Whether you’re chasing the coastline, exploring the mountains, or venturing into the bushveld, the journey is just as worth it as the destination. Here are our top scenic drives across the country to inspire your next road trip:
- Chapman’s Peak Drive (Western Cape)
Known as one of the most breathtaking coastal routes in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive winds along the Atlantic Ocean, offering beautiful views of the sandy bays below and the rugged cliffs above. You can take stops at viewpoints for photos, but make sure you do this safely! A live website posts daily updates on the road’s status, visibility and wind speeds right here. A visit to Hout Bay market, on the northern side of the route, is always great on weekends!
- Panorama Route (Mpumalanga)
One for the bucket list—The Panorama Route takes you through one of the world’s largest canyons with dramatic landscapes and waterfalls (like the Mac Mac Falls). Some of the magic highlights here would be God’s Window, an epic vantage point offering panoramic views of the Lowveld; Pilgrim’s Rest (just 35km from Sabie), which is a step back in time, preserving the legacy of the 1800s gold rush; and Pinnacle Rock near Graskop where a 30-metre tall quartzite rock tower rises above a dense forest.
- Garden Route (Western Cape to Eastern Cape)
This drive stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms Rivers and is an absolute must for nature lovers. Knysna is a must-visit, famous for its oyster festivals and fresh seafood, beautiful hiking trails, and eclectic arts scene. Famous for its forests, Wilderness also offers water sports like canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding on the Touws River. Feeling like Superman? Stop at Bloukrans Bridge (Nature’s Valley), home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 216 metres!
- The Midlands Meaner (KwaZulu-Natal)
This drive through the hills of the Midlands is serene and beautiful. If you want to be adventurous, why not participate in the Karkloof Canopy Tour just outside Howick, where visitors can glide from tree to tree through the second-largest indigenous forest in the country. You can also stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, commemorating the arrest of the former president and visit the on-site museum.
- The Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Free State)
The park is named after its glowing golden and orange cliffs. One of the most iconic formations is Cathedral Cave, a cavern carved over millions of years. After a 45-minute guided walk, you can take a dip in the natural rock pool in the centre of the cave and climb the ladder for the view at the top!
- Magaliesburg Meander (Gauteng and North West)
The Magaliesburg Meander offers hiking trails (Sable Ranch), good restaurants, and scenic game drives. Soar over the mountains at sunrise for an unforgettable experience with a hot air balloon with Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris, or up the Aerial Cable Car in Hartbeespoort, where you can enjoy a yummy family lunch at the top!
Drive with accidentANGELS this Festive Season
While you explore South Africa’s scenic routes, remember that the festive season roads are always busy. Stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones with an affordable accidentANGELS membership. For ONLY R149pm, you’re guaranteed private hospitalisation in the event of a road accident.
Enjoy the beauty of the journey and remember—don’t drive faster than your angel can fly!
