SCENIC DRIVES - PANORAMIC VIEWS AND LANDSCAPES

Enjoy a spellbinding encounter with the extraordinary natural beauty of the Cape region – its rugged Peninsula coastline, the rolling green and golden vineyards of the Winelands, the panoramic views from Table Mountain. There is beauty at every turn on scenic drives through the Cape, and the diversity of landscapes provide an exquisite backdrop for a variety of leisurely day trips offered by The Cape Explorer.

SCENIC DRIVE OPTIONS

Embark on a scenic day tour of the fairest Cape, departing the Mother City as it awakens en route to the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch and over the spectacular Hellshoogte Pass to the French-inspired town of Franschhoek. Sample delicious vintages at one of our preferred wineries and enjoy an optional lunch before venturing over the picturesque Franschhoek Pass, along the Hottentots-Holland Mountains to the coast, where you’ll encounter Stony Point’s quirky penguins. As the sun begins to set over the sea, we meander along beautiful Clarence Drive back to Cape Town.

From Cape Town, this scenic tour will take us northwards through the local towns of Malmesbury and Picketberg. You will know when we reach the rugged citrus farming town of Citrusdaal as soon as you see, or smell the oranges. Indulge in the clear skies of the Cederberg Mountains as we head through the short yet scenic Middelberg Pass to arrive just in time for lunch at Die Dorp Op Die Berg. Then, once through Gydo Pass, the “fruity” town of Ceres awaits.  Meandering our way through Bain’s Kloof Pass back towards the Mother City, we will drive through the picturesque town of Wellington, and then Paarl- known for its Pearl Mountain and the Afrikaans Language Monument.

Join us on this this tour from Cape Town to Tulbagh. Heading out of the city, we will take you through Malmesbury en route to Riebeek-Kasteel, an old town rich in South African history. Passing through the local settlement of Gouda (which interestingly has nothing to do with cheese), we head right into the serene town of Tulbagh with its mountainous backdrop. As we make our way back down through Wolseley- ideally located on the wine route (Route 62), you will want to keep your camera close at hand. After cutting through the mountains via Bainskloof Pass and a short ride through Wellington, it’s back to Cape Town.

Making our way through the Huguenot Tunnel from Cape Town, this two-day tour will take us through the town of Worcester, surrounded by vineyards, fruit farms and majestic mountains. After a stop in Robertson, known as the “valley of wine and roses”, we pass through the rocky Kogmanskloof Mountain Pass onwards to Montague which lies in the heart of Route 62. Heading along this famously scenic route, we travel through Barrydale which lies on the Overberg and Klein Karoo borders. This last leg of the day will take us through the quaint town of Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn where we will spend the night.

After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we start our adventure at the Cango Caves, where exciting tours through the extraordinary system of tunnels and chambers are led by accredited cave guides. Look out for ostriches as we continue our drive. Returning to Cape Town today, we take the scenic route to Laingsburg via Klein Swartberg Pass. We will also discover the quirky village of Matjiesfontein and its beloved Coffee House, once Logan’s General Store in 1888. Perhaps indulge in its delicious scones, cakes and koeksisters to fortify yourself before we make our way back to the Mother City.

Duration and distance: Two full days.

Day 1: 428km, Day 2: 500km

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