Padkos packed. playlist sorted.
Someone has already asked "are we there yet?" and you haven't left the driveway.
Welcome to December in South Africa, where the road trip is basically a national sport. Half the country heads for the coast. The other half heads for the bush. And everyone stops at the same garage for a pie.
But here's the thing. The drive isn't the boring bit before the holiday. It IS the holiday. So whether you're heading down to Caribbean Estates or up the N4 to Ngwenya Lodge, here's how to make every kilometre count.
Plan Your December Road Trip Like a Pro
A lekker drive starts the week before you leave.
- Book early. December fills up fast, and "we'll find something" is not a plan.
- Service the car. Check the tyres, spare, oil, water and wipers. Summer storms don't care about your schedule.
- Leave early. Like, really early. Beat the traffic, the heat and the moods.
- Dodge the peak days. The first weekend of the school holidays and the days before Christmas are bumper-to-bumper. Shift by one day and save hours.
- Download your maps. Signal disappears in the strangest places.
Pro tip: anyone who says "it's only five hours" has never driven with a toddler.
The Padkos Hall of Fame
Padkos isn't just food. It's tradition wrapped in tinfoil.
The classic line-up? Cold chicken drumsticks. Sarmies cut into triangles, because triangles taste better. Biltong and droëwors. Marie biscuits. Fruit that won't bruise. And a flask of strong coffee for the driver.
Pack a cooler bag, wet wipes and a rubbish bag. Your future self will thank you when someone spills the juice.
One golden rule: eat the eggs early or keep the windows open.
Best Road Trip Pit Stops on SA's Holiday Routes
Pit stops aren't delays. They're mini adventures.
- Heading to KZN? Pass through the Harrismith Bergview Stop for some breakfast, snacks and good coffee. Then cruise down the South Coast to Uvongo River Resort or Caribbean Estates.
- Heading east on the N4? Stretch your legs at Alzu Petroport, where you can watch game while you eat. Then carry on to Sudwala Lodge, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge or Ngwenya Lodge.
- Heading north on the N1? Heading to Mabalingwe Nature Reserve? Look out for the glass-walled Petroport Panorama bridge stretching over the N1 on your way.
Whichever way you go, stop every two hours or 200 km. Stretch, refuel, swap drivers.
Stay Safe on the Road This Festive Season
The best holiday is the one where everyone gets home.
- Never drink and drive. Not even "just one".
- Feeling tired? Pull over at a safe stop. Fatigue is a silent passenger.
- Keep valuables out of sight when you stop.
- Save emergency numbers: 112 from any cellphone, 10111 for police and 10177 for an ambulance.
December Road Trip FAQs
- When is the best time to leave for a December road trip? Leave early in the morning and avoid the first day of the school holidays.
- What is the best padkos for a long drive? Pick food that is easy to eat, not messy and keeps well. Sandwiches, biltong, boiled eggs, fruit and plenty of water are winners.
- How often should you stop on a long road trip? Stop every two hours or 200 km.
- Which MyResorts properties are an easy drive from Johannesburg? Mount Amanzi is roughly an hour away and Mabalingwe Nature Reserve about two hours. Sudwala Lodge, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve and Ngwenya Lodge make great longer road trips.
Ready to hit the road?
The best holiday stories rarely start at the destination. They start with a full cooler bag, a questionable playlist and an open road. So, buckle up, roll down the windows and get sidetracked with MyResorts.
Book your December getaway today.
+27 (0) 12 492 4809 | hello@myresorts.co.za