10 Scenic Drives in South Africa That You Shouldn't Miss

May 18, 2022 Myesha Cogley

in the African Union  (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa

1. Chapman's Peak Drive

Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa +27 21 791 8220 http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,126 reviews

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as #Chappies.

Reviewed By Loolew - Nice, France

The drive takes you up the side of Chapman's Peak. It's well secured from falling rocks now. The view of Hout Bay Karbonkelberg and round the corner, Noordhoek and it's beach are just stunning. Don't miss it

2. Rouxpos Road

Vleiland, Laingsburg South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Rouxpos Road

3. JG Strijdom Tunnel

JG Strijdom Rd South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

JG Strijdom Tunnel

4. Rooiberg Pass

Calitzdorp South Africa
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Rooiberg Pass

Reviewed By LauraL8697 - Calitzdorp, South Africa

We traversed this pass from Callitzdorp to Van Wyksdorp and is described in Mountain Passes of South Africa as follows"This is not a pass to be trifled with and although it can be driven in a normal car, a high clearance vehicle would be better. It is also a long pass at 14 km and contains some fairly rough sections. There are a total of 69 bends, corners and curves which include 6 hairpins and many other bends with a turning radius in excess of 90 degrees. It's a road for the less hurried traveller and offers wonderful views on both the northern and southern sides with valleys and ridges bedecked in fynbos and in winter you'll be treated to the sight of the bright orange flowers of hundreds of thousands of flowering aloes." The total road is over 50kms with a second lesser known pass before your reach your destination Assegaaibosch Pass This road is bumpy, dusty and quite a challenge ubtil you reach Rooiberg Lodge area

5. R354 Sutherland to Matjiesfontein

South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

R354 Sutherland to Matjiesfontein

6. Robinson Pass

Oudtshoorn South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Robinson Pass

Reviewed By CliveR253 - Mossel Bay, South Africa

This hike starts at the top of Robinson Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. It’s rated as ‘moderate’ difficulty, which it probably is if you are not 57 years old and moderately unfit, like I am. I would rate it a tough walk. Don’t try it alone, the trail is remote and you are almost always the only people on the trail. Wear good non-slip adventure type shoes, a hat and take a hiking stick. You walk through quite a lot of brush, so I would recommend long pants. I carried a couple of bananas, a roast beef and mustard sandwich and 2 liters of water. It’s about 13km long and is going to take you the best part of a day to complete. Start early, you will want to tarry to take photos. I did 5km in and turned around to go back. Thank god I had my trusty walking stick. In some parts I had to clamber over rocks. I would advise against taking the hike after it rained. The trail can get greasy and slippery. The mountains leach water and it stays wet on the sides where the sun does not reach. If you fall off the trail, it’s a long way down. The sides of the mountains are pretty steep - say 60 or 70 degree slopes. It’s a beautiful trail and is still recovering from fire a huge fire in 2019. The flora is breathtaking, I have ever seen such a variety of plants in such a small area. The mountains are majestic and the rock formations are a sight. Didn’t see them but the trail is used by Klipspringer buck, I saw old and fresh spoor. A curious lack of birds, I only heard them singing 3 or 4 times and didn’t see any on my walk. I highly recommend this trail. It’s a challenging hike and the beauty is breathtaking.

7. Blyde River Canyon

Dullstroom South Africa
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Blyde River Canyon

Reviewed By iolandaa21 - Lisbon, Portugal

The views were out of this world, particularly in the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment with the amazing geological features of Bourke's luck potholes situated in the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. We weren't so lucky with the God's window because of the low clouds making it impossible to see anything.

8. Seweweekspoort

Ladismith South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Seweweekspoort

Reviewed By shauns2111 - South Africa, null

Any nature enthusiast would enjoy the drive through this poort. From scenic rock formations to an adornment of plants. Not the first time I have been through there, and will not be the last. The river crossings are been upgraded but minimal impact to driving through. Numerous places to pull off and study the surroundings. Enjoy

9. Garden Route

South Africa +27 21 935 4800 http://kontours.co.za/contact
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Garden Route

Reviewed By MargoVV - South Africa, null

I've written a review a while back about the beautiful garden route but would like to mention a hidden gem along the way for tourists. Botlierskop! If you haven't got time to go north to the Kruger National Park and you'd like to experience a beautiful, compact, luxury safari experience in the Cape, make a point of stopping by at the small game farm, Botlierskop (between Mossel Bay and George) for an informative game drive to see the Big Five (except leopard), various buck and antelopes, giraffe, rhinos, lions, elephants and the rare black impalas. This exceptionally well run establishment offers, top class food at their restaurants, infinity pools, indoor and outdoor fires, luxury comfortable accommodation, a spa, horseback riding, safari game drives, etc. A night or two is totally worth it!

10. Swartberg Pass

192 Buitekant Street, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa +27 82 461 8253 http://www.truesouthtravel.co.za.
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,633 reviews

Swartberg Pass

Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.

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