Embark on a Cross-country Adventure this Summer
There’s no doubt that South Africa boasts some of the most breathtaking drives in the world – and the N1, known as the first section of the famed Cape to Cairo Road, is no exception. This 1,929 kilometre stretch of road possesses a scenic splendour that offers unique experiences and life-changing journeys.
If you’re looking for some travel inspiration this summer, we’ve found the perfect road trip planner titled the Greatest South African Road Trip: Cape Town to Mozambique on Hippo.co.za’s blog. Already got your Car Insurance and travel documents in order? Lined up your housesitter? Good. Pack your bags and fill up your car’s tank for the ultimate South African road trip.
Kick off your journey in the Mother City. A northeastern drive on the N1 from Cape Town takes you past the suburb of Welgemoed and to the southern region of the Northern Cape. This route meanders through the Huguenot Tunnel, which eventually reveals the magnificence of the Du Toitskloof Mountains.
Two hours away from the tunnel, lies the charming town of Matjiesfontein. Here you can take your first break and explore the many cultural activities on offer.
From Matjiesfontein, follow the road further north to the Karoo National Park where you can get up close (but not too close) to some of South Africa’s wildlife. But, it’s not only the animals that are worth seeing on this trip. As you continue north, the beauty of the vast desert landscape leads you to your next pit stop – Colesberg. Make sure you have a bite of the famous Karoo lamb in this sheep-farming area.
Bloemfontein marks the halfway spot of the journey. With the amenities of a city and all the charms of a town, Bloemfontein should be a stopover-must to stretch the legs, celebrate the journey and stock up on supplies for the long road ahead.
Stretches of dry grassland and a 200-kilometre strip of asphalt separate the City of Roses from Kroonstad. But, there’s no time for a sojourn here (unless nature calls for it) and therefore drive-by sightseeing will make do. These include Kroonstad’s spectacular maize and sunflower belt and the possibility of watching cumulonimbus formations in the sky preparing for a thunderstorm.
After taking another breather in Joburg or Pretoria, the open road to Mozambique calls. There are quite a few places of interest begging to divert your attention from the road. If you have the time, why not check in at the Total Alzu petroport just outside Middleberg or the Millies Caltex Starstop on the N4 near eNtokozweni.
As you near the border crossing to Mozambique, it’s time to attend to the formalities before you can continue your journey beyond South Africa. Find out what legal paperwork you will need for border crossing as well as a few tips on how to make your trip hassle free, by reading the full article on Hippo.co.za’s blog.