The Best Scenic Routes in South Africa for a Holiday Road Trip

South Africa is a land of open expanses with incredible roads just waiting to be travelled. Going on a road trip during the festive season in South Africa is something that everyone needs to experience.

We’ve got some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world and there’s no better way to spend your December holidays than by exploring some of these roads by car! 

If you’re thinking about going on a stunning family road trip this holiday season, then take a look at some of the best routes to travel in the country below. If you need a car for your road trip, then We Rent Cars can help you out with a great rent-to-buy subscription package! 

The 10 Best Scenic Drives in South Africa 

10. The Road to Hartebeespoort Dam

The Hartebeespoort Dam is one of South Africa’s most loved holiday destinations. At the location you can partake in water sports, enthralling hikes, and even bird watching at the local sanctuary.

Even with all of these great activities, it’s the drive from Johannesburg to Hartebeespoort that steals the show! The long winding roads and blooming aloes and flowers make this an unmissable summer road trip drive. 

9. Franschhoek Pass to Grabouw

The Franschhoek Pass drive that takes road trippers from Cape Town to Grabouw is one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country. Along the road you’ll pass through the iconic Stellenbosch wine route surrounded by the breathtaking views of the nearby mountain regions. 

This route offers up a combination of rugged mountains, long stretches of orchards and vineyards, and an all-round great site-seeing experience! 

Be sure to follow the R45 onto R43 before finally joining the N2.

8. Sani Pass

The Sani Pass is an 18 km gravel route on the road between the Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal. You’re going to need a rugged vehicle for this route as many road trip enthusiasts in South Africa refer to it as the “Big Momma of Mountain Passes”. 

On the route, you’ll reach an elevation level of around 2 876 metres while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery our country has to offer! 

This route is best enjoyed in a 4x4 - check out the We Rent Cars catalogue to find what you’re looking for! 

7. R563 Magaliesburg

The R563 Magaliesburg route is one that is often overlooked by end-of-year road trippers, mainly because of its popular use during the usual times of the year. That, however, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider this route for your end of year festivities. 

The road is a winding and twisting challenge that passes through Johannesburg and Pretoria. It’s filled with long, yet stunning corners, passing through the iconic scenery of the region. To drive this route you’ll want to start at the R400 (Satellite Road) turnoff and ending at the Hekpoort T-junction. 

6. Port Elizabeth to Colesberg 

This route is one that’ll have you experiencing one of the most spectacular and breathtaking passes up an escarpment that eventually joins the N1. Following the N9 highway from Port Elizabeth to Coleburg will also have you passing by the Addo Elephant Park - a must see during the December holiday season.

If you have time to take a quick detour while driving this route, be sure to stop off at Graaf- Reinet, and its famous Valley of Green! 

5. Bainskloof Pass 

The 27 km long Bainskloof Pass was built all the way back in 1849 and has since been declared a national monument. It is a dramatic pass that follows the Witte River and transports drivers between two iconic South African towns - Wellington and Worcester in the Western Cape. 

Even if you’re not planning on driving the Bainskloof Pass this holiday season, it’s a must-see for all in South Africa at some point. 

4. Swartberg Pass 

This gorgeous route runs directly through the Swartberg Mountain range from East to West along the Little Karoo in the Western Cape. This route is long and packed full of incredible sites to see and attractions to visit. 

While on this drive be sure to stop off in:

• Oudtshoorn 

• De Rust 

• Cango Caves 

3. Garden Route 

When visiting South Africa during the summer, driving along a coastal route is a must. If you’re planning on doing a coastal road trip this December, you simply can’t go wrong with the Garden Route drive. 

Driving along the N2 between Mossel Bay and Storms River, you’ll pass by beautiful beaches, towering hills, mountains, and cliffs, as well as inland lagoons. It’s the perfect drive for a long road trip holiday! 

The entire Garden Route is around 300 kilometres in length, so you’ll need a reliable and hardy car to keep you safe - We Rent Cars has got you covered! 

2. Panorama Route 

The Panorama Route is one of the more overlooked scenic drives in our stunning country. It’s one, however, that simply can’t be missed. This route takes drivers along the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga - one of the world’s most iconic canyon drives. 

The best part about this route is that, at some point, you’ll find yourself near the Kruger National Park. A smart holiday planner would make that the end destination after a long and satisfying road trip! 

1. Chapman’s Peak Drive 

Chapman's Peak Drive is less of a road trip route than the others mentioned on this list. It is, however, by far one of the most picturesque drives in the world. Many holiday-goers come to Cape Town just to see what this drive has to offer.

If you’re road tripping through the Western Cape you simply must make time to drive the M6 coastal road linking Hout Bay to Noordhoek alongside the expansive Atlantic Ocean. 

We Rent Cars can Help You Get on the Road This Festive Season 

So, you now have a few great options for road trips in South Africa. No matter which one you decide to drive, you’re going to need a trusty vehicle to keep you safe. 

We Rent Cars supplies a wide range of vehicles, from standard road cars to hardy 4x4s. Whether you’re looking to rent, purchase, or both (rent-to-buy), We Rent Cars will have exactly what you need! 

Enjoy the December festivities and stay safe on the roads!