You don’t need hours behind the wheel—or a week off—to enjoy a proper escape. These quick-and-easy road trips across South Africa are close enough for a weekend and laid-back enough to return feeling better, not busier. Pack light, hit the road, and let the stress melt away.
Johannesburg to Clarens
±3.5 hours (335 km)
Picture/Clarens.co.za
Tucked in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens offers one of the most rejuvenating escapes from Gauteng. Known as the “Jewel of the Free State,” this small town is big on charm. Wander through art galleries, browse antique stores, or unwind at a coffee shop overlooking the square.
Nature lovers can explore the dramatic landscapes of Golden Gate Highlands National Park nearby. Whether it’s a crisp hike, a cold craft beer at Clarens Brewery, or a fireside dinner, Clarens is the kind of place where you can really exhale.
Gqeberha to Storms River
±2 hours (180 km)
Picture/Storms River Mouth Rest Camp (Tsitsikamma)/Toodoo
A short drive from Gqeberha brings you to Storms River, a village cocooned in the emerald arms of the Tsitsikamma Forest. It’s perfect for travellers who want to reconnect with nature without veering too far from comfort. Kayak along the river gorge, walk the famous suspension bridge, or zipline through the treetops for a bit of adrenaline.
If your idea of a weekend well spent involves reading a book under ancient yellowwoods or listening to crashing waves, Storms River delivers the reset button you didn’t know you needed.
Durban to Karkloof
±2 hours (120 km)
Picture/Karkloof Nature Reserve/South Africa Online
Located just past Howick in the Midlands, Karkloof is a green and peaceful pocket ideal for low-key adventures. The area is dotted with waterfalls, indigenous forest, and wellness escapes. For those craving movement, the Karkloof trails are excellent for mountain biking and trail running.
Equally rewarding is doing tiny—book a massage, soak in the cool misty mornings, or browse the Karkloof Farmers’ Market on a Saturday for a bite of Midlands flavour. It’s the kind of weekend that clears the mental burnout.
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Cape Town to Riebeek-Kasteel
±1.5 hours (90 km)
Picture by westcoastway.co.za
One of the Cape’s best-kept secrets, Riebeek-Kasteel blends rustic tranquillity with excellent food and wine. This Swartland town is all about slow living—long lunches, lazy walks through galleries, and olive tastings under shady trees.
With charming accommodation and no pressure to tick off a bucket list, it’s perfect for a spontaneous couple’s getaway or a solo escape with a book and a glass of local Chenin.
Pretoria to Magoebaskloof
±4 hours (330 km)
Picture/Magoebaskloof Tourism Association
While this is one of the longer drives on the list, Magoebaskloof’s cool mountain air and forest canopy are worth every kilometre. Located in Limpopo, this verdant hideaway offers wooden cabins, misty trails, and the kind of birdlife that will slow your heart rate right down.
Spend your time waterfall-hopping, hiking to Debengeni Falls, or simply unwinding on a balcony with a cup of tea and forest views. It’s a road trip that feels like pressing pause on the world.
Bloemfontein to Gariep Dam
±2 hours (190 km)
Picture/Gariepdam/The Wildebeest
If solitude is your idea of rest, Gariep Dam is a quiet contender. Often overlooked, this man-made lake surrounded by Karoo plains is a dreamy location for stargazing, birdwatching, and stillness.
Book a waterside chalet, take a sunset boat cruise, and bask in the uninterrupted silence. With fewer tourists and more time for reflection, it’s an ideal place to catch your breath.
Quick tips for a stress-free weekend road trip
- Keep it under 4 hours: Long enough to feel like a getaway, short enough to avoid burnout.
- Pack smart: Snacks, chargers, comfortable shoes, and playlists matter.
- Avoid overplanning: Choose one or two key things to do and leave room to relax.
- Travel early: Leave Saturday morning to make the most of your time.
- Check weather & road conditions: A little prep can prevent a lot of stress.
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