Top 10 Longest Roads in South Africa – Routes, Dangers & Must-Know Facts

South Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes are connected by an extensive network of roads, some of which rank among the longest and most scenic in the world. These roads are not only vital for trade and transportation but also offer travellers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique challenges.

In this article, we count down the top 10 longest roads in South Africa, exploring their routes, the dangers they pose, and must-know facts for anyone planning to travel them.

Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a truck driver, or a curious reader, this guide has everything you need to know.

10. N4 (718 km) – The Trade Corridor

Stretching from Botswana border at Skilpadshek through Pretoria to Komatipoort at the Mozambique border, the N4 is a lifeline for cross-border trade. As part of the Maputo Corridor, it sees heavy truck traffic transporting goods between South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana.

Route: Skilpadshek (North West) to Lebombo Border Post (Mpumalanga, Mozambique border)
Provinces: North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga

Dangers:

• High truck volumes increase congestion and accident risks.
• Crime hotspots around toll gates and isolated sections.

Must-Know Facts:

• Features multiple toll gates, including the most expensive toll gate in South Africa, Machado Plaza.
• A crucial link for international freight movement.

9. N11 (773 km) – The Coal Route

The N11 connects the Botswana border at Groblersbrug with the N3 near Ladysmith, passing through key towns like Mokopane, Middelburg, and Newcastle. It is a major corridor for freight transport, carrying minerals and agricultural products. Since it has no toll gates, it remains a cost-effective alternative for truckers moving goods between Botswana and South Africa’s economic hubs.

Route: Ladysmith (KwaZulu-Natal) to Groblersbrug (Limpopo, Botswana border)
Provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo

Key Facts:

• The N11 is a vital route connecting KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo and the Botswana border.
• It passes through coal-rich regions in Mpumalanga, making it a key freight corridor for coal trucks.
• The road is less congested than major highways like the N1 and N3.

Dangers:

• Coal Trucks: Heavy truck traffic, especially near Mpumalanga, can lead to accidents.
• Poor Visibility: Fog and mist in the Drakensberg region can reduce visibility.
• Majuba Pass: A very steep and winding mountain pass located between Volksrust (Mpumalanga) and Newcastle (KwaZulu-Natal). The weather in the pass is unpredictable. Fog, rain, and even ice in winter are a regular occurrence.

Must-Know Facts:

• The N11 has no toll gates, making it a free route for travellers.

8. R33 (798 km) – The Scenic Alternative

Running from Pietermaritzburg to Lephalale, the R33 offers breathtaking views of the Drakensberg and serves as an alternative to the N3 and N1.

Route: Pietermaritzburg (KwaZulu-Natal) to Laphalale (Limpopo)
Provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo
Key Facts:

• The R33 is a regional route that connects KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo via Mpumalanga.
• It offers scenic views of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Dangers:

• Mountain Passes: Steep and winding sections can be dangerous in bad weather.

Must-Know Facts:

• The R33 has no toll gates.
• It’s a quieter alternative to the N3 for travellers heading to Mpumalanga.

7. R34 (977 km) – The Rural Connector

Linking Vryheid to Richards Bay, the R34 is a scenic yet less-travelled route. It winds through farmlands and smaller towns, offering a glimpse into South Africa’s rural life.

Route: Richards Bay (KwaZulu-Natal) to Vryeburg (North West)
Provinces: North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal
Key Facts:

• The R34 connects KwaZulu-Natal to the North West via Free State, passing through rural and agricultural areas.
• It’s less busy than national routes, making it a peaceful drive.

Dangers:

• Flooding: Low-lying areas in KwaZulu-Natal and some in the Free State are prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Must-Know Facts:

• The R34 has no toll gates.
• Truckers use this route to transport grain, livestock, and coal for export via the Richards Bay port.

6. N10 (1,000 km) – The Namibia Connection

The N10 stretches from Port Elizabeth to Nakop at the Namibian border, cutting through the wide-open Karoo.

Dangers:

• Remote sections make breakdowns dangerous.
• Wildlife crossings, especially near the border.

Must-Know Facts:

• A key trade route between South Africa and Namibia.

• No toll gates.

5. R61 (1,061 km) – The Quiet Explorer’s Route

Winding from Beaufort West to Port Shepstone, the R61 takes travellers through the Eastern Cape’s rolling landscapes before reaching Mpumalanga’s bustling areas.

Route: Beaufort West (Western Cape) to Port Shepstone (KwaZulu Natal)
Provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal
Key Facts:

• The R61 connects the Western Cape to KwaZulu Natal via the Eastern Cape, passing through rural and agricultural areas.
• It’s less busy than national routes, making it a peaceful drive.

Dangers:

• Poor Road Conditions: Some sections, particularly in the Eastern Cape, are poorly maintained.
• Livestock Crossings: Livestock on the road is a common hazard in rural areas.

Must-Know Facts:

• The R61 has no toll gates.
• It’s a great route for travellers looking to explore South Africa’s rural heartland.

4. N14 (1,186 km) – The Desert Passage

The N14 connects Springbok in the Northern Cape to Pretoria, cutting through the vast, arid landscapes of the Kalahari Desert.

Route: Springbok (Northern Cape) to Pretoria (Gauteng)
Provinces: Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng
Key Facts:

• The N14 connects the Northern Cape’s mining regions to Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub.
• It passes through the Kalahari Desert, offering a unique driving experience.

Dangers:

• Isolation: Breakdowns in remote areas can leave travelers stranded.
• Sandstorms: Sandstorms in the Northern Cape can reduce visibility.

Must-Know Facts:

• The N14 has no toll gates.

3. N12 (1,342 km) – The Alternative Highway

The N12 starts in George and runs to eMalahleni, passing through Kimberley and Potchefstroom. It serves as an alternative to the N1 for traffic between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Truck activity is high due to its connection to the Mpumalanga coal mines.

Route: George (Western Cape) to Witbank (Mpumalanga)
Provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga

Key Facts:

• The N12 is a key alternative to the N1, connecting the Western Cape to Mpumalanga.
• It passes through six provinces, making it one of the most diverse routes in South Africa.

Dangers:

• Truck Congestion: Heavy truck traffic can lead to accidents, especially near Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.
• Potholes: Poorly maintained sections, particularly in the North West, can damage vehicles.

Must-Know Facts:

• The N12 has no toll gates.
• It’s a vital route for freight transport between Johannesburg and the Western Cape.

2. N1 (1,936 km) – The Backbone of SA Roads

The N1 is South Africa’s most important road, linking Cape Town to the Zimbabwean border at Beitbridge. It passes through the most provinces (five), and nearly every major freight company relies on it. It is heavily tolled, with key toll gates including the Huguenot Tunnel in the Western Cape and several plazas in Limpopo.

Route: Cape Town (Western Cape) to Beitbridge (Limpopo, Zimbabwean border)
Provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo

Key Facts:

• The N1 is the second-longest road in South Africa and one of the most important trade routes.
• It connects five provinces, making it the route that passes through the most provinces.

Dangers:

• Truck Congestion: Heavy truck traffic can lead to accidents, especially between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein.

Must-Know Facts:

• The N1 has toll gates in the Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo.
• It’s a major freight corridor for goods moving to and from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries north of the border.

1. N2 (2,255 km) – The Longest Road in South Africa

The N2 is the longest road in South Africa, stretching from Cape Town to Ermelo. It serves as the main coastal route, passing through the scenic Garden Route and linking Durban’s port to the rest of the country. With high truck traffic around Durban, this road is vital for container transport.

Route: Cape Town (Western Cape) to Ermelo (Mpumalanga)
Provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga

Key Facts:

• The N2 is South Africa’s longest road, stretching along the southern and eastern coasts.
• It passes through four provinces, offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

Dangers:

• High Crime Areas: Certain sections, particularly near Cape Town and Durban, are infamous for hijackings and robberies.
• Accident-Prone Sections: The stretch between Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth is known for sharp curves and poor visibility.

Must-Know Facts:

• The N2 has toll gates.
• It’s a critical route for tourism and freight transport, especially for goods moving to and from the ports of Cape Town and Durban.

South Africa’s longest roads are more than just stretches of tarmac – they are lifelines that connect people, cultures, and economies. From the scenic N2 to the bustling N1, these routes offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. However, they also come with their share of dangers, from high crime areas to hazardous driving conditions. By being aware of these risks and taking the necessary precautions, travellers can enjoy a safe and memorable journey.

Whether you’re planning a road trip, transporting goods, or simply exploring South Africa’s beauty, this guide equips you with the must-know facts to navigate the country’s longest roads with confidence. Safe travels!