Within a single full tank of petrol, you can reach destinations that offer striking contrasts to urban life.
Andresdewet/Unsplash
These short road trips provide accessible escapes where heritage, nature and local flavours come together. Each route demonstrates that a meaningful journey does not require long distances or extended time away.
Cape Town to Swellendam
From Cape Town, a drive of just over 220 kilometres along the N2 leads to Swellendam. The route is lined with farm stalls, including well-known stops near Grabouw and Riviersonderend, where fresh produce and traditional padstal favourites are available. Swellendam itself is one of South Africa’s oldest towns, established in 1745. It is framed by the Langeberg mountains and offers access to Bontebok National Park, which is home to rare antelope and more than 200 bird species. The town also provides opportunities to explore historic buildings, taste wines from surrounding estates, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and horse riding. A return journey easily fits within one tank, making this a practical and enriching excursion.
Nikolaos Anastasopoulos/Unsplash
Johannesburg to Parys
From Johannesburg, the N1 and R59 roads lead southwest to Parys, a journey of approximately 110 kilometres. The town lies on the banks of the Vaal River and is recognised for its vibrant arts and antiques scene. Visitors often explore its weekend markets, galleries, and riverside cafés. Parys is also the gateway to the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by a meteor impact two billion years ago. Activities in the surrounding area include river rafting, hiking, and guided tours explaining the geological significance of the dome. The short distance allows ample time for both cultural and outdoor experiences within a single day’s outing.
Connor Bell/Unsplash
Durban to the Midlands Meander
Travelling inland from Durban, the Midlands Meander begins roughly 80 kilometres away on the N3. This established tourist route covers a network of small towns and rural communities. Known for its craft producers, the area features potters, weavers, cheesemakers, and microbreweries. Nottingham Road and Curry’s Post serve as central points for exploring. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trout fishing, horse riding, or walking trails in mistbelt forests. The meander is also associated with historic landmarks, including sites linked to the early colonial period. The return journey is well within the range of a single tank, leaving time to pause at multiple attractions along the route.
JMK/Unsplash
Pretoria to Dinokeng Game Reserve
Situated 40 minutes north of Pretoria, Dinokeng Game Reserve is the only Big Five reserve located within the boundaries of Gauteng province. Covering 21 000 hectares, the reserve supports self-drive safari routes, guided game drives, and a variety of accommodation. It provides opportunities to encounter elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, as well as numerous plains game species. Picnic areas and bird hides add further interest to day visitors. With its close proximity, a return trip including several hours of driving within the reserve remains comfortably achievable on a single tank.
Sundays River/dconvertini/Wikimedia Commons
Gqeberha to Sundays River and Addo
East of Gqeberha, the Sundays River meets the coast near Colchester, approximately 40 kilometres from the city. This section of the river is well known for its expansive dunes, where sandboarding and boat cruises are popular. The nearby southern entrance to Addo Elephant National Park adds the possibility of combining river activities with wildlife viewing. Addo protects more than 600 elephants alongside buffalo, lion, and diverse birdlife. The combination of coastal landscapes and safari opportunities creates a varied outing that requires little time on the road and minimal fuel.
Lester Reetley/Unsplash
Bloemfontein to Clarens
From Bloemfontein, a drive of 300 kilometres leads to Clarens, a village set against the Maluti Mountains near the Lesotho border. Clarens is noted for its concentration of art galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries. Its location also makes it a base for exploring Golden Gate Highlands National Park, situated 20 kilometres away. The park features dramatic sandstone formations and hiking trails that showcase the region’s biodiversity. A single tank of petrol is sufficient for the round trip, making Clarens a feasible weekend destination for residents of the Free State capital.
South Africa offers so much within close reach of its cities. With a full tank and a map, the road quickly transforms from routine to rewarding.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Border towns in Africa worth visiting
