Driving from Joburg to Durban? Break the trip at Mooi River. It’s about three quarters of the way, roughly 450 km and four to five hours from Joburg, so your second day is short. For an N3 stopover, Waterford Manor is about 10 km from Mooi River on a tarred road, with B&B rooms for a simple night and cottages if you’d like to stay longer.
A note from Dan: Come off the N3 at Mooi River and follow the R103. It’s tarred all the way and it isn’t far. Tell us roughly when you’ll arrive and we’ll be ready for you.
Where’s the halfway point between Johannesburg and Durban?
On a trip of about 600 km, halfway falls roughly around Harrismith and Van Reenen, near the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal border. Plenty of drivers stop there and it’s a fair choice.
Stop at Mooi River and you’ve done about three quarters of the distance. That leaves a short second day.
How far is Mooi River from Johannesburg and Durban?
Mooi River is about 450 km from Johannesburg and about 150 km from Durban, according to the Midlands Saddle and Trout directions page. Treverton’s campus page says five hours from Johannesburg and two from Durban, so allow four to five hours from Joburg depending on traffic and trucks. We’re another 10 km along the R103.
What does your second day look like from here?
Short. You wake up about two hours from Durban and about an hour from Pietermaritzburg, so you can have a proper breakfast and leave at a sensible hour.
From Waterford Manor | Approximate distance | Approximate drive |
|---|---|---|
Pietermaritzburg | 75 km | About an hour |
Durban | 160 km | About two hours |
Pushing through in one go means roughly 600 km in a day. A night in Rosetta takes the edge off.
Which room suits a one-night stop?
- Just you or a pair, one night: Hibiscus Cottage is 22 m², built for exactly this. Park, shower, sleep, go. There’s nothing to manage.
- You’ve earned a treat after 450 km: Protea Honeymoon Suite is 28 m² with a king-size bed and a view over the river, the mountains and the pool.
- Three or four of you: Jasmine has two bedrooms and about 48 m², so nobody sleeps on a sofa bed. It has a fridge and microwave for a light supper.
- A family with small children: Sunflower Cottage is 76 m² with a full kitchen, a fireplace, a braai area and a foldable cot on request. The kids can stretch their legs after hours in the car, and you can braai on the patio.
For supper, drive to Bierfassl for Austrian and German food near Nottingham Road, or try the small eateries at The Junction in Rosetta.
How do you find us from the N3?
Come off the N3 at Mooi River and join the R103 towards Rosetta and Nottingham Road. We’re about 10 km along. Put our address in your maps app before you leave Johannesburg: Waterford Manor, R103, Rosetta, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, 3280.
What time can you arrive?
Most people reach a stopover in the afternoon or early evening. Tell us roughly when you expect to arrive when you book, and message us if traffic holds you up so we can plan your check-in.
Ready to book?
30% OFF for website bookings Check your dates and book on our website, or phone us on +27 73 630 7423.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mooi River from Johannesburg?
About 450 km by road, four to five hours depending on traffic. We're a further 10 km along the R103.
How far is Mooi River from Durban?
About 150 km, roughly two hours on the N3.
Where is the halfway point between Johannesburg and Durban?
Roughly around Harrismith and Van Reenen. Mooi River is about three quarters of the way.
Is Waterford Manor close to the N3?
We're about 10 km from Mooi River on the R103, a tarred main road. No dirt roads.
Can I stay for just one night?
Yes. Tell us your dates and we'll suggest the room.