Odin

We're taking a last minute trip to South Africa and my other half wants to drive to the coast from Joburg. We know the distance and time but are unsure of the driving conditions and whether it is safe or indeed worthwhile.

We are also unsure if Richards Bay is worth a visit or if we should head to Saint Lucia instead. With Durban we have the impression that the city itself is not worth visiting but places on the outskirts are.

We are arriving next week. Thanks!

kimwhits

The drive is safe and not bad. I broke up the trip in the Drakenberg mountains. Richards Bay is an industrial hub. Ugly and nothing to see. St Lucia is nice, however. I t would probably be more time effective to fly to Richards Bay or Durban and rent a car there! Make a trip to Hluhluwe or Umpholozi Park! Or splurge st Phinda.

Odin

Thank you! Since I posted this we changed direction a little and are heading to Umhlanga. Drakenberg mountains are definitely on my list to visit.

kimwhits

Remember umphlanga is where South Africans go to party. Pretty touristy. I lived up the road for 3 years. You would be better off going north to Phinda and St Lucia but I guess it depends on what you are looking for

Odin

Indeed the drive is not bad and there were lots of petrol stations/services along the way. There were quite alot of tolls to pay. We enjoyed Umhlanga and found a quiet spot away from the lighthouse (Bronze Beach) and big crowds, drove up to Salt Rocks/Ballito area, it was very nice but yes it was very busy.

cristeen

Flew into Richard's Bay last year, Sept. 2011. We rented a car and drove to St. Lucia before heading to Phinda. We stayed in a B&B. Loved it. Only sorry we had only planned 1 day for St. Lucia. It was a lovely little town.