JHB to Cape Town trip advice

[HexBeemer]

Hi guys,

Will be doing a 2-day trip from JHB to Cape Town and looking for some advice on places to stop/avoid on the way.

Maps suggesting N1 all the way through Bloem, Colesberg, 3 sisters, Worcester etc. Anyone done the trip recently and know of any routes that are faster/better?

Would appreciate any advice or comments.

Thanks

 

[TBP88]

Hi guys,

Will be doing a 2-day trip from JHB to Cape Town and looking for some advice on places to stop/avoid on the way.

Maps suggesting N1 all the way through Bloem, Colesberg, 3 sisters, Worcester etc. Anyone done the trip recently and know of any routes that are faster/better?

Would appreciate any advice or comments.

Thanks

The N1 was designed to be the route, it is the fastest and easiest. But the road is boring and filled with trucks. If you can step off you can go via outdshoorn and then join the N2 for the remainder. Depends on whether you want a fun (and longer+more expensive) trip or just want to get to CPT.

 

[Benji]

I drove the N1 recently and was quite surprised at how much the road had deteriorated. Ive done the N12 via Klerksdorp etc and is a viable alternative, a bit longer, more small towns to drive through, but less trucks and tollgates. Equally boring compared to the N1 I'd say

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I always used the N12 via Klerksdorp up to Three sisters when I still lived up in Gauteng. From there you can join the N1 all the way or go via N2 just outside Beaufort West.
The towns on the N12 are close to each other, road surface is great and not so many trucks along the way. Also easier to make up time as there is not so many speed traps.
It is about 30-50km longer if I remember correctly. I often used to stop over in Victoria West.

 

[v1p3r]

Only tip, try and avoid the stretch between Beaufort and Laingsburg at night. Very narrow, no run off, lots of taxis with trailers and trucks you'll want to pass but won't often have the opportunity. It's not a pleasant part of the drive down

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Only tip, try and avoid the stretch between Beaufort and Laingsburg at night. Very narrow, no run off, lots of taxis with trailers and trucks you'll want to pass but won't often have the opportunity. It's not a pleasant part of the drive down

This part is notoriously dangerous and carry the nick name "road of death" I would not attempt it at night.

 

[HexBeemer]

Will be stopping halfway and will avoid night driving for sure, thanks

 

[MoeM2]

Have done this trip 4 times in the last year. Got family in Kimberley so I venture down the N12. The road surface is generally very good and no trucks. I usually push on on this stretch through to three sisters. Kimberley to Cape Town is 1000km and I usually cover this in one go with a few pit stops. There are no real stop over places overnight (stayed once in Beaufort West but could have just carried on). Gariep Dam is probably and option if you going down the N1.

With regard to tickets I have gotten 4 tickets all in Beaufort West, I really suspect that the speed limit signs are missing and they trap there for money for the town (the one ticket was 92 in a 60zone with no amount but rather that a magistrate date will be set). I pleaded my case via email and settled all the tickets, they eventually fined me R1500 for the big one)


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[BeemerFanatic]

Fly

 

[VinceM]

Fly

How I felt after my last drive from Cape to JHB I was so tired, my tired was tired and vouched never again .

I guess there are valid reasons why the drive hence OP question.


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[FiRi@Rennzport]

Fly

Agreed.

Drove in 2008 and said never again...

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[TBP88]

As above though, unless you *MUST* drive, rather fly and rent a car/stay in the CBD and use ubers/myciti.

 

[MR_Y]

Family are a drag when traveling super long distance. I wouldn't mind doing this trip again with some good mates instead.

 

[Bugger]

I'm doing this drive on Friday, via the Klein Karoo, to Barrydale, Swellendam and then the N2 through to CT, so if you haven't already done this trip I'll give you feedback.

 

[modocrat]

I'm doing this drive on Friday, via the Klein Karoo, to Barrydale, Swellendam and then the N2 through to CT, so if you haven't already done this trip I'll give you feedback.

Carry enough cash for "KFC and Cold-drink"

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I'm doing this drive on Friday, via the Klein Karoo, to Barrydale, Swellendam and then the N2 through to CT, so if you haven't already done this trip I'll give you feedback.

you making me itch for a road trip now.

 

[HexBeemer]

I'm doing this drive on Friday, via the Klein Karoo, to Barrydale, Swellendam and then the N2 through to CT, so if you haven't already done this trip I'll give you feedback.

Done thanks

 

[Bugger]

you making me itch for a road trip now.

First long trip in the 7, so interested in two things:

1. Open road consumption
2. Surviving with a 4 year old in the back seat

But I have been itching for a long trip for a while now, and that road through the Klein Karoo is immaculate (last driven in 2022), quiet, beautiful scenery, some nice passes, so hoping the land yacht does it's thing nicely.

 

[70007]

First long trip in the 7, so interested in two things:

1. Open road consumption
2. Surviving with a 4 year old in the back seat

But I have been itching for a long trip for a while now, and that road through the Klein Karoo is immaculate (last driven in 2022), quiet, beautiful scenery, some nice passes, so hoping the land yacht does it's thing nicely.

I can just imagine what a pleasure overtaking is going to be in this car


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[Sabretooth tiger]

First long trip in the 7, so interested in two things:

1. Open road consumption
2. Surviving with a 4 year old in the back seat

But I have been itching for a long trip for a while now, and that road through the Klein Karoo is immaculate (last driven in 2022), quiet, beautiful scenery, some nice passes, so hoping the land yacht does it's thing nicely.

You going to love it in that 7. Life is too short to worry but fuel economy. Just enjoy the drive and the car.
Just put some of his favourite moves on and it should keep him occupied for a while.

I love road trips, but then one need to take your time so you can stop over where you want.