The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town in a single cab Isuzu D-Max with just one full tank of fuel was an epic adventure that left us in awe of South Africa’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. The road trip began at the Isuzu offices in Waterfall Johannesburg and our final destination was Signal Hill Cape Town. Filled with excitement and anticipation, it was time to hit the road.
Driving through the bustling urban landscape of Johannesburg, with its towering skyscrapers and vibrant street life, we soon left the city behind and entered the wide open spaces of the South African Highveld. Fields of maize, sunflowers, and wheat stretched out on either side of the road, punctuated by small towns and villages that we passed along the way.
Our first comfort stop was at the 1 Stop Engen in Kroonvaal just outside Kroonstad, this is where we had our lunch and had refreshments before hitting the road again. After driving for about 420 kilometres, you’ll reach the city of Bloemfontein, also known as the “City of Roses”. This is the capital of the Free State province, which offered a glimpse into South Africa’s history and culture upon arrival. The city is also famous for its beautiful rose gardens, which are worth a visit, especially during the blooming season. After checking in at our hotel in Bloemfontein, all of the teams were exhausted from the drive, knowing that we had an even longer stretch to cover the following morning, grabbing dinner and going straight to bed was the only thing left on our agenda for the day.
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Early in the morning on the following day it was time to get ready and continue our journey on the N1. With no time to even let the Isuzu idle and warm up, we were off. With the kilometres stretching ahead of us, we drove through the changing landscape of the Karoo, a semi-desert region known for its unique flora and fauna. Although we didn’t spot any wildlife on the road, we were treated to a sight of springboks and giraffes as we checked in at the Ko Ka Tsara Lodge in Beaufort West.
The rugged Isuzu D-Max made the journey a rough and rugged experience, with every bump and jolt reminding us of the tough workhorse underpinnings. But with good music and great company, we pressed on, crossing the Western Cape province and reaching the picturesque town of Worcester in the Breede River Valley. Unfortunately, we ran out of fuel in Worcester, but with a quick top-up from the Isuzu team, we were back on the road, eager to reach our destination.
Passing through the beautiful town of Robertson, with its historic Cape Dutch architecture and renowned wines, we entered the Cape Winelands, one of South Africa’s most famous regions. The road took us through vineyards and orchards, and we marvelled at the natural beauty around us. The highlight of the trip was when we reached the Huguenot Tunnel, a modern engineering marvel that took us through the mountain range. Descending from the tunnel, we felt a sense of freedom as we let the car roll down the hill, using only the steering and brakes to control the vehicle.
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As we approached Cape Town, the excitement and mixed emotions were palpable. While we didn’t make it to Signal Hill on one tank of fuel, we were grateful for the life-changing experience of this epic road trip. The last stretch took us from Stellenbosch to the heart of the Mother City, Cape Town, where we arrived with a sense of accomplishment and memories that would last a lifetime. From the bustling urban landscape of Johannesburg to the wide-open plains of the Highveld, the rugged terrain of the Karoo, the picturesque towns of the Cape Winelands, and finally the vibrant city of Cape Town, this road trip was a journey of discovery, adventure, and appreciation for the beauty of South Africa.
Despite the challenges and the rough ride in the Isuzu D-Max, the memories of the breathtaking scenery, the warm hospitality of the people we met along the way, and the sense of accomplishment of completing the trip with just one and a quarter tank of fuel made it an unforgettable experience. It’s a road trip that will be etched in our memories forever, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of South Africa and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring the open road in a single cab Isuzu.
