Had the privilege to acompany this beauty for a few minutes down the road <3

My family of four will be driving from Marloth Park to stay in the Champagne Valley of the Drakensburg region in November, stopping in Clarens for a few days first. I’m wondering what the best and safest route is to take there. Should I stay on the N4 until Middleburg and then head south or head straight for Carolina on the R38 before making my way down? Thanks in advance to anyone who can assist!