Top 10 Best Scenic Drives Around Cape Town
Discover the most breathtaking driving routes in and around Cape Town. From coastal roads to mountain passes, these scenic drives showcase the best of the Western Cape.
Cape Town is renowned for its spectacular scenery, and there's no better way to experience it than by driving. Whether you're cruising along dramatic coastal cliffs, winding through mountain passes, or exploring world-class wine valleys, these scenic drives offer unforgettable views at every turn.
With a rental car from CapeDrive, you have the freedom to explore these routes at your own pace. Most drives are suitable for any vehicle, and many can be combined into longer road trips. Here are the 10 most scenic drives you shouldn't miss during your Cape Town visit.
Chapman's Peak Drive
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, Chapman's Peak hugs the mountainside between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. With 114 curves and breathtaking ocean views at every turn, this is Cape Town's most iconic drive. Stop at one of the viewpoints to take photos of the dramatic cliffs meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
💡 Travel Tips:
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light. There's a toll fee of around R50. Watch for baboons and don't feed them!
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Drive through the Cape Peninsula to reach the southwestern tip of Africa. The route takes you along scenic coastal roads through Simon's Town, past penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, and into Cape Point Nature Reserve. The journey is as spectacular as the destination, with ocean views on both sides.
💡 Travel Tips:
Start early to avoid crowds. Pack a picnic. Entry fee required for nature reserve. Look out for wildlife including baboons, ostriches, and zebras.
Franschhoek Wine Route
Drive through the stunning Franschhoek Valley, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. The route takes you through the scenic mountain passes, past world-class wine estates, and through charming French-influenced towns. Stop at multiple wine farms for tastings and gourmet meals.
💡 Travel Tips:
Book wine tastings in advance. Designate a driver or hire a driver for the day. Best visited during harvest season (January-March).
Clarence Drive (Coastal Route to Hermanus)
This coastal road from Gordon's Bay to Hermanus is one of South Africa's most beautiful drives. Hugging the cliff edge with the ocean crashing below, you'll pass through Betty's Bay (home to a penguin colony) and Kleinmond. The road offers spectacular views of mountains, ocean, and pristine beaches.
💡 Travel Tips:
Best during whale season (July-November). Stop at Betty's Bay to see African penguins. Have lunch in Hermanus.
Victoria Road (Camps Bay to Hout Bay)
This stunning coastal drive connects the glamorous Camps Bay with picturesque Hout Bay. Wind along the Atlantic seaboard with the Twelve Apostles mountain range on one side and pristine beaches on the other. Pass through Llandudno and Sandy Bay, with multiple spots to pull over for photos.
💡 Travel Tips:
Sunset drive is magical. Stop at Hout Bay harbor for fresh fish and chips. Beach parking can be limited in summer.
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Explore South Africa's oldest wine region with a drive through the historic Stellenbosch. The route takes you past hundreds of wine estates, through oak-lined streets, and offers stunning views of surrounding mountains. Visit historic Cape Dutch manor houses and world-renowned wine farms.
💡 Travel Tips:
Visit midweek to avoid crowds. Many estates require bookings. Don't miss Delaire Graff Estate for panoramic views.
Sir Lowry's Pass
This mountain pass on the N2 offers breathtaking views over False Bay and the Cape Peninsula. The road winds up from Somerset West, reaching a height of 403m. At the summit, there's a viewpoint where you can stop for panoramic photographs spanning from Cape Point to Table Mountain.
💡 Travel Tips:
Stop at the summit viewpoint. Best on clear days. Can be windy - hold onto your hats! Great for sunrise or sunset.
Hout Bay to Constantia via Constantia Nek
This scenic route takes you from the harbor town of Hout Bay, up and over the mountain to the leafy suburb of Constantia. The road winds through indigenous forest, offering glimpses of Table Mountain and the valley below. Constantia is home to some of South Africa's oldest wine estates.
💡 Travel Tips:
Stop at Constantia Nek restaurant for views. Visit Klein Constantia or Groot Constantia wine estates. Watch for cyclists on weekends.
Cape Town to Langebaan (West Coast)
Head north along the scenic West Coast to the turquoise waters of Langebaan Lagoon. The drive takes you through typical West Coast landscapes of wheat fields and wildflowers (in spring). Langebaan offers pristine beaches, water sports, and the West Coast National Park.
💡 Travel Tips:
Best in spring (August-September) for wildflowers. Visit West Coast National Park. Perfect for water sports and fresh seafood.
Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road)
This spectacular mountain pass connects Muizenberg to Noordhoek via Silvermine Nature Reserve. The winding road climbs to 490m, offering sweeping views over False Bay, Noordhoek Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. It's less known than Chapman's Peak but equally beautiful.
💡 Travel Tips:
Watch for cyclists - very popular with road bikers. Stop at viewpoints. Can be misty - check weather first.
Essential Tips for Scenic Drives in Cape Town
🚗 Car Rental Requirements
Most scenic drives are suitable for standard sedans. You don't need a 4x4 unless venturing off paved roads.Rent from CapeDrive starting at R450/day with 100km free mileage included.
⛽ Fuel & Planning
Always start with a full tank. Some routes pass through remote areas with limited fuel stations. Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for photo stops and detours.
🌤️ Best Times to Drive
Cape Town weather can be unpredictable. Summer (November-March) offers the best weather, but mountain passes can be windy. Winter drives offer fewer crowds and dramatic stormy seas.
📱 Safety Tips
Download offline maps. Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight. Don't stop in isolated areas. Watch for wildlife, cyclists, and pedestrians. South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
💰 Costs to Consider
Chapman's Peak toll (~R50), Cape Point entry (~R350), wine tasting fees (~R50-150 per estate). Budget for fuel and meals along the way.