Mpumalanga road trip advice?

[ExZimbo]

needing some advice on a trip Im planning for Feb 2024. A wonderful old school friend of mine is lending me his KTM1190 for a few weeks to head up to see my folks in zim. Want to keep off major highways as heard some bad stories (post if you disagree). I would like to do the Panorama route on my way up to Limpopo and on through Beitbridge. Anyone know of a scenic route from JHB to Sabie?
Thanks in advance
Also looking for a used KLR I can buy if my GF decides to come with. Maybe an older GS650 or equivalent.

Thanks