Best Roads in South Africa 2024: A Guide to Scenic and Smooth Drives

South Africa is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from coastal drives to mountain passes, and has some of the best road infrastructure on the continent. Whether you're exploring the country’s famous routes or lesser-known gems, these roads offer a combination of smooth driving, breathtaking scenery, and modern infrastructure. Here's a list of the best roads in South Africa in 2024, perfect for road trips, scenic drives, and exploring the beauty of the Rainbow Nation.

10. Garden Route (N2)

Location: Western Cape and Eastern Cape
One of South Africa’s most famous routes, the Garden Route along the N2 highway offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, lush forests, and picturesque towns like Knysna, Mossel Bay, and Plettenberg Bay. The road is well-maintained, providing a smooth driving experience, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. With its natural beauty and diverse attractions, the Garden Route is a top destination for road trip enthusiasts.

9. R62 (Route 62)

Location: Western Cape and Eastern Cape
Route 62 is often referred to as South Africa's answer to the iconic Route 66 in the USA. It stretches from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, passing through the Karoo and several charming towns like Montagu, Oudtshoorn, and Calitzdorp. The R62 is known for its smooth roads, scenic vineyards, and mountain passes. It’s a fantastic road for a leisurely drive, showcasing the rural beauty of South Africa's interior.

8. Chapman’s Peak Drive (M6)

Location: Cape Peninsula, Western Cape
Chapman’s Peak Drive, also known as Chappies, is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Located on the M6 between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, this road hugs the cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean, offering jaw-dropping views. It’s a short, well-paved route, perfect for sunset drives or weekend trips. The road has undergone extensive maintenance to ensure safety, with rockfalls being carefully managed to keep the route smooth and secure.

7. Long Tom Pass (R37)

Location: Mpumalanga
Named after a cannon used during the Anglo-Boer War, the Long Tom Pass is located along the R37 in Mpumalanga. It offers scenic drives through mountain ranges and valleys, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The road is well-maintained, making it a popular route for adventure seekers, offering access to landmarks like Lydenburg and Sabie. It's ideal for road trippers heading to the famous Panorama Route.

6. Panorama Route (R532)

Location: Mpumalanga
The Panorama Route along the R532 takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Africa, with views of Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels. The road is well-paved and easily accessible, making it a favorite for tourists exploring the natural beauty of Mpumalanga. The route’s proximity to Kruger National Park makes it a popular stop for those on safari.

5. N3 Highway (Johannesburg to Durban)

Location: Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal
The N3 highway is a major national route connecting Johannesburg to Durban. It’s known for its smooth roads, modern infrastructure, and well-maintained toll sections. The route passes through the Drakensberg Mountains, offering scenic views, especially near Van Reenen’s Pass. It’s a highly reliable road for long-distance travel, catering to both commercial traffic and holidaymakers heading to the coast.

4. Swartberg Pass (R328)

Location: Western Cape
One of the most dramatic mountain passes in South Africa, the Swartberg Pass on the R328 offers stunning views of rugged mountains and valleys. The road is a gravel pass, but it is generally well-maintained and offers a thrilling driving experience. Built in the 19th century by Thomas Bain, the pass connects Oudtshoorn with Prince Albert, making it a favorite for history buffs and adventure drivers alike.

3. N1 Highway (Cape Town to Johannesburg)

Location: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng
The N1 is South Africa’s main north-south highway, stretching from Cape Town to Johannesburg. It passes through various landscapes, from the vineyards of the Western Cape to the plains of the Karoo and the highveld of Gauteng. The road is wide, well-maintained, and features numerous service stations and rest stops, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The smooth ride and stunning landscapes make the N1 a popular route for cross-country road trips.

2. Sani Pass (R56)

Location: KwaZulu-Natal
The Sani Pass is one of South Africa's most famous and challenging mountain passes, located on the R56 between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. This gravel road offers dramatic views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the surrounding valleys. It’s a must-visit for off-road enthusiasts with 4x4 vehicles, as the pass is steep and winding. Despite its rugged terrain, the road is a popular attraction for adventurers seeking breathtaking scenery and a bit of adrenaline.

1. N2 Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)

Location: Eastern Cape
The N2 Wild Coast route is a stunning drive along South Africa’s untamed Eastern Cape coastline. This newly upgraded road offers smooth surfaces and wide lanes, providing a scenic journey through rolling hills, traditional Xhosa villages, and breathtaking coastal views. The road is part of a broader development plan to boost tourism in the region, making it an ideal route for those looking to explore South Africa's less-traveled coastal gems.

Conclusion

South Africa offers a wealth of well-maintained roads that cater to both tourists and locals, providing access to some of the country’s most scenic and historic landscapes. Whether you’re driving along the iconic Garden Route, conquering the Sani Pass, or enjoying the coastal views on Chapman’s Peak Drive, these roads offer unforgettable experiences.