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Hit the Road and Enjoy the Scenery: A Johannesburg to Cape Town Drive Guide
Imagine this: you’re driving your car on an open road, windows down. The sun starts to set, and you can see a golden glow over the horizon.
When you look to your left, the towering mountains of the Drakensberg rise in the distance, while to your right, the flat plains stretch out, dotted with the occasional grazing animals.
Pretty amazing, right? What if I told you it could be your reality?
With this guide, you’ll discover the stunning scenery that awaits you on a drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Let’s get this road trip started!
Things to Know
Distance: 1, 396.7 km
Routes to Take:
- N1 – 15 hours
- Garden Route – 30 hours
Stops to Make
Admire the beauty of Bloemfontein
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Make your first stop in the beautiful city of Bloemfontein, South Africa’s judicial capital and a cultural hub known as the “City of Roses.” It’s home to the Free State National Botanical Garden, which showcases around 400 plant species.
For an unforgettable view, head to Naval Hill, where you’ll get a sweeping panorama of the city against the Free State’s vast plains. Before moving on, don’t miss the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela—an ideal spot to snap some memorable photos of your visit.
| Tip: Tap water in Bloemfontein has an unusual odor and taste. Although it’s considered safe to drink, buying bottled water is a good alternative. |
Surf the great beaches of East London
East London is a must-see stop on this drive, thanks to its stunning beaches. Surf the great waves at Nahoon Beach and Gonubie Beach, or just get a tan, whichever you like.
Before hitting the road again, visit the East London Museum to witness the rare coelacanth—a fish thought to be extinct!
| Tip: Check the local conditions before surfing the beaches of East London. Some spots can have strong waves and currents. |
Explore wilderness at the Kragga Kamma Game Park
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See giraffes, rhinos, and other animals up close by taking a quick detour at the Kragga Kamma Game Park. For a rate of R140, you can drive around the 500-acre private game park.
When I drove there, I spotted a white rhino lying peacefully on the grass. Only 10,080 remain in the world, making every sighting feel special. Seeing them safe in the park gave me hope. This place is a refuge, a chance for these majestic creatures to thrive.
| Tip:Bring binoculars. Some animals may be at a distance, so binoculars are helpful to get a better view of elusive species like cheetahs and giraffes. |
Visit our past at the Point of Human Origins
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Remember our past by visiting the Point of Human Origins near Mossel Bay. This archeological tour costs only R300 and shows how ancient humans began to show modern behavior.
Also, a part of your fee goes into a conservation fund to protect and conserve the sites. By visiting, you contribute to the preservation of an essential piece of our shared past.
| Tip:Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 9-kilometer tour! |
Catch some largemouth yellowfish at Kroonstad
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Stop by Kroonstad’s Vals River for some fishing. Catch some largemouth yellowfish for lunch while listening to the river’s peaceful sounds and surrounding wildlife. It’s a perfect way to unwind before getting back on the road.
You might also meet other fishermen along the river. Chat with them to learn local fishing tips or hear some interesting stories about their catches. Who knows, you might even pick up a new fishing trick!
| Tip:Your best chance of catching a largemouth yellowfish is during the early morning and late evening. |
Stargazing at Gariep Dam
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Skip the hotels and set up camp at Gariep Dam for an unforgettable stargazing experience. For R250, you can camp (with electricity) and enjoy a clear view of the night sky.
On a clear night, you might spot the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, and other beautiful constellations from the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the perfect place to end the evening under a sky full of stars!
| Tip:Dress in layers. Nights at Gariep Dam can be chilly, even in summer. |
Sip excellent wine at Paarl
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You’ll love this next stop: Paarl. It’s one of the oldest wine-producing regions, and there are many wineries to sample local wines like Nederburg Wines. Plus, the scenic vineyards and historic buildings make it a great destination for a leisurely afternoon.
Afterward, head to Meulwater Botanical Garden to take in the stunning mountain views and explore the rich variety of plants.
| Tip:Don’t wear heavy perfume. That way, your scent will not overpower the natural aromas of the wine. |
Swim at Meiringspoort Waterfall
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Cool off by taking a swim at Meiringspoort Waterfall near Oudtshoorn. It has crystal-clear waters surrounded by rugged mountains, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
You can also climb the top of the waterfall via a series of stone steps. At the top, you’ll be stunned by the beauty of the green valley below.
| Tip: Meiringspoort Waterfall gets even more beautiful after a rain. If you happen to be driving by when it rains, make sure to stop by and witness the waterfall in full flow. It’s an impressive sight you won’t want to miss! |
Where to Eat
Karoo Padstal
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Address: Farm Kantfontein, N1
Phone: +27 812 192 860
Business Hours: Monday to Saturday- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price Range: $$
Enjoy some farm-style food at Karoo Padstal. It offers traditional South African treats like biltong, dried fruits, and fresh pies.
One of the best lamb curries I’ve tried was from there. The lamb meat was tender and juicy. The curry was perfectly warm and had a creamy texture that went well with the flatbread and sambal.
True Living Old Karoo Deli & Restaurant
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Address: 8 Albert St, Nxuba
Phone: +27 812 192 860
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price Range: $$
Being on the road for days can make you miss home-cooked meals. Stop at True Living Old Karoo Deli & Restaurant for a hearty breakfast or lunch before continuing on your drive. They make organic meals that are both delicious and comforting.
Try their beef tongue with Lani’s Sweet Mustard Sauce. The properly cooked beef tongue has a tender and rich flavor, while Lani’s mustard sauce enhances the dish with a sweet, zesty kick that balances the meat’s richness.
Sagewood Cafe
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Address: 97 Chatterton Rd, Athlone
Phone: +27 634 831 950
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price Range: $$
The Sagewood Cafe in Pietermaritzburg serves fresh, local produce picked right before your eyes. It also offers a Sip and Paint experience in the afternoon where you can paint under the guidance of an artist and enjoy a drink and treats for R385.
As for the food, their Benedict is one standout dish. It has creamy hollandaise, a perfectly poached free-range egg, earthy creamed spinach, and savory mushrooms balanced by roasted baby tomatoes, crispy gherkin fries, and parmesan crackling.
101 Meade Street
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Address: 101 Meade St, George Central
Phone: +27 448 740 343
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price Range: $$
Craving for some fine dining? Known for its creative dishes using local ingredients, 101 Meade Street is the place to eat.
They offer an extensive menu, and the saffron paella (R235) is a must-try! It combines the earthy flavor of saffron with briny prawns, squid, and mussels, while the smoky chorizo and sweet peas add a perfect depth of taste.
Places to Stay
Fordoun Hotel & Spa
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Address: Nottingham Road, Midlands
Phone: +27 332 666 217
Check-in Time: 2:00 p.m.
Check-out Time: 11 a.m.
Price Range: $$
Even while on the road, you can enjoy a touch of luxury at Fordoun Hotel & Spa. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind with scenic countryside views, and their spa services will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
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Address: D464 District Road, Hluhluwe
Phone: +27 870 599 014
Check-in Time: 2:00 p.m.
Check-out Time: 10:30 a.m.
Price Range: $$$
Add an unforgettable stop to your road trip with a stay at Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge. Nestled within the Manyoni Private Game Reserve along the Msunduzi River, it offers breathtaking wilderness views and a chance to spot incredible wildlife right from your doorstep.
The Barracks
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Address: 15 D’ Urban Row, Colesberg
Phone: +27 836 462 680
Check-in Time: 2:00 p.m.
Check-out Time: 10 a.m.
Price Range: $
Stay in a restored 1851 military barracks at the straightforwardly named inn The Barracks! It played a role during the Anglo-Boer War and now offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past while enjoying a comfortable stay.
Just 4 kilometers away from this cozy inn, you can visit the Colesberg-Kemper Museum. The museum showcases the region’s colonial history and cultural heritage, making it a worthwhile detour!
Oasis Hotel
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Address: 26 Schroder St, Upington
Phone: +27 543 378 500
Check-in Time: 2:00 p.m.
Check-out Time: 10 a.m.
Price Range: $
The Oasis Hotel is the perfect place to rest and prepare for the final stretch of your road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. It has comfortable rooms, with some having a view of the Orange River.
Before you set out to reach Cape Town, eat a hearty breakfast at Tsama Restaurant. Their Continental breakfast includes croissants, muffins, toast with a variety of spreads, as well as fresh fruit and yogurt—more than enough to keep you energized for the journey ahead along the road.
