Top 6 Scenic Drives in Cape Town: Unforgettable Coastal and Mountain Routes

Cape Town, South Africa, is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenic drives that blend rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and lush vineyards. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these routes showcase the Mother City’s natural splendor. Here are the top six scenic drives in Cape Town, packed with adventure and Instagram-worthy views, plus a guide to renting the perfect car to elevate your experience.

Top 3 Scenic Drives in Cape Town

1. Chapman’s Peak Drive – Known as “Chappies,” this 9km coastal marvel between Hout Bay and Noordhoek is a global icon. Carved into the cliffs, it offers jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views and dramatic mountain drops. Perfect for sunset drives.
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2. Clarence Drive – Stretching 20km from Gordon’s Bay to Rooiels, this coastal gem along the False Bay coastline dazzles with turquoise waters, whale-watching opportunities (June to November), and rugged cliffs.
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3. Bainskloof Pass – A 30km historic mountain pass connecting Wellington to Ceres, this route delivers panoramic Boland Mountain views, serene river valleys, and thrilling hairpin turns.
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Other Must-Do Scenic Drives

4. Constantia Nek to Hout Bay – A 15km wine-lover’s dream, this drive winds through Constantia’s lush vineyards, offering stops at world-class wine estates and views of Table Mountain.
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5. Boyes Drive – This 7km route from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay hugs the mountainside, providing sweeping False Bay vistas and quirky seaside village charm.
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6. Red Hill Road – A 10km hidden gem from Simon’s Town to Scarborough, this drive offers rugged fynbos landscapes, ocean views, and peaceful solitude.
   Google Map Directions - click here

Route Guides and Highlights

Chapman’s Peak Drive

• Distance: 9km

• Route: From Hout Bay to Noordhoek along the M6.

• Highlights: 114 curves, cliff-edge views of the Atlantic, and picnic spots like the Chapman’s Peak lookout. Toll road (check fees online). Best at sunset.

• Bio: Chapman’s Peak is a bucket-list drive, blending engineering brilliance with nature’s grandeur. Feel the thrill of navigating tight bends as waves crash below and mountains loom above.

Bainskloof Pass

• Distance: 30km

• Route: From Wellington to Ceres via the R303.

• Highlights: Historic 1853 pass, dramatic mountain vistas, and the Witte River for picnics or swims. Narrow roads demand focus.

• Bio: Bainskloof Pass is a time capsule of rugged beauty. Its twists and turns reveal the Boland’s untouched landscapes, perfect for adventure seekers.

Constantia Nek to Hout Bay

• Distance: 15km

• Route: From Constantia Nek via the M63 to Hout Bay.

• Highlights: Rolling vineyards, stops at Groot Constantia or Steenberg wine estates, and Table Mountain backdrops.

• Bio: This drive is a sensory delight, weaving through Cape Town’s oldest wine region. It’s ideal for a leisurely day of wine tasting and scenic splendor.

Clarens Drive

• Distance: 20km

• Route: From Gordon’s Bay to Rooiels along the R44.

• Highlights: False Bay’s turquoise waters, whale watching in season, and Kogel Bay’s beachy vibes.

• Bio: Clarens Drive is a coastal masterpiece, with the Hottentots Holland Mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. It’s a serene escape with endless photo ops.

Rent the Perfect Car for Your Scenic Adventure

To truly elevate your Cape Town scenic drive, hire a car that matches the thrill of the journey. Imagine cruising Chapman’s Peak in a sleek Porsche Boxster, its convertible top down as the ocean breeze flows. Or tackle Bainskloof’s twists in a sporty BMW 4 Series, blending power and precision. For rugged routes like Red Hill, a luxury Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne offers comfort and control, perfect for families or groups.

You can view all our cars on our website at www.missinglinkcapetown.co.za

At Missing Link Car Hire in Cape Town we offer these premium vehicles at competitive rates. Book a sports car for that adrenaline rush or an SUV for versatility and space. Visit their websites or check at Cape Town International Airport for deals. Renting ensures you experience these iconic drives in style, with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Cape Town’s scenic drives are a feast for the senses, from Chapman’s Peak’s cliffside drama to Constantia’s vine-clad charm. Each route offers unique vistas and experiences, making them must-dos for any traveler. Hire a dream car, pack a playlist, and hit the road to discover why Cape Town is a driver’s paradise.