Hidden gems in South Africa for your Easter road trip
Mzansi’s beauty is unmatched. From the Midlands to the Winelands, the beaches to the mountains, 7 200 kilometres of tarred road1, and everything in between, there is so much to explore in South Africa.
If you haven’t yet decided where you’re road-tripping to for Easter break, the trusted battery specialists have a few suggestions for you and your family to see the country’s beauty, go on an adventure, and make new memories.
Four must-see secret destinations
1. Bourke's Luck Potholes2
Just a five-hour drive from Johannesburg, the Blyde and Treur rivers in Graskop meet at a one-of-a-kind, extraordinary geological feature, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Over thousands of years, these two rivers formed potholes in the bedrock, resulting in tunnels and water pools in beautiful colours. You and your family can marvel at these fascinating rock features from the bridges or lookout platforms in the area.
2. Adam's Calendar
Nicknamed ‘Africa’s Stonehenge’, Adam's Calendar is located in the hills of Waterval Boven, a small town in Mpumalanga.3 A three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Adam’s Calendar is a round, 30 metres wide stone structure,4 surrounded by picturesque views. A tour guide can help you explore this unique feature in just over an hour.
3. The Big Pineapple
A pineapple-designed museum is a must-see in Bathurst,5 about 12kms from Port Alfred. The Big Pineapple is a 16.5 metres high6, three-story museum with a lookout point over Mzansi's largest pineapple growing area.6 It is also the world's largest pineapple building, where you can learn about this delicious fruit5 or indulge in tasty treats like chutney or jam, made from pineapple.6
4. Sardinia Bay Beach7
Your car may take you to the foot of this unspoilt beach, but it's the walk up a massive dune that will let you take in the incredible Port Elizabeth ocean view. Once you’re on top of the dune, relax your legs before running down and taking a dip in the warm and welcoming Indian Ocean.
Before you explore South Africa’s secret destinations, make sure your car is road-trip-ready.
Check the oil and fluid levels8
The oil and water, among many other parts, allows the car's engine to function properly. Check these levels before your trip to avoid any damage to the car.
Check the tyres8
Check the tyres and spare regularly to make sure they’re inflated to the recommended levels. This will help spread the vehicle's weight evenly so that the car and tyres are steady.9 Also, make sure you can access the spare easily during an emergency.
Keep extra safety supplies in the car
COVID-19 is still a reality, which is why it’s important to keep your distance from other people, especially when at a tourist or rest stop. Also keep soap, hand sanitiser or disinfectant wipes in the cubbyhole, and don’t forget your face mask when you get out of the car.
Get a battery check
A faulty car battery can put a stop to a road trip even before it begins. Visit the trusted battery specialists for a free car battery check.10 They'll do a comprehensive test and look at the car's starter and alternator to ensure the vehicle and battery are up for the trip. And they only replace a battery if it’s necessary.
If you're not travelling by road these holidays, you should still pop in to the battery specialists for a FREE battery check. This could prevent being stranded as a result of a faulty battery. The battery specialists advise all motorists to get their car batteries checked at least twice a year.
References
- khplant. South Africa's Longest Roads. https://www.khplant.co.za/blog/article/south-africas-longest-roads. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- Atlas Obscura. Bourke's Luck Potholes. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bourkes-luck-potholes. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- Atlas Obscura. Adam's Calendar. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/adams-calendar. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- SA Venues. Adam's Calendar. https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/mpumalanga/adams-calendar/. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- Atlas Obscura. The Big Pineapple. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-big-pineapple-bathurst-south-africa. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- SA Venues. Visit the biggest pineapple in the world. https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/easterncape/visit-the-biggest-pineapple-in-the-world/. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. Sardinia Bay Beach. https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/sardinia_bay_beach.html. Accessed on 17 February.
- MiWay. Important things to have checked out at the fuel station. https://www.miway.co.za/blog/your-car/important-things-to-have-checked-out-at-the-fuel-station. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
- Supa Quick. The importance of tyre pressure for safe driving. https://www.supaquick.com/blog/importance-of-correct-tyre-pressure-for-safe-driving. Accessed on 19 February 2021.
- Battery Centre. Get your battery checked for free. https://www.batterycentre.co.za/free-battery-check/. Accessed on 17 February 2021.
