u/Additional-Ocelot200 — reddlx

Hi everyone! My partner and I (a couple visiting from Germany) are currently on a road trip through your beautiful country. We are planning our drive from Clarens to Dullstroom in a rental car and will strictly be driving during the day. We are a bit torn on which route is the best to take right now and would love some local insight.
Option one is taking the major highways to route around Johannesburg (N3 -> N1 -> N12 -> N4). Option two is taking the regional roads to completely bypass Joburg, driving through Warden, Vrede, Standerton, Bethal, Hendrina, and eMakhazeni.
Which route would you recommend when it comes to current road conditions, potholes, truck traffic, and general safety? We would be super grateful for any recent experiences, advice, or tips you can share. Thanks so much in advance!