7 scenic drives in SA that rival the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway gets plenty of hype – and fair enough. But South Africa's roads can match it kilometre for kilometre when it comes to epic scenery, jaw-dropping coastlines, and dramatic landscapes. Here are seven South African scenic drives that prove you don't need to be in California to get behind the wheel and feel alive… Aerial view of Chapman's Peak. Image: canva
Distance: 9km
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: Cliff-hugging ocean views
Nicknamed 'Chappies,' this short stretch of road packs a punch. It winds between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with sheer drops to the Atlantic on one side and rocky mountains on the other. Go at sunset when the cliffs catch fire in the light. You'll think you're on a movie set!
Distance: 300km
Time: 2–3 days recommended
Best for: Forests, beaches, and coastal towns
This route is South Africa's poster child for road trips. You'll pass through indigenous forests, pristine beaches, lagoons, and quaint towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It's touristy, yes – but for good reason. Nature does the heavy lifting here. Views along the Panorama Route. Image: canva
Distance: 160km
Time: 1–2 days
Best for: Canyons, waterfalls, and big views
The Panorama Route is all about altitude and attitude. It loops through the Drakensberg escarpment and offers views of Blyde River Canyon – one of the largest in the world. Throw in stops like God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and countless waterfalls, and you've got a scenic drive that's pure drama.
Distance: 850km (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth)
Time: 2–4 days
Best for: Wine, desert beauty, and small-town charm
Route 62 is the quieter cousin of the Garden Route. It cuts inland through semi-arid Klein Karoo terrain, passing wine estates, rugged mountain passes, and dusty towns that haven't changed much in decades. It's slower-paced, but deeply rewarding. West Coast of South Africa. Image: canva
Distance: 280km
Time: 1 day
Best for: Wildflowers, sea views, and seafood
In spring in South Africa (August to September), this road turns into a ribbon through fields of blooming wildflowers. Even out of season, it's a relaxing ride along a raw, less-developed stretch of coastline. Lambert's Bay is your reward – famous for its crayfish and birdlife.
Distance: 9km (steep climb)
Time: 1–2 hours (depending on conditions)
Best for: 4×4 adventure and high-altitude bragging rights
More expedition than leisurely cruise, the Sani Pass is a rugged dirt road rising 2 876 metres into the mountains. You'll need a 4×4 – and some nerve – but the views over the valley below are unforgettable. At the top? The highest pub in Africa – a must-visit! Clarence Drive. Image: canva
Distance: 80km
Time: 1.5 hours
Best for: Ocean curves and picnic spots
This drive snakes along the edge of False Bay, with the Hottentots-Holland mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Less famous than Chapman's Peak, but equally scenic – especially on a clear day when you can spot whales offshore.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
UK trip great if planned well
If you do it carefully and with planning, staying in the UK won't be as outrageously expensive as you first thought. The tourism industry in the UK is starting to get worried because it has seen a drop-off of more than £2 billion (just over R48 billion) in revenue compared to 2019, before the Covid pandemic hit. It's worried because many other tourist markets have bounced back well from the collapse of 2020–21 and are looking to post record revenues. At the same time, there is concern that the government is about to cut the money it spends supporting Visit Britain, the tourism promotion organisation. Visit Britain predicts that about 43 million tourists will come to the UK this year, generating more than £33 billion. But, why the concern? Simply: the UK has become one of the most expensive destinations in the world. South African passport holders also have the pain of very expensive and frustrating-to-obtain tourist visas… but from this year, they are not going to be the only ones, as the UK will be introducing fees for electronic visas for most visitors from 'acceptable' countries. Travel operators in the UK feel as though the double whammy of visa fees and cutbacks for Visit Britain is shooting itself in the foot. Perhaps, though, you need to realise that either you have to lower your prices, or become more efficient – or both – to lure tourists away from the offerings of European neighbours, which are more affordable and, generally speaking, have far better weather. ALSO READ: Travel alert: Two less visa-free entries for SA passport holders Budget tips for a better stay in the UK Don't get me wrong: if you do it carefully and with planning, staying in the UK won't be as outrageously expensive as you first thought. Self-catering accommodation (as opposed to bed-and-breakfast venues) is becoming more commonplace – and significantly better, in terms of amenities, compared to 20 years ago. Interestingly, on recent trips to the UK, we found excellent self-catering places with prices not far off what you would pay in South Africa (even at 25 to one). B&Bs can also be a good option because you meet friendly people (who'll help with their local knowledge) and generally get a great breakfast to set you up for the day. Not for nothing is the 'Full Monty' (English Breakfast) known as one of the best in the world. Travelling around the UK won't be cheap: fuel is the most expensive in Europe (especially when you buy it at a motorway 'services' stop) and using trains to get around is also way more costly than across the channel – so much so that, in many cases, it is cheaper to fly between cities in the UK than it is to go by rail. But, Rule Number One: eat out as little as possible. Even simple meals will gouge huge holes in your wallet. NOW READ: As Lekker as it gets: You may not stay more than two nights
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
5 Western Cape seaside towns to visit this long weekend
Looking to dodge the crowds and find somewhere fresh to breathe in ocean air this long weekend? These five seaside towns combine beauty, personality, and enough variety to keep everyone happy – whether you're chasing waves, peace and quiet, or a decent cappuccino by the sea… Quiet, clean, and often overlooked, Yzerfontein has a long stretch of 16 Mile Beach and a strong sense of stillness. It's a top pick if you're after a peaceful reset. Bring a book, a good playlist, and settle in for some real downtime. Bonus: it's under 90 minutes from Cape Town. Yzerfontein, Western Cape. Image: canva Wild and windblown, this seaside town is where mountains crash into sea. Home to the Stony Point Penguin Colony, it's quieter than nearby Hermanus but no less stunning. Hike the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, then head to the beach for a cold swim and some of the clearest stargazing around. Betty's Bay. Image: canva Best known for whale watching, Hermanus also delivers big on coastal trails, cliff views, and a solid food scene. Visit this seaside town during whale season (now!) and you can spot southern rights from the shore. Even off-season, the fynbos-covered hills and ocean breeze are worth the trip. Hermanus, Western Cape. Image: canva Technically the start of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is more than a stopover – it's a mix of history, surf, and family-friendly beaches. The Diaz Museum brings in the heritage, while Santos Beach and The Point offer great swimming and surf spots. Grab fish and chips, then watch the sun set from a seaside bench. Beach in Mossel Bay. Image: canva Best known for shark cage diving, Gansbaai has more to offer than thrills. The coastline is raw and wild, and De Kelders (next door) has some of the best whale watching on land. This seaside town has caves to explore, fynbos walks to take, and a strong local feel that hasn't been lost to tourism. Shipwreck in Gansbaai. Image: canva Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15 hours ago
- The South African
Trump's new travel ban targeting 12 countries takes effect
A new travel ban signed by US President Donald Trump officially took effect today, Monday, 9 June. As reported by BBC , the travel ban essentially bars nationals from 12 countries from entering the US. These countries include: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Travellers from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – will also face partial restrictions. According to reports, the White House said the so-called 'common sense restrictions' was meant to protect national security and prevent 'dangerous foreign actors' from entering the US. This also marks the second time Trump has implemented a broad travel ban. A similar policy was signed in 2017 during his first term, sparking widespread legal battles and protests. While the order is sweeping, it does include several exemptions. The travel ban does not apply to: Lawful permanent US residents (green card holders) Immediate family members of US residents who hold immigrant visas US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas Children being adopted by US citizens Dual nationals when the individual is not travelling on a passport from one of the affected countries Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas Holders of 'immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran' Foreign nationals entering with specific non-immigrant visas Athletes, coaches, and support staff attending major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
