Worthy Routes For Any South African Road Trip
Africa is home to the second fastest growing tourism region in the world, according to the 2019 Jumia Hospitality Report, and it’s not difficult to see why. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there is no shortage of rich history, natural beauty, and good food worth experiencing. However, perhaps one of the best ways to experience as much of South Africa as possible in one go is by taking a road trip. From the coast to the inlands, here are just three worthy routes for anyone looking to experience a taste of what the country has to offer.
The Panorama Route
Located in the Mpumalanga province, the Panorama Route certainly does its name justice, thanks to the numerous scenic views that it holds. From waterfalls and mountain passes, there are many breath-taking nature-filled scenes that are sure to speak to any nature lover’s interest, as well as present the ultimate photo op experiences throughout the trip. However, in addition to the beautiful South African nature, the Panorama Route also holds a number of other worthy stops along the way, including the Lyndenburg museum, where you can learn about South Africa’s rich history, and “God’s Window” — a unique panoramic view that overlooks a lush forest.
Beer and wine routes
If you’re a beer or wine enthusiast, South Africa has a couple of notable road trip-worthy routes for you to consider. The first, nicknamed the “Beer Route”, or Johannesburg to North West, will allow you to pass nine impressive microbreweries, including Copperlake Brewing Co., as well as Ale House, home of the South African buchu beer. If you prefer wine, however, Route 62 may be a route that’s more to your liking. Having been referred to as the “longest wine route in the world,” Route 62 starts outside of Cape Town and finishes up near a wine farm in Port Elizabeth, allowing your road trip to span across both the Western and Eastern capes of the country. With the route taking you through various wine-growing areas, activities along the way include wine tours, safari drives, canoeing, fishing, and cultural tours.
The Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is yet another worthy South African road trip route to consider, as it’s perfect for those looking for both rich cultural heritage and pristine beaches. Taking the Wild Coast route will give you the opportunity to see a number of different locations — such as Coffee Bay, a local community that’s well known for its scenic views, fantastic seafood, and great surf. Coffee Bay is also a fantastic place to camp out should you choose to take a midsize pickup on your trip like that of the Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon, which can easily haul camping gear. One particular attraction worth seeking out nearby is the “Hole in the Wall,” a unique natural structure in which a hole was carved through a wall of rock by the waves — easily making it a must-see on any Wild Coast road trip.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, South Africa has a worthy road trip route for everyone’s interests. From wine and beer-focused trips to those that zone in on the country’s unique cultural heritage and natural surroundings, there are plenty of reasons to start planning your next road trip now.