Most Scenic Road Trips in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
1. Chapman's Peak Drive
A breathtaking coastal road with dramatic cliff views and ocean vistas, offering a scenic route between Noordhoek and Hout Bay.
- Stunning Cliff Views: The steep mountain cliffs provide unparalleled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Iconic Curves: Chapman's Peak is famous for its twisting, turning roads that hug the coastline.
- Rare Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for Cape mountain zebra, baboons, and other indigenous wildlife during your drive.
2. Cape Point
A scenic drive to the most southwestern tip of Africa featuring dramatic cliffs, a lighthouse, and abundant wildlife.
- Nature Reserve: Cape Point lies within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to a variety of indigenous fauna.
- Funicular Ride: Take a scenic ride on the Flying Dutchman funicular to the Old Lighthouse for stunning views.
- Penguin Colony: Visit Boulders Beach nearby to see the endangered African penguins in their natural habitat.
3. Cape Peninsula Circle Route
A circular route that takes in some of Cape Town's most iconic landmarks, including Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point, and the penguins at Boulders Beach.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views along the route, with the Indian and Atlantic Oceans on either side.
- Rich Biodiversity: Experience a diverse range of flora and fauna, including fynbos vegetation and abundant birdlife.
- Cultural Landmarks: Discover historical sites such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Simon's Town along the route.
4. Garden Route
A scenic drive from Mossel Bay to Storms River, passing through picturesque towns, beaches, and forests.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the diverse landscapes, including cliffs, lagoons, and forests.
- Marine Life: Spot dolphins, seals, and whales off the coast or visit a penguin colony.
- Adventure Activities: Participate in bungee jumping, canoeing, and hiking during your journey.
5. Wine Route
A scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, tasting world-class wines.
- Wine Tastings: Sample some of South Africa's finest wines at the estates along the route.
- Historic Towns: Explore the charming historic towns, known for their Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture.
- Gourmet Dining: Indulge in fine dining at the region's top restaurants, many offering wine pairings.
6. Route 62
A scenic drive through the Little Karoo, featuring quaint towns, vineyards, and the stunning Swartberg Mountains.
- Scenic Mountain Passes: Traverse the breathtaking mountain passes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Wine Tastings: Taste locally produced wines at the vineyards along the route.
- Cultural Experiences: Discover the local culture, history, and crafts in the quaint towns and villages.
7. West Coast Route
A scenic drive along the Atlantic coastline from Cape Town to Namibia, featuring wide-open landscapes, sandy beaches, and coastal towns.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the vast, untouched beauty of the West Coast National Park.
- Seafood Delights: Indulge in fresh seafood at the coastal towns along the route.
- Wildflowers (in season): During the spring, marvel at the vibrant wildflower displays across the landscape.
8. Gordon's Bay
A scenic coastal town featuring pristine beaches, clear waters, and a picturesque harbor.
- Clear Waters: Swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of Gordon's Bay.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic views from the scenic viewpoints overlooking the harbor and beaches.
- Seafood Restaurants: Savor fresh seafood at the local restaurants in Gordon's Bay.
9. Hermanus
A scenic coastal town famous for whale watching, featuring stunning beaches and a charming village atmosphere.
- Whale Watching: Watch southern right whales from the coastline or take a boat tour during the whale season.
- Scenic Cliff Paths: Walk along the scenic cliff paths overlooking the ocean and spot whales, dolphins, and seals.
- Gourmet Dining: Indulge in fine dining at Hermanus's top restaurants, many offering fresh seafood.
10. Agulhas National Park
A scenic drive through the Agulhas Plain and along the southernmost tip of Africa, featuring diverse wildlife and beautiful beaches.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot African penguins, bontebok, and other indigenous species within the park.
- Historic Lighthouse: Visit the Agulhas National Park's lighthouse, marking the southernmost tip of Africa.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
11. N2 Route from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay
A scenic drive along the Garden Route, featuring coastal views, lush forests, and charming towns.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy stunning ocean views as you drive along the coast.
- Lush Forests: Drive through the lush Tsitsikamma Forest, home to diverse plant and animal life.
- Adventure Activities: Indulge in adventure activities such as bungee jumping, canoeing, or hiking.
12. Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area
A scenic drive through a remote wilderness area featuring diverse landscapes, historic sites, and abundant wildlife.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience the diverse landscapes, from mountains to grasslands and river valleys.
- Historic Sites: Visit historic sites such as mission stations and Kouga Mountain caves.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot diverse wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, and the rare riverine rabbit.
13. Swartberg Pass
A scenic mountain pass connecting the Little Karoo with the Garden Route, featuring dramatic landscapes and historic sites.
- Dramatic Landscapes: Traverse the dramatic landscapes, including steep cliffs, deep valleys, and mountain passes.
- Historic Sites: Visit historic sites such as the Meiringspoort Waterfall and the Swartberg Nature Reserve.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot diverse wildlife, including klipspringer, Cape mountain zebra, and raptors.
14. Oudtshoorn
A scenic town in the Little Karoo, known for its ostrich farms, caves, and nearby wildlife reserves.
- Ostrich Farms: Visit an ostrich farm to learn about these fascinating birds.
- Cango Caves: Explore the stunning limestone formations and ancient paintings within the Cango Caves.
- Wildlife Reserves: Visit nearby wildlife reserves to spot elephants, lions, and cheetahs.
15. Ceres
A scenic town in the Western Cape's winelands, known for its fruit farms, mountains, and historic sites.
- Fruit Farms: Visit the fruit farms to pick fresh fruit and enjoy the tranquil countryside.
- Historic Sites: Explore historic sites such as the Nederburg Wine Estate and the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area.
- Mountain Views: Enjoy stunning mountain views from the surrounding hills and valleys.