Tourism Month is the perfect reminder that you don’t need to travel abroad to experience breathtaking holidays. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to explore by car, with mountains, coastlines and vibrant towns waiting around every bend. We wanted to highlight scenic drives and photo-worthy spots perfect for a family road trip, where you can find true adventure while setting up base at our family-friendly accommodations across South Africa.
With the warmer months settling in, this is the perfect time for road trips, with wildflowers blooming, waterfalls at their fullest and wildlife roaming in fresh greenery. Whether you’re heading out from Johannesburg, Cape Town or somewhere in between, now is the time to be a tourist in your own country.
Mpumalanga Panorama Route: South Africa’s Most Scenic Drive
We cannot talk about a road trip without talking about the famous Panorama Route, known as the country’s most scenic drive. You can head to Hazyview Cabanas, only 30 km from the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon. Stops worth your camera roll include God’s Window (20 km away), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (25 km away), and the dramatic Lisbon and Berlin Falls. Every curve in the road reveals another postcard-perfect view.
At the resort, you can take advantage of being in Big Game Country and enjoy game drives and interacting with the beautifully unique biodiversity.
Tourist stop: Get your adrenaline pumping and experience the Long Tom Toboggan, or take in another one of nature’s wonders at Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
North West Escapes: Safari and Scenic Drives
Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Just a short drive from Johannesburg, the North West province offers a completely different pace of life, where bushveld landscapes and wildlife encounters make every journey unforgettable. Stay at Dikhololo, a family-friendly resort where antelope, giraffe and zebra roam freely right outside your chalet.
Travel a little further in for a unique safari adventure. The Kingdom Resort, situated just 14 minutes away from Pilanesberg National Park, offers the Rare Game Experience, which allows guests to spot rare species such as nyala, sable, oryx and eland in a controlled yet natural setting.
Tourist stop: Pilanesberg Cultural Village. Learn about local heritage and traditions, combining culture with your safari adventure, only a few minutes away from The Kingdom Resort.
East Coast Adventure: Hibiscus Coast to Ballito
KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline is alive with colour and culture, and when you want a sea breeze and a coastline view, there’s no better drive than along this iconic coast. No matter where you start or end, spend a few nights at Margate Beach Club, where safe Blue Flag beaches set the tone for a family getaway. Visit the Lake Eland Game Reserve for a thrilling adventure with ziplines and x-treme tours, a suspension bridge, scooter tours and more.
Drive to Umhlanga Cabanas to capture the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse and tidal pools. Make a stop at Ushaka Marine World or spend the day walking along the Umhlanga Promenade for a cultural and shopping experience like no other.
30 km brings you to Ballito, known for its golden beaches, vibrant shopping experiences and the summer’s Ballito Litchi Festival for some fruitful summer shots. Make a photo-worthy stop at Hole in the Wall at Thompson’s Bay, which is approximately 15 km from Umhlanga, a dramatic coastal rock formation perfect for striking photos.
Tourist stop: Phezulu Safari Park. Approximately 30 km from Umhlanga Cabanas, situated in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, this cultural and wildlife park offers a blend of Zulu heritage and interactive animal experiences.
The Drakensberg Mountains: A Scenic Inland Escape
For dramatic mountain landscapes, with fresh are and stretches of land to match, set up base at Cayley Mountain Resort, where trails and activities start just outside your door. Journey towards the Maluti Mountains, stopping at Kiara Lodge, where hiking trails, panoramic views and interactive activities keep both adults and kids engaged.
Nearby highlights include the Golden Gate National Park, the winding Sani Pass and Giant’s Castle with its San rock art. Families can also hike the trails, explore nearby landmarks like Champagne Valley and Cathedral Peak, or enjoy the onsite facilities. Meanwhile, couples can unwind in the spa or spend a romantic evening under the stars.
Tourist stop: The Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre is just 26 km from Cayley Mountain Resort, perfect for a quick stop to see raptors in flight.
Garden Route Road Trips: Forests, Coastlines & Hidden Gems
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most iconic drives, stretching along lush forests, lagoons and golden beaches. Staying at Formosa Bay Resort in Plettenberg Bay places you at the heart of it all, only 6 km from Robberg Nature Reserve, where hiking trails lead to panoramic ocean views and photo-worthy cliffs.
From here, you can explore Tsitsikamma National Park, just 40 km away, where suspension bridges, ancient forests, and dramatic coastlines provide unforgettable backdrops. Nearby Nature’s Valley (30 km) is a quieter stop, perfect for capturing wide beaches framed by mountains and forests.
Tourist stop: Nelson Bay Cave, Robberg Nature Reserve. Only about 6 km away from Formosa Bay Resort. The cave is a Stone Age archaeological site and part of Robberg’s national monument status.
Time to Tour South Africa on the Open Road
From the Panorama Route to the Hibiscus Coast, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the North West, every corner of South Africa invites you to explore its beauty, heritage, and hidden gems. Staying at Beekman Holiday Resorts puts you close to photogenic landscapes, cultural landmarks and unforgettable experiences, making it easy to turn every stop into a memory.
This Tourism Month, take the opportunity to be a tourist in your own country, discover stories and landmarks you may have overlooked, and let the open road guide your adventure.
Travel Tips for Your South African Road Trip
- Keep drives manageable with 5–6 hours a day and time for scenic stops.
- Stay close to attractions with Beekman Holidays Resorts, designed for families and couples.
- Pack essentials like walking shoes, water bottles and your camera gear.
- Seasons matter. Spring brings flowers and animals, and summer offers beach weather and festivals.
Capture moments along the way, from dramatic cliffs to quiet beaches, bustling markets and scenic valleys. Make each journey a celebration of South Africa’s rich culture, landscapes, and endless photo opportunities.
Your next adventure begins with Beekman Holidays.