[1] Its western terminus is the R36 at Verraiersnek Pass in Limpopo between Ohrigstad and Mashishing (Lydenburg).

Heading east, it crosses into Mpumalanga through Robbers Pass into Pilgrim's Rest.

The routes continue to Graskop where the R532 leaves heading north.

From Graskop, the R533 carries on east through the Kowyn Pass.

On the far side of the pass, the R535 diverges, heading just south-east, whereas the R533 then turns to a north-easterly direction, ending at an intersection with the R40 in Bushbuckridge.