The best South African road trip routes for your next adventure
South Africa is consistently voted the most beautiful country on earth, and for good reason. Diverse, stunning landscapes, myriad different cultures, and every ecosystem from wild coast line to expansive desert awaits every visitor to Mzansi. There is no better way to explore everything she has to offer than your own four wheels; in a vehicle that is fully-equipped to take you anywhere you want.
Picking the best route for your next adventure can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put a list together of some of our tried and tested personal favourites.
Garden Route road trip route (Western Cape)
Snaking its way along South Africa’s southern coastline, the Garden Route is a 300 kilometre gem that officially begins in Mossel Bay and ends at the mouth of the Storms River (Stormsrivier). The most convenient way to reach the Garden Route is by starting in Cape Town, and following the N2, one of South Africa’s most well maintained highways. A start in the Mother City also allows you to pass through some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful destinations, including Hermanus (for whale watching), Cape Aguhlas (the Southernmost point in Africa), and the towering Langeberg mountain range.
Once you begin the Garden Route itself, you’re met with lush, indigenous forests, pristine beaches, and the world-renowned Tsitsikamma National Park and Nature’s Valley. Some of our favourite camp sites include Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp in Stormsrivier, and Bruintjieskraal in Baviaanskloof. The road trip route is littered with wildlife nature reserves where you can see elephant, zebra, and lion, and is a birder’s paradise; look for the beautiful Kynsna Loerie and elusive Narina Trogon.
Ideal trip length: 7-14 days.
Birds to watch for: Knynsa Loerie, Narina Trogon, Half-collared Kingfisher
Cape Winelands road trip route (Western Cape)
South Africa is the world’s eight largest wine producer, and recognised as one of the finest wine-growing regions on the planet. Stellebosch and its surrounds form the beating heart of the South African wine industry, and you can be sampling grapes in less than an hour by car from Cape Town. The Cape Winelands road trip route begins in Stellenbosch, and winds its way through neighbouring Paarl and Franschhoek, each area boasting its own unique vintages.
Wine tasting in South Africa can be fancy, but it also can be laidback, approachable, and incredibly affordable. With your fully kitted vehicle, there is no need to fork out for an expensive hotel or guesthouse on a wine estate. We’ve camped at the wonderful Franschhoek Camping, the Berg River Resort and Black Pearl Wines Camping on our own travels.
Ideal Trip Length: 5-7 days
Birds to watch for: Blue Crane, Grey Heron, Double-collared Sunbird
Wild Coast road trip route (Eastern Cape)
For a real off-the-beaten-track 4x4 road trip route we like to head to the Wild Coast (check out our 4x4 driving tips if it’s your first time). Hidden away in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the Wild Coast route stretches between East London to the southern border of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The Wild Coast is aptly named; the region is home to rugged coastline, rolling green hills and mountains, and remote, rural villages. It’s also home to the most sought-after surf spots in the country.
Beginning in East London, we have our own well-oiled itinerary, visiting places we travelled to as kids, packed in the back of a car for a three-week adventure. It’s quiet, remote, and perfect for those looking to really disconnect. Our first stop is Dwesa Nature Reserve, home to 290 bird species, before moving on to Coffee Bay, to visit the famous Hole in the Wall. Then we head to Mdumbi, surfing paradise, and head up to the stunning Mtentu Campsite for our last stop.
Ideal trip length: 14-21 days
Birds to watch for: African Oystercatcher, African Penguin, Black Harrier
Our trusty ranger loaded with drinks, snacks and friends for a sunset session on the river mouth
Cederberg road trip route (Western Cape)
The Cederberg is maybe our favourite place in all of South Africa. Less than 200 kilometres from Cape Town, the Cedeberg forms part of the Cape Fold Mountains, known for its dramatic, jagged terrain, and over 1,000 endemic plant species. The region is famous amongst the climbing and hiking communities; it is one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in the world, and there are endless trails to explore by foot, bike, or 4x4 vehicle.
There’s no set route for the Cedeberg; instead we like to navigate our trip by visiting our favourite campsites. Beaverlac Camping in Porterville is a particular gem, with pitches lining the Ratelrivier, perfect for swimming and hiking, and always quiet and private. Suikerbossie Guest Farm is always our next stop, a working citrus farm that has some of the best private campsites in the country. Kromrivier Cederberg Park is further north, near Clanwilliam, and is a favourite haunt of climbing enthusiasts (plus they have a fabulous winefarm).
Ideal trip length: 7-14 Days
Birds to watch for: Orange-breasted Sunbird, Black Eagle, Freckled Nightjar
Our private campsite right on the river in the heart of the Cederberg - one of the reasons we love Suikerbossie so much.
Panorama road trip route (Mpumalanga & Limpopo)
Situated in the Northeastern part of South Africa (also called the lowveld), the Panorama road trip is centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon on earth. Your route will take you along the Drakensberg escarpment, winding past some of the country's most iconic sites, like The Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Compared to the Western and Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga comprises high-altitude grassland, and low-altitude bushveld, divided by towering mountains and canyons.
Since we have family in Hoedspruit, we always begin our Panorama road trip route there, taking a few days to drop into Kruger National Park for a self-drive safari and stay at our favourite campsite, Tsendze Rustic Camp. From there, we head to Blyde River, A Forever Resort to hike in the canyon and take a birdwatching ferry ride. Then we move south to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, unusual rock formations created over millions of years of waterfalls and whirlpools. Panorama Rest Camp is another gem on the drive, and has an infinity pool overlooking an enormous gorge.
Check out our safari packing list guide to prepare for this trip.
Ideal trip length: 7-14 days (starting with Kruger)
Birds to watch for: Taita Falcon, African Finfoot, Lilac-breasted roller
Mariepskop, the highest point of the Blyde River Canyon
Hire a fully-kitted 4x4 and hit the road
Our mission at Zulazula 4x4 is to share our own tried and tested routes with travellers looking to explore South Africa in a more engaged way. We recommend places we’ve been, things we’ve seen, hosts we know, and equipment that has never failed us. The best way to experience our wonderful country on four wheels, with everything you need onboard.
Check out some of our other blogs here, and reach out to us if you want to start planning your own South African road trip route.