Cape Town’s magic doesn’t end where the city lights fade; it stretches across winding coastal roads, mountain passes, and valleys draped in vines. Whether you’re chasing the ocean breeze or the scent of fynbos, every curve reveals another reason why the Mother City is one of the world’s most photogenic places.
As locals often say, ‘each turn of the road reveals a new scene of natural splendour.’ And they’re not wrong, from the dramatic cliffs of Chapman’s Peak to the tranquil lanes of Constantia Valley, these scenic routes prove that the best way to explore Cape Town is simply to drive.
From the world-famous Chapman’s Peak Drive to the flower-filled plains of the West Coast National Park, Cape Town’s scenic routes offer more than just pretty views; they tell the story of the land itself. Whether you’re a visitor with a camera in hand or a local craving a weekend escape, these drives reveal why the city remains one of the world’s most photogenic destinations.
1. Chapman’s Peak Drive (Hout Bay → Noordhoek)
Affectionately called ‘Chappies,’ this 9km stretch carves into the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The route, part of Table Mountain National Park, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, the Twelve Apostles, and the rolling dunes below.
Known as both a scenic and engineering marvel, Chapman’s Peak features 114 bends and several safe pull-off points perfect for photos. However, sections may close during strong winds or heavy rain, so checking live updates before heading out is advised.
This is more than a simple car trip; it’s a journey that truly reflects the unique energy and atmosphere of Cape Town.
2. Clarence Drive (R44: Gordon’s Bay → Kleinmond)
The R44, known as Clarence Drive, traces the edge of False Bay from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond. Every twist offers new views, rugged mountains, fynbos-covered cliffs, and endless ocean.
It’s a favourite for cyclists and photographers, though road users should be aware of ongoing maintenance projects introducing stop-and-go sections in some areas.
3. Atlantic Seaboard (Bantry Bay → Hout Bay)
Stretching from Bantry Bay through Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno to Hout Bay, this stretch of Victoria Road offers front-row views of both the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean.
The drive is particularly stunning during golden hour, when the sun dips behind the mountains and turns the sea to liquid gold.
4. Ou Kaapse Weg (Southern Suburbs → Fish Hoek)
The Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass offers sweeping views of the Cape Flats, False Bay, and Table Mountain in the distance. It’s one of the best ways to connect from the southern suburbs to the coast while soaking in a landscape rich with biodiversity.
Expect a few steep climbs and misty mornings, especially during winter, but also some of the most striking views in the city.
5. Constantia Valley Wine Route
Only 20 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, the Constantia Valley Wine Route offers rolling vineyards, oak-lined roads, and a taste of the Cape’s winemaking heritage.
The valley is home to some of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, including Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, and Klein Constantia, and offers tasting rooms, historic architecture, and peaceful gardens framed by the Constantiaberg Mountains.
‘The valley blends heritage and flavour in every glass,’ notes the Constantia Wine Route Association.
6. West Coast Drive (R27: Cape Town → Langebaan)
If open skies and wildflowers are your kind of scenery, take the R27 north toward Langebaan. The West Coast Road runs alongside the Atlantic, past sand dunes, salt pans, and during spring, carpets of blooming daisies within West Coast National Park.
It’s an easy, flat drive with plenty of rest stops, ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.
7. Sir Lowry’s Pass (Somerset West → Elgin Valley)
Heading east on the N2, Sir Lowry’s Pass offers a sweeping ascent from Somerset West into the Hottentots Holland Mountains. From the top, you’ll get one of the best views over False Bay, especially at sunrise.
Beyond the pass lies the Elgin Valley, known for its cool-climate wines, orchards, and scenic farm stalls, perfect for a mid-drive stop.
Bonus Drive: Cape Town → Gansbaai Coastal Route
As described in a recent travel piece, the coastal road trip from Cape Town to Gansbaai is a spectacular way to stretch a regular drive into a full sensory experience.
This route blends mountain passes and sweeping coastal edges, with stops for ocean views, coffee shops perched near cliffs, penguins along rocky shores, and whale-watching vantage points in Gansbaai.
Whether you’re hugging a cliffside or cruising through vineyards, these drives remind us that Cape Town’s beauty isn’t confined to one spot, it’s everywhere the road bends.
And while Bainskloof Pass sits just beyond the city’s border, it perfectly sums up what makes all of these routes special: a blend of natural wonder, heritage, and the joy of the journey itself.
So next time you’re looking for something to do on a sunny day, skip the crowds, start the car, roll the windows down, and let Cape Town’s most scenic drives do the talking.
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