Six routes to consider on your next SA road trip

In many regards, these routes are so inspiring that the journey becomes more important than the destination.

Here are six routes to consider:  

Chapman’s Peak

So, you’re coming to the iconic Cape Town for the first time and you’ve decided the best way to get around would be to hire a car from Car Hire Cape Town. Chapman’s Peak is one of the most scenic and sought after drives in the whole of the Western Cape. Chapman’s Peak is enveloped in mountains on the one side of the icy, yet picturesque Atlantic Ocean. It’s no wonder that the drive on the M6 coastal road between Noordhoek and Hout Bay is world famous and has kept travellers and driving enthusiasts coming back, year in and year out. Fondly referred to as Chappies by Cape Town locals, it’s also one of the locations for the popular Argus Cycle event.

Garden Route

This could very well be one of the most popular drives in South Africa for various reasons. One of them is the fact that there is just so much to do and explore in and around the Garden Route and the towns, and people really do have an interesting energy surrounding them, especially because of its eccentric small-town nature that can often be infectious. Life seems happier and simpler along the garden route as the locals have decided to make the area their home, due to the slower pace of life and absolute natural splendour. From enchanting forests to towering mountain ranges the garden route really does have a world of magic just waiting to be experienced.

West Coast Flower Route

What’s unique about this part of the world is the fact that for most of the year the region is a desert wasteland, however, just as spring arrives so do the flowers. Namaqualand is widely considered to be the best location to see the fields bloom in an explosion of bright colors, and various species of flora. Other towns in the area experience the same kind of floral bliss and another town famous for its springtime flowers is Darling. Darling is roughly an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Valley of a thousand hills

What’s particularly unique about this part of the world is, it’s literally 30 minutes away from Durban and gives the visitor a chance to experience rural South African life without having to venture that far from the city.There is a lot to explore around the valley of a thousand hills from quaint towns to the Inanda Dam. It is also a picturesque place of tranquility extremely close to urban areas. The dam has become famous for both camping and watersports alike. There are various vantage points where one can gaze at. Literally, thousands of hills which eventually reach the powerful Umgeni River.

Panorama Route

This is definitely one for the bucket list of all road enthusiasts out there and boasts some of the most majestic views not just in South Africa, but the entire world. At certain vantage points and on clear days weary drivers will be treated to an assortment of captivating views that will make it hard for you to carry on with your journey. Notable places to visit on the route include; Graskop, Sabie, Mac Mac Pools, Pilgrim’s Rest, the Pinnacle, God’s Window, Wonder View, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels.

Eight Mountain Passes

This iconic part of South Africa forms part of the Drakensberg and it’s sometimes referred to as Drakensberg Highlands or ‘wild Drakensberg’. This area can be navigated in a normal vehicle however, some of the passes and areas are considered to be quite harrowing. it’s advised that a 4x4 wheel truck or vehicle, would, in fact, be more suitable to ensure that the trip is more enjoyable, safe and comfortable.  Take the scenic meandering route which will take you through Lady Grey and Elliot. Other notable routes and roads to explore in the area include Joubert’s Pass, Lundeans Nek, Volunteers Hoek Road, Bistrone Pass, Carlisle's Hoek, Naude’s Nek which is, in fact, the loftiest pass in South Africa. Other places to explore include Bastervoetpad, Barkly Pass, and Otto Du Plessis Pass.