Route guide
Polokwane to Pretoria
Route N1 via Bela-Bela, Modimolle and MokopaneAbout 270 kmDrive About 3 hours
Freeway most of the way to Modimolle, then single carriageway with four toll plazas in total.
This guide was written for Pretoria to Polokwane. The same roads apply on your trip, but read exits, merges and lane tips the other way round.
From drivers, last 3 days
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Before you leave
- Have a card or cash ready for Pumulani, Carousel, Kranskop and Nyl toll plazas.
- Expect very heavy traffic before long weekends and school holidays.
- Fill up at Bela-Bela or Modimolle if you're low.
Polokwane to Mokopane
Polokwane eastern bypassLane adviceRoad know-how
The N1 now bypasses the city centre. Take the right exit for town or keep going for Makhado and the border.
Animals and pedestrians at nightSafetyRoad know-how
Livestock and people walking near settlements are hard to see after dark. Slow down.
Mokopane to Bela-Bela
Nyl Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Between Modimolle and Mokopane.
Freeway ends at ModimolleHazardRoad know-how
The road narrows to single carriageway. Overtake only where you can see well ahead, and watch for slow trucks.
Kranskop Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Between Bela-Bela and Modimolle.
Bela-Bela to Pretoria
Carousel Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Between Hammanskraal and Bela-Bela.
Hammanskraal stretchHazardRoad know-how
Busy taxi traffic and pedestrians near the exits. Watch for vehicles stopping on the shoulder.
Pumulani Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Just north of Pretoria, past the N4 split.