The African Voyager

Cape Town, South Africa

The most scenic drives in Cape Town and beyond

Southern Africa • See & do • The most scenic drives in Cape Town and beyond

Cape Town’s best scenic drives

Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty – rugged coastlines, mountains and vineyard valleys – and the best way to explore all of this beauty is by car. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist wanting to see the best of what the region has to offer, these scenic drives provide the perfect opportunity. Whether it’s a spontaneous sunset drive or a day trip packed with detours, these routes promise adventure, awe and plenty of photo-worthy moments. So, grab your keys and hit the road – Cape Town is waiting to be explored!

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive, affectionately known as Chappies, is a must-do when in Cape Town. This 9-kilometre route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek offers some of the most spectacular coastal views you’ll ever see. The road hugs the cliffs, providing dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean below. There are numerous lookout points where you can stop, take photos and simply soak in the scenery. The drive is also a marvel of engineering, with its 114 curves and tunnels carved into the mountainside. It’s a toll road, so be prepared to pay a small fee, but the experience is well worth it.

Chapman’s Peak Drive
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Signal Hill

If you’re after a quick but rewarding drive, Signal Hill is the perfect spot. Just a few minutes from the city centre, the road up to Signal Hill offers amazing views of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Atlantic beyond. It’s a favourite for locals, especially at sunset when the entire city glows in golden light. The drive itself is short and easy, making it perfect if you’re looking for a spontaneous adventure. Once you reach the top, you can park, have a picnic or just relax and take in the panoramic views – including a clear sight of Robben Island on a good day. We love this spot to sit and watch paragliders launch off the hill, floating gracefully down toward the beaches below.

Signal Hill
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

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Simon’s Town to Cape Point

The drive from Simon’s Town to Cape Point is a journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Cape Peninsula. Starting in the historic naval town of Simon’s Town, you’ll pass Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Along the way, the coastal views are breathtaking with rugged cliffs, crashing waves and a few unexpected wildlife sightings (the baboons are cheeky, so watch out!). Make time to stop at various lookout points to soak in the beauty or even detour to the beach for a quick dip. The trip through the Cape Point Nature Reserve offers plenty of hiking opportunities and the chance to stand at the very edge of the continent. The drive takes about 30 minutes, but with so much to see and do, you’ll want to make a day of it.

Simon’s Town to Cape Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Victoria Road

Victoria Road is a scenic coastal route that stretches from Sea Point to Hout Bay. This drive offers a mix of urban and natural beauty, with the Twelve Apostles mountain range on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. This route is perfect if you’re looking for a scenic drive close to Cape Town’s city centre that still feels like a getaway. The road is well-maintained and features several viewpoints where you can stop and take in the scenery. Popular stops along the way include Camps Bay, known for its beach scene and Llandudno, a quieter, more secluded beach. We find that this scenic drive is particularly stunning at sunset, with a variety of oceanside restaurants along the way that’s perfect for a sundowner!

Victoria Road
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Constantia Valley Wine Route

The Constantia Valley Wine Route is a must for wine lovers. Located just a short drive from Cape Town, this route takes you through some of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. Picture rolling hills, leafy vines and historical wine estates. It’s not just about the scenery – there are plenty of places to stop for tastings. Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in the country, is a great place to dive into the region’s history, while other spots like Beau Constantia serve up incredible views alongside your glass of wine. The route is relaxed, so take your time, sip some award-winning wine and maybe even enjoy a long lunch at one of the estate’s fine-dining restaurants.