Johannesburg to East London, Kidds Beach

Road to the Coast

If you are planning a road trip down to the coast for a family holiday, we have the perfect route for you. Here is a list of stops along the way to East London if you are leaving Johannesburg and surrounds.

Stop 1: On the Go – Jakkalsdrift Padstal:
2 hours 35 minutes (274 km’s) from Johannesburg

This is the perfect ‘brunch’ stop for the family. Something sweet, something salty or something you can wrap up as a gift! They serve a selection of delicious meals, where you can sit down or grab food on the go.   They open from 8am, which means you will be just in time if you left home at 6am.
Find them on Facebook here

Stop 2: Pizza in Aliwal North
6 hours into the trip
4 hours (367 km’s ) to Kidd’s Beach from here

Welcome to the Eastern Cape. Enjoy a hearty lunch after hours of travel at The Riverside Pub and Grill.  This is the perfect stop for the family where you can enjoy a Pizza on the deck, with breath-taking views of the Orange river.  If you fall in love with the food, and the view, don’t hesitate to stay longer. This venue offers accommodation as well.  If you are looking for an opportunity to break up the trip, Riverside Lodge is the perfect place.  Find them on Facebook here

Stop 3: Shopping in Queenstown:
205 km’s to Kidds Beach from here
2 hours to Kidds Beach

Finally, a chance to freshen up and stretch your legs.  The Hexagon is situated in the middle of the town and offers a variety of shops. Here you can find the charger you may have forgotten, or colouring books for the kids to keep them busy during the final stretch.

Stop 4: Pies in Cathcart:
144 km’s to Kidds Beach from here
1 hour and 45 minutes to Kidds Beach

If you enjoy pies, you are in the right town!  Cathcart is home to Wagon Wheel pies, and this is a must for all passing by!  

Situated: 10A Robinson Street, Cathcart or give them a call on 083 718 0191. They are open from 7am daily. After 8 years in business, they certainly have the secret recipe! Find them here

Stop 5: Historical Stutterheim:
93 km’s to Kidds Beach from here
1 hours to Kidds Beach

Welcome to Stutterheim, an unusual stop just before arriving at the coast. 

Home to the popular Thomas River Historical Village, step back in time and explore the Wagon Museum, Vintage Motor Museum and the beautiful stone church built in 1888.  Thomas River makes for the perfect road trip pictures.

Stop 6: Windmill Burgers and Friesland Milkshake, home to East London:

25km’s to Kidds Beach from here
21 minutes to Kidds Beach

Take a break along the Beachfront and enjoy the ocean views.  For the ultimate East London experience, grab a burger and chips at The Windmill Roadhouse drive-through.  Stop by The Friesland Milk Bar for one of their famous milk shakes before heading to Kidd’s Beach.

Stop 7: Kidd’s Beach:

Welcome to Kidds Beach.  If you are staying in on of our 6 Estates, you will notice loads of activity and development within the area.  The Kidds Beach Green Estate is a rapidly expanding gated green development aimed at building 5000 over the next 10 years. With homes available from R750 000 to R10million, we certainly have a family or holiday home for everyone.   There is loads to do for the whole family!  For a full list, see our top things to do in Kidds Beach here