Lloyds Travel Journal

About the writer

Lloyd Nkuna

Tour operator & route scout

For the better part of two decades I have been driving the back roads between Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Karoo. What started as a job moving guests between lodges turned into a habit of keeping a notebook on the passenger seat. These days that notebook is this journal, where I write about the roads as they actually are, not as the brochures describe them.

I have patched a tyre on the Swartberg Pass, waited out a summer storm in a Barrydale farm stall, and learned which gravel roads turn to peanut butter after rain. My reports include honest notes on driving times, fuel stops, and the kind of vehicle that will make the trip comfortable. I also share weekend itineraries from Johannesburg and Durban, and the birding spots along the coast that are worth the early start.

info@toursbylloyd.com 011-664-5055

Field notes & local knowledge

A few things I have picked up along the way that shape how I write and guide.

  • Route knowledge: I have driven the R62, the passes of the Swartberg, and the coastal lakes more times than I can count, and I keep notes on current road conditions.
  • Practical detail: Expect rough distances, fuel stops, and honest opinions on which farm stalls still serve proper roosterkoek.
  • Local network: I regularly interview guides and lodge owners along the Garden Route and Karoo, so the recommendations come from people on the ground.
  • Self-drive focus: Whether you are in a sedan or a high-clearance bakkie, I write with a clear sense of what your vehicle can handle.

Based in South Africa. Available for route questions and trip planning through the contact page.

Got a Route in Mind?

Whether it is a weekend escape from Johannesburg or a slow lap of the Garden Route, I have driven these roads enough to know which ones are worth your time. Send me your rough plan and I will point out the detours, the gravel stretches, and the farm stalls that still make it worthwhile.

Ask About Your Trip
Read about the roads I cover

Route Notes from the Road

Trip reports and field notes from recent drives, written after the dust settles. Each entry covers road conditions, fuel stops, and whether the detour was worth it.

Trip Planning

What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

Planning a self-drive route and not sure where to start? This post walks through the practical details worth sorting before you sit down to map a trip, from vehicle checks to the questions that actually matter for gravel roads and long distances.

It explains what gets discussed in an initial route consultation, why those details matter for a South African road trip, and what you can expect to walk away with. The focus stays on the concrete decisions that shape a good itinerary.

Read the notes

Self-Drive Advice

Choosing a Service Format That Actually Fits

Not every trip needs the same level of planning. This post compares the different ways to get route help, from a quick email checklist to a full day-by-day itinerary built around your vehicle and driving style.

It looks at the tradeoffs between a short consultation and a detailed self-drive guide, and how to judge which format suits your route, your budget, and the kind of driving you are comfortable with. A practical read before you book anything.

Read the notes

Reader Questions

Questions Clients Ask Before Starting

The same questions come up again and again when people start planning a road trip through the Cape or the Karoo. This post collects the most common ones, with straight answers based on years of driving these routes.

From whether a sedan can handle the mountain passes to how far you can realistically drive in a day, it covers the practical concerns that shape most itineraries. A useful starting point if you are still in the early stages of planning.

Read the notes

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