The Best Scenic Drives In South Africa

The Best Scenic Drives In South Africa

South Africa boasts some of the world's best scenic drives. To help you plan your perfect South Africa self drive holiday, we've put together a list of some of the best that the country has to offer.

Panorama Route

A visit to South Africa would not be complete without a drive along the Panorama route to experience some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery in the world. The highlight of the route is the Blyde River Canyon: one of the longest chasms in the world, consisting of spectacular geological shapes and the most stunning scenic views of the country.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. Initially constructed during the First World War, this 9km route with its 114 curves, skirts Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg, and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breathtaking views in both directions. The route starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the climb winds steeply up to Chapman's Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below, until the road reaches lower levels again at Noordhoek.

Swartberg Pass

Considered one of the world's top scenic drives, Swartberg Pass is a steep gravel road in the Swartberg Mountains known for its hairpin bends. Built in the late 19th century to link the Great Karoo plains with Little Karoo, the pass remains a popular attraction, boasting scenic views of arid valleys and towering peaks. Navigating the sharp turns of the narrow road, you'll encounter historic sites, striking red-tinted cliffs, and a variety of plant species.

Garden Route

A 200km kilometre stretch of coastline from Mossel Bay in the west to Tsitsikamma in the east, the famed Garden Route is a highlight on most visitors’ itineraries. The lush, green Garden Route hugs the coastline on its southerly length, its tropical vegetation and brilliantly coloured fauna and flora are offset sharply by the semi desert, ostrich farming Klein Karoo and the vast, copper coloured plains of the Central Karoo on the northerly length. It's a bewitching world of indigenous forests, sea villages, freshwater lakes, picturesque settlements, golden beaches and mystical mountains.

West Coast Flower Route

Time your Cape Town holiday well and you might be lucky enough to experience the West Coast Flower Route in all her blossoming glory. During the months of August and September, the wildflower displays on the Cape West Coast are considered to be among the best in the world.