These are the questions that come up most often when people write in about planning a self-drive. If yours is not here, send it through the contact page and I will do my best to help.
It depends on the pass and the recent weather. The Swartberg Pass and parts of the R62 turn into loose gravel after rain, and a sedan will struggle on the steeper sections. My trip reports always note clearance requirements, so check the specific post for the route you are considering. When in doubt, a bakkie or SUV gives you more room to manoeuvre on narrow bends.
Layers are the short answer. The coast can be warm by midday and cool by evening, especially near the lakes. Carry a light rain jacket, sturdy shoes for short walks, and binoculars if you plan to bird. For gravel stretches, a spare tyre and a basic repair kit are worth the space. Fuel stops are regular along the main routes, but fill up before heading into the Karoo.
Some are, some are not. The ones that serve proper roosterkoek with apricot jam and fresh coffee are usually the busiest, and that is a good sign. I mention specific stalls in my posts, including which ones have decent restrooms and which are better for a quick photo stop. It changes over the years, so I try to update those notes after each drive.
Slippery is the honest answer. The top layer turns to mud, and braking distances stretch out more than you expect. If you hit rain on a gravel pass, slow down and avoid sudden steering. The views are still worth it, but plan extra time and let oncoming traffic pass on the wider sections. I always note in my reports whether a road is best left for a dry day.
It depends on how comfortable you want to be. Some bush camps are basic with shared ablutions, while others offer a proper bed under a thatched roof. For a first visit, I usually suggest a camp with a decent kitchen and a shaded spot for your vehicle. My posts list options from the Karoo to the coast, with honest notes on access roads and what to expect at night.
Start with how many hours you are willing to drive on a Friday afternoon. From Johannesburg, the northern Drakensberg and the Karoo are realistic targets. From Durban, the coastal lakes and the southern parts of the Garden Route work well. I break down the driving times, fuel stops, and where to sleep in my weekend guides, so you can pick a route that fits your schedule.
Still unsure about a specific stretch of road or a pass you have in mind? Read through the trip reports on the blog for recent conditions, or send your question through the contact page.
The routes and notes on this site come from real drives, but conditions change. This page sets out the limits of what I can promise, so you can plan with a clear head and no surprises.
Every trip report describes the road as I found it on that day. Gravel surfaces, potholes, and pass closures shift with the seasons and recent weather. Treat the notes as a starting point, and check with local authorities or the nearest farm stall before committing to a long stretch.
When I say a pass needs high clearance, it is because a sedan bottomed out on the same rocks last month. My suggestions come from driving these roads in a variety of vehicles, not from manufacturer data. Your car, your load, and your comfort level all play a part in what works.
Figures come from the odometer and the fuel gauge, not from a mapping app. I round to the nearest sensible number and always add a buffer for detours, slow gravel, and the farm stall you will not want to skip. Plan your tank stops with a margin for error.
A bush camp that suits a solo traveller with a rooftop tent might not work for a family needing hot water and a plug point. Reviews here reflect my own stays and the standards I expect. Read the full description on the listing before you book, and ask the owner directly if something matters to you.
When I call something worth the detour, it means the extra kilometres paid off in scenery, food, or a conversation with a local. It does not mean the place is polished or convenient. Some of my favourite stops are rough around the edges, and I say so plainly in the post.
When you send a question through the contact page, it lands in my inbox, not a call centre. I answer what I can from my own driving, and if I do not know the current state of a road, I will tell you that too rather than guess.
Route help and direct lines
Whether you are planning a weekend from Johannesburg or wondering if a gravel pass suits your rental car, send the details through the contact page. I answer personally, usually within a day or two.
Prefer a quick call or an email for a specific question about a pass or a farm stall stop?
For written route notes, maps, or anything that needs a physical envelope.
99801 Nkuna GrovesI am on the road regularly, so replies are not instant. Here is when you will hear back:
If you have a specific drive in mind, mention the towns and the time of year. That helps me give a useful answer.