The Pacific Coast Highway gets plenty of hype – and fair enough. But South Africa’s roads can match it kilometre for kilometre when it comes to epic scenery, jaw-dropping coastlines, and dramatic landscapes. Here are seven South African scenic drives that prove you don’t need to be in California to get behind the wheel and feel alive…
1. Chapman’s Peak Drive (Cape Town to Noordhoek)
Distance: 9km
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: Cliff-hugging ocean views
Nicknamed “Chappies,” this short stretch of road packs a punch. It winds between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with sheer drops to the Atlantic on one side and rocky mountains on the other. Go at sunset when the cliffs catch fire in the light. You’ll think you’re on a movie set!
2. Garden Route (Mossel Bay to Storms River)
Distance: 300km
Time: 2–3 days recommended
Best for: Forests, beaches, and coastal towns
This route is South Africa’s poster child for road trips. You’ll pass through indigenous forests, pristine beaches, lagoons, and quaint towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It’s touristy, yes – but for good reason. Nature does the heavy lifting here.
3. Panorama Route (Mpumalanga)
Distance: 160km
Time: 1–2 days
Best for: Canyons, waterfalls, and big views
The Panorama Route is all about altitude and attitude. It loops through the Drakensberg escarpment and offers views of Blyde River Canyon – one of the largest in the world. Throw in stops like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and countless waterfalls, and you’ve got a scenic drive that’s pure drama.
4. Route 62 (Montagu to Oudtshoorn and beyond)
Distance: 850km (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth)
Time: 2–4 days
Best for: Wine, desert beauty, and small-town charm
Route 62 is the quieter cousin of the Garden Route. It cuts inland through semi-arid Klein Karoo terrain, passing wine estates, rugged mountain passes, and dusty towns that haven’t changed much in decades. It’s slower-paced, but deeply rewarding.
5. West Coast Road (Cape Town to Lambert’s Bay)
Distance: 280km
Time: 1 day
Best for: Wildflowers, sea views, and seafood
In spring in South Africa (August to September), this road turns into a ribbon through fields of blooming wildflowers. Even out of season, it’s a relaxing ride along a raw, less-developed stretch of coastline. Lambert’s Bay is your reward – famous for its crayfish and birdlife.
6. Sani Pass (KwaZulu-Natal to Lesotho)
Distance: 9km (steep climb)
Time: 1–2 hours (depending on conditions)
Best for: 4×4 adventure and high-altitude bragging rights
More expedition than leisurely cruise, the Sani Pass is a rugged dirt road rising 2 876 metres into the mountains. You’ll need a 4×4 – and some nerve – but the views over the valley below are unforgettable. At the top? The highest pub in Africa – a must-visit!
7. Clarence Drive (Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond)
Distance: 80km
Time: 1.5 hours
Best for: Ocean curves and picnic spots
This drive snakes along the edge of False Bay, with the Hottentots-Holland mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Less famous than Chapman’s Peak, but equally scenic – especially on a clear day when you can spot whales offshore.
What’s your favourite scenic drive in South Africa?
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