivers a picturesque journey through lush landscapes, artisanal eateries, quaint villages and unique craft markets.
Whether basking in the beauty of the Howick Falls, hiking the trails of Karkloof Nature Reserve, or browsing the art galleries at Patterdale Farm, this road trip is a firm favourite on Instagram with over 626 000 hashtags.
You can also learn about key moments in South Africa’s history by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.
Consider a stay at Sierra Resort in Mooi River, set on 935 hectares of sprawling farmlands with a stunning backdrop in the idyllic KZN Midlands. #
A stay at the Loft Villa at Belvidere Country Estate starting from R1 200 a night for 2.
Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
South Africa’s Wild Coast in Eastern Cape province is for those with a love of life, an independent travelling spirit and a yen for surprises.
The route is perfect for those looking for something a bit off the beaten track and want to log some 4x4 mileage as the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast offers an unmatched adventure.
This lesser-known gem is perfect for bundu-bashing adventurers seeking unspoiled natural beauty and quiet beaches.
It boasts more than 6 000 monthly Google searches in South Africa alone. Consider a stay at Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay starting from R1 215 a night for 2.
∎ This list was sourced from Budget Insurance’s Travel Index.