South Africa

Road Trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town Itinerary

04 Jun 2026Updated last time

From Johannesburg to Cape Town: A Journey through South Africa's Wonders

Embark on an epic road trip from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the majestic shores of Cape Town. Your adventure begins in the economic heart of South Africa, where you can explore urban parks and historic museums. As you venture southward, you'll stop in Bloemfontein, the 'City of Roses', to enjoy its peaceful ambiance and cultural treasures. Further along, the historic town of Graaff-Reinet awaits, with its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture and dramatic Valley of Desolation.

Continuing to the renowned Oudtshoorn, you’ll get up close to ostriches and explore the vast, mysterious Cango Caves. Heading towards the coast, Mossel Bay offers a chance to relax on sandy beaches and learn about the area's maritime history. Next, you'll find Hermanus, an ideal spot for whale watching and enjoying the seaside charm. Finally, Cape Town's unparalleled beauty captivates you with its iconic Table Mountain, bustling waterfront, diverse neighborhoods, and nearby Cape Winelands, concluding a journey of unforgettable sights and sounds.

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  • 1

    Johannesburg

    As the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is a bustling economic hub and melting pot of cultures, offering a dynamic urban experience, rich history at places like the Apartheid Museum, and access to large markets and shopping districts such as Sandton.
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  • 2

    Bloemfontein

    Bloemfontein, known as the ‘City of Roses’ due to its abundance of these flowers, is the judicial capital of South Africa and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with charming historical sites, museums like the Anglo Boer War Museum, and the Naval Hill Planetarium.
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  • 3

    Graaff-Reinet

    Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa, is surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park and is known for its well-preserved examples of Cape Dutch architecture, as well as the nearby Valley of Desolation with its striking rock formations.
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  • 4

    Oudtshoorn

    Oudtshoorn is recognized as the ostrich capital of the world, offering unique experiences at ostrich farms and the stunning Cango Caves, which is a series of magnificent, ancient underground caves.
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  • 5

    Mossel Bay

    Mossel Bay is a harbor town known for its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and historical significance, being home to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex which marks the first landing of European explorers on South African soil.
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  • 6

    Hermanus

    Hermanus is renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Visitors flock here to witness the Southern Right Whales during their yearly migration to Walker Bay.
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  • 7

    Cape Town

    Cape Town is a stunning, cosmopolitan city known for its breathtaking scenery, iconic Table Mountain, rich history at Robben Island, vibrant cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and world-class cuisine and wine.
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Restaurants

  • Picture for Carnivore Johannesburg

    Carnivore Johannesburg

    69 Drift Blvd, Estate, Muldersdrift, 1747, South Africa
    A restaurant that specializes in a variety of meats, including some game meats; a unique 'all you can eat' dining experience.
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      Modern Artisan

      Bloemfontein's hidden gem where dining is both a visual and culinary experience, with each dish resembling an artwork.
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        Polka

        50 Somerset St, Graaff-Reinet, 6280, South Africa
        Situated in Graaff-Reinet, Polka offers a mix of traditional Karoo dishes with an innovative twist, housed in a charming historic building.
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          Nostalgie

          Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn, 6625, South Africa
          At Oudtshoorn, this restaurant is almost like stepping back in time with its vintage décor and home-cooked, hearty meals.
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            The Oyster Catcher

            60A Hofmeyr St, Mossel Bay Central, Mossel Bay, 6506, South Africa
            In Mossel Bay, they serve seafood delights in a casual setting with an emphasis on fresh oysters straight from the ocean.
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              Creation Wines

              Hemel & Aarde Rd R320, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
              Near Hermanus, this is a winery-cum-restaurant that pairs exquisite wines with gourmet meals amidst stunning vineyard views.
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                The Test Kitchen

                Located in Cape Town, renowned as one of the world's best restaurants, offering an innovative, multi-sensory tasting menu.
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                  Gold Restaurant

                  15 Bennett St, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
                  Experience a taste of Africa with a 14-course menu accompanied by interactive traditional performances, right in Cape Town.
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                  Hotels

                  • The Peech Hotel

                    Boutique hotel set in the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg, with an emphasis on modern, sustainable design.

                    • The Hobbit Boutique Hotel

                      19 President Steyn Ave, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa

                      This whimsical Bloemfontein hotel with a Tolkien theme offers a unique stay inspired by the 'Lord of the Rings' saga.

                      • Karoo Art Hotel

                        30 Van Riebeeck St, Barrydale, 6750, South Africa

                        An eclectic, art-focused hotel in the Little Karoo's Barrydale, known for its quirky design and local South African art.

                        • La Plume Boutique Guest House

                          La Plume - GPS Coordinates: (-33.655655, 22.085507), Off the R62, Volmoed, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa

                          Victorian-style luxury in Oudtshoorn on a working ostrich farm, offering a taste of farm life with elegant accommodations.

                          • Santos Express Train Lodge

                            Munro Rd, Santos Beach, Mossel Bay, 6500, South Africa

                            A novel Mossel Bay accommodation experience on a stationary train with rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean.

                            • The Grand Daddy Hotel

                              Famous for its rooftop Airstream trailer park in Cape Town, offering a funky and retro urban accommodation experience.

                              Local Events & Happenings

                              • Picture for James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

                                James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

                                Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)12 Sep 2024
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                                Atlantic Starr Live

                                Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)28 Sep 2024
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                                The Magic of Rob Lake

                                Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)5 Oct 2024
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                              • Picture for Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

                                Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

                                Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)21 Nov 2024
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                              • Picture for Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

                                Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

                                Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)28 Nov 2024
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                                Cigarettes After Sex

                                Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (293.16 mi)5 Mar 2025
                                The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
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                              • Picture for Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

                                Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

                                DHL Stadium in Cape Town (299.88 mi)22 Jan 2025
                                The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
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                              Travel Gems from Reddit

                              • Road Trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town

                                /r/southafrica

                                Somewhere to discuss travel. Not to dump your vacation photos. Pose a question. Share a trip report. Recount a funny/unique travel related story. Offer advice or ask for it. *...

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                              • Trip Report: 25-day South African Road Trip--Cape Town to Johannesburg

                                /r/travel

                                Western Cape roads were fantastic--huge, clean, well-marked, a real pleasure to drive on (this coming from a Texan who is used to long road trips!). The first 15 minutes-ish o...

                                View on Reddit

                              • Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town, advice needed

                                /r/southafrica

                                If you're keen to do two days, relatively 'nice' distances, my favourite route would be N1 to Gariep, then aim for Willowmore on the smaller roads - that part o...

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                              • Which is the best route to take when driving from JHB to CPT?

                                /r/askSouthAfrica

                                Please also offer recommendations for accommodation as we'll be driving down over three days and will make two stops over the course of the trip. ... N1 is the only way a...

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                              • Joburg - Cape Town road trip

                                /r/southafrica

                                14 votes, 16 comments. Myself and 3 friends are doing a road trip from JHB to CPT. 2 days travel time each way for now. Do you have any

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                              • Best place to stop on road trip from Joburg to Cape Town?

                                /r/southafrica

                                I have been doing this trip twice a year for about 20 years. Hanover is exactly halfway between JHB and CT. You can split the trip into 3 relatively equidistant sections JHB-B...

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                              • How is the drive from Joburg to Cape Town?

                                /r/southafrica

                                The straight roads can lull you into sleep so you need to be extra vigilant and having some convo helps Watch out for speed traps as you approach the little towns along the wa...

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                              • JHB to CPT Roadtrip: N1 vs N12?

                                /r/askSouthAfrica

                                As someone suggested already, if you have an extra day or time to spare. JHB - Colesberg, super cheap accommodation here. Colesberg to Graaff which will lead you to Plettenber...

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                              • Tips for driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg via the Garden Route

                                /r/capetown

                                Cape Town -> Knysna (4 -5 hours, but it's holiday so traffic is bad) overnight -> Knysna-George (1 hour) , Graaff-Reinet (N9) or (Via Beufort-West N12, if you whant to ge...

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                              • Trip from Joburg to Cape Town

                                /r/johannesburg

                                I recommend that you stay overnight in Beaufort West, better b&b. Road conditions are still decent it improves the further you go from Gauteng. The only frustrating part of th...

                                View on Reddit

                              • Driving from Joburg to Cape Town.

                                /r/southafrica

                                To overnight, I recommend sleeping in Bloemfontein, lots of options, more or less halfway. Stick to the highways. There are really nice stops between Beaufort West and Cape To...

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                              • Drive from joburg to cape town - where to stop?

                                /r/askSouthAfrica

                                You can also detour slightly off the N1 and stay over at Gariep Dam - it will only add a short distance to the overall trip and you get a scenic stay over ... Best stopover po...

                                View on Reddit