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Your Guide to the Best Scenic Drives in Cape Town

scenic drive

Exploring Cape Town by car is one of the best ways to experience the city, which boasts some of the world’s most incredible scenic drives.

Here are a few drives you should add to your bucket list especially during the summer season.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak, or ‘Chappies’ to locals, winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast at the southwestern tip of South Africa. This award-winning route is also hailed as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.

Scenic drives

Having been featured in many TV commercials, movies, TV shows and magazines, this half-hour drive boasts numerous lookout spots where you can stop to admire the grand views. Tariffs for entry via toll start from R40.

Signal Hill

Getting to the top of Signal Hill is a quick drive, but the route that takes you to the top shows off some of the city’s most breathtaking views. As you ascend, the cityscape unfolds, revealing iconic landmarks against the backdrop of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Every stop along the route offers a selfie opportunity. When you get to the top, find a spot, lay out a picnic, and soak in the sunset. If you are a little more adventurous, you can dabble in a thrilling paragliding trip, gaining a panoramic view of the Mother City.

Victoria Road

Victoria Road hugs the back of Table Mountain, traversing tranquil stretches of the coast and vibrant cosmopolitan beaches. In this part of Cape Town, the sun sets over the sea, making it a fantastic place to drive just before sunset. Allow at least an hour’s driving time so that you can stop off at one of the amazing beaches along the way and at Camps Bay for a delicious cocktail and dinner.

Boyes Drive

Boyes Drive is a 7km journey that spans from Lakeside, Muizenberg and St James, winding through to Kalk Bay. This postcard-perfect drive sets the stage for an ideal road trip and doubles as a prime whale-watching spot. During the whale season, which runs from June to November, you might catch a glimpse of these magnificent mammals frolicking in the bay below. The False Bay Shark Spotters are also located up there and are worth visiting. The team has a wealth of information on all things shark-related. The area is a getaway to many areas and activities, which include hiking trails, beaches, restaurants and adventure activities.

Simon’s Town to Cape Point

The Simon’s Town to Cape Point route showcases dramatic views and an array of activities along the route. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach before you wind your way along the quiet, untouched coastline to the majestic promontory of Cape Point. When you arrive at Cape Point, you can take The Flying Dutchman Funicular to the lighthouse at the top, where you will find some of the most spectacular views in town. There are great cliffs that rise from the crashing waves, and endless blue sea and skies stretching out to the horizon.

R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Somerset West

Gordon’s Bay is an off-the-beaten-track haven, where you can enjoy quiet beaches, cocktails, seafood and some of the best sunsets in the country. If you drive along the edge of the water through Strand, you will enjoy a visual feast of mountains and ocean. Stop at Strand to enjoy shopping, visit the seafood restaurants or to take in the views.

If you are hiring a car, please check out this useful article: www.capetown.travel/safety-tips-when-traveling-from-cape-town-international-airport/

About Us

Cape Town Tourism is the city of Cape Town's official Regional Tourism Organisation, responsible for tourism marketing, visitor and industry services.

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