Life happens at a fast pace. Our responsibilities often force us to rush from one point to another. We seldom get time to slow down and take it easy.
This summer, N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), encourages travelers to unwind and not rush from point A to B. Slow down and explore the many experiences offered in the different regions along the N3 Toll Route. N3TC manages the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal. This section of the route traverses four of South Africa’s provinces – Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
To unlock the tourism potential along the N3 Toll Route, N3TC initiated the N3 Gateway Tourism Association in 2008.
Today the N3 Gateway region stretches from Pretoria in the North to Valley of a Thousand Hills in the South, and incorporates cross-border tourism with Lesotho through Phuthaditjhaba, Caledonspoort and Sani Pass. It includes key destinations such as the mighty uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage, the famous Battlefields Route up to Newcastle and picturesque towns and routes such as Clarens and the Midlands Meander.
he beauty of the N3 Gateway route is that it allows travelers to explore and experience these areas in just about any way that takes your fancy from mountain biking; fishing; trail running and hiking to heritage tourism; arts and crafts; secluded retreats; pamper spas and gourmet feasts.
Adventure tourism opportunities along the route now delight many thrill seekers. This is evident in places such as the Karkloof which has been rated the best mountain biking destination in the country.
“N3 Gateway works closely with members and stakeholders to produce over 150 detailed itineraries to self-drive tourists. These itineraries can be accessed on the N3 Gateway website,” says Andy Visser, director of the N3 Gateway.
Discover what lies beyond the beaten track, visit www. n3gateway.com or visit one of the thirteen N3 Gateway tourism nodes in the N3 Gateway region during your travels. Share your experiences on Twitter @N3Gateway and @N3Route.