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HomeRoad TripsAfricaSouth AfricaRepublic of South AfricaThrough the North
Die Mas vineyard, Wine Route, Upington, Northern Cape, Sou… | Flickr

Through the North Road Trip

Springbok - Upington - Vryburg - Rustenburg

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Through the North Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km1,128 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 Through the North 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 150EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 356EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 464EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 209EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 553EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 715EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 288EUR drive & more 275EUR sleep & more 374EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 841EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,129EUR
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 300EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 506EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 956EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Through the North Road Trip Itinerary

Take a journey along the North Road Trip and experience the beauty of the Republic of South Africa. Starting in the city of Springbok, the route takes you through Upington, Vryburg and ends in the city of Rustenburg. Along the way, you can explore the stunning landscapes, from the Kalahari Desert to the lush green hills of the North West Province. The total distance of the trip is approximately 1128 km and it is recommended to take two days to complete it. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the South African winter, when the days are cool and the nights are crisp. The roads are in good condition, making for a comfortable drive. The North Road Trip is a great way to experience South Africa and create lifelong memories. It is suitable for all drivers, with a moderate budget.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 1,128 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Springbok

Distance 1,128 km Driving time 12.1 h Pace: fast 338.5 kWh Airports SBU , KLZ
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Springbok, situated in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, is the perfect starting point for the “Through the North Road Trip”. The town offers a variety of attractions and activities which will make for an enjoyable and memorable trip. The stunning Namaqualand wildflowers and the Goegap Nature Reserve are not to be missed. For those who love the outdoors, the nearby Kokerboom Forest and Gannabos will provide an unforgettable experience. The town’s history is also worth exploring, with the Boer War Memorial and the Springbok Museum of Archaeology being of particular interest. The nearest international airport is the Upington Airport (UTN), located approximately 120 kilometers away. There are car rental companies at the airport, such as Europcar and Avis, offering a wide range of vehicles to suit all types of travelers. Springbok is the ideal starting point for the “Through the North Road Trip”. With its rich history and stunning scenery, it is sure to make for an unforgettable journey.

1 Springbok - Upington

Distance 374 km Driving time 3.6 h Pace: fast 112.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Welcome to the Springbok-Upington road trip! Get ready to explore the beautiful landscapes of Northern Cape, South Africa. This journey will take you 374km through some of the most picturesque and scenic roads. Start your journey in Springbok, home to the iconic Namaqualand daisy. You can explore the town’s rich history at the Springbok Museum, or take a hike at the nearby Goegap Nature Reserve. As you drive towards Upington, you’ll pass through the Augrabies Falls National Park. Here you can admire the stunning waterfalls, and explore the incredible wildlife. Upington is the perfect place to end your journey. Visit the Kalahari-Oranje Museum and learn about the town’s history, or take a boat ride on the Orange River. The entire trip should take you less than 4 hours, so be sure to take the time to appreciate the stunning views along the way. Keep an eye out for the wild animals, and take plenty of pictures! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

2 Upington - Vryburg

Distance 404 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: fast 121.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready to go on an amazing road trip from Upington to Vryburg? This journey of 404 km will take you less than 5 hours and will be full of adventure and fun! Start your journey in Upington and explore the spectacular Augrabies Falls National Park. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Orange River, the beautiful wildlife, and the incredible rock formations. Continue your journey to the small town of Pofadder, a great spot to take a break and explore the area. Here you can find a variety of activities such as bird watching, fishing and 4x4 trails. After a refreshing stop in Pofadder, your next destination will be the town of Kuruman. Here you can visit the Eye of Kuruman, the natural spring that is believed to have healing powers. You can also explore the historical sites and the unique rock formations. Your final destination will be Vryburg, a charming town with plenty of activities to enjoy. Take a stroll along the banks of the Vaal River, visit the local museum, and explore the many shops and restaurants. Don't forget to take your time and enjoy the scenic roads along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Upington to Vryburg!

3 Vryburg - Rustenburg

Distance 350 km Driving time 4.2 h Pace: fast 105.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Vryburg, Republic of South Africa and explore the 350 km to Rustenburg. Along the way, you’ll find some of the most beautiful sights and attractions that South Africa has to offer. Make sure to take it slow and enjoy the scenic roads! Vryburg is home to the Vryburg Game Reserve, where you can spot various animals and birds. The town also has several historical sites, such as the Vryburg Town Hall and the old Dutch Reformed Church. As you make your way to Rustenburg, you'll find the Kgaswane Nature Reserve. This reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and is a great spot for birdwatching. You can also find the Pilanesberg National Park, a great spot for game viewing. For those looking for a more cultural experience, the city of Rustenburg is home to the Rustenburg Cultural Village. Here you can learn about the history and culture of the area, as well as its traditional crafts and music. Be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your trip for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. With fewer than 5 hours of driving time, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and take in the sights of Vryburg and Rustenburg. Enjoy your journey!

  Rustenburg

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The final destination of the "Through the North Road Trip" is Rustenburg, a city located in the Northwest Province of South Africa. Rustenburg is a place of beauty and culture, and is the perfect ending point for a road trip. One of the most interesting places to visit in Rustenburg is the Rustenburg Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and antelope. The reserve also offers scenic views of the Magaliesberg Mountains and the Pilanesberg National Park. Another great spot to check out is the Royal Bafokeng Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the Bafokeng tribe and their rich history. This museum features a variety of artifacts, including traditional clothing, pottery, and weapons. If you're looking to take in some local culture, the Rustenburg Art Museum is the perfect place. This museum showcases a wide range of artwork from local artists, as well as pieces from around the world. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport to Rustenburg is the O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). This airport is located about a two-hour drive from Rustenburg, making it the perfect starting point for a road trip through the North. Rustenburg is a wonderful destination for any road trip. With its stunning nature, rich culture, and vibrant art scene, Rustenburg is the perfect place to end your journey.

Through the North 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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