The new year has arrived, and what better way to ease into 2026 than with a refreshing South African weekend road trip? From breathtaking landscapes and charming coastal towns to iconic natural landmarks, South Africa offers endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re craving ocean views, mountain escapes, nature-filled retreats, or rich cultural experiences, First Group has the perfect holiday destinations to kickstart your year on a high note.
Pack your bags, queue your ultimate road-trip playlist, and get ready to discover four incredible South African road-trip itineraries featuring some of First Group’s top resorts - ideal for couples, families, and adventure seekers looking for a stress-free start to the year.
Garden Route Magic: Perna Perna Mossel Bay
Perfect for: Beach lovers, families, foodies, and adventure seekers
Start your year with one of South Africa’s most iconic and scenic journeys - the Garden Route. Situated along Mossel Bay’s pristine shoreline, this family-friendly resort puts you right at the heart of a bustling seaside playground. From golden beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters to charming restaurants and historic attractions, Perna Perna delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Your Road Trip Route
Expect dramatic ocean views, lush green landscapes, and charming towns as you travel through George, Wilderness, and Knysna. Along the way, stop at farm stalls, lookout points, and craft cafés for which the Garden Route is famous.
Top Activities:
• Soak up the sun on Santos Beach
• Explore the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
• Hike the scenic St Blaize Trail
• Try shark-cage diving or boat excursions
• Indulge in fresh local seafood whilst overlooking the ocean
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Bliss: La Côte d’Azur
Perfect for: Sunseekers, couples, friends, and beach bum bliss
Indulge in the welcoming tropical charm of the South Coast with a sun-soaked getaway to La Côte d’Azur in Margate. Here, long golden beaches, sweeping ocean views, and year-round summer vibes create the perfect setting for pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Your Road Trip Route
From Durban, enjoy a scenic meander along the coastal road edged dotted with tropical vegetation, sea views, and quirky roadside stops.
Top Activities:
• Sunrise beach walks
• Snorkelling in tidal pools
• Shopping at Ramsgate’s artsy markets
• A trip to the iconic Waffle House (a must!)
Countryside Calm: Midlands Saddle & Trout
Perfect for: Nature lovers, families, and romance seekers
If you’re craving a peaceful escape from the city, a country-style Midlands road trip is exactly what you need. Set your GPS to Midlands Saddle & Trout, where rolling green hills and wide-open skies welcome you. With its horse-riding activities, fishing spots and soothing natural beauty, it’s the ideal place to reconnect with nature and with yourself.
Your Road Trip Route
Wind your way along the famous Midlands Meander, stopping for candle dipping at Blueberry Café, browsing local art studios, and enjoying hearty farm-to-table eateries along the way.
Top Activities:
• Horseback riding across tranquil pastures
• Trout fishing in serene dams
• Relaxing spa treatments with countryside views
• Picnics on rolling hills
• Exploring local art studios and country cafés
Wild Coast Wonder: Hole in the Wall
Perfect for: Adventurers, photographers, culture lovers
For those drawn to rugged landscapes and authentic rural beauty, a journey to the Wild Coast promises a truly unforgettable experience. Your destination: the legendary Hole in the Wall.
Your Road Trip Route
Get ready for an unforgettable journey as you wind between rolling green hills, pass friendly villages, and approach the breathtaking coastal cliffs that define the Wild Coast.
Top Activities:
• Hike to the Hole in the Wall and feel the thunder of the breaking waves
• Visit local Xhosa communities
• Enjoy some of the most untouched beaches in the country
• Spend evenings under star-filled skies
Start Your Year with a Road Trip to Remember
January is all about new beginnings, fresh adventures, and making time for what truly matters. Whether you’re dreaming of beach escapes, mountain getaways, cultural experiences, or peaceful countryside retreats, First Group offers the perfect South African destinations for an unforgettable weekend road trip.
Map out your route, hit the open road, and let South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes—along with First Group’s top-rated resorts-lead you into a year filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable travel experiences. It’s the perfect way to start 2026 feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for whatever comes next.
"Every moment is a fresh beginning.” - T.S. Eliot