Durban via Transkei or Bloemfontein?

Hey I'm leaving to go to Durban on a roadtrip soon and I was wondering which route is better - the N1 via Bloemfontein or the coastal route (N2 via Transkei). By better I mean better in terms of petrol consumption and time taken.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[oliver]

Hey,

Although the coastal route (via Transkei) may be shorter in distance and have far more pleasant scenery, the quality of the roads can be very sketchy at times. If you are driving at night don't even think of going via the Transkei, animals often wander into the road and there are patches with no lighting. There are also towns that you pass through which would be terrible to break down in from a safety perspective.

I have always taken the N1 via Bloemfontein. While it may be longer in distance it is usually shorter in time and the roads are, in my opinion, far safer.

I've heard the above repeated by many of my friends and family - I have never actually experienced the drive via the Transkei first hand though. If anyone has I'm guessing they would concur with what I have said above.

[Ming]

I definitely concur with Oliver. The N1 is a longer route but always faster and a lot safer. The Transkei route should only taken if you planning on taking your time and in the mood for sampling some off the worlds finest Marijuana.