Some drives are worth taking for the scenery alone, but when there is a memorable meal waiting at the end, the journey becomes a full sensory experience.
From coastal roads to highland passes, rolling hills, and country lanes, South Africa is filled with drives that combine breathtaking landscapes with culinary delights. Here are five routes across the country that pair the joy of the open road with great food.
Clarence Drive to Harbour House in Kalk Bay
Clarence Drive/Gustav Ludick/Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy the coastal cliffs of False Bay
The drive along Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi-Els is famous for its winding curves, rugged cliffs, and panoramic views of False Bay. This road hugs the coastline in a way that makes every turn a photo opportunity. Small beaches and tidal pools along the route offer the chance to stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air.
Finish with fresh seafood in Kalk Bay
At the end of the drive, Kalk Bay’s Harbour House offers a seafood menu that matches the dramatic ocean views. Locally caught line fish, calamari, and a selection of oysters make this spot a treat for seafood lovers. The harbour-side setting completes the sensory journey started by the road.
Franschhoek Pass to Le Petit Manoir
Jan Joubertsgat Bridge, Franschhoek Pass/Leo za1/Wikimedia Commons
Drive through vineyards and mountain passes
Franschhoek Pass winds through mountain ranges and vineyards, offering sweeping vistas of the Cape Winelands. The route is dotted with farms, old Cape Dutch homesteads, and rolling vineyards, making it one of the most scenic drives in the Western Cape.
Enjoy a refined meal in the heart of the winelands
At the end of the pass, Le Petit Manoir offers an elegant, seasonal menu inspired by local produce. The restaurant combines relaxed wine country charm with fine dining and attention to detail. Pair a dish with a local wine tasting for the full Franschhoek experience.
Midlands Meander to The Bierfassl in Nottingham Road
Natal Midlands in the Summer/Aleph500Adam/Wikimedia Commons
Explore rolling hills and artisan stops
KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander is a network of rural roads that winds through gentle hills, quaint villages, and artisan studios. Along the way, visitors can stop at craft shops, galleries, and local farms to see how traditional products are made.
Savour hearty food and craft beer
The Bierfassl in Nottingham Road brings a touch of Austrian tradition to the Midlands with hearty schnitzels, homemade sausages, and craft beer. It is the perfect way to relax after a day of meandering through the countryside and exploring local crafts.
Panorama Route to scenic lunch in Graskop
Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga/Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons
Take in the highland vistas
Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route is a dramatic highland journey. Waterfalls, cliffs, and deep canyons define this route, including highlights such as God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, and Lisbon Falls. The scenery changes with every curve, making it an adventure that combines natural spectacle and the freedom of the open road.
Eat with a view
Graskop offers several restaurants perched above the valley where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by mountain views. From homemade pies to local trout, the food captures the region’s simple and fresh produce. Dining here feels like a reward for the scenic journey.
Maloti Route to local eats in Clarens
Katse Dam (along Route 26), a 185m high concrete arch dam on the Malibamat’so River in Lesotho/SkyPixels/Wikimedia Commons
Drive along the Free State and Lesotho border
The Maloti Route takes you through the Free State’s remote highlands near the Lesotho border. Route 26 passes rugged mountains, wide plains, and small towns, offering a quieter, less-travelled experience. It is a scenic alternative to the more popular routes and perfect for a relaxed day trip or weekend getaway.
End with country-style comfort food
Clarens, a charming small town on the route, is home to several eateries serving hearty, regional cuisine. From wood-fired pizzas to traditional lamb dishes and freshly baked goods, a meal here celebrates local flavours and provides a cosy ending to a long drive.
Scenic drives in South Africa are about more than just getting from point A to point B. They are about slowing down, enjoying the landscapes, and discovering meals that linger in your memory. Whether it is the windswept cliffs of False Bay, the vineyards of Franschhoek, rolling KZN hills, dramatic highlands, or quiet Free State towns, these five drives prove that the journey and the destination can both be delicious.
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