Best route/stops from the Cape to JHB?

[iamgigglz]

My father in-law has asked me to bring his GSA back to Joburg from Franschhoek. A favour I’ll enjoy

I’ve given myself three full days to do the ride; Friday to Sunday. I’m not bent on avoiding tar; I just want to avoid going brain-dead on the N1...
I’m comfortable with doing 500km or so each day, but I could do a 700km+ day on the Saturday, so a 1700km (or so) route is what I’m going for.

I’m open to camping/glamping/hotel-ing. Peaceful, non-commercial places are my preference.

I was thinking
Franschhoek - Willowmore - Clarens/Ficksburg - Joburg
or
Franschhoek - Namaqualand - Somewhere? - Joburg

So, any ideas? Roads to avoid? Roads not to be missed?

Thanks

 

[user 13475]

 

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