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Top Five Self-drive Travel Apps for Your Trip to South Africa

Author: Lana Goodwin - 21 October 2019

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the Travel To South Africa & South African & African Safari Collection

South Africa is among the most popular destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. A country diverse in culture, demographics and scenery, South Africa makes for unforgettable travel memories. As the country is so rich, it is only logical to visit as much of it as possible during your travels. Road trips across the country have thousands of adepts every weekend or holiday period.

In order to guarantee you a safe, enjoyable and autonomous travel experience, we’ve curated a list of self-drive travel apps to maximise your visit to South Africa.

Tracks4Africa Guide

This guide will make travelling, to even the most remote parts of Africa incredibly easier. It provides you with detailed maps of all regions of South Africa, with all the relevant information you may require – all without needing a working internet connection. Though it is not a GPS navigation app, it helps you familiarize with your environment, even hours into the dense South Africa bush.

iTrack Southern Africa

If you are a fan of safaris or other wildlife experiences, you will need this app in your travels. The app provides key information on 57 Southern African mammal species, keeping you abreast on what to expect in your camping, tracking or research expeditions.

 Africa: Live App

The Africa: Live App is an effective app with a purpose. The app allows users to view and share wildlife sightings (pictures, videos etc.) on their smartphone in real time. By using this app, you will also be contributing to The African Conservation (by helping them acquire more important data). Who knows, your pictures might even end up on the National Geographic Channel.

XE Currency App

This one is a no-brainer. To save money and budget effectively, you will constantly need to be up to date with exchange rates. The app works by saving last update rates to provide you with accurate calculations at all time. The XE currency app converts over 180 world currencies.

World Nomads

When travelling, do you ever wish you could communicate as effectively as you can at home? Not only is it a question of safety, but it also facilitates bonding experiences with locals from your travel destination. The World Nomads app features important travel phrases in a variety of languages that will spare you the need of a translator.

What You Need to Remember:

An enjoyable travelling experience is about preparation. When visiting South Africa, you will want to make the best out of your every meeting, every journey and every leisure activity. To facilitate this, download any (or all!) of the apps mentioned above. They will not just save you time and money, but also provide you with the best autonomous travel experience you could get. Most travelers book a vehicle with car rental  South Africa to accommodate their travels.

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Road Trip RSA takes you to cool places off the main drag

This app boosts south african tourism by promoting attractive venues, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, handicraft shops and stalls, plus things to see, do, eat and more… all on the road less travelled., we offer unique advertising opportunities on the roadtriprsa app., opportunities to share what makes your town so special., opportunities to boost pubs, wineries, guided tours, places to eat, places to stay, places to pick up things special to your area..

Value App – specialists in mobile apps for transport and tourist industries. This Mobile App is a product of Value App (Pty) Ltd

Thousands of places to see, things to do, venues to visit, history to experience, scoff to eat, goodies to buy, beds to sleep in, tracks to wander and roads to drive.

This is the only App that lists free sightseeing: monuments, memorials, super views and battlefields. Takes you right to the site, to the doorstep or the entrance gate. All in the palm of your hand.

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Your town’s already on our App map So YOU need to tell visitors just what you’ve got to offer: As they drive, people are ready to enjoy (and spend on)…

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How to Plan the Perfect South Africa Road Trip

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There aren’t many countries where you can get up close to lions, penguins, and meerkats, hike through verdant mountains, surf on wild beaches, relax at wineries, and enjoy gourmet feasts all in one trip. South Africa is a stunning, diverse, and affordable country that’s best explored on a road trip.

You can read our detailed South Africa road trip itinerary  for where we went, and in this post I’ll cover how to plan your own perfect road trip.

Getting There and Away

Petrol stations, road conditions, choosing your south africa road trip itinerary, money and costs, accommodation, internet and mobile data plans, health and travel insurance, food and drink, what to pack, recommended reading, our south africa posts.

Many nationalities including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa for South Africa for visits of 90 days or less.

South Africa are strict about visa runs, so you can’t just leave the country and return a few days later to get another 90 days. I’ve heard that you need to return to your home country before you can get another entry, but I’m not sure of the exact rules. We did return to South Africa for one night after two weeks in Namibia  to transit through Johannesburg. We were asked about our plans and were only given a stamp for two days, not the usual 90 days.

Back to Contents

South Africa is in the southern hemisphere so the summer is from November to February and the winter is from June to August. The weather is temperate year-round so there is never a bad time to visit.

Our trip was complicated by the fact that the weather differs across the country. In the summer Cape Town and the Garden Route are dry, but Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Wild Coast are rainy.

Our road trip was from January to February so we had warm weather throughout, usually in the high 20s or low 30s Celsius. It did rain quite a bit before we got to Cape Town (where there was a drought), but it didn’t affect our trip too much and there were plenty of sunny days. Kruger is quieter and cheaper in the summer, but wildlife is harder to see (we still saw plenty ).

Cape Town in February and March was glorious with hot, dry weather perfect for beaches and picnics .

It’s best to avoid mid-December to mid-January when many South Africans travel during the summer holidays.

Unless you are overlanding across Africa you will most likely arrive in South Africa by plane. The main international airports are in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Johannesburg is usually cheaper so this is where we started our trip.

The cheapest flights from outside of Africa are usually from Europe or Dubai. We arrived from London via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines and left on a direct flight from Johannesburg to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. We used Kiwi and Skyscanner to search for the best deals.

We didn’t need a car in Johannesburg, so we took an Uber from the airport (cheaper than a regular taxi) and back again three days later to pick up our car and start our road trip.

South Africa has eleven official languages but English is widely spoken.

In the past South Africa has had a reputation for crime, including car jackings, so many people are concerned about safety. We felt safe on our road trip and didn’t have any problems (our only minor issues were in downtown Cape Town ). That said, we did take more precautions than we usually would, just in case.

• Don’t drive at night.
• Keep your car doors locked.
• Don’t leave anything visible in the car, even sunglasses. We left our luggage in the boot but didn’t open it when we parked somewhere.
• Don’t stop for anyone.
• Keep the windows closed while driving in cities.
• When you park in cities there is usually an unofficial guard who will keep an eye on your car. Tip him at least 2–5R when you leave (keep some change for this). Cape Town was the only place on our route that had car guards.
• Watch for potholes.
• Keep to the speed limit—on national highways it’s 120km/h (75mph), on secondary (rural) roads it’s 100km/h (60mph), and in built-up areas it’s usually 60km/h (35mph).
• Watch out for four-way crossroads. All cars have to stop and then the first one who arrived goes first.
• Don’t walk around at night in cities. We did walk around in small towns and safer neighbourhoods like Sea Point in Cape Town. If in doubt, ask a local.
• Be careful in downtown Cape Town, especially at night and on weekends, and keep an eye on your possessions. This is the only place we had any issues on our trip with an attempted pickpocket and a threatening beggar.

We did feel safe in South Africa, though, so don’t let this advice put you off. You just have to be a bit more cautious than in some parts of the world.

Car hire is reasonably priced in South Africa and you don’t need a 4WD, so we rented the cheapest compact car with A/C which cost US$12.60 a day including one-way fee. Our Renault Sandero was fine, but in retrospect, a larger car with power steering and cruise control would have been more comfortable considering the distances we travelled.

You can usually find the best deals on comparison sites like Rental Cars , but it’s also worth checking with local companies. As we were renting for a longer period (36 days), we were offered an extra discount from Around About Cars (who sub-contract to Tempest in Johannesburg) so they worked out cheaper. The only issue we had was Tempest charging us a cleaning fee at the end. We would have cleaned it ourselves if we had known this was expected.

When you are comparing prices make sure you include all the extra charges like contract fee, additional driver, and one-way fee, and make sure you have unlimited kilometres.

You’ll also need a credit card in the driver’s name for a deposit—a hold of 6500R ($490) was put on our card and removed on return.

We always buy separate excess car insurance as it’s much cheaper than buying the policy the car rental company tries to sell you. An annual worldwide policy cost us £52 ($67). 

It’s a good idea not to let your petrol get too low as we did encounter some quieter stretches without petrol stations for a few hours. Some stations don’t accept cards so keep some cash on hand. Most stations have a shop, toilets, and sometimes fast-food outlets.

Petrol stations in South Africa are not self-service. Stay in your car and an attendant will fill up for you and often clean your windscreen. They can also check your oil, water and tyre pressure if you ask. It’s customary to tip around 5R—we usually gave more, especially if they cleaned the windows.

Road conditions are generally good in South Africa and we rarely encountered traffic (Cape Town is the major exception). Although the main roads are usually tarmacked there are occasionally rougher sections with potholes. We also had to drive on bumpy dirt tracks for short sections to reach some of our accommodation as we chose more isolated locations. Our little car managed the dirt roads fine, if a little uncomfortably.

There are quite a few toll roads. We drove on five of them which cost from 43–78R ($3–6). Keep cash for these as they only accept South African cards.

We bought a SIM card and data plan (see below) and used Google Maps for directions, which worked well. The only area it didn’t work was Greater Kruger as Google Maps didn’t know that you had to leave the private reserves and enter through official Kruger National Park gates. Just make sure you get directions if you stay at a safari lodge .

We had 3G or at least Edge almost everywhere we visited. If you start turn-by-turn directions when you have signal they will continue even if you lose connection.

There are so many places to visit in South Africa. I recommend getting inspiration from blogs and a guidebook (we used Lonely Planet South Africa ) and creating a custom Google Map with pins for all the places you are interested in visiting. You can then calculate how long it will take to travel between them and work out a logical route. One-way rental fees and domestic flights are inexpensive so there’s no need to drive back to your starting point.

We spent 36 days (including three days at the start without a car) driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Wild Coast, and the Garden Route. You can see our detailed South Africa road trip itinerary .

I highly recommend this route if you have the time as it covered a wide range of landscapes and activities. If you have less time, you could choose one section such as Kruger from Johannesburg (read our Kruger self-drive guide ) or the Garden Route from Cape Town .

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 13 ZAR and 1 GBP = 17 ZAR.

Credit cards are often accepted but not always, so keep some cash on you. Many ATMs charge withdrawal fees. FNB doesn’t but the maximum amount you can withdraw is 2000R ($152). There are no ATMs in small towns like Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast so stock up before you go.

We spent an average of £52/ $65 per person per day on our 36-day road trip staying in mid-range accommodation and eating out frequently (we did self-cater sometimes). See our South Africa travel costs post for a detailed breakdown.

We mostly stayed in comfortable, mid-range accommodation that we found on Booking.com . Self-catering is very popular in South Africa and we almost always had a kitchen, either private in a bungalow/house or shared in a hostel.

Some of our favourites include Havana Nights in Graskop, Forellenhof Farm in Wakkerstroom, Wilderness Beach Resort in Wilderness, The Edge in Hogsback, and Orange Grove Farm in Robertson (our favourite and totally worth the splurge!).

You can read more about them in our post on special places to stay in South Africa .

Hostels are known as backpackers in South Africa and there are some good ones with private rooms as nice as hotels (such as the sea view room at Buccaneers in Chintsa). Dorm rooms are ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

Airbnb is a good option in cities but limited everywhere else. We stayed in excellent Airbnb apartments in Johannesburg, Plettenberg Bay, and Cape Town. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, sign up here for $39 off your first stay.

We also stayed in a few government-run SAN Parks camps in National Parks. The accommodation isn’t amazing but you can’t beat the settings. Rest camps are the most affordable option in Kruger National Park (book in advance as they are popular) and the best way to do a budget self-drive safari .

The best places we stayed were the two safari lodges in private game reserves that border Kruger National Park—read our reviews of Klaserie Sands River Camp and Umlani Bushcamp . If you can afford it, a safari lodge is well worth it. 

We booked all our accommodation in advance. We booked our Kruger camps about three months in advance (as far in advance as possible is best) and other stops for our first two weeks (including eight days in Kruger) two months in advance. Outside of Kruger, I am sure we would have found availability on Booking.com nearer the time though.

Halfway through our road trip I booked accommodation for the remaining few weeks. Some places we wanted to stay were already booked up but there were plenty of alternatives. You could probably book as you go, especially outside of the summer, but we preferred to have it all sorted.

You can see exactly where we stayed in our road trip itinerary .

WiFi is generally slow and not all accommodation has it (or it’s only in common areas). Some backpackers charge for WiFi.

We found a mobile data plan a better way to stay connected. We bought a Vodacom SIM for 105R ($8) from the Vodacom shop at Johannesburg airport and a 10GB data plan for 599R ($45). SIM cards are cheaper elsewhere but it was easier to buy it at the airport.

We had 3G most of the time but it sometimes dropped to Edge in more remote areas. We didn’t have any signal in the private game reserves and outside of the camps in Kruger National Park.

Malaria isn’t present in most of the country except the far northeast. You might want to consider taking antimalarial pills if you are visiting Kruger National Park. It’s best to get a doctor’s advice before you travel.

Tap water is safe to drink in South Africa. We did get sick on the Wild Coast so you might want to be careful there.

Travel insurance is essential in case anything goes wrong. We use True Traveller insurance , which is the best and cheapest option we’ve found for UK/EU citizens. If you are from outside Europe, we recommend Heymondo , which is a well-respected company with excellent coverage.

Wine is great and inexpensive—don’t miss a visit to the Cape Winelands . Appletiser is a delicious sparkling 100% apple juice made in South Africa.

Most restaurants serve a wide variety of international cuisine like you’d expect in the US or UK. There are some traditional African dishes but these include meat. Indian food is a better option for vegetarians.

Almost all restaurants have vegetarian options although they might not be very exciting in rural areas. We ate a lot of toasted cheese sandwiches, Greek salads, and pizza. The food in Cape Town is much better—see our favourite vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Cape Town.

Self-catering is popular and you’ll likely have access to a kitchen and/or braai (barbecue). South Africans love to barbecue. There are plenty of supermarkets like SPAR and Pick n Pay. Woolworths is a more upmarket option similar to M&S in the UK. Look out for farm stalls, which are small shops selling tasty homemade products like bread, jam, and baked goods.

A few items that would be useful:

• South African power adapter – They use a round three-pronged plug that isn’t included in universal adapters.
• Water bottle – We use this Vapur Element foldable one that doesn’t take up much space when not in use.
• Camera with a long lens (for safaris) – I used my mirrorless camera, the Olympus OMD-EM5 and the Olympus 75–300mm lens. It is a much smaller, lighter combo than an SLR with telephoto lens and worked well.
• Spare camera batteries and memory cards – You’ll be taking a lot of photos!
• Binoculars – We didn’t have any but often wished we did on safari.
• Torch/flashlight – This was useful on safari.
• Insect repellent
• Portable battery charger – Useful if you want to stay in isolated off-the-grid locations ( Umlani Bushcamp did not have power points in our room).

Otherwise, we just packed our usual clothes, electronics, and toiletries in our carry-on size backpacks —see our carry-on packing list . 

When we got to South Africa we stocked up on basic self-catering supplies at a supermarket as well as a tupperware pot for storing leftovers and a flask for coffee in the car. Simon usually made his own with his AeroPress coffee maker . A cooler would also be useful for storing perishables and cold drinks on long drives but we managed without.

I think it’s important to have an understanding of recent history before you visit. If you only read one book, make it Nelson Mandela’s inspiring autobiography Long Walk to Freedom . See my list of other South Africa books to read before you visit.

We also used the Lonely Planet South Africa guidebook on our Kindle.

For more about our experiences in South Africa, take a look at these posts:

• The Best South Africa Road Trip Itinerary
• How Much Does a South Africa Road Trip Cost?
• 12 Books to Read Before Visiting South Africa
• Kruger Safari on a Budget: How to Plan the Perfect Self-Drive Trip
• Which Kruger Safari is Right For You? Self-Drive vs Private Lodge
• Klaserie Sands River Camp: An Intimate Safari Lodge in Kruger
• Umlani Bushcamp: An Affordable Eco Safari Lodge in Kruger
• The 28 Best Things to Do in Cape Town
• The 25 Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Cape Town
• Driving the Cape Peninsula on a Harley Davidson
• Cape Town From Above: A Helicopter Trip Over the City

Other Destinations

• Stunning Franschhoek: The Best Base for South Africa’s Cape Winelands
• Meerkats, Mountains and Caves in Oudtshoorn
• Discover a Different Side of South Africa in Coffee Bay

We had an amazing time road tripping across South Africa. I hope this post has helped you plan your own road trip—let me know if you have any questions.

If you enjoyed this post, pin it!

11 Comments

I’m planning to visit SA, but settle for road trips for budget reasons, and after reading your posts :) My plan is to drive from Johannesburg to Kruger, then from Kruger down to Cape town… the route I’ll be taking from Johannesburg to Cape Town normally passes either through Bloemfontein or Kimberley.. i just wanted to ask, what is the best route/sites/towns/accommodations to visit from Kimberley to Cape Town?. Also, please do give me recommendations in case i plan to take the route from Johannesburg to Kimberley.

Thanks and regards, Faris

Reply ↓

I don’t think it makes sense to go through Kimberley if you are coming from Kruger. We didn’t go that way so I can’t advise on places to stop.

This is our itinerary from Johannesburg to Kruger to Cape Town: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/south-africa-road-trip-itinerary/

Hi, we’re visiting SA in November for 16 days. We land in Johannesburg and the 3 musts for us are Kruger, Cape Town and the winelands. Do you have a recommended route/stops for half the time that you had there?

Regards Thank you,

I’d be tempted to fly between Kruger and Cape Town to save time. You could easily spend 10 days or more exploring Cape Town and the winelands, but you could also drive the Garden Route as well (with possible overnights at Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay). Have an amazing trip!

Thanks for the recommended reading! Knowing a little about the place before going there always makes it more interesting. And hey there’s Klaserie Sands from your other post! :)

I will be traveling from Jo-burg to Cape Town stopping at many places along the way. I’ve heard Drakensburg and Sinsta have pretty rough roads.

What kind of car would you recommend renting? SUV or would a compact car be sufficient?

We were fine in a compact car. There are a few rough sections but it wasn’t a problem.

I live in Cape Town (from England), and I’m glad you enjoyed your visit! I can agreee with you in terms of the traffic in Cape Town hah!

What a great city to live!

Just amazing, keeps getting better and better with all the posts, have marked all of it for our trip, much easier for our plans. Thanks a ton

I’m glad you have found them useful. Good luck with planning your trip!

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!

October 16, 2020 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

When it comes to sheer natural beauty, few countries can compete with South Africa .

I mean, it has everything you could possibly want. Ridiculously looking beaches, stunning mountains dwarfing your existence, wonderlands of wildflowers, arid desert landscapes, and nature reserves bursting with critters and the iconic Big 5.

Oh, and don’t forget the seemingly endless wine routes and delicious plates of gourmet food!

So it’s not surprising South Africa is one of the top road trip destinations in the world .

Over the years, I’ve done countless trips around South Africa and those hours cruising around the country are probably some of my favourite travel experiences to date.

Today, I’m finally sharing a selection of the best South African road trips. If you’re looking for incredible places and experiences to add to your South Africa itinerary (or an excuse to leave the house this weekend), keep reading!

Psstt…Want more South Africa travel inspiration? Check out these other posts:

• The Ultimate South African Road Trip Itinerary
• Tips For Making The Most Out of Your Summer Road Trip
• The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
• Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Garden Route Road Trip Highlights

Top places to stay along the garden route, kruger national park, top places to stay along the panorama route, top places to stay along the elephant coast, namaqualand road trip highlights, top places to stay in namaqualand, west coast road trip highlights, top places to stay along the west coast, route 62 road trip highlights, wild coast road trip highlights, highlights of drakensberg – sani pass road trip, johannesburg to cape town road trip highlights, tips for driving in south africa, the best road trips in south africa.

Garden Route

I think we can all agree that the Garden Route is an iconic road trip in South Africa .

It’s a destination that’s straight-up “pinch me I must be dreaming”.

With 200km of towering mountains, winding hiking trails through steep valleys, isolated beaches, the highest bungee jump in the world and Great White shark sightings- it has everything adventure-loving travellers could ask for and then some.

Starting in Mossel Bay, you could spend a couple of days to weeks town hopping between Knysna , George, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay , Nature’s Valley and Storms River.

I love the Garden Route so much, I made three road trips in one year, and I STILL didn’t see everything.

It’s the definition of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure with a ridiculous amount of things to see and do.

• Robberg Nature Reserve (coastal hikes, shark sightings and a braai with a view)
• Tsitsikamma National Park (suspension bridges over the ocean, anyone?)
• The Otter Trail (the best and oldest multi-day hike in South Africa )
• Bloukrans Bridge (a bungee jump only for the brave)
• Teniqua Treetops  (stay in a mother-trucking treehouse!)
• Sky Villa Plett
• Whispering Oaks
• Wild Spirit Backpackers

Read More: An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)

As South Africans, it’s our national duty to visit the great Kruger National Park AT LEAST once.

Considered one of the best national parks in the world, it’s a road trip you won’t regret. 

Plus, us locals get an incredible day and accommodation rates into the park, so take advantage!

To get the most out of Kruger National Park’s 2 million hectares – you need a plan. And that plan starts with staying INSIDE the park.

Seriously, it’s going to save you so much time and waiting in long a** lines first thing in the morning SUCKS.

The second part of your road trip plan is choosing the best camps for your safari goals:

• Lower Sabie is the most popular camp for good reasons. The sightings here are unreal, but come with a six-month waiting list – so don’t waste time securing your reservation.
• Satara is Big Cat country. The Savanah Plains are home to adorable floofs like lazy lions, elusive leopards perching in Leadwood trees.
• Tamboti is a remote camp and is utterly hidden in the bush. Come here if you want to try your luck finding the den of wild dogs that call the area home.

Read More: Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Panorama Route

While you’re road-trippin’ around Kruger National Park, make a small detour to the world-famous Panorama Route .

Located in the stunning Mpumalanga province , it’s one of those destinations that doesn’t look real.

This spectacular part of South Africa is the stuff of dreams. The vistas couldn’t look bad if they tried, and the area is overflowing with waterfalls .

Seriously. I spent two days driving around the Panorama Route, ticking off five waterfalls, and that wasn’t all of them!

If you’re a nature lover like me and you’re all about proving TLC wrong, you will lose your sh*t here.

It’s also one of the cheapest road trips in South Africa, with entrance fees to most attractions costing a measly R10.00 – R20.00.

Panorama Route Road Trip Highlights

• Blyde River Canyon (an iconic sunset spot)
• God’s Window (gaze all the way to Mozambique on a clear day!)
• Lisbon Falls (a ridiculous good-looking waterfall)
• Pinnacle Rock (set your alarms and pull through for sunrise)

Read More: The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary

• Blyde Canyon: A Forever Resort
• Wild Forest Inn

Elephant Coast

The Elephant Coast and it’s 10 Jewels of iSimangaliso is one of the best road trips in South Africa for a very simple reason: it’s freaking epic dude!

Drive down to the north coast and witness the beauty of Mother Nature in full force!

Dive into the depths of Sodwana Bay (the tippy top of iSimangaliso) and swim with whale sharks, endangered sea turtles, ragged-tooth sharks and dolphins. 

Not a water baby? Patrol the beaches after sundown and watch loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.

Further south, you can go on Big 5 game drives and stay on isolated, unspoilt South African beaches . 

Sound like your vibe? Welcome to the ultimate Durban road trip where the bush meets the beach.

Elephant Coast Road Trip Highlights

• Whale watching at St Lucia
• Sodwana Bay (the best scuba diving destination in South Africa)
• Kosi Bay (an 18km 4×4 coastal adventure that borders Mozambique)
• False Bay (home to Nile crocodiles and pink Pelicans)
• Lake Sibaya (the largest freshwater lake in South Arica)

Read More: The Best Game Reserves in KZN for an Unforgettable Safari Experience

• Coral Divers in Sodwana Bay
• Kosi Forest Lodge
• Thonga Beach Lodge
• Ghost Mountain Inn
• Makakatana Bay Lodge

Namaqualand

When I posted my Namaqualand road trip on Instagram, I got A LOT of DMs from you guys. 

The #1 comment?

“I thought Namaqualand was a road trip in South Africa for grandparents.”

Well, I’m here to tell you nay-nay. That is fake news.

While Mel, Carmen and I were the *youngest* flower chasers out there, we did have a blast!

The region went above and beyond my expectations and I would 12/10 recommend carving out time in your calendar for wildflower season road trip.

The best part about Namaqualand is you can break up the itinerary to suit your schedule.

Only have a weekend and want to drive max three hours from your home in Cape Town ? Hit up the West Coast, Darling and the Cederberg – all under 4-hours away with rolling landscapes of candy-coloured blooms.

Got more time on your hands and planning a road trip from Johannesburg? Start with the Northern region (Namaqua National Park) and drive south to hit up flower hotspots like Clanwilliam, Nieuwoudtville and Biedouw Valley.

• Namaqua National Park (camp in the south and drive up to the flowers in the north!)
• Hantam National Botanical Gardens  in Nieuwoudtville
• West Coast National Park (don’t miss the Postberg section)
• Goegap Nature Reserve in Springbok

Read More: 8+ Stunning, Drool-Worthy Places to See the Namaqualand Flowers

• Enjo Nature Farm  in Biedouw Valley (comes with a private display of wildflowers and one of the best campsites in South Africa!)
• De Pakhuys  (perfect if you want to go rock climbing as well)
• 1 Queen Vic  (stay in Darling and be close to West Coast National Park and Cederberg)
• The Olive Tree Villa  (for those that want a dose of luxury)

The West Coast, with its blue a** water and six different routes, is one of the best road trips from Cape Town.

Hands down.

Select the itinerary you want to explore, hop in your car and tick off over 100 stops along the way.

Choose from the following routes:

• Tractor Route
• Foodie Route
• Cultural Route

And in true South African flair, there are plenty of wineries along the way Fryer’s Cove in Doring Bay is my favourite! Try the Sauvignon Blanc with some delicious chips and fish.

With so much to see and do, I highly recommend checking out the official West Coast Way website to plan your route around your stomach and other interests.

PLUS most stops are only 1-2 hours away, making it perfect for travellers after short road trips from Cape Town.

• Atlantis Sand Dunes (sunset here is magical!)
• Langebaan and Saldanha Bay (water sport heaven)
• Craft beer tastings in Darling
• Rocking the Daisies (time your road trip with one of the best music festivals in South Africa)
• St Helena Bay (stunning sea views and excellent surf spots)
• Rocklands (an incredible bouldering spot for rock climbers)
• Melkbosstrand (come for the views, stay for the food)
• !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre

Read More: 20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town

• Swept Away Guesthouse
• Off The Road
• Smugglers’ BnB
• The Tin Shack

Honestly, I’ve only done bits and pieces of the Route 62 road trip, and it’s a slight I need to rectify IMMEDIATELY.

Linking Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, it’s an excellent alternative for travellers who have conquered the Garden Route and are in pursuit of scenic drives, one-of-a-kind boutique accommodation and delicious foodie experiences.

Cutting across the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, the wine route here is world-class and deserves an entire itinerary devoted to devouring it one bottle at a time.

Then there’s the semi-desert landscapes, Karoo National Park, Big 5 game reserves and sunrise missions with curious meerkats.

What more could you ask for?

• Spending a night in a dome house (on a lake!) in Tulbagh at La Bruyere Farm
• Snow missions to the towering mountains of Ceres
• Meerkats and ostriches in Oudtshoorn
• Surfing in Jeffery’s Bay
• Big 7 safari experience at Addo National Park
• Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
• Getting day drunk along the Route 62 wine route
• Camping and kayaking in the Breede River Valley

Read More: How to Visit Addo National Park: A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide

The Wild Coast is a must-see road trip destination for so many different reasons. For one – it’s a 250 kilometre stretch of rugged and unspoilt coastline, where you can find awe-inspiring waterfalls, intriguing cultural history, and iconic South African landmarks.

The route starts at Mzamba and winds down to the sleepy city of East London. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional turquoise rondavels in the hills, seaside towns and parts of South Africa few travellers explore.

And beach bums – you’re in luck. The Wild Coast is where you’ll find footprint-free beaches, home to lazy cows and stunning seascapes.

A word of warning:  Before you set out on your road trip, bring a spare tyre. The roads in Coffee Bay and surrounds are notorious for potholes, and there’s a high chance one will demand a sacrifice.

• Hole in the Wall and Coffee Bay
• Morgan Bay cliffs (one of my favourite astrophotography spots in South Africa!)
• Magwa Falls (an incredible waterfall in South Africa near Port St. Johns)
• Chintsa (the beaches here are *chef’s kiss*)
• Kei Mouth (take your car over one of the last car-transporting pontoon river ferry services in South Africa)
• Waterfall Bluff
• Jacaranda shipwreck

Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit

Drakensberg – Sani Pass

Dramatic landscapes are abundant in the Drakensberg , but for a death-defying South Africa road trip , tackle the iconic Sani Pass.

Situated between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho it’s the mother of all mountain passes. With a summit altitude of 2876m ASL, dramatic scenery, bad weather and treacherous conditions – it’s a challenging 4×4 drive not for the faint of heart.

When I went up in 2018 (as a passenger), I found myself bitterly regretting not having a will in place as we hugged the terrifying hairpin turns ascending into the thick mist.

But Sani Pass shouldn’t be the only stop on your road trip itinerary. While you’re in the ‘Berg, hike to the top of Tugela Falls (the highest waterfall in Africa) and camp on the summit.

You’ll wake up to one of the most spectacular, jaw-dropping sunrises of your life!

• Have a drink at the highest pub in Africa
• Hike to the top of Tugela Falls (the highest waterfall in Africa)
• Conquer Sani Pass and become a 4×4 Jedi Master
• Afriski (one of the few places you can ski in Africa)
• Drakensberg wine route
• Smoking Dragon Festival (one of the best ways to welcome in the New Year)

Read More: The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away

Johannesburg to Cape Town

A lot of South Africans (including myself) are guilty of speeding through the Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip – WITHOUT stopping.

If you’ve never taken the time to break up your trip – boy, are you missing out!

Situated 40km off the N1 between the two cities, is the stunning Eco Karoo Lodge . Spend a night here, and you won’t see or hear another human being while you whip up a braai and take a plunge in the pool.

It’s an epic alternative to the usual Colesberg stopover (and waaaay more photogenic).

Next, make a detour to the incredible Valley of Desolation in Graaf Reinet. Stand in awe of the sheer cliffs of dolerite towering 120 metres from the valley floor against the vast backdrop the Camdeboo.

It looks like Mars. With trees.

• Sutherland (come for the stargazing and witness the cosmos at their finest).
• Samara Game Reserve (a bougie a** private reserve where you can track cheetahs on foot).
• Camedeboo National Park
• The historic towns of Graaf Reinet and Matjiesfontein

Read More: Backpacking South Africa Alone: The Perfect Road Trip Around South Africa

• South Africa Road Trip Safety:  Over the holidays (Christmas and Easter), South Africa sees more road accidents than usual. Stay safe by maintaining a safe following distance, keeping to the speed limit and taking a break from driving every two hours. If you can, rotate drivers to give your eyes a rest.
• Staying Connected:  In some parts of South Africa, the cellphone signal is weak or non-existent. While this is great for a digital detox, if you’re relying on a GPS to get you places, you don’t want to be forced to rely on your internal compass. Download the Tracks4Africa app. It works without a signal. No roaming internet device required.
• Car Rental:  If you need to rent a car for your trip, don’t forget about the security deposit that needs to go on your credit card! All the major airports have car rental services, making it easy to pick up your ride without requesting an Uber. But if you aren’t doing a roundtrip, check before you book where you can drop off the vehicle.
• Plan Your Route:  Don’t leave home without a solid plan for your road trip in South Africa! Of course, you want room in your itinerary for some spontaneous sightseeing, but the distances for some road trips in South Africa are massive. You need to break up how long your driving each day to avoid fatigue and also plan around any road or route closures.

Did I miss any of your favourite road trips in South Africa? Got some suggestions for other top road trip destinations in South Africa? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!

? If you like it, then you should put a pin on it! ?

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

October 17, 2020 at 1:36 pm

South Africa seems perfect for road trips! I’d love to visit Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route ? Road trips are my favourite, so I save this post for when I can travel there!

October 18, 2020 at 2:06 pm

Both are so BEAUTIFUL! I’m sure you’ll love SA when you visit one day 🙂

October 18, 2020 at 7:24 am

I would love to go on a road trip here! Great tips and places to visit.

November 6, 2020 at 3:50 pm

Hubby and I are planning a road trip from Joburg to Cape Town in the 1st week of December. How many days would you recommend we set aside for this? We would like to go via the Garden Route and are flying back from Cape Town.

November 7, 2020 at 10:55 am

Hi Seapei! It really depends on you and how much time you have/what you want to see/how much you want to drive each day. I’ve done JHB to CPT road trips in 2-days, 3-weeks and all the way up to a month. I would recommend you make a list of “must-sees” and plan your route around that. It will give you a better idea of how much time you need.

November 9, 2020 at 7:09 pm

Jhb to cpt.use alternative routes where possible one being the Stunning drive through the knysna forest to the n9.

November 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm

Ooooh thank you!!

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The 6 most beautiful road trips in South Africa

Sep 6, 2023 • 9 min read

A road trip in South Africa gets you up close to the country’s extraordinary landscapes © Goodboy Picture Company / Getty Images

South Africa offers some of the world’s most diverse landscapes, from sparkling oceans and stark deserts to snow-capped peaks and wildlife-dense savanna.

But it’s not just the land that makes South Africa so enthralling – the wealth of the country’s diverse cultural groups, each contributing its own architecture, traditional cuisine and customs, adds to the alluring mix. Traveling by car, with the ability to stop, explore and wander on your own schedule, might be the ideal way to take in all this variety. 

Here's our pick of the six best road trips in South Africa.

1. Panorama Route

Best road trip for high-altitude adventure Long Tom Pass to Echo Caves; 193km (120 miles)

Dipping in and out of Mpumalanga ’s Blyde River Canyon , the world’s third largest, this cloud-high drive takes you through and along magnificent natural features – cliffs, waterfalls and forests, with eagles soaring above – while offering plenty of places to get out and stretch your legs.

It’s a short hike, for example, to God’s Window , an overlook peeking down through jungly, bird-filled foliage some 2745m (9005ft) below. The Three Rondavels are a trio of soaring, grass-topped peaks resembling indigenous cone-shaped huts. Trails wander around Bourke’s Luck Potholes , cylindrical holes formed over thousands of years by the swirling waters of the Treur and Blyde rivers.

But it’s not just about the natural landscape. Several towns worth a stop include historic Pilgrim’s Rest, a living historical monument to the gold rush days of the late 1800s. Beautifully renovated structures line its streets, including the Victorian-era  Royal Hotel , whose Church Bar was originally a school chapel. Graskop is famed for its pancake restaurants, along with the Big Swing, an exhilarating rush over the canyon on one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings. Sabie is a tranquil country town in the middle of a forest, with watery natural attractions, including Bridal Veil Falls, Lone Creek Waterfall and Horseshoe Falls.

2. Garden Route

Best road trip for a Garden of Eden experience Mossel Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth); 300km (186 miles)

Meandering through South Africa’s lush Indian Ocean littoral, the Garden Route (N2) is one of the nation’s most incredible itineraries. Burgeoning with luxuriant flora and fauna as well as coastal towns, pristine beaches and misty mountain forests, this drive is chock-full of things to see and do in one of the world’s most staggeringly beautiful settings.

For lovers of the outdoors, this road trip offers access to plenty of hiking trails, including the fabled five-day Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park ; surfing at numerous beaches, including the famous Jeffreys Bay; and the world’s largest commercial bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge . Camping is sublime, whether you prefer pitching your tent next to a rippling river, a primeval forest or the boundless ocean.

Wildlife aficionados adore Oudtshoorn and its ostrich farms; Addo Elephant National Park , which is also home to rhinos, lions, hyenas and zebras; and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary , which has more than 700 primates in a free-range multi-species reserve. You can also walk with wild cheetahs at Tenikwa Wildlife Center . Nature is everywhere you look – expect to spot otters, Southern right whales and the odd great white splashing offshore, with birds galore flitting through the treetops and scurrying across the sands.

Oak-lined Goringhaikona (formerly known as George) provides a good base for setting out. Other popular towns include Knysna , with its nearby oyster farms; the seaside resort of Witsand , which offers water sports, fishing and whale watching; and Mossel Bay , boasting a temperate climate and cultural history dating back 350,000 years.

Local tip:  Witsand Nature Reserve comes with a soundtrack – when conditions are hot and dry, the sand sings. The "roaring sands" effect is created by air escaping from the tightly packed grains.

3. Midlands Meander

Best road trip for craftsmanship Lions River to Nottingham Road; 27km (16.7 miles)

Delving into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal northwest of Durban, the Midlands Meander is a collection of five color-coded routes that showcase the best of this untrammeled, rolling-green realm. You’ll discover breweries and wineries, unique lodging and locally sourced restaurants, nature reserves, traditional villages and plenty of outdoor activities along the way – though the region is perhaps most beloved for its arts and crafts.

Some 160 studios, workshops and outlets, including potters, leatherworkers, batik artists and chime makers, hide tucked away on tree-shaded lanes. Perhaps the best known is Ardmore Ceramics in the Champagne Valley, which has a gallery and studio where locals create whimsical, fantastical, colorful pieces that decorate such venues as Buckingham Palace and the White House.

You can follow one of the specific routes, with Route 4 highly recommended. On this drive, you’ll find the Capture Site Museum , marking the spot where Nelson Mandela was apprehended in 1962. A stunning, shape-shifting sculpture made of 50 steel columns that form Mandela’s face when viewed from the right direction stands outside. Rawdons Hotel is a fabulous, English-style country estate complete with a duck-dotted lake, a brewery, a distillery and a thatched roof. Enjoy goat’s milk cheese at Swissland Cheese and handcrafted Belgian chocolates at Chocolate Heaven.

4. Wild Coast

Best road trip for dramatic ocean views East London to Mzamba; 482km (300 miles)

This laid-back drive is all about stunning, off-the-beaten-path scenery – empty beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean’s turquoise surf, jagged coastlines, crashing waterfalls, dark skies full of shooting stars and picturesque turquoise rondavels perched on emerald-green hillsides. You can drive this road trip straight through, but taking the time to explore will reveal the true wonders of this wild place. While the main route is the N2, away from the ocean, be sure to veer off to explore, hike, swim, canoe and fish. A 4x4 is highly recommended.

Wild Coast highlights include Mkambati Nature Reserve south of Port Edward, with swamp forests, grasslands, rocky beaches, and grazing eland and hartebeest. A series of waterfalls spill dramatically into the ocean. Trail-laced Silaka Nature Reserve near Port St Johns is a haven of exotic lilies, zebras and wildebeest, and Bulungula Beach is supreme for surfing, fishing, swimming and canoeing. You could drive to Hole in the Wall, but a three-hour hike across the grassy coastline is the more idyllic approach to this natural rocky archway that swirls with local legends. The local Xhosa name is esiKhaleni, “the place of thunder,” for the sound the rushing ocean makes as it roars through the almost circular cavity.

But it’s not all about the natural beauty here. As you snap photos of cows lazing on beaches, remember that Nelson Mandela was born on these grasslands (he was a cowherd as a young child). Various sites related to him include the Nelson Mandela Museum , which has three parts: a museum at Mthatha; a museum at the small hamlet of Qunu, where Mandela was baptized and is buried; and an open-air museum in Mvezo, where he was born. It’s a profound connection to this remote land of wild beauty.

Planning tip:  Most car rental agencies can provide safety seats, but you'll need to book them in advance and usually pay extra.

5. Sani Pass

Best road trip for thrilling scenery Underberg to Mokhotlong, Lesotho; 9km (5.6 miles)

For drop-dead gorgeous scenery and the thrill of a lifetime, Sani Pass is hard to beat. An old mule route ending high atop the roof of Lesotho , this sweeping, wildflower-dotted road begins innocently enough. But before long you embark on the 1332m (4370ft) climb up the towering basalt cliffs of the Drakensberg mountains to the pass, looking out over the striking green midlands and, as you get higher, the Khomazana Valley. Plenty of shoulder parking areas allow you to stop and take it all in. 

This drive isn’t for the fainthearted. The route has tight switchbacks, hairpins, water crossings, plunging drops and no guardrails (and remains of rusting vehicles that didn’t make it). Plans are in the works to tar the road, but for the moment, it remains gravel, requiring the use of a 4x4 vehicle. Fog sometimes covers the pass, making conditions even hairier (and the views nondescript). Needless to say, above-average driving skills are necessary. 

But the stomach-churning journey is worth it as you reach the top, where you officially leave South Africa and enter Lesotho. Toast your achievement with lunch at the Sani Mountain Lodge – Africa’s highest pub, at 2876m (9435ft) above sea level – before heading back down the same precarious way you came.

Planning tip: As you're entering Lesotho, you'll need to take your passport. 

6. Best of the Cape Loop

Best road trip that lives up to the hype  Start and end at Cape Town; 160km (99 miles)

The Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town showcases the bewitching meeting of two oceans (Atlantic and Indian), fishing villages, sparkling beaches, the historic Cape of Good Hope – and penguins, too. There’s a lot of hype around this loop drive, and it absolutely lives up to it.

The first part hugs the coastline of stunning False Bay. Scan the waters for whales from August through November. You’ll have your choice of sparkling white-sand beaches to stop, swim and picnic at, while a string of villages each have their own charms, including Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town. Just outside Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is a must-stop for its famed colony of African penguins, accessed via boardwalks down to the beach. You could spend all day watching these adorable little birds waddle and splash but pry yourself away, continuing south to the Cape of Good Hope.

You’re in the middle of an immense nature reserve here, with ostriches, baboons and zebras running wild among the fynbos, an endangered plant type endemic to the Cape Peninsula. You can hike, hit the beach and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, but be sure to follow everyone down to the very tip of the peninsula at Cape Point, Africa’s southwesternmost spot. The old lighthouse here is an easy uphill walk; you can also take the Flying Dutchman Funicular .

The drive north up the Atlantic Seaboard reveals remote villages –  Hout Bay (take a seal excursion to Duiker Island) and Chapman’s Peak , with a 5km (3-mile) toll road leading to a stunning view over the bay and the ocean. Some say it’s the world’s most beautiful stretch of road.

Meander your way back to Cape Town, with last chances for beach time at Camps Bay and Clifton .

Local tip:  As well as the sweeping vistas from Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope lighthouse, head to Bloubergstrand for a full view of Table Mountain.

This article was first published January 2022 and updated September 2023

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Must-have apps for travellers to south africa.

Travelling and touring is constantly reaching new heights, as mobile phone apps make moving around easier, safer, more efficient, and diverse with the array of activities you can become exposed to.

At Curiocity, we have a passion for encouraging the curious traveller. In this article, we would like to share with you a few awesome, must have apps for you to download to make the most of your trip to the dynamic, colourful South Africa.

Data and airtime in South Africa

Before downloading any apps, it’s a good idea to become familiar with connectivity in South Africa . While overall WiFi presence is on the rise here, it is still not as abundant as in some other countries. We recommend that you have some preloaded data and airtime on your phone for moments in public places where WiFi is not readily available.

‘Airtime’, also known as talk time, is a credit balance on your phone with which you can send text messages and make phone calls. In South Africa, you can purchase airtime via cash or card at most grocery shops, corner stores, and petrol stations. Airtime can be converted into data, which gives you access to the internet, allowing you to surf the web and use any apps or features that require an internet connection (including all social media apps). The price of data bundles varies, depending on the service provider .

If your phone can take a South African SIM card, you will easily be able to buy one at any South African airport and get data and airtime at the same time. Some smartphones are not compatible with South African SIM’s. In this case, it’s best to have data and minutes loaded in your own country before your trip.

Get prepped with these friendly apps for travellers

There some really helpful apps available for navigating South Africa, each aimed at making your tour as rich as possible:

One of the easiest and safest ways to travel in South Africa is by using Uber. Ubers are perfect for occasional trips around the city, allowing you to enjoy it without having to worry about taking care of a rental.

You confirm a pick-up point and destination, and the app links you to a driver currently in the area. The app will provide you with information about the driver, including their name, car make and registration, phone number, and user-rating. (Note: Always double-check these details before getting into a vehicle).

Download Uber on Google Play and the iOS App Store .

Gautrain App

The Gautrain is an incredible, rapid transit railway system, which travels across 80 km between Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni and OR Tambo International Airport. It offers the perfect alternative to travelling by car, and gives you a chance to do some sight-seeing without the stress of finding parking, or getting stuck in a jam.

The Gautrain App, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store , provides you with information on all arrival and departure times, the nearest Gautrain stops, peak and off-peak timetables, as well as travel costs.

If you find yourself in Cape Town, a reliable, public means of transport is the MyCiTi bus service. MyCiTi has routes all over the Cape and offers rides at affordable prices. To use it, you just need to buy a MyCiTi card and preload it with cash.

Download the app to plan your journeys, by receiving information about timetables (with real-time updates), the nearest bus-stops, including directions for how to get there, your card balance, and any promotions. The app can also be used to contact MyCiTi in case of an emergency.

Navigation Apps

One of South Africa’s favourites, Waze is an app quite literally driven by people. It uses real-time data to create comprehensive maps and navigation information, alerting drivers to traffic, accidents, police presence, and construction.

This makes Waze quite spot-on in terms of an ETA, directing you to take the quickest and safest routes possible. Download it at the iOS App Store and Google Play .

To explore a city through the eyes of locals, we encourage using VoiceMap . This is a creative and insightful touring app that uses GPS to guide you along walks, cycles, and drives through cities around the world.

As you move, the app picks up on your location and begins to tell you stories and facts about what you see. The app is designed to be functional offline too – all you need to do is download a tour before starting and off you go! For safety, VoiceMap alerts you when you have taken a wrong turn and gives you directions for getting back on track. Collated by journalists, filmmakers, novelists, podcasters and experienced tour guides, VoiceMap gives you a truly unique look into different city spaces and allows you to move at your own pace.

In South Africa, the app covers Overberg, Hermanus, Johannesburg, the Cape Winelands, and Cape Town to date. We highly recommend it for those eager to learn more about South Africa. Download it either at the iOS App Store or on Google Play .

Entertainment Apps

Guidewithme.

For getting an inside scoop on what’s happening where and how to best get around a city in South Africa, GuideWithMe is the ideal buddy. Similar to VoiceMap, it uses GPS data to track your location, giving you detailed articles about the places you are in.

These articles include interesting information, warnings about health and safety, restaurant and hotel recommendations, road rules, local costs and much more. It’s a cool way of finding out about things to do and places to eat and hang out. The app even allows you to make lists of favourite new places, so you can document your trip along the way! Make sure you have this one downloaded before you arrive.

The Entertainer

The Entertainer , well-known in the Middle East and Asia, was recently launched in South Africa and has made touring our country just that extra bit more fun! After paying a once-off fee, you have access to a large variety of deals and promotions available in the country, perfect for doing a lot, for less.

Using GPS, The Entertainer lets you know what specials are available near you and ensures that you never run out of things to do.

Like in many other countries, it is important to be vigilant in South Africa and stay safe while you travel. To help you with this, Secura offers armed response on the go. The app provides you with a panic button, that when pressed, activates a call for an armed response vehicle near you.

Secura has partnered with a host of security companies, which together covers all nine provinces and almost 900 suburbs, ensuring that you get help as quickly as possible. This is the perfect way to feel safe throughout your adventure, knowing help is around the corner.

Prey Anti-theft

While it is possible to tour South Africa quite safely, in some cases you may be the victim of crimes like theft. Losing your mobile phone can be scary and unsettling, especially because these devices have become our phone books, maps, banks, and photo albums.

If your phone has been stolen (or lost), Prey Anti-theft provides useful GPS data to track it down, helping the police to make finding your device quicker and easier. The app is compatible with a variety of platforms including iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, Ubuntu, and MAC. Download it here .

Technology has advanced in a way that can make travel more efficient, convenient, and enjoyable. Take advantage of what’s out there, and feed your curious soul as you get to know South Africa!

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5 Reasons to Travel South Africa this Winter with CURIOCITY

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• Competition closes on 25 September 2021.
• Winner will be notified by email and will be allowed to select their City stay & experience.
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South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Everyone I know who has visited South Africa has rated it one of their favorite destinations.  They were unanimous in saying “You have to go to South Africa. You will love it”. They raved about the beautiful scenery, the wildlife and the great food and wine.

As we started planning a trip to South Africa we were excited to discover how diverse the country is. From world class cities, the opportunity to go on safari, UNESCO National Parks, world famous wine regions, spectacular beaches to challenging hiking. The list just went on and on! There are so many options for a road trip in South Africa in 2 weeks!

Here we share our 2 week itinerary and recommendations for an incredible South Africa trip.

• 1 Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks
• 2.1 Apartheid Museum
• 3.1 Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades
• 3.2 Royal Natal National Park
• 3.3 Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges
• 3.4 Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges
• 4.1 Clarens
• 5 Day 7: Addo
• 6.1 Jeffreys Bay
• 6.2 Ziplining at Storms River
• 6.3 Storm River Bridge
• 6.4 Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
• 6.5 Robberg Peninsula Hike
• 6.6 Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
• 7.2 Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn
• 8 Day 14: Cape Agulhas
• 9 Day 15: Franschhoek
• 10.1 Cape Town Waterfront
• 10.2 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• 10.3 Hiking Table Mountain
• 10.4 Camps Bay
• 10.5 Where to Stay in Cape Town
• 11 Best time to visit South Africa
• 12 South Africa Itinerary options
• 13.1 Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks

As we researched more about the best places to visit in South Africa, we settled on a 2 week road trip . We could easily have spent more time, and throughout this itinerary we highlight where you could make changes with more or less time.

Our two week itinerary started in Johannesburg. Our plan was to head east, past the Drakensberg Ranges, then head south and west along the famed Garden Route to Cape Town.

The trip would finish in Cape Town, one of the most spectacular cities in the world.

Map created at  travellerspoint.com

Days 1 – 2: Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg after spending 9 days in Botswana, considered one of the safest countries in Africa, where we had been on a self-drive safari . 

We handed back our 4wd bush camper and rented a car for two weeks in South Africa. There is no doubt we had some fears about driving in South Africa, but we actually found the country very easy to explore independently. The car gave us complete freedom to road trip at our own pace.

Seeking a little comfort we were lucky to find a great last minute deal staying at the Westpoint Executive Suites  in Sandton. There are a large number of serviced apartment buildings in the Sandton area, which is considered one of the safest places to stay in Johannesburg.

After sleeping in roof tents in Botswana it felt like complete luxury to have two bedrooms, a kitchen and a laundry in our apartment.

On our first night we took advantage of the great pool area, fast WI-FI and the comforts of home while admiring the sunset views from our balcony.

Expert Tip: If you want to add 2 days in Kruger National Park, we suggest you reduce time in Johannesburg and head straight to Kruger NP, 4-5 hours drive away.

Apartheid Museum

If you have time to explore Johannesburg, we recommend a trip to the Apartheid Museum  across town. The drive took us through wealthy suburbs with beautiful tree lined streets and large homes surrounded by even larger walls, often protected with security guards. In stark contrast, at just about every set of lights there were people begging.

It is a confronting sight coming from a country like Australia. It prompted discussions with the kids about poverty, inequality and apartheid. It made for an interesting drive and was perhaps a good introduction to the Apartheid Museum, which offers a thought provoking and moving look at South Africa’s tumultuous history.

The Apartheid Museum documents the rise and fall of apartheid in the country and the devastating impact it has had on its citizens. Although the museum is confronting and somber, I highly recommend a visit. It helped us understand the recent history of South Africa and was a timely history lesson before we set off to explore the country.

It was, however, difficult to engage the kids. There is a lot of written text to read and many of the topics were too complex for them to fully understand.

While it meant we moved through the museum quickly, it was worth a visit with the kids. It gave the kids a basic history lesson which was a good base to build on as we began our road trip through the country.

Related: Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel

Days 3-5: Drakensberg Ranges

Although we hardly scratched the surface of Jo’burg, we were keen to head out of the city and start our road trip to Cape Town. We drove for about 4 hours south on a motorway through fields and spectacular plains to the Drakensberg Ranges.

The Drakensberg is the eastern portion of the escarpment that marks the border between South Africa and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. It stretches for over 1000 km and includes spectacular rocky peaks over 3000 m tall. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2000.

The region is peppered with small towns with access to the surrounding mountain ranges offering spectacular hiking and walks. We made our way to the Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge just outside Bergville, our base for a few days.

If you love the outdoors and hiking, a few days visiting the Drakensberg Ranges is a worthwhile inclusion in your South Africa itinerary.

Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades

The challenge when planning our hiking in the Drakensberg Ranges was that many of the trails seemed technical. We also found it difficult to find detailed information about the hikes to confirm if that was the case.

We concluded from what we could find that the Tugela Falls hike might be a bit tough for the kids. I would love to come back when the kids are older to tackle this hike. Instead we set off on a self-guided 4 hour hike to the Cascades.

To get to the trailhead was about an hour drive from Bergville to Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve (120 Rand entry).

On the way we passed many small villages with very basic housing. This was a common sight in South Africa and seems to be a sign that change is slow in the country. The locals would wait on the roadside for one of the many minibuses that ferried them from place to place. Hitching a ride is commonplace and there were plenty of people seeking a ride.

Parking is at the luxurious Didima Camp Lodges and the trail makes its way up into one of the canyons of the Drakensberg foothills. The staff at Didima have a hiking register you can sign before you set off.

The first part of the hike was through grassland and low scrub. We were lucky to have a clear morning and the views across to the Drakensberg Ranges were gorgeous.

After spending time in Botswana where roaming animals included lions, wild dogs and elephants, we were all a little nervous as we set off! Fortunately we were alone except for a number of baboons who looked on from a distance.

It was a bit of a climb and hot in the sun. The track was overgrown in places and was obviously not used much. We only passed two people during the hike.

The trail eventually led into a damp forest alongside a mountain stream with big boulders and a cascading stream. We followed this for a while until we found a nice spot and had a picnic lunch on the rocks by the stream.

We returned the same way, just making it to the car in time to beat the rain. It was sunny by the time we returned to our accommodation we had a well deserved swim in the pool.

Royal Natal National Park

The next day we drove to the nearby Royal Natal National Park (120 Rand entry).

Our first stop was a guided walk to see some of the famed rock art by the San people who called the Drakensberg home since the stone age. There are many rock art sites throughout the area and educational centers at Didima and Kamberg.

To be honest, the paintings were in a dilapidated state. The ones we saw are not well protected and been vandalized in places. However, the guide provided a good history lesson and the view of the high rock walls of the Amphitheatre was superb.

A short distance from here further along the road was a campground where we parked and started an easy 30 minute walk along a mountain stream. The path led to series of swimming holes between some lovely cascading waterfalls.

There was quite a crowd of people here cooling down in the chilly water. We had a dip and found a spot for lunch before another quick swim. We braved the cold water to go under the waterfall but didn’t stay under for long!

Again the bad weather rolled came in and we headed back to the car as rain threatened. We drove up the valley a bit further to try and see Tugela Falls. Unfortunately, cloud and light rain meant we couldn’t catch sight of it.

We head back to our accommodation and by the time we arrived the rain had stopped and it was time for a swim in the pool and a game of ping pong.

Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges

You could spend much more time in the Drakensberg as there are loads more hikes . The hike to Tugela Falls is on our list for next time.

It is also possible to organize a guided tour to visit the mountain kingdom of Lesotho from here via the renowned Sani Pass .

Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges

We stayed at Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge , not far out of the town of Bergville. It is a remote and quirky little place with a mix of basic bungalows, dorms and campsites.

The Lodge was simple but suited our needs and was very affordable. The name comes from the view across to the peaks and rocky walls that form the escarpment known as “The Amphitheatre”.

The hostel can organize hiking trips to the nearby Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. They also provide maps for a number of other hikes in the area.

With a communal kitchen, pool and plenty of space to play, it was a friendly and comfortable stop with incredible views across the mountains.

Day 6: Aliwal North

We had debated for many days which direction to take to make our way towards the coast. The kingdom of Lesotho rises up from the plains and it is a long way around either way!

We decided to head to the west and south around Lesotho. We had two big driving days ahead of us to make it to the coast. The first day would be about 5 hours to the small town of Aliwal North.

Save time: Drive back to Johannesburg and fly to Port Elizabeth. It would be possible to achieve this in a single day instead of spending two days driving to the coast!

Our first stop on the way to the coast was the town of Clarens.

The landscape was impressive on the drive to Clarens through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It was dry and rocky and the skies were big and blue. It looked similar to the landscapes in South Western USA.

We stopped at Clarens and it was unlike any other town we had seen so far in South Africa. Most towns we passed through on the way to the Drakensberg had townships on the outskirts of town with the center filled with rows of identical small and basic housing.

Clarens had a township on the outskirts but the center of town was far more developed with old buildings, restaurants, and cafes. It was obviously more touristy and felt a bit like Bright (a town in northern Victoria, Australia). We treated ourselves to a coffee and cake and bought some Dry Wors (a kind of dried thin salami stick) to try.

The drive continued through bare, rocky and dry landscapes. The scenery was spectacular and made the long journey much more bearable.

We arrived in Aliwal North in the late afternoon with enough time to pick up supplies and find a place to stay a few kilometers out of town at the Toll Inn Guest Farm . It was a little B&B set among pretty gardens and made a convenient stop on our way to the coast. Click here to read more about Toll Inn.

Day 7: Addo

Another big day of driving as we head 4 hours further south to the small town of Addo, famous for the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.

As we got closer to Addo we passed over a mountain pass and as we made our way down the other side the landscape was immediately different. It was much greener, although still mainly scrubby vegetation. We passed a number of private game parks and saw quite a few zebras as we made our way to Addo.

Addo Elephant National Park is a great park to visit and see elephants, lion, and rhino if you didn’t include Kruger National Park in your itinerary.  There is a range of accommodation available close by from basic to luxury. It is possible to do self-guided or guided game drives in the park. You can find more details here .

We stayed at Avoca River Cabins , a fenced oasis of villas in a beautiful garden setting by the river amongst citrus plantations.

There was a kids playground with a fun (but slightly dangerous) flying fox that the kids enjoyed and we took a brief swim in the cold pool. The cabins were basic but had everything we needed and the pool and creek were fun for the kids to play.

Days 8 – 11: Plettenberg Bay

Our next destination was Plettenberg Bay, a pretty town on the Garden Route where we planned a longer stop.

If you are short on time, you could easily pack more into a shorter visit at Plettenberg Bay than we did. I would recommend at least a 2 night stop to have time for some of the many outdoor activities.

Jeffreys Bay

It was a 3-hour drive from Addo to Plettenberg Bay. We made our way through the outskirts of Port Elizabeth until we hit a motorway running by the ocean and followed this through the city and headed towards the garden route and our first pitstop, Jeffreys Bay.

Friends had given us the tip to stop at Jeffreys Bay and have lunch at a restaurant called Walskippers .  It is right on the beachfront and has an interesting setup with a sand floor and is open to the sea on two sides giving lovely views.

The seafood lunch was wonderful. The fish is cooked on brais above hot coals. The chefs collect the hot coals on large shovels from a chute at the bottom of a huge furnace. Wood was continually added to the top of the furnace which burned ferociously to create the coals. The view was pretty good too!

As we headed further west along the coast the vegetation became lush and green, which made sense as this is the start of the renowned “Garden Route”.

We traveled through pine plantations between the ocean and a large mountain range and into the Tsitsikamma National Park where we crossed bridges spanning massive gorges.

Plettenberg Bay is a town situated on the side of a very steep headland with beaches on either side.

It is a popular holiday destination for South Africans and our plan was to get some beach time. Unfortunately, we woke to a cold and wet day. So instead we had a lazy day, explored the small town and chilled out hoping the weather was going to improve!

Ziplining at Storms River

The following day the weather was grey and cool with the occasional rain shower.  The area around Plettenberg Bay is renowned for its many adventure activities including bungee jumping, rafting, and ziplining.

We decided to brave it and head out to try our hand at ziplining. We chose Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure  as the prices were more affordable than other companies in the area.

The kids had never ziplined before and they were both nervous as we geared up. We were in a group of 12 with 4 German girls in their 20s and an English family with kids about the same age as ours.

Harvey was especially worried at the start but loved it after his first go. The zip lines ran across and through a small gorge with most about 90m and the longest 211m.

Before long we were all grinning madly as we clipped in and whizzed away. It was well run and great fun.

Storm River Bridge

On the way back to Plettenberg Bay we stopped at Storm River bridge. The bridge runs over a deep and narrow gorge and there is a (scary) narrow walkway across the bridge. You can park at the service station on the Plettenberg Bay side of the bridge and walk back a short distance to walk across the bridge.

It was about 100m down to the bottom of the gorge and the trucks flew by only a couple of meters from us. It is a disconcerting walk but the view through the gorge is worth it.

We also bought some ostrich biltong (dried meat) to try, another food South Africa is famous for. Perhaps ostrich was not the best choice as it was very gamely and chewy and I was the only one who ate it.

Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge

We couldn’t resist stopping again a bit further along at the road at the even bigger Bloukrans Bridge.

At 216 m high, they have the highest bungy in Africa and one of the highest in the world. We watched as brave souls threw themselves into the deep gorge. That is a person on the end of the rope in the photo!

Near the bungy cafe there was a company with trampolines doing inverse bungy and our resident daredevil Amelie decided to give it a go.

A guy bounced on the tramp below her, grabbed and released her legs and Amelie soared high into the air.

She had so much fu and managed to do back and front flips and even one double front flip. Sign her up for the circus!

Robberg Peninsula Hike

On our last day in Plettenberg Bay the sun finally broke through and we decided to do the Robberg Peninsula hike. I had read about this hike and the pictures looked so spectacular.

This hike goes in a loop along a long and narrow peninsula that extends from the point a few kilometers further west of Plettenberg Bay.

If you like to get outdoors we highly recommend you add this hike to your South Africa itinerary.

We started along the east side of the island. The trail is along cliffs high up from the water. You could look down the sheer cliffs to the water below where hundreds of seals were frolicking in the clear seas.

We also saw some cute little dassies sunning themselves on rocky outcrops. The whole way huge colorful grasshoppers jumped away as we neared them on the trail.

It took us about 2 hours to get to the end of the peninsula, roughly the halfway point.

We found a nice spot on the rocks and had some lunch with gorgeous views down to the rock platform where large waves crashed and seals were playing a dangerous game surfing in the waves.

The trail then wraps back on the west side of the island where the path hugs the waterline and we had to scramble over boulders past rock pools.

Occasionally we had to climb up the steep cliff where the ocean came right up to the cliff.

We stopped halfway back, where there is a massive and steep sand dune. The kids and I climbed the dune and ran down the dune at breakneck pace. Always good fun.

There was a nice little beach but we felt the water and it was freezing. None of us braved it.

We walked back a bit further to another little beach, played on the sand and made the obligatory sandcastle. It was fun to see seals playing in the waves only meters from us. Look closely at the photo below!

We walked the last steep climb back up to the carpark to end a really good hike, one of the highlights of our 2 weeks in South Africa. It was about 10 kilometers and steep in a few places. The kids did really well and we all enjoyed themselves.

Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay

We stayed in Plettenberg Bay for 4 nights in a 2 bedroom apartment in the River Club Villas complex near town. This is a series of apartments and houses in a fenced and gated community complete with a guardhouse.

We were able to secure a great deal as it wasn’t peak season. There are a large number of rental apartments in the area as it is a local holiday destination and it is worth contacting local real estate agents to secure the best deal.

Days 12-13: Oudtshoorn

Along the Garden Route there are countless great stops on the way to Oudsthoorn. We continued along for about an hour to Knysna. This is another big holiday town set on a large shallow inlet.

On another tip, we made our way to the East Head Cafe for breakfast. The cafe is positioned close to and looking out to sea through the narrow rocky heads of the inlet.

After coffee we explored the rocky shore in front of the cafe. It was an explorers heaven, full of rockpools with anemone and big starfish. A strange light fog hung in the air and it was quite cool. However, every now and again it would suddenly get about 5 degrees warmer and stay like that for a few minutes before switching back. Weird.

We drove further down the coast to the seaside town of Wilderness. This is meant to be another nice seaside town but the weather turned very nasty as we approached. A strong westerly wind was blowing and at one stage we drove through a mini dust storm.

With our thoughts of visiting the beach again dashed, we stopped at the lookout on the cliff driving out of town. The rain was holding off and we enjoyed the view back down the beach and noticed a huge pack of about 100 dolphins playing in the waves. There were a bit far away but it was great to watch them surfing and jumping out of the water.

Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn

We passed through the outskirts of George and headed over a spectacular mountain pass towards Oudtshoorn. As soon as we crossed the mountain pass the scenery turned arid, rocky and dry as it had been before Addo.

Oudtshoorn is famous both for its Ostrich Farms and The Cango Caves.  If you want to visit the Cango Caves you will need to book in advance as they are very popular. We had intentions to visit both an Ostrich Farm and the caves, but were thwarted by a flash storm, as we explain below!

We stopped in Oudtshoorn for a late lunch and then headed about 30 minutes out of town to Oudemuragie Guest Farm where we were staying the next 2 nights. Our stay at the farm was one of our most memorable stops of the trip.

The farm is a little hard to find, but we found it eventually! As we turned off the main road onto a dirt road we head down a valley through some olive plantations.

After about 9 kms we turned into a driveway that went through an olive plantation then over a causeway and up a hill to expose some verdant green fields and a large house set in nice gardens. The backdrop was spectacular with rocky mountains soaring up from the far edge of the paddocks.

We were greeted by Maggie, the owner of the farm, as though we were long lost friends. She showed us to our cabin and gave us a fresh loaf of bread.

The only issue was the electricity which was not working since a storm went through the previous night.

Helping out on the Farm

We settled in and at 4:30pm we (along with 2 other families and a couple staying there) helped herd the sheep into their pen for the night. There were a number of lambs, including one born the night before.

The kids took turns feeding the lambs with bottles of milk as their mothers did not have enough milk to feed them.

The whole time Maggie was talking, mixing between Africaans and English. She was a real character and full of energy. She had some help from a couple of farmhands but you could tell she was the kind of person that never stops.

That night we lit a fire on the brai (barbeque) to cook dinner. We still had no electricity and were using candles for light and the gas stove to cook some potatoes.

To the west we could see a big electrical storm with lightning but it was quite still and it seemed the storm would pass us by. However, it became increasingly obvious this would not be the case as the lightning came closer and wind picked up.

Finally, there was a huge gust of wind and the heavens opened. I grabbed our food off the fire and ran inside for cover. We closed all the windows as the rain drove in.

It was bucketing down and the rain came through some of the windows and under one of the doors. I finished cooking dinner on the stove and we had dinner under candlelight as the storm raged and thunder boomed.

Eventually, the rain stopped and the wind dropped. The kids went to bed and I could hear a roaring noise. I opened the window and realized it was the stream, about 100 meters away at the bottom of the paddock. With all the rain running down from the mountains it sounded like a raging river torrent.

Stranded on the Farm

The following day we planned to drive to Cango Caves. As we drove down the driveway, we were nervous about the state of the causeway we had crossed on our way in.

Muddy water about shin deep was rushing across the causeway. I was not going to chance losing the rental car down the creek so we turned around. Instead, we spent the day exploring the farm, wondering how long we may be stranded for!

We walked up to the dam, set in the hillside above the farm at the base of the huge mountains. On the way, we realized the extent of the damage from the storm the previous night. The water level had risen by a couple of meters and branches and whole trees were fallen and strewn across the stream.

We used a fallen tree to cross the creek and followed the path upwards into a blackened and bleak landscape. We found out later from Maggie that a fire had destroyed the vegetation earlier that year and narrowly missed wiping out her farm.

The next morning the kids were up early to help Maggie, who had promised them a long ride on the tractor and an ice cream. As we packed we heard the tractor and looked out to see Harvey sitting on Maggie’s lap driving the tractor up the road.

The tractor was towing a trailer with Amelie, two dogs and two other young girls and their parents. Amelie also took a turn driving the tractor. For two city kids this was heaven! They loved every minute of it.

We were sad to leave the farm. The lovely Maggie gave us a bottle of jam and suggested a few places we should stop on our drive and wished us well. She is an amazing lady and we were so glad we stopped here.

Day 14: Cape Agulhas

We decided to skip the Cango Caves as we needed to keep making our way to Cape Town. So we made our way back on to the Garden Route and to Cape Agulhas on the coast.

The drive took us through arid countryside and mountains with a brief stop in Ladismith where we bought some cheese and dried fruit (which they are famous for).

We then continued on a bit further to Barrydale where Maggie said a place called Diesel had the best milkshakes in SA. It was an interesting little roadside place with old petrol pumps, signs and paraphernalia. The milkshakes indeed were awesome and I had a good burger there too.

From Barrydale we turned towards the coast up and over an incredibly scenic mountain pass.

The road followed a canyon that cuts through the mountain range. There had been fires here too and once we crossed the mountain pass we left the arid terrain, now replaced by fields of farming land.

We continued on for a bit over an hour to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

At sunset, we drove down to the cape to where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

The coastline is very rugged and windswept. The kids played on the rocky shore and we stopped by a shipwreck to watch the sunset. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It felt pretty special to arrive at the southernmost tip of Africa.

Day 15: Franschhoek

From Cape Agulhas we drove the coastal road towards Cape Town. The weather was still grey so unfortunately, the famed coastline did not look at its best.

We may be biased but we all agreed the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia was better!

However, the last stretch between Rooi-Els and Gordon’s Bay was very spectacular with the tall mountains plunging down to the sea and the road clinging to the side of the mountain.

Instead of heading to Cape Town we drove on to Franschhoek, a small town set in a valley of vineyards and fruit farms between huge rocky mountains.

The setting is absolutely breathtaking. We stopped at Moreson Wine Farm, where they have a restaurant and cafe called Miss Molly. There we treated ourselves to charcuterie and cheese boards with wine tastings. .

The town is a busy little place with many stores and restaurants.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

There are many guesthouses, lodges and hotels in Franshhoek. We stayed at La Bourgogne Wine Farm a few kilometers out of town.

Here they grow pears, olives, grapes and make wine. They have a lovely set up with tables overlooking a grassy area with kids play equipment.

As we were staying at the farm we were treated to a complimentary wine tasting and a free bottle of wine. Plus there was a pool. We were all in heaven. It was the absolute bargain accommodation of the trip.

Next morning we stopped in town to have a browse through the shop windows and stopped at De Villiers chocolate shop where the kids did a chocolate tasting (and gave us a bit too).

We were a bit sad to leave Franschhoek as it was stunning and there were so many beautiful wineries to visit. A stay in Franshhoek to visit the wineries and experience South African hospitality at its best is essential in a two week itinerary South Africa.

Days 16 – 18: Cape Town

We head into Cape Town,  just 2 hours drive for our last stop in Africa. We spent 4 nights in Cape Town and loved it. The city has a spectacular setting, located on a big bay at the foot of 1000 meter high Table Mountain.

There is so much to do in Cape Town. We underestimated how much and could easily have spent more time in this enjoyable city. To see a full list of activity ideas and prices for Cape Town click here .

Cape Town Waterfront

The next day we considered hiking up Table Mountain but the weather was overcast and cold so we postponed it for another day.

Instead, we went to the waterfront to explore the retail and restaurant district. The shopping center was full of high-end retail stores. This was a bit of a surprise but I guess the relative wealth in Cape Town is quite high compared to much of the country and they get many tourists.

Continuing the chocolate theme, we went to the Lindt shop where the kids did a workshop to make their own gold chocolate bunny.

It was 2 days before Easter so this was a fun activity for them to do. Plus they took a Lindt chocolate bunny away at the end!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

For lunch, we drove to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where we had lunch at Moyos. This is a large restaurant chain that specializes in African cuisine.

On our South Africa road trip we mostly self-catered so this was our chance to try some local specialties. We decided to splurge and purchased the banquet which had over 50 meals to try.

The food was OK but the real treat was tasting so many different local foods like bobotie , potjies and boerewors. For the kids, the treat was to keep going back for more! Amelie made at least 3 trips to the dessert bar!

Afterward, we walked our meal off in the gardens. Kirstenbosch has to be the best botanical garden in the world.

It is huge and beautifully laid out on the lower slopes of Table Mountain.

Highlights were the treetop walk of a metal gangway that swayed as you walked and climbing the huge wild almond trees. It is easy to spend a couple of hours here so plan an afternoon to explore and relax.

Hiking Table Mountain

The wind howled overnight and we woke to clear blue skies but it was still quite windy.

We had hoped to hike up Table Mountain and catch the cable car down but it seemed unlikely the cable car would run with the high winds and gusts up to 100km/hr.

We knew that many roads were blocked for the annual marathon so we couldn’t plan a day trip out of the city either. So we stuck with our plan to hike Table Mountain and drove up and parked just down the road from the lower cable car station.

The cable car was closed so we had to hike both up and down the mountain. We were confident the kids would manage and were also pleased it meant the top wouldn’t be as crowded!

It was warm in the sun as we started the steep climb up to the contour path at the base of the rocky cliffs. Below, the blue bay glistened in the sun. We made it to the contour path and then followed it along for maybe 1km to Platerklip Gorge.

Here the path zig-zagged pretty much straight up a narrow gorge culminating in a narrow canyon right at the top of the mountain. There were loads of people doing the hike. A few guys were even trail running it!

The climb was very steep on a seemingly endless number of rocky steps. The icy wind blew down the gorge straight into our faces. A few times it gusted so much we lost our balance.

It got pretty cold and we were happy to have fleeces and our rain jackets in the top section that was in the shade and very windy.

Amelie grumbled a bit on the climb and there were a few moments when I wondered if we would make it but after 2 hours we made it to the top. We were rewarded with spectacular views out to sea and over the city.

Because the cable car was not running the cafe and toilets at the top were also closed. Fortunately, we had brought our own food which we ate in a sunny spot out of the wind and we found some bushes for a toilet stop!

It was too cold to stay at the top for long so down we went. Thankfully it took less time but was still tough and Rachel’s legs were like jelly by the bottom. It was not easy but I am glad we did it.

Booking tickets for the Table Mountain Cable Car

If you plan to take the cable car to the top, keep an eye on the weather. Table Mountain is notorious for being blanketed in cloud. Which is why we don’t recommend you book tickets in advance. Watch the weather and when you have a blue day, book online and make your way up.

The next day was sunny and the wind had dropped a bit so we took a day trip to Camps Bay. It is quite a beautiful beach and good choice if you need a relaxing day while in Cape Town.

We found a spot, made sand castles and played soccer. Hawkers on the beach with eskies (coolers) were selling cold drinks and ice creams. People were sunbaking to get the last rays before winter.

The water was freezing and a few people in full wetsuits were riding body boards in the small waves but we did not brave the cold for a swim.

There are seafood restaurants all the way along the promenade. We had lunch here, bought the obligatory ice creams and head back to the apartment.  It was a great way to finish our trip to Cape Town.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

We booked an Airbnb apartment in Cape Town. It was located in a small old block of apartments at the base of Table Mountain.

It was the first Airbnb we rented that was an actual lived in house. It felt cozy and the kids loved playing with the toys and reading the books of the girl who lived there.

There are a lot of accommodation choices in Cape Town, from Airbnb, serviced apartments and hotels.

It is a popular tourist city, so it is best to book in advance, especially during holiday periods. Click here to get an idea of hotel prices and availability.

Best time to visit South Africa

I don’t think there is any best time to visit South Africa. It really is a year-round destination.

We visited South Africa in April. We found April good for hiking as the temperatures were mild although we did encounter a lot of thunderstorms!

Some activities are better suited to certain months (such as whale watching which is best July-November) or Safari Tours in Kruger (best August-September).

As we traveled during shoulder season we didn’t need to book our accommodation and we made bookings a couple of days in advance along the way.

Our two week road trip South Africa was one of the highlights of our 12 month trip around the world with the kids. It is one of the destinations we plan to return to one day to explore more.

We can now join the chorus of people who will tell you to visit South Africa. You won’t regret it!

South Africa Itinerary options

Okay, ours was a 2.5 week road trip! But the travel itinerary is easily customized to become a 1 week, 2 week or 3 week South African itinerary.

If you have a week in South Africa we suggest you fly to Port Elizabeth and drive the Garden Route, finishing in Cape Town.

To shorten this to a 2 week itinerary, we think you are best to reduce the number of nights in Johannesburg and Plettenberg Bay. You could also consider flying between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

If you have 3 weeks in South Africa , we suggest you head straight to Kruger National Park straight from Johannesburg then drive to the Drakensberg Ranges via St Lucia.

If you are lucky enough to have a month for a South Africa trip , then on top of adding Kruger and St Lucia we recommend exploring the Wild Coast on the eastern side of the country, more time in the Drakensberg Ranges and longer in Cape Town.

Parting thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through South Africa. It is an easy country to self-drive and despite our initial fears we found it to be quite safe. We took the necessary precautions, kept our valuables secure and didn’t have any problems.

There were some long driving days which were challenging with the kids, but driving really is the best way to see the country. So as long as you prepare for the drives they are manageable.

The people we met were friendly, upbeat and happy. We learned about the history of the country and saw how the country is recovering from the apartheid period.

We spent a week in Botswana to get our fix of wild animal safaris but this is all possible in South Africa as well.

South Africa is a spectacular place to visit with amazing scenery and great outdoor activities. I have no doubt we will be back to this country to explore more of what it has to offer.

Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Flights to South Africa –  Skyscanner is our favorite site to search for flights.  It compares hundreds of sites and millions of flights to show you the best deals available.

Most international flights arrive into Johannesburg, but there are a number of budget airlines operating within South Africa including Mango and SAFAir. Click here to review current ticket prices and availability.

South Africa Accommodation – In South Africa we found the largest range of accommodation on SafariNow. Check the range of properties and prices here.

Car Rental in South Africa – Discovercars.com  offers cars from over 500 partners in more than 10,000 destinations to bring you the best car hire deals. Click here to search for South Africa car rental prices and availability.

Travel Insurance for South Africa – World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

What do you love about South Africa? Is there anything you would like to know? Leave us a comment!

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2 thoughts on “South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary”

Do you guys pay for everything or do you get sponsored for these trips? Eg the car rental, safari self drive etc? Thanks

Hi James, we travel independently and save for and fund our own travel. A lot of our travel would be categorised as budget travel. We try to keep costs down as much as possible by cooking meals, finding deals on flights and staying in cheaper accommodation. Thanks for your question!

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Road trip South Africa: 5 of the best routes

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written by Chris Clark

updated 18.01.2021

South Africa 's ever-changing landscapes, pristine coastlines, quirky small towns and abundance of wide open spaces have cemented the country's reputation as one of the world's best road trip destinations .

1. The Garden Route, Western Cape

• 2. The Waterberg Meander, Limpopo

3. The Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

4. route 62, western cape, 5. the panorama route, mpumalanga.

For the intrepid traveller, it’s easy to get off the beaten path in the semi-desert of the Karoo or across the rugged hills of the Wild Coast . By the same token, the generally good infrastructure makes a road trip in South Africa much more accessible than in many of its neighbours. Here are five of the best road trip routes to experience South Africa in your own rental car .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for South Africa, created by local experts

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Tailor-made trips for   South Africa

The Garden Route is certainly South Africa’s best-known road trip route, and not without good cause. It comprises an unfailingly picturesque 200km stretch of the N2 highway between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and the Storms River Mouth on the Western fringes of the Eastern Cape.

The Garden Route is so-known for its verdant and varied vegetation and it gives easy access to a number of sublime beaches, dense mountain forests, picturesque lagoons and lakes, with a plethora of outdoor activities on offer.

The enchanting Knysna Forest is a popular spot for camping, hiking and mountain biking and home to a notoriously elusive population of forest elephants. The coastal town of the same name is renowned for its annual Oyster Festival and stylish boutique shops. And not to mention the excellent beaches.

For the more adventurous, stop off to surf some barrels at Plettenberg Bay or leap off the Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma, the world’s highest bridge bungee.

Best for: beaches and outdoor activities

How long: 4 days

Tailor-made trip: If sitting in a car doesn't sound too appealing to you, how about cycling the Garden Route ?

Not to miss : Kayak the Storms River and explore the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Our favourite accommodation: Forest Edge close to Knysna. Ideal if you want to be close to the forest itself, these traditional two-bedroom woodcutters‘ cottages have verandas built in the vernacular tin-roofed style, and have been upgraded for extra comfort with good linen and fittings. The cottages are private and romantic. Forest walks and cycling trails start from the cottages, from where you can walk to rock pools and waterfalls.

© WitR/Shutterstock

2. The Waterberg Meander , Limpopo

Although it’s just a few hours’ drive from the pulsating urban hub of Johannesburg, the Waterberg Region doesn't make it onto most South African travel itineraries, and that’s a large part of its appeal.

Tucked away in Limpopo Province and known to locals as Africa’s Eden, this region comprises soaring mountain peaks, antediluvian sandstone rock formations, golden savannah plains, dense riparian forests and plunging river valleys.

The Waterberg Meander is a 350km self-drive route that takes road trippers right through the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere and incorporates many of its highlights, including the exclusive Welgevonden Game Reserve and the stunning Marakele National Park .

Along the route, there are also a number of community projects, cultural and historical sites, and some of the finest examples of the stellar Waterberg vistas.

Best for: game viewing

How long: 5 days

Mountain range in Limpopo, South Africa. Marakele National Park © Jurie Maree/Shutterstock

The ruggedly beautiful and aptly named Wild Coast runs from the coastal city of East London in the south of the Eastern Cape to the border of Kwa-Zulu Natal some 350km to the northeast.

As you drive across this region’s rolling hills, along its jagged coastlines or veer off the N2 onto the gravel roads that cut inland, you’ll often have the sense that little has changed here in the past hundred years. The hillsides are dotted with turquoise rondavels (round huts topped with thatched roofs) and small pastoral farming plots.

Formerly known as the Transkei during apartheid, this region has a rich and often bloody history and birthed struggle icons including Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, both of whose lives can be revisited at a number of local heritage sites .

The Wild Coast also boasts the most idyllic and unspoilt beaches to be found anywhere in South Africa – at backpacking paradises like Coffee Bay or Port St Johns , you may find more cows lazing on the sand than people.

Best for: pristine coastline and rich cultural heritage

How long: 7 days

Our favourite accommodation: Morgan Bay Hotel - This friendly, well-run place overlooks a gorgeous beach and is one of the best hotels along the Wild Coast, particularly for family holidays. It offers good food and fresh, airy rooms; a caravan park is also available. Rates include breakfast and dinner. Another draw is that it’s only 76km from East London, all on tar roads.

South Africa is a really popular destination but a trip to Tanzania is the best way to experince a safari.

Route 62 is so-named for the R62 road that cuts across the countless lovely vineyards of the Cape Winelands , through dramatic mountain passes and into the heart of the Little Karoo , a wild and dusty region of open scrubland, livestock farms and quaint rural towns.

Route 62 is considerably less popular and less developed than its coastal counterpart the Garden Route, but it has gained a cult following amongst South Africans for its beauty, untamed eccentricity and distinct lack of traffic.

The historic spa town of Montagu is well worth a visit for its pretty colonial architecture and hot springs , while the charmingly arty Barrydale has a number of good roadside cafés, including the Diesel & Crème Diner, known for its milkshakes and nostalgic American memorabilia.

The best of the raw semi-desert landscapes and spectacular star-studded night skies are to be found in the Karoo National Park , while the Breede River Valley is a favourite for riverside camping and kayaking excursions.

Best for: wine and charming rural towns

How long: 3 days

Not to miss: A game drive from Oudtshoorn marveling at the fascinating wildlife but also the stunning views of the Swartberg mountains.

Our favourite accommodation: Aasvoelkrans Guest Farm in Montagu - Set in a pretty part of town, these four exceptionally imaginative garden rooms are housed in a guesthouse situated on a farm, with Arab horses grazing in the fields. There is also a two-bedroomed self-catering cottage suitable for a family or larger group.

© Circumnavigation/Shutterstock

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Centring around the jaw-dropping Blyde River Canyon and the historic mining town of Graskop, the Panorama Route is well worth the short detour from Kruger National Park , Mpumalanga ’s main attraction.

As the name would suggest, this route, which takes you along the highest tar road in South Africa, offers spectacular views of the area’s mountains, canyons and valleys. Eagles soar overhead and the sound of thundering waterfalls punctuates the stillness.

Fish for yellowtail or carp in the tranquil Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve or walk through the mist-covered indigenous forest above Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world.

The history of this region is as rich as the mineral deposits that sparked a gold rush here in 1873. Relive this history at Pilgrim’s Rest, a former gold mining town that is now a national museum where you can try your hand at gold panning.

Best for: dramatic vistas and nature walks

How long: 2 days

Not to miss: Explore the third-largest canyon in the world on a guided cruise past the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and the marvelous mountain peaks.

Our favourite accommodation: Graskop Hotel - One of the nicest places to stay on the Escarpment, with a personal and relaxed atmosphere. Though unprepossessing from the outside, it actually has a very stylish interior of retro furniture, African baskets, fabrics and sculptures. The rooms, some of which are in garden wings, are airy and decorated with simplicity and flair. Most importantly, there is a swimming pool.

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Tourism to South Africa: South Africa is a world-class tourist destination. These podcasts are a way to create interest in South Africa as a holiday and travel destination. We highlight interesting and cool history, explain monuments and memorials, put the history into context, and we hope to make your road trip through South Africa more interesting! Road Trip SA is a mobile app to help tourists find monuments, museums, statues and thousands of POI's. All the listings on the app have a photo, a brief description and some history of that spot. We hope to encourage downloads so clients can explore our history and culture. The narrator of the podcast has a tour and safari company called "Touch Africa Safaris"- http:///www.touch-africa-safaris.com

Road Trip's Podcast - Travel, Touring and Holidays in South Africa using the Road Trip mobile app Road Trip

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• OCT 31, 2022

Blockhouses of the Anglo-Boer War with Simon Green

We have a chat with Simon Green - "The Blockhouse Guy". Simon has authored two books on the blockhouses of the Anglo-Boer War - a very handy field guide, as well as a more in-depth analysis of the engineering behind these 9000+ structures the British Military left behind in South Africa. We have digitised the field guide - so if you are looking to visit a Blockhouse - the Road Trip app will get you there. The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

Frontier Land. We explore the Eastern Cape with Dr. Dean Allen.

We talk with Dr. Dean Allen - renowned Author, Historian, Lecturer, and Media Presenter. Dean has authored several books, two of which are are titled "Frontier Land - Exploring the Eastern Cape." So much of our history played out in this area - and it really is a fascinating part of South Africa. We have digitised these two books and all the spots Dean discusses and describes are on the Road Trip RSA app. The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

• DEC 1, 2021

The Panorama Route - The "Transvaal Drakensberg" Escarpment and the N4 corridor

The "Panorama Route" of Mpumalanga is an essential part of any road trip to the Eastern region of South Africa. There is magnificent scenery, some fascinating history, and fantastic geology to explore.  The worlds' oldest rocks, the very earliest life-forms, gold rush towns, a multitude of waterfalls, as well as breathtaking mountain roads await you here - if you are prepared to explore. The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris This is a recording of a radio show - Radio Ecohealth The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

• DEC 7, 2021

The N2 Highway - Part 1 - We cover Cape Town to the Great Brak River

This episode covers the first part of the N2, which is South Africa's longest numbered road. The N2 is 2255km long, and stretches from Cape Town to Ermelo. It starts in Mowbray near the historic Mostert's Mill, skirts the southern end of Cape Town International and then heads over Sir Lowry's Pass into the Overberg Region. The Overberg - wheat fields, bright yellow canola flowers and hectares of fruit - apples, pears, and peaches. Small towns en-route include the historical Swellendam which is South Africa's third oldest town. Some interesting spots to see includes an Apple Museum in Elgin, and a unique spot in Hartenbos - a Washing Machine, Iron and Laundry museum! The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris This is a recording of a radio show - Radio Ecohealth The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

• DEC 15, 2021

The N2 Highway - Part 2 - The Garden Route - George to Tsitsikamma

The "Garden Route" encompasses the area between George and Port Elizabeth. It is a natural wonderland of high mountain peaks, deep forested ravines, and incredible coastal scenery. The area has a rich history of gold miners, woodcutters, British adventurers, and colourful characters. It is worth getting off the N2 and taking some time to really explore this area. The person who takes some time to really meander through this area will be very richly rewarded. The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris This is a recording of a radio show - Radio Ecohealth The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

• JAN 12, 2022

The N2 Highway - Part 3 - Tsitsikamma to East London

You leave the deeply forested and mountainous areas, and head into "Frontier" or "Settler" country. Port Elizabeth saw the arrival of the 1820 settlers, and the area between there and East London has a rich history of settlers - 5000 British immigrants arrived to settle and stabilise the area - torn by 100 years of unrest and warfare. The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris This is a recording of a radio show - Radio Ecohealth The Road Trip SA app is available for download Do you want to visit and explore South Africa? Touch Africa Safaris

• © 2023 Road Trip's Podcast - Travel, Touring and Holidays in South Africa using the Road Trip mobile app

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28 April 2021

5 of the best african road trips.

With better highways and more vehicle hire options, self-driving is a popular way to see Africa. Mike Breslin, author of Road Trip: A Practical Manual, recommends five Africa road trips

Driving Namibia’s unsealed roads (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Windhoek Distance: 2,100km How? Hire a car in Windhoek Why? Stunning scenery, wildlife and lonely desert roads Time needed: 10 days

With its good, unsealed roads and beautiful desert scenery, nothing beats Namibia. You can even tick off the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) if you have a keen eye and a bit of luck.

Begin in the capital of Windhoek, before driving south to the towering dunes around Sossusvlei, which are at their most beautiful at dawn. Continue your desert journey to the charmingly Germanic seaside town of Swakopmund before driving up a small portion of the Skeleton Coast and heading inland to Etosha National Park. You might want to stop at a secluded lodge such as Vingerklip, on the way.

Etosha National Park is where the animal action is, although by now you will have already caught sight of springbok, gemsbok [oryx] and cheeky black backed jackals. At Etosha’s salt pan reserve you will be unlucky not to see elephants and lions, while you will almost certainly see giraffes and zebras. You can also have thrilling encounters with leopards and cheetahs at Okonjima – a nature reserve that’s home to the Africat Foundation – on the drive down the paved B1 back to Windhoek.

2. South Africa and Eswatini

Rhinos in Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Johannesburg, South Africa Distance: 1,750km How? Easily driveable in a regular hire car Why? Two countries, wildlife, beach and history Time needed: 10 days

This loop from Johannesburg is a great two-country road trip, with easy border crossings between South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).

After a long flight it’s a bit of a drive from Jo’burg to Eswatini, so a stop in the towns of Waterval Boven or Badplaas is worth thinking about before crossing the border. There are a number of lodges and game parks in Eswatini, but Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge is a particularly nice place to stay before you loop around Hlane Royal National Park, where rhino encounters are pretty much guaranteed.

Driving back into South Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is perhaps one of the country’s most beautiful, with opportunities to see the Big Five. You can also spot whales out at sea, too. Further down the coast a stop at Ballito on the Dolphin Coast is worthwhile, before an interesting drive into the interior of KwaZulu Natal province to visit the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, which was made famous in the 1964 war epic Zulu . A guided tour of the battlefields is a must; try to find a Zulu guide for a local’s perspective.

The final day’s drive is across the Free State, but don’t forget to see a little of Johannesburg after you drop off your car. The city sometimes gets a bad press but it’s well worth an overnight stay, and a tour around the township of Soweto is highly recommended.

3. Tanzania

Self-driving is by far the best way to see Tanzania (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Arusha to Dar es Salaam Distance: 1,100km How? Road Trip Tanzania supplies old but tough trucks and SUVs at affordable prices Why? Wildlife encounters and a true taste of Africa Time needed? About 10 days

The road into the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania is a bone shaker and car breaker, so many truck and pretty much all car hire companies will not allow you to drive into this vast national park. But that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the wildlife if you opt to self-drive in Tanzania, as there is still Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, plus the amazing Ngorongoro Crater, all of which are an easy drive from Arusha.

After visiting the national parks, backtrack through Arusha. Head on to the vibrant town of Moshi, a jumping off point for climbing Kilimanjaro, or if time is short, a selection of day hikes. Next up it’s an interesting journey to the magical Usambara Mountains and more hiking, before a well-earned rest on the Indian Ocean coast near Pangani.

The final day’s drive is to the former capital, Dar es Salaam. Chances are you’ll be caught in a traffic jam here so just go with the flow and enjoy the attention of vendors selling everything from fish and nuts to footballs and kites.

While much of this trip is on paved highways, there are unsealed roads in the parks, mountains and near the coast – as is the case with many African road trips.

4. Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain gorilla with three-day old baby in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Entebbe, Uganda Distance: 1,800km How? Depending on the time of the year going off the main roads can be tricky, so hiring a 4x4 is advisable Why? Two exceptionally friendly countries, awesome wildlife and wonderful scenery Time needed: Two weeks

You usually need to pre-book a ticket to see the mountain gorillas (it’s cheaper in Uganda), but it’s an experience not to be missed and it’s worth planning a Uganda/Rwanda road trip around a gorilla tracking adventure.

You will start in Entebbe near the main airport in Uganda. Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a chilled out town which is worth at least a night’s stop. Then it’s an interesting drive down to Lake Mburo National Park. The road is Tarmaced – but watch out for speed bumps, the blight of Uganda! Once in the park you can hire a ranger to take you on a walking safari.

From Lake Mburo it’s on to the border with Rwanda. Plan for a couple of hours to cross – and keep in mind that as with many African crossings, it’s simply about having the right paperwork, a sense of humour and plenty of patience. After miles of picturesque hills and tea plantations it’s on to Rwanda’s vibrant and booming capital, Kigali; then the sublime Lake Kivu, before heading back into Uganda for the gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – stay at the jaw dropping Lake Mutanda if you can.

Three nights at different locations in Queen Elizabeth National Park follow, before a drive north for a couple of days in the lovely and buzzing African town of Fort Portal. Close the loop back in Entebbe.

Many of the main roads are Tarmaced, but when it rains some unsealed roads and the tracks in the parks can get very muddy – which can make this trip a proper adventure.

5. South Africa and Botswana

A 4x4 with a roof tent (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Johannesburg, South Africa to Maun, Botswana Distance: 6,500km How? Hire a truck with a roof tent from Johannesburg Why? Everyone needs at least one big adventure in their lifetime Time needed: At least four weeks

Once a five-country journey through southern Africa might have been seen as more of an expedition than a road trip. But many overland-equipped 4x4 hire firms are now available, so this is certainly doable if you have the time – and a sense of adventure.

Start in Johannesburg before visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – stopping at Kuruman on the way – for a taste of the Kalahari Desert; then head into Namibia and north to the riverside town of Rundu. From there, head into Botswana and sleep out with the elephants in Chobe National Park; then see Victoria Falls in Zambia; Hwange’s wildlife and Matobo National Park’s scenery in Zimbabwe before returning to Botswana for a drive on to the Makgadikgadi Pan. Drop off your truck in Maun, then enjoy trips into the Okavango Delta.

You could spend a month on this adventure, and there are plenty of options to extend or modify the route. One warning, though, this trip takes some serious planning.

Road Trip: A Practical Manual

R oad Trip: A Practical Manual by Mike Breslin (Haynes) provides inspiration and expert advice for planning and driving road trips around the world – including 50 suggested routes

Read more about road trips:

The ultimate usa road trip, 7 tips for great road trip photos, road trip through central america, 5 of the best road trips in scotland, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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South Africa tips: You should know this before you make a road trip through South Africa!

Tips for a road trip through south africa, 1. self-driving in south africa is safe if you pay attention to this:.

Yes, driving in South Africa is generally very safe, but there are a few things you should know before taking a road trip through South Africa!

Road trip South Africa tip: You drive on the left in South Africa

It takes some getting used to but soon it feels all normal.

Road trip South Africa tip: Watch out for bad roads and potholes

Not all roads in South Africa are good. In the south (Garden Route) the main roads are in good condition, but as soon as you leave the main roads, you can encounter unpaved stretches. If you also drive through the north or east of South Africa, the roads are sometimes really bad. Watch out for potholes, you don’t want to drive into them because there is a good chance that your tires will break.

Road trip South Africa tip: Rent a car with comprehensive insurance

The roads in South Africa are not great and there is a chance that you or someone else accidentally damages the car. That is why it is nice to have all-risk insurance to prevent unwanted surprises.

Read our Garden Route itinerary blog: with our itinerary for a road trip along the Garden Route in South Africa

Road trip South Africa tip: Don’t drive at night

Just don’t! The roads are not always well lit in South Africa and there is simply a greater chance that something will happen. So you should not drive at night yourself, rather take an Uber.

Road trip South Africa tip: Note: always stop at a stop sign!

Road trip south africa tip: does your predecessor drive on the yellow left emergency lane, then he will make room so that you can pass him by..

South Africa has many single carriageways. Overtaking is therefore not always easy. But because there is a wide emergency lane, it is possible. If your predecessor drives far over the yellow line, it’s a signal that you can safely overtake this car. You’ll see this happen a lot because there are a lot of drivers who don’t go over 50, even on the highway. But it is also possible that someone wants to overtake you, so pull aside.

When you pass the car, turn on your hazard light. This is how you signal a thank you.

Road trip South Africa tip: When parking, put the nose of your car in the direction of driving.

Road trip south africa tip: tip the “parking attendants” in south africa..

In South Africa parking is almost always free, but you are expected to give the parking attendant, recognizable by his yellow or orange vest, a tip of 10-20 rand. These parking guards will help you park the car and watch the cars.

Road trip South Africa tip: Take into account the maximum speed and do not drive through a red light!

Road trip south africa tip: make sure you have an international driver’s license..

Even though your Dutch driving license is valid in South Africa, the police may ask for an international driving license. So carry this along.

Road trip South Africa tip: Lock your doors and close your windows while driving.

Road trip south africa tip: don’t pick up hitchhikers and don’t stop at fruit stalls along the side of the road..

You will see a lot of hitchhikers. And while most will have good intentions, the general advice we received everywhere was not to pick up hitchhikers. Fun fact, there are signs along the side of the road that say you shouldn’t pick up hitchhikers, and often underneath those signs are all people hitchhiking. What a paradox.

Road trip South Africa tip: There are toll roads where you have to pay a small amount.

We only saw one toll road in the Cape Town area, but there are more toll roads in the rest of the country. Here you pay in cash or with a credit card. There are also cars with an e-tag, check whether your rental car also has this. Toll is not too expensive, but you can also select via the Google Maps app that you do not want to enter toll roads.

Road trip South Africa tip: Download the offline maps in the Google Maps app.

2. buy a local sim card so you have internet., 3. you don’t need a world plug for south africa.

Read our Cape Town blog here full of tips about what you can do in Cape Town in 5 days! Or check out our Hout Bay blog , in which we tell you all about this nice region within Cape Town!

4. Don’t withdraw money from ATMs too often!

Not only is this with a debit card expensive (there is a surcharge at most banks in South Africa), you also hardly need any banknotes. You can pay with credit card almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, petrol stations). Even at national parks you cannot pay with cash because of safety reasons. The only times we used cash was to leave a tip at the gas station or parking attendant.

But: make sure you have some cash in your pocket. When a city or region has a power outage, the ATMs in shops and banks no longer work. Then you cannot pay with a credit card and it is nice to have some cash with you.

Extra South Africa tip: there are two popular apps that allow you to pay contactless. These are Zapper and SnapScan . You can use this to pay in national parks. Handy to have during your South Africa road trip!

Wilderness is one of the nicest places along the Garden Route. Read all about this town in our blog! Also nearby is Knysna , definitely a must visit! 

5. Tipping is very common in South Africa

It is normal to tip in South Africa when dining, doing an activity or staying at a hotel. But also when you have refueled. Here’s some additional information:

• Tip at a gasstation: In South Africa you can stay in the car, an employee of the gas station fills your car and often another employee washes your windscreen at the same time. After this, it is customary to tip 5-15 rand.
• Tip in a restaurant: If you ask for the bill at a restaurant after dinner, you will receive a pen so that you can write on the bill how much tip you want to tip. Between 10-15% is normal. Sometimes a service fee of 13% is already included, then a tip is no longer necessary.
• Tipping at the hotel/to your chambermaid: Leaving a tip for the chambermaid is not required but greatly appreciated (and a little bit expected). We left a tip on the day we checked out, and also made sure that the person at the front desk got a little something. We usually used 20 rand per day as a benchmark here.

A must visit in South Africa to relax is the beautiful town of Montagu ! Read more about this place in our travel guide!

6. Uber is safe and cheap in South Africa

Planning to taste wine in the Cape Winelands?  We wrote several blogs about this: the nicest wineries in Paarl , the 9 best wineries in Stellenbosch and the 9 most beautiful wineries in Franschhoek !

7. You are not allowed to fly your drone everywhere in South Africa

8. expect power outages..

Click here for more of our blogs on South Africa

Fancy this blog? Pin it for later!

More blogs on south africa, travel blog stellenbosch: the 7 best things to do in stellenbosch, the four best wineries in the paarl area, the 9 nicest and best wineries in franschhoek in south africa, 7 picnics in the winelands around stellenbosch: tip for children.

Just one note, Cape Town is rather safe but Johannesburg/KZN is not exactly safe to be as a white person. Lock your windows, do not get out of the car, only go to your destination.

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More From Forbes

5 travel apps every traveler should download.

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Downloading the best travel apps can be the key to a successful trip

Have apps, will travel. We rely on apps for pretty much every facet of life, and when you’re on the road, having a few travel apps queued up can help save stress, time and money, and make your trip so much better in very simple ways.

Beyond your standard airline, railroad, hotel chain and fast food apps, here are five travel-specific apps every traveler should download on their smartphone before heading out.

Top 5 Travel Apps

Google maps.

If you’re not using Google Maps to do more than navigate your trip, you’re not using it right. Google Maps is an essential part of any trip in 2024, for so many reasons. Firstly, you can download offline maps before you go, an extremely helpful resource if you don’t have service and need to find your way (you know, since no one has paper maps anymore). Google Maps can also help you plan a route with multiple stops, add starred and flagged places your network recommends and use AI to help with travel searches. Google Maps can help you find your parked car, find gas stations and so much more. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

Hikers, this one’s for you. Hikers of all levels can find hiking routes, long walks and camping sites via AllTrails , which offers peer-rated reviews of each spot, rankings and a level of easy, moderate or hard. Depending on your activity preference, AllTrails can also recommend spots for mountain bikers, wheelchair users, runners, hikers with dogs and more. A free version is comprehensive, but avid hikers may want to sign up for a subscription to AllTrails+, which offers even more details about your outdoor activity, including air quality, satellite weather, pollen, light pollution and user heatmaps. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

A smartphone can be an essential hiking tool, especially when you're out of town.

Port Of Baltimore May Regain Permanent Channel Next Month Army Corps Of Engineers Says

Ukraine’s drainpipe drones open a new era of long-range strikes, the federal reserve has quietly primed bitcoin for a perfect price storm, hotel tonight.

Spontaneous travelers should download Hotel Tonight for last-minute bookings, often at a discount. The hotel app offers flash deals, as well as the ability to book stays in advance or for multiple nights and it’s perfect for procrastinators who just need a place to crash. It’s also great for flight delays, unexpected stop overs or road trips with no specific route in mind. Planners can also favorite specific properties before they travel to check nightly deals. Regular users will earn perks and steeper discounts after multiple bookings. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

If you’re traveling with your dog in tow, the BringFido app is a must have. The user-sourced and ranked database offers listings of accomodations, restaurants, events, activities and more that are dog-friendly in towns and cities across the United States and beyond. The app is great for playing a dog-friendly itinerary or finding a dog-friendly brewery or fenced in park on the go. Users can also post their favorite spots and leave tips for other dog visitors and their owners. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

Travel is so much better with a dog, especially when you know where to take your four legged travel ... [+] buddy.

Itinerary lovers, this one’s for you. TripIt is perfect for those organizing a major getaway or organizing a bunch of small trips that you just can’t possibly remember all the details for (flights, hotels, car rental, etc.) The free app aggregates all the plans in your email, stores confirmation numbers and will send alerts to remind you to leave for the airport, check in to your next accomodation, head to your dinner reservation and more. It’s like a personal assistant in your pocket, that can also track your rewards points, help with flight compensation and more. A free version is sufficient, but $49 for a year of TripIt Pro earns you extra benefits like airport navigation, baggage claim info and potential reimbursement, and the ability to upload 25 documents. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Wander With Alex

Hit the Road with Ease: 10 Helpful Road Trip Planning Apps

Posted: August 6, 2023 | Last updated: August 6, 2023

Road trips are “in” this year. Whether you need a travel packing list, the cheapest gas price, or a toilet finder, there’s “an app for that!” Using a road trip planner app is a convenient way to store all your essential travel plans all in one place. Below we’ll explore ten useful apps that can help you stay organized, budget, and find your way around.

1. Roadtrippers (Route Planning)

Roadtrippers is a robust road trip planner app with many useful features. Not only can you plan out your entire trip, but you can also use the app to navigate. The app allows you to mark your planned stops easily and suggests things for you to do along the way. You can estimate how much you’ll spend on gas, book hotels and tours, and get traffic updates. Roadtrippers Plus has even more features, allowing you to create itineraries and download pre-made trip guides.

2. PackPoint (Packing List)

A road trip packing list can help you keep track of your belongings before, during, and after travel. It’s the best way to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything essential. But rather than keep track of a paper checklist, why not use an app? PackPoint is a travel packing list app that allows you to create custom packing lists for free. You can categorize your list and even see what the weather is like at your destination. The premium version also allows you to link to your TripIt itinerary! 

3. TripIt (Itineraries)

TripIt is a mobile itinerary app that allows you to compile your road trip or travel plans all in one place. You can send your travel confirmation emails to the app, add things like photos and PDFs, email your itinerary to someone else, and even sync your trip to your calendar. TripIt Pro has additional features such as trip reminders, a rewards program tracker, “go now” reminders, and a host of flight-related tools. If you love itineraries, you’ll love this road trip planner app!

4. Waze (Traffic & Directions)

Waze is a GPS navigation and live traffic app that helps you get where you need to go. Not only does it help you get to your destination, but it allows users to input information such as road hazards, construction sites, and police sightings.

Another popular feature of the app is its rerouting tool. When the app notices traffic back up ahead, it will notify you of the situation and offer alternative routes. Waze has also added features such as a speedometer, a gas finder, a parking garage/lot finder, and it will even sync with your music and podcast apps.

5. Google Maps (Destination Finder)

Suppose you’re directionally changed, like me. Using Google Maps to get around a new city is a game changer. The app isn’t just for driving navigation and can be used when getting around on foot or by bike. And if your location history has been enabled, the app will even give you destination recommendations based on places you’ve previously visited. In addition, Google Maps will let you share your location and download maps offline if you know you’ll have spotty service.

6. GasBuddy (Best Gas Prices)

GasBuddy is a fuel savings app that uses your location to help you locate cheap gas. You can also sign up for a free Pay with GasBuddy card to save even more at the pump. Here’s how it works.

Once you receive the card in the mail, you will connect it to your bank account. Next, you’ll use the app to unlock deals. Then, when you are ready to fill up, you use your GasBuddy card instead of your debit card. When you do this, you’ll receive up to 25 cents off per gallon, and if you upgrade to their premium account, you can get up to 40 cents off per gallon. The GasBuddy card works at 95% of gas stations in the U.S.

Additionally, if you want to save even more on gas, you can participate in their Shop Your Way program. Use the app to shop for their retailers, and they will apply more gas discounts to your card.

7. Flush (Toilet Finder)

The Flush restroom finder app is genius! All you have to do is open the app, and it will display public restroom options near you. The app also tells you if the bathroom is handicap accessible, if there is a fee, and even lets you know if a key is required. And this app isn’t just for those in the U.S.; it helps you find toilets worldwide!

8. Trabee Pocket (Budget Tracker)

The Trabee Pocket app was designed specifically for tracking your spending while traveling. The app allows you to enter pre-trip costs, add on-the-go costs, categorize your purchases, and show you how much you’ve spent via a pie graph. And if you don’t want to hold on to your paper receipt, you can take photos and upload them to the app.

When your road trip is over, you can export your expense detail to a PDF or even a CSV file that you can open in Microsoft Excel. This simple-to-use expense tracker is great for budget-conscious road-trippers looking to watch their spending!

9. HotelTonight (Last-Minute Stays)

If you’re looking for last-minute hotel deals, HotelTonight is your app. Perfect for road trips, this app is ideal for those who decide, unplanned, that they want to stay the night in town before moving on to their next destination. So how does it work?

HotelTonight partners with hotels to help them fill up their unreserved rooms. In return, they can offer deep discounts to get those rooms filled. And although the app advertises last-minute accommodations, you can also book stays up to 100 days in advance. Be careful, though! Because these are great deals, you likely won’t get a refund for a cancellation or the ability to request a different type of room.

10. Guide Along (Audio Tours)

Guide Along , formerly known as GyPsy Guide, is a GPS-narrated audio tour app that will give you information about your current location. While driving or walking, the app will suggest local tips and tell you about all the things there are to do and see around you. It’s a personal tour guide at your fingertips! The app lets you download and play tours offline if you know you’ll have bad cell service in an area.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of road trip planner apps, so be sure to research and find the apps that best fit your needs. It’s always a good idea to test out your apps before your trip so you’re not fumbling around while driving. Enjoy your vacation, and be safe out there!

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex . Photo Credit: [@scanrail/DepositPhotos]

More Articles From Wander With Alex

• How to Spot Vacation Rental Scams and How to Avoid Them
• Vacation Vibes: 13 Travel Tips for a Relaxing and Stress-Free Trip

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How to plan a road trip in South Africa

Unlike group tours and travel packages, road trips put you at the helm of your adventure. You’re free to follow your instincts and take unplanned detours at the drop of a hat. It’s a liberating way to travel, and a good road trip in South Africa is our prescribed treatment for those struck with an acute case of wanderlust.

Travelling with a sense of adventure doesn’t mean setting off without planning a thing, however. To get the most out of your trip, it pays to put some thought into it before heading for the horizon. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning a road trip in South Africa.

Decide where you want to go and what you want to do.

First of all, pick the region of South Africa you’d like to explore. Maybe the windswept beaches and quaint fishing villages of the West Coast appeal to your inner vagabond, or perhaps you’re after the warmer waters and lush, rural landscapes of the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast.

Besides choosing where you want to go, think about what sorts of activities you’d like to do along the way. Are you an outdoorsy type bent on hiking, surfing and bungee jumping or are you a culture vulture on the hunt for local arts and South African traditions? Do some research on what’s on offer in each region and then plan your route around visiting the spots that cater to your particular interests.

Pick the best season for your road trip in South Africa.

South Africa enjoys hot summers from December to February. Short-lived afternoon thunderstorms are common over most of the country, apart from the Western Cape, which is dry in summer. This is peak holiday season and while the beaches are gorgeous at this time of year, the popular ones can get a bit crowded.

May to July mark the winter months in South Africa. While the Western Cape is rainy and cold, the rest of the country is cool and dry; great for game viewing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Autumn and spring (March to May and September to November respectively) are both ideal times to visit almost anywhere in the country as it’s warm – but not sweltering – with little or no rain.

Hire the right vehicle.

One of the most important considerations when planning a road trip in South Africa is making sure that you have the right set of wheels. Your vehicle choice will depend not only on your budget but also on how many people are travelling and how much luggage you’ll have along for the ride.

Also make sure that your vehicle can handle the kind of terrain you’ll be coming up against. Most of the main roads in South Africa are in good condition, but if you’re going to be exploring rural or wilderness areas like the Wild Coast or the Drakensberg, you’ll need a sturdy four-wheel drive. Having a vehicle with a bit of oomph is also a plus if you plan on doing a self-drive safari in any of the country’s famous national parks along the way.

Ask around for insider tips.

The best way to find out about those hidden gems and ‘best kept secrets’ is through word of mouth. Why stay on the well-trodden tourist track when you can stay at that tiny guesthouse with the best breakfast, taste the locals’ favourite fare from a little-known farm stall or enjoy a private dip in a secluded bay away from the crowded main beaches? Check out sites like TripAdvisor for independent traveller reviews and ask locals for their top recommendations.

Pick your accommodation according to your budget.

A road trip in South Africa can be done on the cheap or with a touch of luxury. If you’re on a shoestring, the country’s fantastic weather means that you can happily camp for next to nothing during most months of the year. If you’re not up for sleeping in a tent, however, you’ll easily find a range of accommodation from self-catering to luxury boutique hotels.

Apart from accommodation costs, don’t forget to budget for vehicle hire, fuel, road tolls, meals, national park entrance fees, adventure activities, souvenirs and emergencies.

Plan to be spontaneous.

It may sound like an oxymoron, but plan your road trip in South Africa to allow for a little flexibility. You might fall in love with a place and want to stay an extra night or decide to take a local’s advice and change your route.

It’s easier to be spontaneous in low season, when campsites and hotels are more likely to accommodate you at the last minute. In high season, however, you’ll probably need to book all of your accommodation in advance.

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Did New Jersey just have an earthquake? Yes, in Hunterdon County. Aftershocks continue.

If you felt that, you're not alone.

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook up the region shortly before 10:30 a.m. Friday, followed by two aftershocks of magnitude 2 at 11:20 a.m. and magnitude 2.2 at 1:32 p.m.

Stay tuned for updated coverage .

Where was the earthquake?

The epicenter of the earthquake was in Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon County, at 10:23 a.m.

The earthquake was 4.77 kilometers north northeast of White House Station and the depth was five kilometers. People felt the rumble from Maine to Norfolk, Virginia, officials said.

▶▶ What do you need to do after an earthquake? Tips from Seismic Safety Commission

Will there be aftershocks?

Two aftershocks of magnitude 2 and magnitude 2.2 have struck since the quake, according to the United States Geological Survey. There is a small chance of an aftershock of 4.8-magnitude or greater, said Paul Earle of the United States Geological Survey.

This quake was felt by millions, Earle said, adding that East Coast quakes travel five times farther than West Coast quakes, because the rock here is harder.

When was the last earthquake in New Jersey?

The last earthquake in the Garden State was on March 15, measuring magnitude 2.2 struck near Whitehouse Station in Hunterdon County about 3 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 8.7 kilometers, the survey said.

Prior to March 15, the last earthquake in New Jersey was a 1.7-magnitude that occurred near the Lake Telemark section of Roxbury Township in Morris County in August 2022, according to the survey.

There have also been earthquakes at the Jersey Shore: a 2.2-magnitude at Tuckerton in June 2021; a 3.1-magnitude near Marlboro in September 2020; and a 1.4-magnitude that occurred near Keansburg in August 2017.

What was the strongest earthquake at Jersey Shore?

One of the strongest earthquakes at the Jersey Shore was a magnitude 3.8 quake that struck near Freehold on January 30, 1979.

“Objects were shaken from shelves and minor cracks were reported in masonry walls in a few towns near the epicenter” during that quake, according to the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.

Earthquakes of less than a magnitude 3 are considered weak quakes with little noticeable shaking, according to the California Earthquake Authority.

South River homes shake, branches knock, alarms triggered

In South River, the start of rumbling was accompanied by small knick-knacks and toys falling from shelves. 

While at first it seemed likely that a truck or construction vehicle was headed down the street, it soon became apparent that something else was at play.

The house continued to shake for 20 to 30 seconds, as the rumbling noises continued, branches knocked against the walls, roof and windows, clanging noises were heard from a metal chimney pipe and a glass break security alarm was triggered. 

The power remained on, and there was no apparent damage at an electrical substation on Southside Avenue nor at a neighborhood park on the street.

— Ilana Keller

Loud rumbling, shaking in Milltown 

In Milltown, about 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, a loud rumbling noise accompanied shaking on Herbert Avenue in Milltown. A songbook fell off a piano inside one house.

Neighbors ran out of their homes and stood on lawns and porches asking each other what had just happened.

“It felt like my house was going to fall down,” said one resident. Another wondered if a residential construction project might have collapsed and caused the rumbling.

No visible damage was apparent on the block.

— Chris Jordan

Nothing felt while driving; Dishes shake in PA

"I didn’t feel it . I was driving somewhere between Howell & Neptune; My parents, who live in Yardley, Pa., said all of their dishes shook"

— Tanya Breen

NJ earthquake reaction on social media