Epic Road Trip: Driving the Scenic N1 from Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Road Twist SA
- May 24, 2024
- 7 min read
Who has not wondered about what it would be like to drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg via the N1? Well, you can trust us, you could turn that drive into an epic road trip.
If you've got plenty of time and feel like taking a road trip to Johannesburg instead of flying, you can make the journey a fun adventure! The N1 route has amazing views, lovely places to stay, and cool things to do along the road. It officially takes about 16 hours without breaks... but let's be real, you'll definitely be making a bunch of stops!
We'll guide you through each town along the way and share some cool tips to make this journey awesome!
From Cape Town to the Huguenot Tunnel
At this stage, it's time to head out. If you haven't checked out the Cape Winelands yet, now's your chance to swing by and stay a night in the lovely towns of Franschoek or Stellenbosch.
You will soon after reach the Huguenot Tunnel which is a toll road (R50). If you're not in the mood for the tunnel, you can opt for a more scenic route on the R101, a stunning twisted road through the mountains. The tunnel is faster, though, and let me tell you, the view when you emerge is absolutely stunning with those mountains. Right after the tunnel, you'll spot the cozy Du Kloof Lodge perched above the river. If you're feeling the heat and up for a quick cool-down, we highly recommend taking a dip in the river pools.
From the Huguenot Tunnel to the Touws River
You'll be cruising through the awesome area of Rawsonville and Worcester.
If you're into 4x4 adventures, you should totally make a quick pit stop at the Tierkloof 4x4 Trail. It's a cool 12km route with a mix of rocky and sandy trails, plus you get a killer view of the Brandvlein dam. They've got fun stuff to do, water activities, and even places to crash for the night if you're up for it.
As you keep on driving, plant enthusiasts, listen up! You'll stumble upon the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden. Loads of succulents and Fynbos to check out for just R55 per person. It's a nice spot to stretch your legs and chill in a peaceful setting.
We're big fans of padstals, so make sure to swing by the Veldskoen Padstal just after De Doorns. It's a super cute spot with local wines and tasty food.
Another gem along the way is Karoo1 village. Whether you want to stroll around the charming village, bounce on their trampoline, grab a bite, sip at their fun bar, or even spend the night in one of the Africamps tents, it's a must-visit. If you stay over, consider booking a sunrise game drive at Aquila Nature Reserve the next morning, just a stone's throw away.
If you fancy a more nature-focused stay, check out the cabins at Gecko Rock. They're nicely spread out, giving you a real taste of the Karoo vibe. The cabins are simple but comfy. The road there can be a bit rough, so aim to arrive in daylight if you can and catch those epic sunsets this place is known for.
From Touws River to Beaufort West
Back on the road, don't miss out on visiting the quaint old town of Matjiesfontein - it's like stepping back in time! There's only one hotel in the village, a couple of cafes, a cool transportation museum, and even an old London bus to explore. Check out more info about this hidden gem in this article about Matjiesfontein.
As you roll into Laingsburg, make sure to stock up on some delicious biltong from the famous Karoo Biltong shop. The perfect road snack. From there, get ready to soak in the stunning beauty of the Karoo as you drive through vast stretches of emptiness until you reach Beaufort West.
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the entrance to the Karoo National Park, part of the South African National Parks (SANparks). You've got a few choices for where to spend the night in the park, and plenty of activities like hiking, mountain biking, or tackling some 4x4 trails. The 4x4 trails will take you to the most remote corners of the park, and there are cozy cottages available along the way.
If you would rather crash outside of the National park, consider checking out the Lemoenfontein Game Lodge, nestled at the base of the mountain with breathtaking views. The food is top-notch, and the bar is the perfect spot to unwind with comfy leather couches by the fireplace after a long day on the road.
From Beaufort West to Richmond
After Beaufort West, you'll be cruising through some empty lands for a bit.
As you approach the quaint town of Richmond, keep an eye out on your left for the cozy Rondawel Guest farm- a sweet spot to crash for the night in these cute round houses. Teresa, the host, is an absolute gem, and the place is pet-friendly. You can even take a dip in the little dam and spot tons of tortoises wandering about.
Once you hit Richmond, there's a neat little shop called Karoo Creations that sells handmade wool and alpaca fiber bedding from the region.
Feeling peckish? Swing by the Vetmuis Plaaskombuis for a bite. It's a quirky spot with that special Karoo charm, and great food.
From Richmond to Gariep
Right after Richmond, you'll stumble upon the Karoo Padstal, a cool spot to grab a local lamb pie or a yummy roosterkoek!
Next up is Hanover, where we suggest taking a leisurely drive through the village and making a quick stop to admire the beautiful historical church.
Heading now towards Colesberg, which officially marks the halfway point to Johannesburg, we would recommend staying at one of the lodges by the Orange River. The river also serves as the border between the Northern Cape and The Free State.
If you fancy an extra night on the Northern Cape side, check out this comfy and luxurious Tzamenkomst River Lodge or opt for the Alphen River Lodge for a more intimate experience!
For a night on the Free State side by the river and not too far from the N1, we recommend this stunning Waschbank River Lodge.
And let's not forget about the biggest dam in South Africa, the Gariep Dam. Take a drive down Gariep and make sure to stop on the Gariep Dam Wall for some breathtaking views. If you're up for some fun activities, the Gariep Forever Resort offers exciting 4x4 trails, boat cruises, and even tractor rides.
For a unique sleeping experience around the dam, why not staying in a Houseboat?
From Gariep to Bloemfontein
Once you hit the road from Gariep, you'll spot the Kuilfontein Farm Stall pretty quickly. It's a cozy, old-school spot with lots of charm.
Next up is the quaint town of Springfontein. If you're into guest farms with historic stone houses, check out Garingboom Guest Farm. The place has a rustic ranch vibe, super friendly hosts, and delicious food!
Passing through Trompsburg, you might want to grab a bite at Tromp-Op Boerekos, a charming little restaurant with a unique antique shop decor serving up local dishes like Afval, boboties, and Kerrie & Rys.
As you get closer to Bloemfontein, the road gets busier with city life kicking in!
When it comes to things to do in Bloemfontein, you've got plenty of options. We recommend checking out the National Museum for a dive into South Africa's natural and cultural history, or the Naval Hill, home to the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa. There are also museums like the Armor Museum, the War Museum of the Boer, the Free State National Garden, the Afrikaans Literary Museum, various art museums, and loads of other activities to keep you entertained.
Leaving Bloemfontein, just across from the Astron Energy garage, you'll find A Peace of Art, a cool spot selling fun crafts from the region.
If like us, you're not big on city accommodations, we suggest staying at the bush camp at Weltevreden Game Lodge. It's a fun experience! The bush camp doesn't have electricity, but they also offer more comfortable chalets. And if you have some extra time, you can even go canoeing on the river!
From Bloemfontein to Johannesburg
As you hit the road and head towards Winburg, keep an eye out on your right for the Voortrekker Monument. It might look a bit worn out, but it's a cool piece of history worth checking out!
Just a bit further past the N5 intersection, you'll spot Jakkalsdrift, a quirky padstal with a red windmill at the entrance where you can grab a tasty brunch!
Next up, you'll cross the Sandriver and reach Ventersburg. For a unique stay, consider booking a night at the awesome Bosrand Glamping tents, surrounded by wildlife for a nature-filled experience before hitting the big city!
If you're keen on white lions, make a detour after Kroonstad to visit the Barnato White Lion Breeding Project, which moved to its new location in 2021.
Back on the N1, enjoy the scenic agricultural landscapes until you reach the Vaal River, marking the border between the Freestate and Gauteng. Stop by for a gourmet meal at Pont de Val Restaurant by the river!
If you fancy sticking around, why not book a stay at the River Lodge Estate and try your hand at fishing in the river?
Before you know it, you'll be reaching the outskirts of Johannesburg and your final destination.
The End of your epic N1 Road Trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg
We hope you had fun checking out our tips for cruising down the N1 from Cape Town to Johannesburg! Another cool idea is to hire a car in Cape Town, return it in Johannesburg, and then catch a flight back - or even do it the other way round.
Below, you will find the map with all the places we recommended to make your N1 road trip memorable! Enjoy!
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