Road tripping through South Africa is a truly spectacular experience, and there are so many options for you to choose from. You can head out to explore the well-known routes of Johannesburg to Cape Town, Greyton and Hermanus, the Garden Route, Cederberg, or Cape Town to Namibia. Some people prefer the road less travelled so they can discover hidden gems, including more diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife.

There’s no doubt about it… Despite the challenges that South Africa has faced, driving across this beautiful land will leave you feeling blessed and grateful to be here. That said, road tripping doesn’t always go as smoothly as you envision. Thankfully, there are a few tips you can use to be safe and ensure that you extract maximum pleasure from your journey.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Listen to local wisdom: Ask locals about safe areas to walk at night, where to avoid driving, and about the best places to eat and explore. The locals know what’s up and what to avoid.
• Drive on a schedule: Sticking to a schedule gives your trip structure and allows you to allocate plenty of time to rest so you can make sure you can drive safely during daylight hours.
• Rent a smaller car: If you’re hiring a car, opt for 1 that’s smaller (still comfy, of course, so not too small), cheaper, and lighter on fuel so you can save money and avoid drawing unwanted attention that’s associated with high-risk cars.
• Stay flexible: Plan your route in a way that gives you the flexibility to enjoy unexpected experiences and spend extra time at places you love.
• Pack an audiobook: Road tripping is great, but there can be long stretches of driving where you need something to keep you entertained. We recommend an audiobook.
• Plan for the way back: Use the saved places function on your navigation app to keep track of points of interest along your route, which you can use for the way back or for your next trip.
• Pack for all weather: Come prepared for hot and cold weather by packing layers.

• Fuel up often: Don’t let your gas tank get too low. Fill up when it drops below a quarter tank.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a much safer and unforgettable road trip in South Africa.

Don’t forget about car insurance

A final tip is to make sure that you’ve got comprehensive car insurance that includes emergency roadside assistance, as unexpected breakdowns can happen.

Interested in finding cover? Click here for simple cheap car insurance that has your back!