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
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Tourism accommodation income sees significant growth in April 2025
Tourism accommodation for April 2025 released by Stats SA on Tuesday indicated that total income for the tourist accommodation industry increased by 9.8% in April 2025 compared with April 2024. Image: Supplied One of the major pillars of the South African economy, the tourism sector, has seen some substantial growth year-on-year According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), tourism accommodation for April 2025 indicated that total income for the tourist accommodation industry increased by 9.8% in April 2025 compared with April 2024. The tourism and hospitality sector have welcomed the news as a huge positive for the sector. Stats SA said that measured in nominal terms (current prices), total income for the tourist accommodation industry increased by 9.8% in April 2025 compared with April 2024. 'Income from accommodation increased by 14.8% year-on-year in April 2025, the result of a 4.5% increase in the number of stay unit nights sold and a 9.9% increase in the average income per stay unit night sold. In April 2025, the main contributors to the 14.8% year-on-year increase in income from accommodation were: 'other' accommodation (21.2% and contributing 7.5 percentage points); and hotels (11.1% and contributing 6.4 percentage points).' Stats SA added that income from accommodation increased by 10.9% in the three months ended April 2025 compared with the three months ended April 2024. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The main contributors to this increase were: hotels (12.7% and contributing 7.4 percentage points); and 'other' accommodation (8.6% and contributing 3.0 percentage points). Seasonally adjusted income from accommodation increased by 3.9% month-on-month in April 2025, following a decrease of 1.5% month-on-month in March 2025. Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) said that this growth is extremely encouraging and important for the hospitality industry. 'A 14.8% year-on-year increase in income from accommodation in April 2025, driven by both more stay unit nights sold and higher income per unit, reflects strong demand and growing consumer confidence. It's a clear sign that the sector is regaining momentum and that travelers, both domestic and international, are returning in greater numbers and spending more. This growth also supports one of South Africa's most urgent priorities: job creation.' Anderson added that tourism is one of the fastest and most effective ways to generate employment, across accommodation, food and beverage, transport, entertainment, retail, and more. 'So this growth in accommodation income directly translates into livelihoods and opportunities for thousands of South Africans. The signs are increasingly positive. Comparing international overnight visitor numbers from January to May 2025 with the same periods in 2024 and 2023, South Africa recorded an 11.07% increase over 2024 and a 21.79% increase over 2023. These consistent year-on-year improvements indicate that we are steadily returning to - and in some cases surpassing - pre-COVID levels in domestic travel, with international numbers steadily recovering.' Anderson said that it's important to note that we are still only just over 80% of our pre-Covid inbound international arrival levels. 'So while the growth trajectory is encouraging, there's still considerable ground to cover - and a great deal of work ahead. This recovery is also uneven across regions. Areas like Kruger and the Western Cape are doing well, but other incredible destinations, such as the KZN South Coast and the Drakensberg, are still struggling to bounce back. That said, this presents a unique opportunity for smart travellers to take advantage of some of the best tourism and accommodation offerings in the country at exceptional value, particularly in these under-visited regions that are rich in natural beauty and authentic South African experiences.' Anderson added that when we isolate long-haul leisure travellers, such as those from Europe, North America, or Asia, we see that there's still significant ground to cover to reach pre-Covid volumes. 'That said, with a highly favourable exchange rate, a welcoming tourism policy, and a country open and eager to host visitors, we have an incredible opportunity to regain these markets. Crucially, unlike many destinations currently grappling with over-tourism, South Africa is not saturated.' Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Jeannie Sarno said that the hospitality industry has been through some hard years and even though their struggles are still very real and ongoing, it brings some relief that there has been an increase from the previous year. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done to see even more growth, but the tourism sector cannot do it without the partnership of the municipalities.'
The South African
17 hours ago
- The South African
Qatar Airways performs DHL Stadium flyover at historic Boks game
For the first time, Qatar Airways performed a low-altitude flyover in South Africa at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The historic event took place during the Springboks vs Barbarians game on Saturday, 28 May. The South African team beat the British side 54-7 at the cold and wet venue. An hour before kickoff, Qatar Airways announced that its BB777 aircraft QR3245 would perform a low flyover at the DHL Stadium. Take a look… On social media, many South Africans wondered why a foreign airline, and not a local one like South African Airways or FlySafair – which had previously done iso at the DHL Stadium – had performed the flyover. X user @NielM25614 asked: 'Where are the proud South African SAA?' The Springboks vs Barbarians game was part of the Qatar Airways Cup, which was naturally sponsored by the Arab country's airline. The historic event was celebrated 20 years since Qatar Airways' operation in South Africa. It also marked the first-ever men's team clash between the two sides on South African soil. The airline's sponsorship is one of several, which also includes the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competitions and the upcoming Qatar Airways Lions Tour to Australia later in 2025. 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.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his wedding anniversary in Mpumalanga while supporting youth football
Belgian footballer, Kevin De Bruyne, with his wife and kids. Image: Instagram Belgian football star Kevin De Bruyne has added a touch of glamour to the scenic beauty of Mpumalanga, South Africa. The former Manchester City midfielder is currently on a visit that mixes personal celebration with a commitment to youth development. Spotted by fans amidst the region's stunning natural landscapes, De Bruyne took to Instagram to commemorate his 8th anniversary with his wife, Michèle De Bruyne. In the heartfelt post, he expressed his love, stating, 'Celebrating our 8-year anniversary. Love you❤️ @lacroixmichele.' Mpumalanga is a renowned haven for nature lovers, featuring celebrated landmarks such as the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. These attractions, coupled with the Panorama Route's breathtaking waterfalls and unique rock formations, create an idyllic backdrop for the couple's anniversary festivities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading While the anniversary celebrations may take centre stage, De Bruyne's mission in South Africa holds equal importance. The 33-year-old midfielder is in the country to support and promote the KDB Cup, an international under-15 football tournament that he founded. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of football talent, showcasing De Bruyne's commitment to giving back to the sport. Fans in Acornhoek, a local township in Mpumalanga, showed their love for the star footballer as he visited a local school. A video also showcased De Bruyne engaging with excited local children, playing diski (a traditional South African football game) whilst imparting valuable skills on how to score. These joyful interactions with the youth underscore his role as both a professional athlete and a mentor. Interestingly, De Bruyne's connection to Africa runs deeper than his current visit. His mother, Anna, was born in East Africa, where her family owned oil companies, and she later lived in Ivory Coast. This African heritage adds a layer of cultural richness to De Bruyne's identity, as he has previously garnered interest in representing Burundi at the international level. De Bruyne's personal life is filled with affection as well. Having met his wife on Twitter (now X) in 2014, the couple tied the knot in 2017 and are now parents to three children: two sons and a daughter. In a touching 2019 interview with The Players' Tribune, he paid tribute to Michèle, acknowledging her profound impact on his life, saying, 'She changed my life in so many ways. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without her.' For De Bruyne, she remains the most significant person in his world. As Kevin De Bruyne enjoys the beauty of Mpumalanga alongside his wife, he also passionately works to inspire future generations of footballers, blending the personal and professional into a remarkable journey of love and commitment.
