Road trips are part of South Africans’ approach to holidays. Whether you’re escaping to the coast, hitting up the Mother City, or navigating the back roads of the Karoo, there are very few of us who haven’t jumped into the car for a getaway (quick or extended December vibes). But the last thing you want is to wind up stranded because your map app went wonky or your phone froze mid-route.
Quite literally, the right navigation apps can turn your travel stress into smooth sailing (or at least smooth driving). So, with that in mind, here are the must-have apps for 2025 that every road-tripper should consider.
Google Maps (for the obvious and the not-so-obvious)
Let’s start with the classic… Google Maps. This app has been around for ages, and for good reason: It’s reliable, loaded with data, and deeply familiar. It doesn’t matter if you’re plotting fuel stops, restaurants, or a stop at any number of those weird little towns your GPS insists is “on the way,” Google Maps does it all. And brilliantly, you can download offline map areas, too. This is perfect for when you’re about to hit rural roads with spotty signal. In South Africa, where spots like the N2 can be unpredictable, having a map that works without mobile data is gold.
Waze (your community-powered traffic warrior)
If you like your road trips with a side of live updates (and some sass), Waze is your friend. It’s free, totally community-driven, and works brilliantly in cities and towns across SA. Drivers report potholes, police, speed traps, and more… All in real time.
What we’d add here is that this app isn’t perfect offline, so it’s more suitable for when you’re plugged in, helping you dodge traffic like a pro. Use its real-time alerts to avoid surprises, especially on long routes or when roads are packed.
Here WeGo (for when signal disappears)
There’s nothing more annoying than losing your mapping when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Amazingly, Here WeGo has your back with downloadable maps, meaning your route stays intact whether you’re online or not.
We also think that this app is great because it shows rest stops, fuel stations and even walking routes if you decide to stretch your legs. And the lane guidance helps when those freeway exits appear deceptively close.
OsmAnd (the off-grid explorer)
If you’re travelling through remote areas (think game reserves, country roads, or places where Google Maps just doesn’t cut it), OsmAnd is a powerhouse. It uses OpenStreetMap data to offer reliable offline maps, detailed points of interest, and voice guidance.
Now, because you download maps onto your device, you don’t need mobile data, which means you’re ready for off-grid adventures with a working GPS in your pocket.
TomTom AmiGO (a more classic navigation feel)
Let’s say that you prefer a clean, reliable route planner that feels professional but still handles community updates. You should check out TomTom AmiGO. It’s free, works on iOS and Android, and gives you speed camera alerts, turn-by-turn directions, and routing without pushing you into paying for premium.
It also works with Android Auto and CarPlay, so if you’ve got a screen in your car, you’re good to go without pulling your phone out all the time.
Magic Earth (clever, private, and offline-friendly)
Looking for an app that doesn’t feel like Big Tech is tracking your every turn? Magic Earth uses OpenStreetMap data and supports offline maps, satellite views, and live traffic. We would say that this app is ideal when you want strong navigation without filling your phone with ads or giving up too much data. Plus, it’s pretty good at finding alternate routes. A real win when the N3 gets wild.
Choosing the right app for how you travel
Here’s some advice you might not see coming… We think that you should consider using a combo. Like getting Waze and using this app for city driving and then switching to Here WeGo when you head into low-signal territory.
Here’s how to pick what works best for you:
- If you’re mostly in metro areas or busy highways: Google Maps + Waze.
- If you want to minimise data use: Here WeGo + OsmAnd.
- If you like old-school GPS but modern features: TomTom AmiGO.
- For quieter, off-grid journeys: OsmAnd or Magic Earth.
The king’s final word
Travel should be fun, not a fight with your phone and road signs that don’t make sense. With these apps in your pocket, you’ve got instant route smarts, real-time warnings, and the ability to navigate confidently, even through the bush, on winding mountain roads, or across provinces. Pair them with your King Price car insurance to keep your journeys even safer, smarter, and way more chill.
Want to make sure your ride is insured for every bump, twist, and turn? WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 or click here to explore King Price car insurance options.
FAQs
1. Does King Price offer app-based trip planning tools?
No, the King Price app doesn’t include trip-monitoring features, but you can handle your insurance business on the go.
2. Can I use these navigation apps without affecting my King Price cover?
Absolutely. These apps help you navigate safely, which can reduce risk, but they don’t impact your insurance policy positively or negatively by themselves.
3. Will using offline maps affect my phone data usage?
Some might, but not all. Apps like Here WeGo and OsmAnd let you download maps in advance, drastically reducing or eliminating the need for mobile data while driving.
4. Is it useful to use more than 1 navigation app with the King Price app?
Yes, combining apps gives you more benefits. For instance, you can benefit from the community-sourced alerts from Waze, offline reliability from OsmAnd, and car-friendly routing from TomTom AmiGO.
5. Can navigation apps help me avoid accident-prone or risky roads?
Yes, some navigation apps can help by providing real-time updates on hazards, and if you have access to a trip-monitoring tool, you get an extra layer of safety so you can alert someone or track your journey when you travel.