The Big Road Trip: Johannesburg to Cape Town
You have two choices, should you decide to empty your mind and meditate along the long and relatively empty highways that lead between Jo'burg and Cape Town -- a great way to see the country, particularly Road Trip B.
Road Trip A: Drive directly south on the N1 to Bloemfontein, enjoying traditional Afrikaans hospitality at De Oude Kraal Country Estate, a 2,400-hectare (5,928-acre) farm just 35km (22 miles) south of the city of Bloemfontein, about 4 hours from Johannesburg (tel. 051/564-0733; www.oudekraal.co.za); rates, with breakfast, start at R900 ($127/£65). Spend the next night at the Lemoenfontein Game Reserve (tel. 023/415-2847; www.lemoenfontein.co.za; from R650/$92/£47 double); look for the signs 2km (1 1/4 miles) north of Beaufort West, and take an early-morning game drive before setting off for the final leg to Cape Town. Alternatively, book into one of the large chalets in the gloriously tranquil Karoo National Park (tel. 021/428-9111, or direct 023/415-2828; www.sanparks.org; from R565/$80/£41 double), just south of Beaufort West; in May 2007 three more black rhinos -- translocated from Namibia -- were released here. It's also an excellent place to spy black eagle. Cape Town is 4 hours away. Total driving time: 13 to 14 hours.
Road Trip B: Time allowing, this is a road trip you will treasure as one of the most memorable you have ever taken, as it takes you through tiny settler towns, Big 5 game reserves, and some of the most scenically beautiful areas of the country. You should, however, set aside at least a week to do this in comfort. The route is as follows: Head south on the N1 as far as Colesberg, then take the N9 to Graaff-Reinet (a 7 1/2-hr. drive), where you overnight before heading to one of the malaria-free game reserves near Grahamstown or Port Elizabeth. After 2 nights at the reserve, travel along the lakes and forests of the Garden Route, overnighting in Knysna or Wilderness for a few days. Cape Town is 4 hours from here; consider taking the longer route through the Swartberg Pass to overnight at Prince Albert. Total driving time: 17 to 19 hours.
