The open road, a convoy of sleek vehicles, mountain views for days and a playlist that somehow kept getting louder with every kilometre, that was the scene as media personalities and content creators hit the road on an unforgettable South African tourism adventure sponsored by Avis Southern Africa.
The road trip journeyed from Johannesburg to Clarens, Ladysmith, the breathtaking Drakensberg and finally Durban, giving travellers a front-row seat to some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery, local culture and hidden gems. From golden Free State sunsets to winding mountain passes and Durban’s warm coastline, the trip perfectly captured why road tripping is making a huge comeback.
Speaking to Lifestyle & Tech, General Manager Marketing and Communications at AVIS Southern Africa, Anda Peter said that comeback is only getting bigger.
“As a leading mobility solutions provider in Southern Africa, we continue to evolve our offering to meet the growing demand for self-drive travel and road trip tourism across the region,” Peter said.
With tourism roaring back and more travellers chasing authentic experiences instead of rushed itineraries, self-drive adventures are quickly becoming the ultimate way to explore South Africa. And honestly, there’s something magical about discovering a roadside coffee shop in Clarens, stopping for panoramic mountain selfies in the Drakensberg or blasting your favourite songs somewhere between Ladysmith and Durban.
For Avis, this road trip was more than simply putting cars on the road. It was about showing how mobility can unlock unforgettable travel moments.
The fleet supplied for the trip highlighted the company’s growing focus on offering vehicles for every kind of traveller. Whether it’s compact cars for city escapes, roomy SUVs for family adventures, luxury rides for premium travel or rugged 4x4s built for adventure seekers, Avis says it’s adapting to the changing needs of modern tourists.
“We are leveraging this growth by offering a diverse and premium vehicle range, tailored to different travel experiences and customer needs,” Peter explained.
And on this particular trip, every stop delivered its own personality.
Clarens welcomed the convoy with its charming small-town energy, art galleries, mountain air and cosy cafés. Cameras clicked non-stop as creators captured the town’s famous sandstone backdrops and vibrant streets.
Then came Ladysmith, rich in history and culture, before the road curled into the majestic Drakensberg, where towering peaks, rolling hills and dramatic views practically begged for drone footage and Instagram reels.
By the time the convoy rolled into Durban, the road trip had transformed into a celebration of South Africa’s incredible diversity, all experienced from behind the wheel.
But beyond the fun, the road trip reflected major travel trends shaping tourism in South Africa right now.
Avis says both local and international travellers are increasingly looking for flexibility, convenience and personalised travel experiences.
“Avis is seeing encouraging growth in both local and international travel, reflecting renewed confidence in tourism and increased interest in experiential travel across Southern Africa,” added Peter.
International visitors are choosing self-drive holidays to explore South Africa at their own pace, while locals are embracing road trips, weekend escapes and multigenerational family travel more than ever before.
The freedom to stop where you want, eat where the locals eat and take the scenic route instead of the fastest one has become part of the appeal.
The company is also seeing growing demand for larger vehicles and long-term rentals as travellers prioritise comfort, convenience and affordability.
And while the road trip lifestyle may look carefree on social media, Avis says technology and safety remain central behind the scenes.
Customers today expect seamless digital booking experiences, quick vehicle collections and personalised service, all things Avis continues to invest in as mobility evolves.
“As mobility technology continues to evolve, Avis is focused on enhancing customer convenience through innovation while maintaining the high service standards associated with the brand,” said Peter.
Safety also remains a top priority, particularly for travellers exploring long-distance routes across South Africa. Avis highlighted its SafeDrive offering as part of its commitment to helping customers travel with confidence and peace of mind.
The road trip also tied into broader discussions happening at Africa’s Travel Indaba, where tourism leaders explored ways to boost domestic tourism and encourage travellers to discover destinations beyond the traditional hotspots.
For Avis, South Africa is perfectly positioned for road trip tourism thanks to its variety of landscapes, cultures and attractions all within driving distance of one another.
“South Africa offers an exceptional variety of attractions, from wildlife and adventure tourism to cultural experiences, coastal destinations and luxury travel, making it an ideal market for self-drive tourism and memorable road trips,” Peter said.
The company believes stronger collaboration between tourism operators, airlines, hotels and mobility providers could further grow domestic and regional tourism by creating smoother and more accessible travel experiences.
And if this journey from Johannesburg to Durban proved anything, it’s that South Africa was made for the open road.
Because sometimes the best part of travelling isn’t just the destination, it’s the playlist battles, coffee stops, scenic detours and unexpected moments in between. With the right car, a good group of travellers and South Africa stretching out ahead, the road itself becomes part of the adventure.