Halfway Stop Tips: Make the Cape Town ↔ Joburg Drive Easier

Doing the long haul between Cape Town and Johannesburg? Colesberg is the sweet spot to break the trip. Here are simple, road-tested tips from hosting hundreds of travellers who pass through the Karoo each year.

Plan the break, not just the drive

Stopping halfway isn’t only about sleep; it’s about resetting. A proper meal, a short walk, and a calm night make the second half of the trip feel much shorter.

Eat early or order in

Dinner rush is real on peak travel days. Aim for an earlier supper or order takeaway to enjoy in your unit. You’ll avoid queues and be in bed sooner.

Pack a small “overnight” tote

Instead of dragging the whole car inside, pack a small bag with the essentials:

• Toiletries + meds
• Fresh clothes
• Phone chargers
• Warm layer for chilly Karoo evenings

Stretch before you sleep

Five minutes of light stretching (hamstrings, hips, shoulders) helps your body settle and improves sleep quality after hours behind the wheel.

Hydrate smartly

Staying hydrated isn’t just a comfort thing — it directly affects how safely and comfortably you drive:

• Supports alertness and reaction time; mild dehydration can feel like fatigue.
• Helps prevent headaches and muscle cramps from long hours of sitting.
• Aids circulation and joint comfort so you’re less stiff when you arrive.
• Regulates body temperature in dry air‑conditioned cabins and Karoo heat.
• Helps stabilise energy so you’re less likely to reach for sugary snacks.

Practical tip: keep water within reach and sip regularly; if you’re having caffeine, pair it with water.

Sleep like it matters (because it does)

Even one solid night flips the whole road trip. Lights out early, phones down, and curtains closed. Tomorrow’s drive will thank you.

Safe travels and enjoy the big Karoo sky — it’s one of the best parts of taking a real halfway break.