{"id":4573,"date":"2025-05-08T12:23:18","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=4573"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:39:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:39:29","slug":"the-best-road-trips-from-johannesburg-scenic-routes-must-see-stops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-best-road-trips-from-johannesburg-scenic-routes-must-see-stops\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Road Trips from Johannesburg: Scenic Routes &amp; Must-See Stops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There\u2019s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road\u2014especially starting in a dynamic place like Johannesburg. Whether you&#8217;re a local itching for a weekend escape or a traveler wanting to explore beyond the city, <strong>road trips from Johannesburg<\/strong> offer a mix of jaw-dropping scenery, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. For those seeking a scenic route, don&#8217;t miss these must-see, travel-worthy five best routes featuring mountain passes to wildlife reserves. You\u2019re ready to roll down the windows and chase adventure along the scenic road trip route. These must-see spots make travel from Johannesburg truly remarkable, capturing the essence of Johannesburg road trips with scenic routes and must-see travel spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also Read: Luxury Getaways: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/luxury-getaways-hotels-in-gauteng\/\">The Most Exclusive Lodges &amp; Hotels in Gauteng<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-panorama-route-where-every-turn-is-a-postcard\"><strong>1. Panorama Route \u2013 Where Every Turn is a Postcard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/panorama-route-top_pic.webp\" alt=\"A scenic photograph of the mountainous Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, South Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-4577\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/panorama-route-top_pic.webp 630w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/panorama-route-top_pic-300x131.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\/\/www.mpumalanga-info.co.za\/provinces\/article\/2372\/panorama-route-in-mpumalanga-a-stupendous-journey-to-kruger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>About five hours from Joburg, the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga feels like it was made for road trippers seeking a scenic drive. If you\u2019re after lush landscapes, epic viewpoints, and tumbling waterfalls, this is the drive for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kick things off in Graskop, a quaint little town that&#8217;s the gateway to the route. Your first big stop? <strong>God\u2019s Window<\/strong>\u2014and yes, it really lives up to the name. On a clear day, the views stretch endlessly across the Lowveld and sometimes, if you&#8217;re lucky, they stretch all the way to Mozambique. Next, make your way to the <strong>Blyde River Canyon<\/strong>. It is one of the largest in the world and the only one completely green, thanks to its dense vegetation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add <strong>Bourke\u2019s Luck Potholes<\/strong> and a few waterfalls like <strong>Berlin Falls<\/strong> to your itinerary for a must-see travel experience. Don\u2019t forget to drop by <strong>Pilgrim\u2019s Rest<\/strong>, a preserved gold rush town where time seems to have stood still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Local tip:<\/em> Spend a night or two in the area to soak it all in. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mpumalanga-info.co.za\/provinces\/accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guesthouses<\/a> in Graskop and Sabie offer a cozy base without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2568305912\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-drakensberg-mountains-mist-amp-magic\"><strong>2. Drakensberg \u2013 Mountains, Mist &amp; Magic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/drakensberg-mountain-hampton-01-590x390-1.webp\" alt=\"A picturesque view of the valleys of Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-4619\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/drakensberg-mountain-hampton-01-590x390-1.webp 590w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/drakensberg-mountain-hampton-01-590x390-1-300x198.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\/\/www.nature-reserve.co.za\/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a change of pace? Head south for four to five hours to the Drakensberg Mountains. This <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/985\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> is equal parts serene and spectacular, offering a scenic route perfect for a road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Northern Drakensberg is a great place to start if you want to hike the Tugela Falls Trail. It\u2019s a bit of a challenge but the views and bragging rights are worth it. Prefer something gentler? Try the shorter walks in the Royal Natal National Park. Visiting ancient San rock art sites in Central Drakensberg is another option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the fresh mountain air, scenic drives, and quiet moments by the fire, it\u2019s the kind of place that makes you want to stay just a little longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>What to pack:<\/em> Layers! The weather can change quickly, especially in the higher altitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-pilanesberg-amp-sun-city-safari-and-sophistication\"><strong>3. Pilanesberg &amp; Sun City \u2013 Safari and Sophistication<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dian-driving-600x400-1.webp\" alt=\"A photograph of a game drive (safari) in Pilanesberg, South Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-4621\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dian-driving-600x400-1.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dian-driving-600x400-1-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\/\/www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org\/safaris\/pilanesberg-1-day-tour\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you only have a weekend but want the full safari experience, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pilanesberg National Park<\/a><\/strong> is just a 2.5-hour drive away. The park delivers an exciting experience, making it a must-see travel destination. Set in an ancient volcanic crater, the park is home to the Big Five and a wide variety of other wildlife. It\u2019s also malaria-free, which is a huge bonus for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can self-drive through the park, but guided game drives often get you closer to the action. Either way, expect incredible sightings and stunning landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right next door is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.suninternational.com\/sun-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sun City<\/a><\/strong>, South Africa\u2019s iconic resort. Whether you want to relax by the pool, try your luck at the casino, or take the kids to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.suninternational.com\/sun-city\/activities\/valley-of-waves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Valley of Waves<\/a><\/strong>, it\u2019s the perfect spot to mix road trip adventure and a bit of luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Best time to go:<\/em> Early morning or late afternoon drives are prime time for spotting wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2978057062\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-clarens-amp-golden-gate-small-town-big-charm\"><strong>4. Clarens &amp; Golden Gate \u2013 Small Town, Big Charm<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BASOTHO-CULTURAL-VILLAGE-UNIT-1-scaled-600x402-1.webp\" alt=\"A photograph of huts, with a mountainous background, in South Africa, at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.\" class=\"wp-image-4623\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BASOTHO-CULTURAL-VILLAGE-UNIT-1-scaled-600x402-1.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BASOTHO-CULTURAL-VILLAGE-UNIT-1-scaled-600x402-1-300x201.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\/\/www.sanparks.org\/parks\/golden-gate-highlands\/explore\/photo-gallery <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just under four hours from Johannesburg lies <strong>Clarens<\/strong>, a charming village with art galleries, quirky shops, and a welcoming, creative vibe offering a scenic route for a relaxed road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s known as the &#8220;Jewel of the Free State,&#8221; and it\u2019s not hard to see why for those seeking must-see spots during travel. Clarens is also the doorstep to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanparks.org\/parks\/golden-gate-highlands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Golden Gate Highlands National Park<\/a><\/strong>, where ochre-colored cliffs glow in the afternoon light. It\u2019s perfect for a scenic drive, a picnic, or a gentle hike. The area is also rich in history, so stop by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanparks.org\/reservations\/accommodation\/filters\/parks\/10\/arrivalDate\/2025-05-09\/departureDate\/2025-05-18\/camps\/0%7C63\/types\/0\/features\/0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glen Reenen Rest Camp<\/a><\/strong> if you need a reset and desire the serenity of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Don\u2019t miss:<\/em> Local craft beer, handmade chocolates, and a cozy stay at one of the town\u2019s many boutique guesthouses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-magaliesberg-close-calm-and-completely-worth-it\"><strong>5. Magaliesberg \u2013 Close, Calm, and Completely Worth It<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-470799099-1024x487.webp\" alt=\"An ambiently lit photograph of the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa.\" class=\"wp-image-4627\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:1200px;height:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-470799099-1024x487.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-470799099-300x143.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-470799099-768x365.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-470799099.webp 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/attractions\/cradle-of-humankind\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re short on time but need a break, <strong>Magaliesberg<\/strong> is just over an hour from Johannesburg. It packs a scenic route, creating a must-see travel experience close to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartbeespoort-dam.co.za\/town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hartbeespoort Dam<\/a><\/strong> for a quick boat ride or head up the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hartiescableway.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harties Cableway<\/a><\/strong> for panoramic views on your road trip. The nearby <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/attractions\/cradle-of-humankind\/\">Cradle of Humankind<\/a><\/strong> is a fascinating detour, with exhibits that trace human origins back millions of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Perfect for:<\/em> A last-minute day trip or a one-night escape with minimal planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ready to Hit the Road?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Johannesburg might be your starting point, but adventure lies in every direction. From lush forests to dusty game trails, artsy towns to majestic mountains, South Africa\u2019s roads offer scenic routes filled with wonder, making travel a must-see. So grab a map or fire up the GPS, stock up on snacks, and make some playlists\u2014it&#8217;s time to discover the best road trips from Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relevant Articles: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/exploring-soweto-the-best-tours\/\">Exploring Soweto, The Best Tours and Cultural Experiences in Johannesburg\u2019s Iconic Township<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road\u2014especially starting in a dynamic place like Johannesburg. Whether you&#8217;re a local itching for a weekend escape or a traveler wanting to explore beyond the city, road trips from Johannesburg offer a mix of jaw-dropping scenery, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. For those seeking a scenic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":4684,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"There\u2019s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road\u2014especially starting in a dynamic place like Johannesburg. Whether you're a local itching for a weekend...","footnotes":""},"categories":[58,53],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4573","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-safari","8":"category-visit-gauteng"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4573"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4663,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4573\/revisions\/4663"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}