Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town has long been celebrated as one of the world’s great coastal scenic drives.
With its dramatic cliffside bends, ocean views, and cinematic sunsets, it’s hard to beat. But South Africa’s roads are full of surprises, and some routes match, or even surpass, Chapman’s Peak for beauty and thrill.
Here are six drives that deserve a spot on your bucket list…
1. Clarence Drive R44, Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els
Just across False Bay from Chapman’s Peak, Clarence Drive hugs the mountainside and delivers nonstop views of the Atlantic. The twists and turns keep drivers on their toes, while the scenery: rugged cliffs, deep blue water, and the possibility of spotting whales in season, makes every stop worth it.
2. Blyde River Canyon Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
This highland drive is a showcase of South Africa’s most dramatic inland landscapes. Along the Panorama Route, you’ll find the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world, along with famous stops like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. Each lookout feels like a postcard in 3D.
3. Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal to Lesotho
For pure adventure, Sani Pass is unmatched. This gravel mountain pass climbs from South Africa into Lesotho, winding through switchbacks and sheer drops. A 4×4 is essential, and the drive is as much about adrenaline as it is about scenery. At the top, you’re rewarded with views across the Drakensberg and a cold beer at Africa’s highest pub.
4. Outeniqua Pass, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa
Part of the Garden Route, the Outeniqua Pass links the coast to the Klein Karoo through a corridor of forested slopes and mountain ridges. It’s less famous than Chapman’s Peak but offers a mix of lush greenery and big-sky views that make it unforgettable. It’s also a gateway to wine farms, ostrich country, and small towns with big charm.
5. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape, South Africa
Built in the 1880s by legendary road engineer Thomas Bain, the Swartberg Pass is a dirt road that snakes over jagged sandstone mountains. The geology here is the star: dramatic rock formations in hues of red, orange, and purple. The sense of remoteness is profound, and driving it feels like stepping back into another era.
6. Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Not all scenic drives are about hairpin bends and vertigo-inducing cliffs. The Midlands Meander offers something softer: rolling green hills, farm stalls, art studios, and cosy country inns. It’s more about atmosphere than adrenaline, and its charm lies in the slow pace and the chance to wander off the main road into hidden gems.
Have you driven any of these beautiful routes in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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