South Africa’s open roads is nature’s invitation to explore.
Josh McGregor/Unsplash
1. Skip the N2 Garden Route and follow the inland R62 through the Klein Karoo
While the N2 between Mossel Bay and Storms River is one of South Africa’s most travelled routes, its inland counterpart, the R62, tells a different story. Winding through towns like Barrydale, Calitzdorp, and Oudtshoorn, this road trades ocean spray for arid mountain passes and wide desert skies. Along the way, farm stalls brim with dried fruit and port wine, while guesthouses in restored Victorian homes welcome those in no hurry to move on.
Why go: The R62 delivers character in every kilometre, offering quirky roadside stops, geological wonders like the Cango Caves, and a taste of real small-town South Africa.
Things to do:
- Visit Ronnie’s Sex Shop, the Karoo’s most famous misnamed bar
- Explore Seweweekspoort, one of the most dramatic mountain passes in the region
- Sample local wines at Calitzdorp Cellar or Boplaas Family Vineyards
2. Trade Chapman’s Peak for Clarence Drive
Chapman’s Peak may get the glory, but Clarence Drive (R44) between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond is every bit as breathtaking. The road hugs the edge of False Bay, offering uninterrupted sea views, baboon sightings, and fynbos-covered cliffs that drop steeply into turquoise water. It is a coastal journey where each bend reveals a new panorama.
Why go: Fewer crowds, equally dramatic views, and easy access to charming seaside villages like Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay, home to a colony of African penguins.
Things to do:
- Stop at Kogel Bay for a picnic or surf session
- Visit the Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay
- Watch the sunset from the Rooi-Els lookout point
3. Swap the Panorama Route for the forgotten roads of Sekhukhuneland
The Panorama Route through Graskop and Blyde River Canyon is iconic for a reason, but just south of it lies Sekhukhuneland, a region of quiet villages, ancient mountains, and stories that predate the map. Roads like the R555 between Burgersfort and Groblersdal pass through rugged countryside where waterfalls and traditional life remain untouched by tourism.
Why go: This route offers cultural immersion and access to natural attractions such as the Motlatse Canyon and the Tubatse Valley, without the usual crowds.
Things to do:
- Explore the Steelpoort River Valley and its scenic viewpoints
4. Go beyond the Wild Coast’s main road and explore the inland Xhora loop
The Wild Coast is often tackled along the coastal road from East London to Port St Johns, but those willing to venture inland via Xhora and Ngileni will discover forested hills, secret waterfalls, and homestays where Xhosa hospitality reigns supreme. The roads are rough and sometimes confusing, yet the rewards are rich in local culture and pristine scenery.
Why go: It is one of the most authentic and community-based routes in the country, with landscapes that feel entirely untouched.
Things to do:
- Join a guided hike to Bulungula Falls
- Visit the Nqileni Village community projects
- Spend a night at the Bulungula Lodge, known for its eco ethos and starlit beach
5. Rethink the N1 to Cape Town with a Karoo detour via the R354
Travellers heading to Cape Town from the north often take the N1, but the R354 between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland transforms the trip into something unforgettable. This route cuts through high plains where windmills spin lazily and skies stretch forever. During winter, snow dusts the Roggeveld Mountains, while summer brings golden grasslands and astronomical nights.
Why go: The R354 showcases the soul of the Karoo. There is vast silence, big skies and the feeling of being completely alone with the land.
Things to do:
- Stargaze at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland
- Visit the historic Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein
South Africa’s iconic roads are loved for a reason, but sometimes the smaller, lesser-known routes hold the real adventure. Taking the long way around means meeting the country in its quiet moments. These alternative routes are about rediscovering what travel in South Africa is all about. There is freedom to wander and a surprise around every bend.
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