This travel guide will show you how to plan an unforgettable South African road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. On this 3-week itinerary in South Africa, you will discover the diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultures of this beautiful country. We will also share the driving distance, travel time and road trip costs, allowing you to budget effectively and plan an epic adventure on the road!
Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 How to use this guide
1.2 Road trip summary and map
1.2 Why you should visit South Africa
1.3 How to get to South Africa
1.4 Driving in South Africa
1.5 Is South Africa safe to visit?
1.6 Best time to visit South Africa
1.7 3 week road trip itinerary
1.8 Road trip costs
1.9 How far in advance should I book a campsite?
South Africa holds a special place in our hearts. After Jonny lived in Cape Town and East London for two years, we have returned twice since then to explore this beautiful country in more depth. Each time, we rented a car and took our time, spending two months exploring Cape Town and the Garden Route.
This time we spent a month overlanding South Africa in a 4x4; we drove through the Kruger National Park, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the mountainous landscapes of Lesotho, finishing in much-loved Cape Town.
A road trip is an unforgettable way to explore South Africa, with diverse landscapes through the stunning Drakensberg mountains, the grassy Lowveld of the Kruger and the pristine coastline of the Garden Route.
This ultimate 3-week road trip guide will cover everything you need to know before arriving in South Africa, including costs, the best campsites and accommodations along the way, and recommended stops.
Our trip was made possible thanks to the lovely guys at Overland 4x4 Rentals and also supported by Holafly and the South Africa Tourism Board.
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to jump between sections when looking for a particular part of the guide. The guide is designed for a 3-week self-drive road trip for the ultimate experience across the diverse landscapes of South Africa and the neighbouring countries of Eswatini and Lesotho.
While the majority of this road trip is catered towards those looking for an overlanding 4x4 experience (prior experience recommended), staying at campsites is a more budget-friendly option. It’s also ideal for those looking to rent a car, book a hotel, or do both, just like we did.
You can squeeze this road trip into less time, but you’ll end up driving a lot more each day, and we wouldn't recommend it. If you are short on time, there is the option to fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg to save on the long driving distances, which would be best for a 2-week South Africa itinerary.
You could also reverse the itinerary and start in Cape Town, finishing in Johannesburg, depending on flights. We list campsite and accommodation prices in South African Rand. They are based on low peak season rates, so they’re cheaper than what you’d pay during the busy summer or holiday months.
Because a few experiences, like driving the Sani Pass, require a 4x4, we’ve specified exactly which parts of the road trip need one. Most of the route follows main roads.
Road trip summary and map
Distance | 2,272 miles or 3,657 km
Duration | 3 weeks or 21 days
Highlights | Self-drive safari, wildlife encounters, canyons, cultural villages, hiking, historical battlefields, 4x4 mountain passes, river crossings, beaches, local shops, markets, candle-making, starry skies and lots of biltong along the way
Day 1 - Arrive in Johannesburg
Day 2 - Blyde River Canyon and Kruger NP
Day 3 - Kruger NP
Day 4 - Kruger NP
Day 5 - Eswatini
Day 6 - Eswatini
Day 7 - Rorke’s drift and Drakensberg
Day 8 - Royal Natal NP
Day 9 - Sani Pass
Day 10 - Karoo
Day 11 - Karoo
Day 12 - Addo Elephant Park
Day 13 - Jeffreys Bay
Day 14 - Tsitsikamma
Day 15 - Robberg Nature Reserve and Buffalo Bay
Day 16 - Wilderness
Day 17 - Little Karoo
Day 18 - Cape Town
Day 19 - Cape Town
Day 20 - Cape Town
Day 21 - Leave Cape Town
Johannesburg to cape town Road trip Map
Why you should visit South Africa
To us, what makes South Africa a must-visit destination is the beautiful landscapes, the wonderful people, and the vast opportunity for rich travel experiences. It's a place that never leaves you and is always with you, as Bridget Dore wrote in 'Africa Smiled’ in 1995, a poem dedicated to Nelson Mandela.
In the last few years, South Africa has seen a rise in international travellers, especially to Cape Town, and was recently awarded the ‘Best City in the World’ by Time Out for 2025.
As a country, South Africa is home to diverse landscapes, from lush forests in Tsitsikamma to arid deserts in the Kalahari and remote beaches on the wild coast to mountain plateaus in the Drakensberg.
South Africa is the 24th largest country in the world and is five times the size of the UK! Experience world-class safaris in the mighty Kruger or sleep under a clear, starry sky in the Little Karoo. Hike up to epic waterfalls in Royal Natal before sipping wine in the lush Cape Winelands.
Discover adventure on the Garden Route, from bungee jumping off a bridge to watching elephants around a watering hole at night in Addo Elephant National Park. Take in the view above the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, and then get behind the wheel along the coast of Chapman's Peak, the most scenic drive in the world.
Check out these essential safety tips for travelling in South Africa, ensuring you have the best possible experience.
How to get to South Africa
By Plane
There are several direct flight options from London Heathrow Airport to Johannesburg, and it usually takes around 11 hours. Flights from London to Cape Town International Airport take 11.5 hours.
British Airways (BA), Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways and Norse Atlantic Airways all fly these routes.
Norse Atlantic Airways is a new long-haul budget option from London Gatwick to Cape Town. It’s worth noting that while these flights may be cheaper, there are a few differences between services provided on Norse when compared to BA or Virgin Atlantic.
For example, on Norse you will be provided one meal for long-haul flights (over 6 hours); in-flight entertainment is limited, and headphones, blankets and pillows aren’t provided. Food and drinks are available at an additional cost.
If you’re happy to go with Norse, we’d suggest packing some extra snacks and drinks, bringing your headphones and extra layers to keep warm and downloading your favourite shows to keep you entertained.
Driving in South Africa
The best way to see South Africa is by renting a car and passing through the changing landscapes. We drove ‘Lechwe’, a Ford Ranger from Overland 4x4 Rentals, fully equipped with camping gear for the adventure ahead. The pickup from the Johannesburg airport went seamlessly, and Carla and Gian supported us when needed.
Jonny drove across different parts of South Africa when living in Cape Town for two years. Driving in South Africa can be exciting, freeing and a real adventure. The 4x4 opportunities on this road trip are unreal; taking on the Sani Pass was a definite highlight.
READ MORE | Useful Tips for Driving in South Africa
Is South Africa safe to visit?
There are some misconceptions about South Africa’s safety. While statistics may support this claim, it's important to put it into context.
Most of the violent crime, approximately 80%, occurs within a very specific social context and is highly concentrated in a small number of urban areas between people who know each other.
Jonny lived in South Africa for two years, where he worked as a volunteer and spent the majority of his time walking through many townships in the Cape Flats and Eastern Cape. These areas are known to have a high concentration of crime and the highest homicide rates in the country.
Scams, petty theft, and carjacking are among the crimes that specifically target tourists. Being streetwise and well-informed will ensure you can be safe during your visit to South Africa. We have written a helpful safety guide, areas to avoid, and how to stay safe in South Africa.
READ MORE | Safety tips for visiting South Africa
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa is a big country; across its large expanse, the topography and climate vary from region to region. It's a year-round destination with warm, sunny weather and things to do in every season.
We drove this route in March, avoiding the peak season of visitors to South Africa and public holidays. The best months to visit Cape Town are in the shoulder months, from March to May and September to November, which avoids the busiest time, typically December to February.
The best opportunity for wildlife watching is during the dry season, which is considered May to September, as the vegetation is usually low and animals gather at watering holes. However, when we visited the Kruger National Park in March, we saw plenty of wildlife, including the Big 5, without the help of a guide.
Most days were warm and sunny, around 25°C or more, perfect for being outside. When planning to drive the Garden Route in the Western Cape, the best months are from November to March.
We chose March for this road trip so we could explore the Western Cape and enjoy Kruger National Park with fewer crowds and enjoy warm weather. It’s best to be prepared for most weather conditions; bring a warm fleece and rain jacket for those mountainous areas such as the Drakensberg and Sani Pass.
3-week road trip itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Johannesburg
Distance | 241 miles or 388km
Driving time | 4.5 hours
We start our road trip in Johannesburg, in the northeast of South Africa. Heading towards the Panorama Route, starting on the N4, which has several tolls that accept contactless payment. You will enter the Mpumalanga province, and the final stretch of the R36 is a beautiful scenic road with little traffic and surrounded by pine plantations and rolling hills.
Schoemanskloof is known for large orange farms, and you’ll pass several farm shops. We’d recommend stopping at Joubert en Seuns Padstal, a large farm shop selling fresh oranges and juice, and somewhere to pick up bits for dinner at camp.
Stay | Mac Mac Forest Retreat Campsite, Sabie
🏕️ R300 per night for 2 adults | Rustic showers with hot water and toilets. Electricity hook up is available with bbq and brai areas. Beautiful views over the hills and woodlands.
Day 2 - Panorama Route and Kruger National park
Distance | 185 miles or 298km
Driving time | 5.5 hours
Spend the morning exploring the Panorama Route, stopping at waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. We stopped at Lisbon Falls and the Three Rondavels viewpoint. At Three Rondavels, it costs R90 for international visitors to enter; there are handicraft stalls, toilets and a small restaurant.
Follow the roads along the Kruger birding route from Blyde River Canyon north to Kruger National Park, a scenic drive. We entered Kruger at the Orpen Gate. It’s worth noting the gate and camp opening and closing times to ensure you have enough time to drive between both. We had to check into Satara camp first to pick up our wild card before heading to Balule. Get any supplies from Satara before driving to Balule.
TIP | The best directions for Blyde River Canyon are putting in the viewpoint Lowveld View or Three Rondavels View Point in Google Maps. Similarly, for Orpen Gate, a small village called Orpen sits nearby, so make sure to enter ‘Orpen Gate’ into your sat nav.
Stay | Balule Satellite Camp, Kruger National Park
🏕️ R340 per night for 2 adults | Next to the Olifants River with braai pits, no electricity, toilets and washing-up facilities.
Day 3 - Kruger National park
Distance | 30 miles or 48km
Driving time | 1 hr from Balule to Satara
Spend the day driving around Kruger National Park, cruising around the Olifants River. Make sure to stop at the Olifants camp for a lunch stop and try the crocodile bites. Keep your eyes peeled for animals coming to the river for a drink; you can see for miles!
Letaba camp is north of Balule and has a day visitor area with picnic spots and BBQ areas. The main camp has a restaurant overlooking the Letaba River. On your way to Satara, stop off at the beautiful N’Wamzi lookout over the Olifants River. This is one of the few places you can get out of your car – if you dare!
Stay | Satara Camp, Kruger National Park
🏕️ R297 per night for two adults | Satara is one of the biggest campsites in Kruger. Try to get a spot by the fence if possible. There are good washing facilities, braai spots, instant hot water, cooking hobs, toilets, hot showers and a swimming pool.
Day 4 - Kruger National Park
Distance | 38 miles or 61km
Driving time | 1.5 hrs driving distance from Satara to Tinswalo
Set your alarm and get up early to be one of the first in the park. Check the gate opening times, as they can vary throughout the year. The early morning offers a unique opportunity to watch wildlife during one of their most active times of the day and provides one of the best chances to spot big cats. Satara is known as one of the best places in Kruger to see big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Spend the morning driving around Kruger, then either head to a luxury lodge for the night or stay at Satara camp again. We’d recommend staying at Tinswalo Safari, a luxury 5* lodge, a 1.5-hour drive from Satara in Manyaleti, a private reserve part of the greater Kruger. They offer guided safaris with the best opportunities to spot wildlife you may not have seen on a self-drive.
Day 5 - EswatinI
Distance | 219 miles or 352km
Driving time | 5.5 hours
Drive to the Mananga border crossing into Eswatini. A good stop is Hazy View town with a large shopping mall for stocking up on food and petrol. On the way, there is a toll near Matsulu on the N4. The border crossing into Eswatini is straightforward; you must get stamps for leaving South Africa and arriving in Eswatini. Check the crossing’s closing times. You’ll need to pay R100 in road tax and show proof of payment when you exit.
From the border, it takes under an hour to drive to Hlane Royal Camp. The entrance fee is included with a wild card. Finish the day watching the sunset over the watering hole at Ndlovu camp; we were lucky enough to see a pair of rhinos and checked off our Big 5 bingo!
Stay | Ndlovu camp, Hlane Royal Camp, Eswatini
🏕️ R340 per night for two adults | A lovely big campsite with all basic camp facilities, bar, restaurant and shop.
Day 6 - eswatini
Distance | 170 miles or 274km
Driving time | 6.5 hrs to Elandshein or 4.5 hrs to Nkonkoni
Drive to Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village to explore a traditional Swazi village and watch a dancing and singing performance. The next stop is visiting Swazi Candles; running since the 1980s, this candle shop gives demonstrations of the process from start to finish. Choose from unique patterns, animal shapes and vibrant colours to bring home with you – don’t worry, they won’t melt in the heat!
If you have time, head to Emahlatini Border Post and stay at Elandshein campsite. Otherwise, go through the border at Golela/Lavumisa before closing and head to Nkonkoni Fishing Camp for the night.
Stay | Nkonkoni Fishing Camp
🏕️ R340 per night for two adults | Close to the Mantenga border overlooking the Pongolapoort Nature Reserve, make sure to book ahead as there is a gate before the entrance.
Elandshein campsite
🏕️ 300R per night for two people | The road up to Elandshein campsite from Rorke’s Drift is best suited for 4x4 cars or those with high clearance, and there is also a river crossing.
Day 7 - Rorke’s drift and Drakensberg Mountains
Distance | 156 miles or 252km
Driving time | 4 hours
Visit the historical battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift as seen in the movies Zulu and Zulu Dawn. Go to the Isandlawana visitor centre first for tickets to enter the battlefield site, which also has a small museum.
Rorke’s Drift is a 30-minute drive from Insandlawana and follows a beautiful drive crossing the Buffalo River as the British soldiers would have done when setting up camp. The grounds at Rorke’s Drift are well worth the visit, with a large museum, cemetery and memorial for the British and Zulus who died in battle. It’s worth noting that the museum closes at 4 pm, so make sure to get there before then. Entry for both sites is R70 per person for international visitors.
Stay | Hlalanathi Drakensberg Resort
🏕️ R360 per night for 2 adults | A large campsite with a restaurant, pool, spa and golf course. Try and get a pitch with a view, which are numbers 1-10.
Day 8 - Royal natal
Distance | 207 miles or 333km
Driving time | 4.5 hours
The Royal Natal National Park is just a 15-minute drive from the campsite. There’s a visitor's centre with toilets, and it’s a good idea to snap a photo of the local poisonous snakes. Continue past the visitor centre to the hiking car park, where you must sign in and out with an estimated return time.
We did the Tiger Falls, Lookout Rock and Cascades loop, which took around 2.5 to 3 hours. The trail starts with a steady climb and no shade, so it’s worth going early and beating the midday heat. Bring lots of water and warm, waterproof clothing. The weather changed fast; it started hot, and then a storm rolled in. Near the Mahai campsite, the Cascades area has some beautiful pools perfect for swimming.
Stay | Khotso Campsite and Overlanders
🏕️ R380 for 2 adults | A unique, picturesque campsite that has a waterfall and river next to the site.
Day 9 - Sani Pass Lesotho
Distance | 146 miles or 236km
Driving time | 4 to 5 hours including Sani Pass
Start the day early by driving the legendary Sani Pass. The South African border post opens at 8 am. The road is stunning, so take your time and enjoy the view! You’ll need a 4x4 for this route; if you don’t have one, book a Sani Pass tour - most start in Underberg.
The drive up the Sani Pass takes 1.5 to 2 hours, starting easy before becoming narrow, winding and steep with some shallow river crossings. At the top, go through border control first. You’ll need to fill out a form and pay vehicle and tourist tax. After that, head to the highest pub in Africa, where entry is R100 per person, which you can use towards food and drink.
From the pub, we took the A1 north to Mamohase B&B through beautiful mountain passes and waterfalls. Staying at Moruti’s B&B was a highlight of our visit to Lesotho, and we stayed in a traditional rondavel.
Stay | Mamohase B&B Homestay
🏕️ R100 per night per person | Contact Moruti by email: morutiramonotsi@gmail.com or phone: +26659047042.
Day 10 - Karoo
Distance | 410 miles or 661km
Driving time | 8 hours
Another early start to enter back into South Africa via the Caledonspoort Border. It was a quick and easy process. Just drive through Lesotho’s side, then get out to get stamped at the South African border. There’s usually a vehicle check, but we were waved through.
Time to get the road trip playlist ready for the long drive ahead. We took the N8 to Bloemfontein, then the N1 to avoid road works and never-ending potholes on the smaller roads. Tom’s Place Resort makes a good halfway stop with a small shop, café, fuel and toilets.
Stay | Ganora campsite
🏕️ R400 for 2 adults | A merino wool farm set in a canyon with a pool, honesty shop, with many fascinating vintage items, accessible best with a 4x4.
Day 11 - KAroo
Distance | 113 miles or 182km
Driving time | 2 hours
When leaving Ganora campsite, stop by Nieu-Bethesda, a beautiful village in the Karoo following the scenic Owl Route. Nieu-Bethesda has a unique artistic feel with a must-visit bookshop, Helen Martins Owl House and Fossil Exploration Centre.
Cambedoo National Park is the next stop to explore the Valley of Desolation, an area where you can go on a short hike to see the wonderful rock formations and views across the Greater Karoo. It’s a 1.5-hour drive to Mountain Zebra National Park; spend the afternoon on a game drive and explore one of the incredible 4x4 routes. There’s also the unique opportunity to go on a cheetah tracking experience in the morning.
Stay | Mountain Zebra National Park
🏕️ R428 per night for 2 adults | Lovely, relaxed atmosphere at the campsite and it is a hidden gem when it comes to the national parks in South Africa.
Day 12 - Addo Elephant National park
Distance | 130 miles or 210km
Driving time | 2.5 hours
Addo Elephant Park is the third largest national park in South Africa, home to some of the largest herds of elephants in the country. As one of the most popular parks along the Garden Route, the campsite is booked well in advance, and even in the off season we booked 2 months ahead.
Stay | Addo Elephant Park National Park
🏕️ R493 per night for 2 adults | One of the unique things about staying in Addo Main Camp is there is a hide next to a watering hole where you can observe elephants and other animals at any time of day, even at night, when the gates to the park are closed. The camp facilities are a little dated and need updating.
Day 13 - Jeffreys Bay
Distance | 107 miles or 173km
Driving time | 2 hours
Jeffreys Bay, also known as JBay, is a chilled surf town, surrounded by beautiful beaches on the Garden Route. We saw one of the most incredible sunrises in Jeffreys Bay, a warm golden glow with dolphins riding the waves across the horizon. Go to JBay Surf Village for the cafés, surf shop outlets and more.
We’d recommend eating at The Mexican for a laid-back atmosphere and delicious Mexican food. For more of a special treat, head to Die Walskipper restaurant for some of the freshest food braised to perfection with your toes in the sand.
Paradise Beach is a must while in JBay. It has soft, powdery sand and is much quieter than the main beaches in JBay and feels much more wild.
Day 14 - Tsitsikamma
Distance | 30 miles or 49km
Driving time | 30 minutes
Garden Route National Park covers Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna, and our first stop is the wild and adventure capital of South Africa, Tsitsikamma. Jump from Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bungee in the world, zipline through the rainforest, kayak down Storms River and hike along one of the many beautiful trails.
Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and hidden beaches line Tsitsikamma's breathtaking coastline, all waiting to be discovered. Immerse yourself in nature as you wander through lush temperate forests and discover the unique plant life known as fynbos. Tsitsikamma is home to the famous Otter Trail, a 42km hike through rivers and challenging terrain.
We walked to the Storms River suspension bridge, a relatively easy walk that takes around 1 hour and is one of the most popular walks, as it is mostly boarded, making it accessible for many, even though we were asked by a group on their way up how much further when they had only just begun!
Stay | Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Tsitsikamma National Park
🏕️ R514 per night for two adults | The most expensive campsite we stayed on this route has a beautiful ocean view and good facilities, including an outdoor pool.
Day 15 - Robberg Nature Reserve & Buffalo Bay
Distance | 72 miles or 116km
Driving time | 2 hours
On your way to Robberg Nature Reserve, take a break at Old Nick Village, with independent shops, a café, a museum and a weekly Wednesday market set in beautiful green grounds. Located 7km from Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve has one of the most stunning hikes on the Garden Route.
Buffalo Bay is next to Goukamma Nature Reserve, a sweeping scenic bay located on the Garden Route. It's an ideal spot for fishing, surfing and relaxing on the beach. On your way to Buffalo Bay, stop at the farm stall on your left for local homemade goods.
A beautiful, soft, sandy beach, Buffalo Bay is a lovely place to watch the sunset. There are several hiking trails, such as the Buffalo Bay Trail, Blombos Trail and Bushpig Trail.
Stay | Buffelskop Caravan Park
🏕️ R350 per night for 2 adults | It gives elevated views of the beach from above.
Day 16 - Wilderness
Distance | 28 miles or 45km
Driving time | 40 mins
On Saturdays there are many markets in the area; we visited the Hakerville Saturday market, which is set surrounded by beautiful woodland and feels like a movie set. The stalls sell a variety of arts, crafts, fresh juices, flowers, cooked breakfast and plants.
On our way to Wilderness, we stumbled on Sedgefield Market, a much larger market selling local crafts, clothes and food alongside live music. Wilderness was one of the most beautiful places on the Garden Route; as the name suggests, it’s a wild, natural beach that reminds us of Bali before the tourism boom.
Wilderness is featured on the Afrikaans Netflix series ‘Tuiskoms’ and echoes the popular Virgin River series. Rolling hills create the backdrop of this small village, looking out across the Indian Ocean. We stayed at the spectacular Escape to the Beach, where we were lucky enough to see bioluminescent algae at night. There are several restaurants for dinner, and we chose the Italian Pomodoro, which we’d recommend.
Day 17 - Little Karoo
Distance | 180 miles or 289km
Driving time | 3 hours
Take the scenic Route 62 to Montagu, a quaint and historic village in the Little Karoo surrounded by the majestic Langeberg mountains. The area is known for lovely hikes, abundant apricot orchards, rows of vineyards, interesting rock formations and natural hot springs.
The night sky in the Little Karoo was one of the clearest we've ever seen. The Milky Way stretched above us, with thousands of stars lighting it up. Treat yourself to a stay at the Abrikoos Kloof Reserve, with stunning pods only accessible by 4x4 cars, and wake up to the most breathtaking mountain views.
The Life House is designed for couples; in a remote mountain setting, it’s set up with a few pods that make the most of the surrounding view. Dip in the pool, enjoy a braai or warm up in the wood-fired hot tub.
Day 18 - Cape Town
Distance | 121 miles or 195km
Driving time | 2 hours
After all those miles on the road, you have made it from Johannesburg to Cape Town! We wanted to make sure you have a few days to explore Cape Town, the award-winning city which has it all, from towering mountains to white sandy beaches and fantastic food and wine.
TIP | Carry cash for the tolls in the Western Cape; we found this was the only area that didn’t accept card or contactless payments.
Start the morning at Boulders Beach with the resident penguins. You can either observe them from the boardwalk at Foxy Beach or enter the beach to go for a swim with them at Boulders Beach.
Explore the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Lighthouse; this is one of the most beautiful walks in Cape Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park.
Opposite the harbour in Simon’s Town, eat delicious fresh seafood from Fran’s Place; try a traditional Malay curry and the most succulent calamari. Watch the fishermen on the pier as the sun sets. The portions are very generous and very affordable dishes, and Fran is a wonderful, friendly face!
Day 19 - Cape town
Spend the morning wandering the streets of Kalk Bay, a boho-chic town with beautiful shops, antiques and cafés, making it the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two! Zola's kitchen serves the freshest juices and best-iced chocolate drinks; pick up a treat from Olympia Bakery.
Drive the iconic Chapmans Peak Drive, making sure to stop along the many viewpoints along the way. It costs R62 per car, and just after the toll, pull to the left for a quiet boardwalk spot with incredible views over Hout Bay and Tinswalo Atlantic. Make sure to stop at the wonderful Deus Ex Machina bakery serving freshly baked goods in a gorgeous historic building. Hout Bay has an amazing market every Saturday full of local handicrafts and food.
TIP | Chapmans Peak Drive is closed every Wednesday for plant clearing from 10 am till 4 pm.
Grab a Savanna and spend the evening at Camps Bay watching the sunset from Camps Bay Beach viewpoint and see the Twelve Apostles light up with a deep orange from the African sun.
Day 20 - Cape Town
Watch the sunrise at Muizenberg from Sunrise Beach, where the early risers will be out surfing and a beautiful spot for pictures with vibrant colourful beach huts. The best food spots in Muizenberg are Tortuga Loca, an authentic Mexican restaurant with the most amazing ostrich enchiladas and margaritas, and a South African staple, Kauai, serving fresh wraps and THE best juices.
In the afternoon, take the challenging hike up Table Mountain. Recently, tourists have been targeted by thieves for phones, so if possible, keep your valuables at your hotel in a safe. We’d recommend hiking in the middle of the day and when there are other hikers to reduce the likelihood of crime. Alternatively, you can get the cable car to the top.
If you don’t have the energy to hike up Table Mountain, head to the V&A Waterfront for a selection of shops on the harbour, making it a lovely, relaxing setting. There are plenty of food options and make sure to visit The Watershed, a restored industrial building with over 150 stalls of local artists and makers.
Day 21 - Leave Cape Town
Depending on your flight time, spend the day relaxing at one of Cape Town's beautiful Wineland areas. if you have time to visit one of the Wineland areas of Cape Town, such as Stellenbosch, Constantia, Paarl and the Franschhoek Valley.
The Cape Winelands region of Cape Town is beautiful, with green valleys and pretty estates that feel like you’ve been transported to the south of France. One of the most popular spots in Cape Town for wine is Franschhoek, with beautiful shops, art galleries and cafés; you can pop on the wine tram, stopping at several estates en route. Another wonderful choice is Babylonstoren, one of the Dutch farms with the most exquisite gardens, which are worth a visit in themselves.
How far in advance should I book campsites and accommodation?
The South African National Park (SANPArk) camps book up at least 2 months in advance for popular parks such as Kruger and Addo, so it’s worth looking ahead if you plan to stay in the main camps. It’s possible to do a day visit for Addo, but we’d recommend staying overnight in Kruger.
For all SANPark campsites, you have to book at least 2 days prior online. This was a little frustrating when overlanding, as you want some flexibility in the day. We did manage to stay in Mountain Zebra National Park without booking, and it turned out to be a hidden gem.
For other campsites we would WhatsApp on the day to see if they had availability and make a booking on the day depending on our route. We’d recommend having a couple of options to see if they have spaces. At most of the campsites we stayed at, we were the only vehicle staying the night.
Arrive before dark and check with the campsite what the latest is you can arrive, especially for those inside a nature reserve, as the gate may close before, and you need to ensure you have a booking to show at the gate or have a reference number. Most campsites in a nature reserve will close before sunset, as this is when wildlife becomes most active.
Road trip costs
These are the actual road trip costs for our time in South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town to help you budget for your adventure. All costs given have been converted from South African Rand to GBP.
Campsites
The most expensive campsites were Tstikamma NP and Addo NP, probably some of the most popular, but Kruger was almost R100 cheaper. The average cost for a campsite was £16 per night.
Total | R5,156.52 (£222)
Other accommodation
We stayed in a few Airbnbs along the way in Jeffreys Bay and Muizenberg; this total doesn’t account for PR stays at Abris Kloof, Tinswalo and Escape to the Beach.
Total | R2,489.48 (£99.22)
Food
We mostly cooked our own meals but did also eat out in a few restaurants and cafés along the garden route and in Cape Town.
Total | R3,871.61 (£160.47)
Tolls
Total | R656 (£29.84)
Tourism/entry fees
Total | R880 (£36.47) *Does not include wildcard costs
