As a short answer, you can plan a boat road trip around South Africa. You’ll travel between bodies of water and experience different conditions, sights, sounds, and more!
Before heading out across the country for the ultimate boat road trip, here are a few key points and tips for planning such an adventure.
How to Plan a Boat Road Trip
We can assume you’re incredibly excited about the idea of a boating road trip, but before you hitch up the trailer, make sure you do the following.
Route Planning
When planning your route, you need to make a few considerations, such as:
- Make sure to highlight critical destinations first
- Consider realistic driving hours each day with rest days
- Research stop-off places to restock supplies
- Check for road closures, construction, and weather conditions
- Budget for unexpected expenses
- And enjoy the trip while being flexible
For boating destinations like Knysna, Hartbeespoort Dam, and the Vaal Dam, you will have access to boating repair equipment; for lesser-known stops, you will need to plan on bringing your own.
Boat Rental
A spokesperson from the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) states, “Towing can half your average distance per full tank of fuel, so be careful to plan your stops beforehand.”
While you can budget this into your planned trip, you could plan to rent on arrival.
Many boating destinations will have a rental company in the key or docks.
It’s best to contact these rental spots to clarify what they need and what types of watercraft they offer.
Navigation
People rarely need two navigational devices for a trip, but this is a road and boat trip. While it can be too easy to depend on your cellphone for directions when driving, having a proper paper road map is always a good idea.
There’s no worse feeling than being lost with no data or reception.
Ensure you know if you need navigational equipment for specific waters. Uncertainty about the location of sandbanks in lagoons can be dangerous.
Also, a significant safety tip is to know maritime rules, get permits, and have safety gear and navigation aids.
Weather and Seasons
Be mindful of the weather and seasonal conditions, especially if you plan to venture into the open ocean.
South Africa’s general weather experiences are considered temperate climates, but weather patterns can vary significantly.
So, now you’re ready. Let’s talk about road trip routes you can take for a boating trip!
Boating Road Trips
While you can plot your boating road trip, we thought we’d share a few suggestions.
The Joburger Boating Road Trip
While the country’s economic hub is landlocked, this shouldn’t stop you from going on your fantastic boating road trip. And kicking it off is a favourite for the locals in the area.
Short Shot Left From Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam
Nestled amid the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountains, Hartbeespoort Dam beckons nature lovers and water fans. Spanning over 20 kilometres, it is an artificial reservoir that has become a playground for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure.
Driving to Hartbeespoort Dam takes roughly one to one and a half hours.
You can rent a boat or join a boating tour to experience the scenic beauty of the dam and surrounding mountains. There are also options for those looking to spend the night in Hartbeespoort or nearby accommodations.
Hartbeespoort Dam to Vaal Dam
After breakfast, looking out over the Hartbeespoort Dam, you can take the easy trip to the
Vaal Dam. It is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from your breakfast spot. But it’s worth it.
As one of South Africa’s largest reservoirs, it covers about 320 square kilometres. The vast expanse provides ample boating, sailing, and water sports opportunities.
Whether you’re gliding across its glassy surface on a yacht, casting your line for a day of fishing, or simply basking in the sun on a leisurely cruise, the dam’s tranquil waters offer a serene escape amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Many quaint villages surround the dam, so finding excellent accommodation for an evening or two should be easy.
Vaal Dam to Blyde River Canyon
After having fun at the Vaal Dam, you can head northeast to one of South Africa’s most significant natural treasures: theBlyde River Canyon.
It’s roughly a 5—to 6-hour drive from the Vaal Dam, so you’ll want to plan a stop-off point or pack a picnic basket.
Upon arrival, you’ll see the world’s third-largest canyon.
With loads of accommodation options and other activities to do, it’s a great last stop before driving home to the big smoke.
West Coast Boating
The West Coast is all about the unspoiled natural landscapes. Visitors can discover pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see along its shores, providing the perfect setting for leisurely walks, beachcombing, or exhilarating water sports such as surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
While inland, the landscape transitions into expansive semi-arid plains dotted with unique flora and fauna, including the iconic spring wildflowers that carpet the region in a kaleidoscope of colours during the annual wildflower season.
Cape Town to Langebaan
Driving out of the Mother City and leaving the mountain behind, you will be welcomed by pristine coastal landscapes. Driving to Langebaan from Cape Town takes roughly an hour and a half.
The charming town has many rental spots for those looking to explore the calm waters or enjoy water sports such as kiteboarding or windsurfing.
There are also loads of accommodation options. So, this is an easy first stop.
Langebaan to Paternoster
The next stop is Paternoster. An easy 36-minute drive from Langebaan, it offers a variety of roadside breakfast spots.
Still a small, sleepy seaside town, Paternoster is known for its fantastic seafood. You can charter a fishing vessel or go on a boat tour to discover hidden coves and marine life.
The town has accommodation options, but because it’s so close to Langebaan, you can drive back afterwards to where you slept the night before. It’s up to you to make the call.
Paternoster or Langebaan to Velddrif
At the mouth of the Berg River, Velddrif is a small West Coast village that oozes charm. The tranquil waterways and marshlands offer incredible opportunities for birdwatching.
You can also hire a houseboat to stay on the river or rent something for the day. Again, this is not far from Langebaan or Paternoster, as it is a 30-minute drive from both places.
When you’re ready to return to the city, it will take about 1 and 45 minutes via the coastal road.
Ready to Plan Your SA Boating Road Trip?
If you’re keen to try out our suggestions or have something else in mind, we highly recommend getting your vehicle’s batteries checked. You can do so at any SABAT Xpress outlet or SABAT battery stockist.
