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HomeRoad TripsAfricaSouth AfricaRepublic of South AfricaVia Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal
File:Joubert's Pass02.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip

Aliwal North - Rhodes - Kokstad - Pietermaritzburg

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km732 h/stage4.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip in Republic of South Africa?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 306EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 414EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 209EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 491EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 653EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 288EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 374EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 741EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,029EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 406EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 856EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip Itinerary

The Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip is a 732km journey beginning in Aliwal North, South Africa and ending in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Along the way, you'll get to explore the towns of Rhodes and Kokstad, as well as the stunning landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be completed in two days. The best time of the year to drive is during the dry season, when the roads are in the best condition. However, please be aware that seasonal road closures may occur due to weather conditions, and the roads may be curvy or narrow in some areas. This road trip can be managed on a moderate budget.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 732 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Aliwal North

Distance 732 km Driving time 12.0 h Pace: modest 190.3 kWh
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Aliwal North is a small town located in the Republic of South Africa, at the starting point of the “Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip”. It is an ideal place to begin an adventure, with plenty of sights to explore. The town’s main attraction is the Aliwal North Museum, which is located in the old town hall and provides a unique insight into the history of the area. There is also a historical bridge, built in the late 19th century, which is a great spot to take in the beautiful scenery. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is East London Airport (ELS), located about 120 km away. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start the road trip. Aliwal North also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and bird-watching. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Orange River, where they can spot a variety of wildlife. Overall, Aliwal North is the perfect place to start the “Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip”. With its fascinating history, stunning views, and abundance of outdoor activities, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

1 Aliwal North - Rhodes

Distance 176 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 52.8 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Aliwal North to Rhodes, a journey of 176km that will take less than 3 hours. The road is full of scenic views, with some sections closed seasonally, steep ramps, winding and narrow roads. Be sure to take in the beauty of the landscape, from the rolling hills to the lush grasslands of the Eastern Cape. Along the way, you'll pass through quaint towns and villages, and no matter where you go, you'll find friendly locals and plenty of places to explore. When you reach Rhodes, you can explore the quaint town and its surrounding areas, where you can find hiking trails, waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor activities. You can also visit the nearby Lady Grey and Barkly East, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, take your time, enjoy the views, and explore the beauty of Aliwal North to Rhodes!

2 Rhodes - Kokstad

Distance 316 km Driving time 6.1 h Pace: modest 82.3 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Rhodes to Kokstad, a 316km drive that will take less than 7 hours. Start your journey in Rhodes, a small town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and make your way through the winding roads and narrow passes, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Visit the quaint little town of Aliwal North, located near the Orange River and the border of Lesotho. Here you can explore the historical sites, such as the Dutch Reformed Church and the Aliwal North Museum. Then, make your way to the town of Burgersdorp, where you can visit the Drostdy Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church. As you make your way to Kokstad, take a detour to the town of Matatiele, where you can take in the spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Finally, you will arrive at Kokstad, a small town in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Here you can visit the Kokstad Museum, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the KwaZulu-Natal National Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.

3 Kokstad - Pietermaritzburg

Distance 239 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: fast 71.8 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Start your road trip in Kokstad, a small town in the Republic of South Africa. From there, take a 239 km drive to Underberg, a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and rivers. Here, you can take a hike to the top of the nearby Harkerville Forest for an amazing view of the area. As you continue your journey, you will drive through winding roads and narrow sections. Enjoy the scenery as you drive through lush grasslands and rolling hills. Finally, you will arrive in Pietermaritzburg, a vibrant city full of history and culture. Visit the City Hall, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, and the Botanical Gardens for a unique experience. There is plenty to explore in Pietermaritzburg, and it is the perfect place to end your road trip. With fewer than 4 hours of driving time, this is one of the best road trips you can take. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

  Pietermaritzburg

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The end of a journey is the beginning of a new adventure, and Pietermaritzburg in the Republic of South Africa is the perfect destination for the road trip named "Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip". Located in the heart of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg is a charming city that offers a unique blend of traditional African culture and modern amenities. For those who are looking for a little bit of history, the city of Pietermaritzburg is home to the iconic Voortrekker Monument, a memorial to the Boer settlers who began their journey in the area in 1838. The monument is a must-see for anyone visiting the area, and it provides a great opportunity to learn about South Africa's past. For those looking for a bit of culture and entertainment, Pietermaritzburg has plenty to offer. From the beautiful Natal Museum to the captivating Pietermaritzburg City Hall, there is something for everyone. The city also boasts a number of great restaurants, bars, and shops, making it the perfect spot for a night out or some retail therapy. For those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region, Pietermaritzburg is a great starting point. The city is located at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, making it the perfect place to get away from it all and explore the stunning scenery. The closest international airport to Pietermaritzburg is King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located approximately 40 miles away. So, if you're looking for a great way to end the "Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip," look no further than Pietermaritzburg. The city has something for everyone and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Via Naudesnek Pass to KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Republic of South Africa

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 120 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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