Roadtrips are a necessary part of life and require just a few things to make them memorable – a well-balanced diet of caffeine, something salty, something sweet and a playlist of every cheesy sing-along song you can think of. Oh, and let’s not forget an open road and an awesome destination. Lori Voss from N3 Gateway Tourism Board shares some perfect weekend trip destinations
The Midlands
A weekend in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands makes for a great escape for families and couples. I personally love the fact that I can go to a restaurant and enjoy adult fancy meals and gracious serene gardens in which to relax and unwind. The rolling green hills are absolutely beautiful and a quick easy drive from Durban takes you into the country. My favourite time to visit the area is in Autumn, when you can see red and oranges coming through across the countryside.
Central & Northern Drakensberg
This is one of my favourite destinations simply because it comes with such a wild and rugged self-confident mountain, The Amphitheatre. The hiking, general bird and flora life is like no other, offering you glimpses of endemic birds and plant life you won’t find elsewhere.
KZN Battlefields
The Battlefields is a wonder on its own and could take you a week to understand one area of battles. Base yourself at Dundee and head to the Talana Museum before setting out to one of the many battle sites in the area. Even if one doesn’t have any link to the battles, you will impressed by the military warfare and geographical settings these battles took place in.
Southern Drakensberg
The southern berg region is more romantic in its setting. Remember though that it is out on a limb so its not so easy to base yourself in the Southern Berg and go for a hike in the Central berg and return the same day. Southern Berg, with the Umzimkulu River winding its way through ,is such a delight in the Summer time for families who can enjoy river tubing and boulder hopping. Plus of course, the rugged Sani Pass allows you the most exquisite views from the top!
Midlands Amble
This is a quieter region of KwaZulu-Natal. I enjoy visiting the old German towns dotted along its route where there is always a weis beer on tap and of course traditional German cuisine to taste. A great location to explore on a motorbike as the roads wind their way through forested valleys.
Road Travel is one of the best ways to travel, it offers you a chance to take the not so popular routes, discovering views, communities, quirky eateries and allowing you to go off course, even if it’s just a short detour. I have discovered many exciting eateries, delicious sunsets and alternate art shops in doing so. On the N3 Gateway route, there is the excellent N3 Toll road, which guides you to the smaller district roads that offer up further side roads that entice you to wander down and explore.
