For those who believe driving should be more than just a way to get from A to B, Southern Africa offers some of the most thrilling asphalt adventures in the world. From coastal cliff-huggers to high-altitude mountain passes, each of these roads offers not only exceptional driving but also breathtaking scenery. Whether in a supercar, classic tourer, or GT cruiser, these routes combine perfectly engineered tar with unforgettable landscapes.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Cliff-hugging Atlantic coastal road with 114 bends and jaw-dropping sea views.
- Condition: Excellent; well-maintained toll road.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Tintswalo Atlantic – luxury suites right on the water’s edge.
- Clarence Drive (R44)
- Location: Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond, Western Cape, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Sweeping turns, False Bay views, and a dramatic backdrop of mountains.
- Condition: Very good; resurfaced in sections.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: The Marine, Hermanus – oceanfront Relais & Châteaux hotel.
- Sani Pass (Tarred South African Section)
- Location: Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Famous for its rugged upper section, but the lower South African stretch is now tarred and offers sweeping mountain ascents.
- Condition: Excellent on the tarred part; weather can be challenging.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Moorcroft Manor – country elegance near the base of the pass.
- Long Tom Pass (R37)
- Location: Sabie to Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: High-altitude curves, history from the Anglo-Boer War, and magnificent views.
- Condition: Very good; occasional mist.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Chestnut Country Lodge – luxury lodge in a tranquil mountain setting.
- Bainskloof Pass (R301)
- Location: Wellington to Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Recently restored heritage pass with river views and tight hairpins.
- Condition: Excellent; newly resurfaced.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Boschendal Estate – luxury wine farm cottages.
- Van Reenen’s Pass (N3)
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal / Free State border, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: National highway descent with sweeping views and a sense of vastness.
- Condition: Excellent; highway-grade.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Fordoun Hotel & Spa – five-star Midlands country retreat.
- Magoebaskloof Pass (R71)
- Location: Tzaneen to Haenertsburg, Limpopo, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Misty forest roads with constant curves and lush vegetation.
- Condition: Good; take care in wet weather.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Magoebaskloof Hotel – mountain views and classic charm.
- Bloukrans Pass (Old N2)
- Location: Eastern / Western Cape border, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: A quiet forested tar pass bypassed by the highway — pure driving pleasure.
- Condition: Good but narrow; minimal traffic.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Tsala Treetop Lodge – luxury forest hideaway.
- Katse Dam Road (A25)
- Location: Leribe to Katse Dam, Lesotho
- Why It’s Great: One of the most spectacular mountain roads in Southern Africa, with endless hairpins, high-altitude scenery, and the engineering marvel of Katse Dam.
- Condition: Good quality tar; can be icy in winter.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Katse Lodge – perched above the dam with sweeping views.
- Outeniqua Pass (N9/N12)
- Location: George to Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, South Africa
- Why It’s Great: Grand mountain views, smooth curves, and a perfect link between the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.
- Condition: Excellent; very well maintained.
- Best Nearby Accommodation: Fancourt – premier golf and lifestyle resort.
Special mentions.
Redhill Road (M66) – Western Cape
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Roads (R712) – Free State
Hogsback Mountain Roads (R345/R346) – Eastern Cape
