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7-Day Thrilling Road Trip: Johannesburg to Durban - A Cultural Journey

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Day 1: Explore Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Salvation Cafè

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Salvation Cafè, known for its excellent coffee and delicious breakfast options.
Located inside the 44 Stanley complex, easily accessible by a short drive from the city center.
ZAR 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Apartheid Museum

Explore the Apartheid Museum to gain insight into South Africa's history and struggles.
Follow the M1 South highway to the museum, should take about 30 minutes.
ZAR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Living Room

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Living Room, a rooftop eatery with stunning city views.
Head to Maboneng Precinct which is about a 15-minute drive.
ZAR 120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Maboneng Precinct

Wander through this vibrant area filled with galleries, shops, and street art.
The precinct is walkable from The Living Room.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Soweto

Take a guided tour of Soweto and learn about its rich history and culture.
Drive to Soweto, approximately 30 minutes away.
ZAR 150, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Vilakazi Street

Experience traditional South African cuisine at one of the local eateries on famous Vilakazi Street.
Stay in Soweto for dinner at one of the recommended places.
ZAR 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Johannesburg

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Johannesburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cranks

Savor a light breakfast at Cranks, a cozy café focused on fresh and organic foods.
Located in the city center, a short drive from your accommodation.
ZAR 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Constitution Hill

Explore the rich history of South Africa's constitution and the old fort.
Driving to Constitution Hill takes around 10 minutes.
ZAR 60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Local Grill

Enjoy a local grill-style lunch while mingling with the locals.
Close to Constitution Hill, a short drive away.
ZAR 90, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Johannesburg Art Gallery

Discover the vast collection of African and international art at the gallery.
Drive to the gallery which is about a 20-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Gold Reef City

Enjoy the amusement park and learn about the gold mining heritage of the city.
From the gallery, it’s approximately a 15-minute drive.
ZAR 220, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Marble

Dine at Marble, famous for its upscale grilled dishes and city views.
Drive back to the city center for dinner.
ZAR 300, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Johannesburg

Day 3: Discover Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Whippet

Head to The Whippet for a delicious breakfast in Pretoria known for its artisanal dishes.
Drive to Pretoria, about 50 minutes from Johannesburg.
ZAR 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Voortrekker Monument

Learn about the history of the Afrikaans at the iconic Voortrekker Monument.
A 15-minute drive from The Whippet.
ZAR 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Freedom Park

Wander through this memorial park dedicated to South Africa’s freedom history.
Just a 10-minute drive away.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Crane

Enjoy a delightful meal at The Blue Crane, which blends local flavors with modern cuisine.
Located nearby in Pretoria.
ZAR 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Union Buildings

Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about South Africa's government.
A short 5-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Pretoria Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful walk in the expansive botanical gardens.
About a 15-minute drive from the Union Buildings.
ZAR 50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Capital Craft

Savor a delicious meal at Capital Craft, with a focus on craft beer and gourmet burgers.
Return to the city center, approximately a 25-minute drive.
ZAR 180, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pretoria

Day 4: Journey to Durban

Durban, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Patisserie

Enjoy pastries and coffee at this quaint bakery to start your journey to Durban.
A 20-minute drive towards the N3 highway before departing to Durban.
ZAR 65, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Durban

Hit the road and enjoy picturesque views as you travel to Durban.
Follow the N3 highway which leads directly to Durban.
0, 6 hours

3:30PM

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Durban and check into your guesthouse, then relax to recharge.
Drive into Durban and navigate to your accommodation.
ZAR 700, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll at the Beachfront

Take a leisurely stroll along the Golden Mile beachfront and enjoy the ocean vibe.
Drive to the beachfront, which is about a 15-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at uShaka Marine World

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants at uShaka Marine World, while taking in the views of the sea.
Located right at the beachfront.
ZAR 200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Durban

Day 5: Durban Adventures

Durban, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forti Grill & Bar

Start your day with breakfast at Forti’s, a well-known spot with amazing views of the ocean.
Located on the beachfront, just a few minutes from your accommodation.
ZAR 90, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Durban Botanic Gardens

Explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
A short 15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Marine World Tour

Enjoy a fun morning at the uShaka Marine World, filled with aquatic adventures and exhibitions.
Just walk over from the gardens.
ZAR 210, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cargo Hold

Dine in an aquarium-unique restaurant that features great seafood.
Located at uShaka, walk back for lunch.
ZAR 250, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Victoria Street Market

Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting one of Durban's busiest markets.
A short drive from uShaka takes about 10 minutes.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend your evening relaxing on the beach, soaking in some sun and surf.
Drive back to the beachfront.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Chairman

Wrap up your day at The Chairman, known for its delicious Asian-inspired dishes.
Ease back to the city center for dinner.
ZAR 300, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Durban

Day 6: Cultural Experiences

Durban, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Good Food Company

Start your morning at this well-known deli for a fresh breakfast.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
ZAR 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit KwaMuhle Museum

Learn about the history of apartheid in Durban through fascinating exhibits.
Around a 15-minute drive from breakfast.
ZAR 30, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Indian Quarter

Wander around the vibrant streets of Durban's Indian Quarter, filled with shops and authentic Indian cuisine.
A short drive takes 10 minutes from the museum.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Brickfield Road

Enjoy delicious Indian food at one of the many eateries on Brickfield Road.
Located within the Indian Quarter.
ZAR 75, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Durban Art Gallery

Explore local art and culture, with free entry making it easily accessible.
Walk or drive back towards the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Moses Mabhida Stadium

Take a stadium tour and learn about this iconic venue, even try the Big Rush bungee if feeling adventurous!
A short drive from the art gallery.
ZAR 150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at So Whipped

End your day at So Whipped, known for delicious and unique desserts as well as appealing dinner options.
Back towards the beachfront for dinner.
ZAR 220, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Durban

Day 7: Return to Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at Corner Cafe

Have a simple breakfast at the Corner Cafe before hitting the road back to Johannesburg.
Just a short drive from your guesthouse.
ZAR 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Johannesburg

Return to Johannesburg, with another chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Retrace your route along the N3 highway.
0, 6 hours

4:00PM

Visit Cradle of Humankind

As you return, stop by this UNESCO World Heritage Site for historical insights.
Detour slightly on your way back for this must-see location.
ZAR 150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Saxon Hotel

Wrap up your journey with an indulgent dinner at one of Johannesburg’s premier restaurants.
Drive back towards the city center.
ZAR 500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Johannesburg
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