We offer inspiring images of eight of our favourite South African scenic drives, for adding to your bucket list.
Along with giving access to some of SA’s most extraordinary landscapes, each of the drives represents significant road engineering feats. As motor grader specialists, we like visualising the work that went into constructing each of these remarkable routes.
1. Clarence Drive, Route 44
Clarence Drive is a gorgeous coastal route in the Western Cape that extends for about 21 kilometres from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els.
It boasts stunning uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the crags and peaks of the Hottentots Holland mountains on the other.
It’s a winding route so people take it slowly; perfect for enjoying the views. There are plenty of lookout points to pull into.
2. Panorama Route
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga explores the Highlands and the north-eastern section of the Drakensberg Great Escarpment.
It connects numerous cultural and natural points of interest, including the Blyde River Canyon – the world’s third-largest canyon.
There are a few different routes ranging in length from 16 kilometres to 198 kilometres and a few small but interesting towns to visit.
3. Route 62
Route 62 – the longest wine route in South Africa – extends from Montagu in the Western Cape to Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape.
It winds its way through the wine-growing regions of Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Roberston and the Klein Karoo.
The route is an alternative to the N2 for getting from Cape Town to the farthest reaches of the Garden Route and the start of the Sunshine Coast.
4. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive, arguably South Africa’s best known scenic route, runs from Hout Bay to Noordhoek for about nine kilometres.
The drive is a toll road but it’s worth the fee for the spectacular and dramatic views of the Atlantic. Vantage points along the way allow you to stop to takes photographs.
It also gives unmatched views of Hout Bay and the western mountains of the peninsula.
5. Midlands Meander
This meander is a series of five different scenic routes in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Each route incorporates multiple roads and includes stops for sightseeing, shopping and eating.
The area is a hotspot for adventuring and is ideal for a mini-break if you’re driving from Durban.
6. The Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam Breakfast Run
The route from Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular breakfast run with bikers and it’s easy to see why.
The route takes less than an hour to drive so it’s the perfect day trip for people in Johannesburg wanting to get out of the city.
The Breakfast Run, whether done by car or bike, offers spectacular views of the Magaliesburg mountains and the stunning Hartbeespoort Dam.
7. Wilderness to Tsitsikamma
The Garden Route is known for scenic drives but the coastal area between Wilderness and the Tsitsikamma National Park is particularly breathtaking.
Along the N2 route, which is just under 150 kilometres, there are beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, lagoons and rivers.
The area around the Tsitsikamma National Park boasts incredible canyons and gorges, including the impressive Storms River Canyon.
8. Swartberg Pass
This gravel pass runs through the Swartberg mountains in the Klein Karoo for 23,8 kilometres and offers impressive views of the mountain range from its summit.
The relatively remote pass features an impressive multiple switchback at Mullers Kloof.
Just note that it’s not ideal for anyone who suffers from a fear of heights!
At KH Plant, we specialise in restoring Caterpillar 140G, 140H and 140K motor graders and components to as-new condition – so you can get the benefits of a new motor grader at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. Contact us for more information.
