12-Day South Africa & Lesotho Road Trip: Table Mountain to Sani Pass
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Moderate: able to manage multiple days with 2–6 hour drives, short hikes, and one high‑altitude 4x4 day; not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Overview
From Table Mountain’s cable car to Lesotho’s 4x4 tracks, this 12‑day road trip stitches South Africa’s highlights with wild-coast secrets, wildlife encounters and a high‑altitude ascent of Sani Pass. Expect varied drives, cultural stops and optional adrenaline activities.
12-Day South Africa & Lesotho Road Trip: Table Mountain to Sani Pass
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The cable car hums as it pulls you up Table Mountain and the city below opens like a map—harbors, flat-roofed houses, the Atlantic hardening into cliffs. That opening tableau is the first of many scene changes on this 12-day loop from Cape Town to Johannesburg: ocean-swept capes and penguin colonies, the soft, ferned valleys of the Garden Route, the slow, lumbering pace of elephants in Addo, and finally the high stone country of Lesotho where the road narrows and a 4x4 earns every metre to 2,874 metres.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid weather shifts
Coastal mornings can be cool and the highlands bitter; pack a lightweight waterproof and insulating midlayer to adapt between beaches and mountain passes.
Carry local cash for remote stops
Some rural villages, markets and village experiences accept only cash—keep small Rands for crafts, tips and park fees.
Prepare for Sani Pass in a 4x4
The Lesotho day includes steep, rocky sections to 2,874 m—bring sturdy shoes and follow the guide’s instructions for safe boarding and egress.
Book whale season activities early
If you travel between August–December to see southern right and humpback whales in Hermanus, reserve boat or cliff-based tours ahead of time—spaces fill fast.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African penguin
- African elephant
History
The route threads colonial and indigenous histories—from Cape Dutch vineyards at Groot Constantia to Xhosa villages on the Wild Coast and Basotho traditions in Lesotho.
Conservation
Many stops are inside protected areas (Table Mountain National Park, Addo, Drakensberg); follow park rules, avoid feeding wildlife and support local community tourism initiatives.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grippy shoes handle coastal walks, rocky cave floors and Sani Pass approaches.
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Protections against Atlantic spray and sudden mountain weather are essential.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Staying hydrated across long drives and hikes is critical; a filter helps in remote stops.
summer specific
Sun kit (hat, SPF 50, sunglasses)
The South African sun is strong—protect skin and eyes during beach and high‑altitude exposure.
summer specific