Driving N1 JHB-CPT

[gfmalan]

/Resurection

I am doing the JHB-CPT drive solo tomorrow. I am definitely going to stop somewhere along the route (at least 800km from JHB).

Should I consider doing the Kimberly N12 route or rather just stick with the N1 through Bloem?

I'll use the N1 all the way, (Section between JHB and Potch and Klerksdorp are slow)
Then I'll sleep over in Trompsburg (120km otherside Bloem), and then do the rest the following day.

So today you can leave JHB at 12:00 get there at 18:00 have a one man braai, and tomorrow you are here at 16:00.

 

[Hamster]

/Resurection

I am doing the JHB-CPT drive solo tomorrow. I am definitely going to stop somewhere along the route (at least 800km from JHB).

Should I consider doing the Kimberly N12 route or rather just stick with the N1 through Bloem?

N1. N12 is boring AF. I'd advise you to stop a bit more than just once though Colesberg (600km), Beaufort West (another 400km). Probably best to stop every 200km and stretch your legs (which I never did ). Used to stop only at Colesberg on my way to George to fill up. Nowadays I stop Bloem and Beaufort West (or fly)

Watch out for Richmond. There is a sneaky camera on the N1 around the bend when the speed slows to 80km/h. Bloem also have another 3 or 4 cameras all camo green. Cameras at Beaufort as well.

 

[Billy]

Do you have to take the N1? Asking because I recently drove down via the N12, and found it a pretty pleasant drive, with a lot less traffic (esp trucks), no tolls and the road condition being absolutely fine. You join up with the N1 before Beaufort West (we decided to overnight here). Just checked on google and this route is less than 50km longer than taking the N1.

This is the route I take. Stop over at Beaufort West down and Kimberley on the way back.

 

[MR.C]

Shell near Worcester was 1 of the most beautiful stops I experienced, inside and outside

Huge mountains on either side, awesome.

Also had a bad experience between Beaufort and Laingsburg in December, got a puncture when on the shoulder allowing someone to pass. Luckily there was a guy patrolling the area helped us with advice and felt safer.

The taxis overtake on blind shoulders, blind hills, no fear for themselves, passengers or other road users.

Felt better when we got to Laingsburg and stayed over, fresh in the morning.

Drove back in a day (Cpt to Pta)

 

[craigdoepie]

As quite a few people mentioned, the stretch after Beaufort can be irritating and dangerous as sh... I did it in December and decided to do it in 1 day. Unfortunately had work the next day. But honestly if I have to do it again, will definitely do a stop over in 3 Sisters or Colesburg.

Also almost a few incidents, when you think you can overtake this truck and then halfway through you must rely on the car in the other lane to go into the yellow lane. I am quite a cautious driver (at least I think so), but fatigue and lack of patience makes a person do stupid things.

Final opinion, get enough rest the previous day and like the OP mentioned he will be sharing the driving, do that. It will make a world of difference. And be careful when you hit Lainsburg and Beaufort when the speed limit suddenly changes to 60kmh, as I got two fines for doing 80 something. It creeps on you suddenly and you so used to doing 120-140 sometimes 160, because you want to get home.

Safe driving

 

[Colin62]

Final opinion, get enough rest the previous day and like the OP mentioned he will be sharing the driving, do that.

He's already on the road. And as he posted at 11:22pm last night, he probably didn't get as much sleep as he could have...

 

[Forza]

I did this trip for the first time in December solo in one go. Stopped at Bloem and then at 3 Sisters.

Not doing this route/trip any time soon though and especially alone. Is long and boring AF, 13hours ain't a joke to be 100% focused.

When leaving from JHB to CPT I left about lunch (due to unforeseen circumstances) and had to take the stretch from Beaufort West to Cape Town in night with those maniac taxi's on the road had to be five times as sharp.

When coming back to JHB left at 3am which is definitely a good time. Only mistake was arriving in JHB during peak time as I drove back on a works day.