Chapmans peak drive with ocean and mountain view in Cape Town.

The Best Day Trip Locations In South Africa

Exploring our beautiful country is something that everyone should try once in a while. We have an abundance of stunning scenery to enjoy and some unique locations that have something for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether you are interested in day trip locations in Cape Town, or exciting day trips around Durban or Johannesburg, there are plenty of stops to choose from. And, if you opt for car hire in Cape Town to drive from province to province, you will save money and wear and tear on your own car. 

Now that we are able to travel between provinces again, you can explore some unique road trip locations in South Africa. Below we give just a few ideas of fun day trips for the whole family.

Kruger National Park

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The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most well-known national parks, among visitors and locals alike. It covers an enormous area of land of almost 19,485 square kilometres. If you are based in Johannesburg, it is an easy drive to this nature-lover’s paradise.  

Here you can experience the true wilderness of South Africa and see the Big Five game animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards, as well as African wild dogs and even ground hornbills.

Sterkfontein Caves

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The Sterkfontein Caves can be found nearby the Maropeng Visitor Centre, and can easily be visited during a day trip from Johannesburg. These ancient caves are part of a broader Cradle Of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Inside the Sterkfontein Caves, many profound archaeological and historical discoveries have been made, including some of the earliest human remains. If you or anyone in your family is a history buff, this is sure to be a truly exciting journey.

Bo Kaap

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The Bo Kaap is one of the most popular day trip locations in Cape Town, and if you opt for a budget car hire package, you can explore the surrounding areas and immerse yourself in the Cape Malay culture. In the Bo Kaap, you will find stunning, rainbow-coloured heritage houses, making for a very Instagrammable day out. 

You can spend the day on a Bo Kaap walking tour, learning more about the various heritage sites in the area, or even attend a Cape Malay cooking class. If you are new to Cape Town, a day trip to the Bo Kaap should be at the top of your to-do list to learn more about this colourful province.

Hermanus

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Hermanus has some of the most breathtaking beach scenery in the Western Cape Province, and is ideal for those who enjoy whale and dolphin watching. The coast of Hermanus is untouched, and it is one of the more popular road trip locations in South Africa. 

You can look into car hire in Cape Town to make the journey to hermanus easier, and be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy after a day’s worth of exploring and driving. You can choose from a whale-watching boat tour or sit on the shore and look out into the azure blue of the see to spot a while or dolphin.

Franschhoek

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Prefer the slower, more laid-back road trip locations in South Africa? Book a budget car hire in Cape Town and spend the day driving to and around Franschhoek. The drive to this quaint Winelands town is, in itself, full of gorgeous scenery and the town is picture-perfect. 

Here you can taste delicious French cheeses and handmade chocolates, as well as purchase  a sumptuous selection of local wines. There is also a regular Saturday market and a diverse range of cafes to choose from for breakfast or lunch. Franschhoek is great for families and friends alike who want a more relaxed and indulge day trip.

The Drakensberg Region

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If you are looking for day trips from Durban, driving to the Drakensberg region to explore the mountain range is a perfect choice. The area has some of the most incredible vistas in the province, including waterfalls, rock pools, caves, and grasslands. 

You could drive to a few stop off points on this day trip, ranging from unique cafes to short hiking trails. Be sure to choose the warmer months for this day trip, as during winter it can become extremely cold. Summer months make for stunning sunrises and sunsets for memorable day trips.

Become A Tourist In Your Own Country

South Africa has some of the most truly beautiful destinations in the world, and with a budget car rental, you can explore those closest to you on a fun and exciting day trip. From mysterious caves to untouched beaches, you are sure to find road trip locations in South Africa to meet the needs of even the most discerning of travelers. 

If you would like to start planning your next day trip, speak to Star Car Rental about our affordable car hire in Cape Town options.