Mother's Day Road Trip: 5 Scenic Routes to Explore with Mom in South Africa
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation and love to the special woman you call “mom”. While gifts and presents are always wonderful, taking your mom on a road trip is a unique way to create long-lasting memories – and there’s no doubt she will be talking about it for years to come! And when you live in South Africa, the options for road trips are endless.
With some of the most scenic routes in the world, here’s a list of five routes that are perfect for a Mother’s Day road trip.
1. Garden Route - Scenic Drive along the Coast
The Garden Route is a stretch of coastline that spans from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The route is renowned for its natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, dense forests, and crystal-clear lagoons. The Garden Route is perfect for a Mother's Day road trip as it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can stop and hike through the Tsitsikamma Forest, go bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, or simply relax on the beaches of Plettenberg Bay.
2. Cape Winelands Route - Wine Tasting in the Western Cape
The Cape Winelands Route is another popular scenic drive in Cape Town. This route takes you through the heart of South Africa's wine country, where you can stop and taste some of the world's best wines. The route includes towns such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, and is renowned for its wine estates and vineyards. The Cape Winelands Route is perfect for a Mother's Day present as it offers a luxurious and indulgent experience. You can take your mom to some of the best wine estates in South Africa, where you can sample wines and dine in some of the country's finest restaurants.
3. Midlands Meander - A Scenic Drive through the Countryside
The Midlands Meander is a scenic route that takes you through the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal. The route includes towns such as Howick, Nottingham Road, and Mooi River, and is renowned for its art galleries, craft shops, and farm stalls. Your mom will love the opportunity to explore the countryside, indulge in delicious local produce, and perhaps even pick up a unique Mother’s Day gift from one of the many craft shops.
4. Sani Pass - A Thrilling Drive to the Highest Pub in Africa
The Sani Pass is a steep mountain pass that links South Africa to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. This route is perfect for a Mother's Day present as it offers a chance to explore South Africa's rugged terrain and experience a different culture. The Sani Pass is known for its steep inclines and hairpin bends, so it's not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for the adventurous mom who loves a good thrill! Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a drink at the highest pub in Africa and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
5. The Panorama Route (Mpumalanga) and Namaqualand Flower Route – Natural Beauty at Its Finest
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga and the Namaqualand Flower Route are two scenic drives that showcase some of the most stunning natural beauty in South Africa. The Panorama Route takes you through the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels, while the Namaqualand Flower Route showcases the annual blooming of the Namaqualand daisies. Your mom will love the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and capture some breathtaking photos.
A Mother’s Day road trip is a unique and memorable way to celebrate this special day with your mom. Whether your mom loves wine tasting, exploring the countryside, or taking on a thrilling mountain ride, these road trips are sure to make the perfect Mother’s Day gift.