Caravan trips often bring back pleasant memories of school holidays, roadside stops, time spent in campsites, and waking up to the sound of birds instead of an alarm clock. However, if you are planning your first caravan trip, you will quickly realize that towing a caravan is very different from a regular car journey.
Not all cars are designed to tow all types of caravans. Before booking a campsite or purchasing a caravan, you must check the maximum permissible load capacity with your vehicle's braking system. This figure determines the maximum weight your vehicle can legally tow if the trailer or caravan is equipped with its own braking system.
You should also pay attention to the following parameters: the caravan's curb weight (its weight when empty), its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or maximum loaded weight, and the limit on the load on your vehicle's towing hitch, which is the weight pressing on the coupling device. It is important to remember that after loading clothes, food, folding chairs, water tanks, and other 'just in case' items, the caravan becomes significantly heavier than it was in the showroom.
The way you load the caravan is as important as the total volume of cargo. If you place all items at the back, the caravan may start to sway, and too much load on the towing hitch can negatively affect handling and braking. As a general rule, heavier items should be placed low and close to the axle. You must distribute the weight evenly on both sides and securely fasten unsecured items so they do not move while driving. Avoid storing heavy equipment high up in cabinets. If you are traveling with water tanks, remember that full tanks add considerable weight.
Although it seems obvious, improperly attached caravan is one of the most dangerous mistakes a beginner can make. Before every trip, you must perform a series of checks: ensure the connection is fully secured to the towing hitch; correctly install safety chains; connect the electrical plug for caravan lighting; check the functionality of stop lights, turn signals, and rear lights; raise and secure the wheel chock; and ensure the stabilizers are fully retracted before starting to drive. A final inspection around the caravan should be conducted before getting behind the wheel.
Caravan tires may look perfect, but they can deteriorate over time even if they haven't covered many kilometers. Before setting off, you must check the tire pressure on both the car and the caravan. You should also inspect the tires for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, and do not forget the spare wheel. It is important to tighten the wheel nuts according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Incorrect tire pressure affects stability, braking, and fuel consumption.
The biggest change for drivers operating a caravan for the first time is the need to reduce speed. Your vehicle will take longer to accelerate, overcome inclines, and stop. Furthermore, you will require more space for overtaking and a wider turning radius at corners. Useful habits include maintaining a significantly greater following distance, smooth and early braking, gentle acceleration, reducing speed before turns, avoiding sudden steering maneuvers, and using lower gears when descending steep mountain passes instead of relying solely on brakes. If you feel nervous, it is recommended to practice towing in an empty parking lot before heading onto busy roads.
One of the scariest moments for new caravan users is trailer sway, when the caravan starts moving side to side behind the vehicle. If this happens, you must remain calm, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, avoid sudden steering corrections, gradually ease off the gas, and do not brake sharply unless absolutely necessary. The best way to prevent swaying is proper loading, adhering to towing limits, and avoiding excessive speed.
Not all scenic routes are suitable for caravans. Before leaving, you need to check for steep mountain passes, pay attention to low bridges, and clarify the condition of the road surface if you plan to travel on gravel roads. You must predetermine refueling points suitable for vehicles towing caravans and allow extra time for the trip. You will likely be moving slower than usual, and that is perfectly normal. The goal of caravan holidays is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Whether you are heading home or going away for the weekend, take five minutes to check all the equipment. Go through a simple checklist: are the windows and roof vents closed, are the cabinets and refrigerator secured, are loose items put away, are the gas cylinders turned off, is the electrical cable disconnected, are the stabilizer jacks raised, is the wheel chock secured, and are the towing hitch locks engaged? Although this may seem repetitive, experienced caravan users note that these few minutes can prevent costly damage and dangerous situations.
Your first caravan trip should not be aimed at covering the maximum number of kilometers or visiting as many places as possible. It is about learning the behavior of your setup, building confidence behind the wheel, and getting used to a slower pace of travel. Take regular breaks, leave enough time between destinations, and do not worry if parking requires several attempts. Soon, towing and driving on open roads will become a natural process for you.
The Garden Route has long established itself as one of the most iconic road trips in South Africa. This route stretches along the country's southern coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River, abundant with forests, beaches, mountain passes, charming towns, and numerous spots for a 'quick stop.'
This is what makes the trip unforgettable, but it can also catch travelers off guard. Most people remember the need to budget for accommodation and fuel, however, a successful journey requires much more than these two main expenses. Small purchases can quickly add up, especially if you are tempted by scenic detours, local markets, and adventure activities along the way.
Before loading up the car and activating the GPS, it is worth considering fifteen aspects that must be included in the budget for a Garden Route trip.
Fuel will likely be one of the largest expenses, but it is not the only factor. Longer distances, driving through mountain passes, traffic jams in busy towns, and frequent stops to see sights can increase fuel consumption. If you are traveling in a large SUV, towing a trailer or caravan, and carrying bicycles and camping gear, expect higher fuel consumption than during daily commutes.
Many tourists forget to account for toll roads when planning their vacation budget. While driving along the entire Garden Route on the N2 highway, you will pass through the Tsitsikamma toll gate near Storms River. Although this is a relatively small amount compared to the overall trip costs, it should be accounted for before departure.
Even if you stay in a luxury lodge, a self-catering cottage, or a campsite, additional costs often arise. These may include tourist fees, cleaning charges, firewood for barbecues, ice for refrigerators, laundry services (although people can simply pack dirty clothes in a separate bag, it is worth noting), and extra parking fees at some establishments. Reading information about what is included in the price before booking will help avoid unpleasant surprises upon check-in.
Some of the most impressive sights on the Garden Route are located in protected areas. If your plan includes places such as Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, or even an extension to Addo Elephant National Park, do not forget to budget for conservation fees. If you plan to visit several national parks in South Africa over the course of a year, the SANParks Wild Card may be a worthwhile option.
The Garden Route is the capital of adventure in South Africa, allowing you to easily fill your itinerary with unforgettable experiences. Depending on where you stop, you might be interested in: guided hikes in local forests, kayaking or paddleboarding, boat trips, whale watching (seasonal), bungee jumping, zip-lining, and wildlife encounters. Booking one or two activities is quite feasible, but several activities within a week can significantly increase the vacation budget.
One of the pleasures of a road trip along the Garden Route is stopping at roadside farm stalls. Fresh bread, homemade pies, local cheeses, preserves, biltong, and fresh produce are often too tempting to pass by. Even if you planned to stop only for coffee, it is surprisingly easy to leave with a basket of local treats. It is necessary to leave a small buffer in the budget for these spontaneous purchases, as supporting local businesses is part of the experience.
Road trips and good coffee go hand in hand. Whether it's a cappuccino in Wilderness, baked goods in Knysna, or a break at a rural cafe outside Plettenberg Bay, these small stops become memorable moments on the journey. Instead of viewing them as unforeseen expenses, they should be considered part of the travel experience itself.
Even travelers staying in self-catering cottages often eat out more than anticipated. You might plan to cook dinner every evening, but after a busy day of exploring, a seafood dish with an ocean view or dinner at a local restaurant can be hard to ignore. Including some flexibility in the food budget will make it easier to make such decisions.
Although many attractions offer free parking, some beaches, popular viewpoints, and private properties charge for parking. Having a bank card or cash can make these short stops more convenient.
The weather in the Garden Route can be unpredictable, even in summer. A rainy day might prompt choosing an indoor activity, visiting a museum or cafe instead of relaxing on the beach. Having a small reserve fund will allow you to adapt to changes without worrying about the budget.
Every town along the Garden Route has something unique to take home. Whether it is local ceramics, artwork, handmade crafts, or regional food products, these acquisitions often become valuable reminders of the trip. Instead of viewing them as impulse buys, you should budget for souvenirs from the start.
Some of the best experiences on the Garden Route are not marked on your itinerary. A hidden waterfall, a picturesque viewpoint, a quiet beach, or a local resident's recommendation can easily turn into an unplanned stop requiring an entrance fee or an extra meal. A little flexibility allows you to say yes to these moments.
Hopefully, this will never be needed, but it is wise to set aside a small contingency fund. It can cover: tire repair, windshield damage, medical supplies, extra fuel, vehicle towing assistance, or unexpected changes in accommodation. It is always better to have such a fund than to need it.
A forgotten phone charger, sunscreen, hat, or raincoat might seem minor, but replacing forgotten items while traveling quickly increases costs. Careful packing before departure can help minimize unnecessary expenses.
Perhaps the biggest mistake travelers make is planning every penny too rigidly. The Garden Route is made for slow travel. You will discover cafes you didn't know about, viewpoints you want to linger at, and local experiences that were never in your original plan. Allowing yourself some financial freedom enables you to embrace these unexpected moments without worrying about going over budget.
Planning for more than just fuel and accommodation does not necessarily make your vacation more expensive. On the contrary, it helps you travel with fewer surprises and greater freedom to enjoy one of South Africa's most rewarding road trips at your own pace.
