The 10 Best Road Trips in South Africa for 2024

South Africa''s road network, geography and diversity of landscapes make it one of the world''s great road trip destinations. Here are our top 10 for 2024. **1. Garden Route (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, 800km)** The classic. Wine country, whale coast, ancient forests, coastal cliffs — the Garden Route has everything. Best vehicle: BMW X3 or similar premium crossover. Allow 5-7 days. **2. Panorama Route (Mpumalanga)** The Blyde River Canyon, God''s Window, Bourke''s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels on a single two-day loop. Best vehicle: Any — roads are excellent tar. The Escarpment drive is unmissable. **3. Namaqualand Flower Route (August-September)** The Northern Cape transforms into a carpet of colour during spring flower season. Best vehicle: Any 4x4 for gravel detours. Allow 3-4 days from Cape Town via the N7. **4. Sani Pass to Drakensberg** Enter Lesotho via the legendary Sani Pass (4x4 mandatory) and spend a night at Sani Mountain Lodge. Return via the Royal Natal National Park. Best vehicle: Toyota Hilux or Land Rover Defender. **5. Kalahari Crossing** From Upington through the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to Botswana border. Red dunes, gemsbok and silence. Best vehicle: Toyota Fortuner or Land Rover Defender with long-range tank. **6. Cape Winelands Weekend** Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and the legendary Franschhoek Pass in a weekend. Best vehicle: Anything with a decent boot for wine purchases. **7. West Coast Flower Route** Langebaan to Springbok via the R27. Best vehicle: Any comfortable car — roads are good throughout. **8. Lesotho Highlands** A week traversing Lesotho''s mountain roads. Mandatory 4x4 in winter. Extraordinary landscapes, Basotho villages and the world''s highest pub at Sani. **9. Kruger self-drive safari** Start at Phabeni Gate, end at Punda Maria — 500km of game viewing on excellent paved roads. Best vehicle: High-clearance but tar roads throughout. **10. Wild Coast** Qunu to Coffee Bay via the R61 and coastal gravel roads. Nelson Mandela''s birthplace and some of SA''s most dramatic coastline. 4x4 recommended for beach sections.