Scenic Drives >>Below are some suggestions for scenic drives that are ideal for a day out. Take the route at your leisure, stop for lunch or tea or pack your own picnic meal.

>> Somerset West to Kleinmond via Gordon's Bay and Pringle Bay (Western Cape)

From Somerset West follow the R44 to Strand. The road then hugs the coastline through Gordon's Bay and onto Rooi Els with sweeping views across False Bay and out towards the Cape Peninsula. Continue via Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay to Kleimond. This scenic drive offers views of stark cliffs, turquoise seas and quaint seaside towns. Return via the same route, or for a circular route take the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass back towards Cape Town.

Gordon's Bay	The spectacular Franschhoek vineyards

>> Cape Town to Grabouw via Franschhoek and Villiersdorp (Western Cape)

From Cape Town take the N2 to the scenic winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Take the R45 over the Franschhoek Pass for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. Follow the R45 past Theewaterskloof Dam to Villiersdorp and then take the R43 to the N2. Take the N2 back to Cape Town via Elgin and Grabouw and stop for a mouthwatering afternoon tea at the Orchard farmstall. This route offers a combination of sights from sweeping vineyards and rugged mountains to apple and peach orchards.

>> Chapman's Peak Drive (Western Cape)

The recently re-opened Chapman's Peak drive between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula is one of the most dramatic and scenic in the Cape.
The winding road is cut out of the cliffside offering spectacular views out to the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of picnic spots and viewpoints along the route - however, be on the lookout for baboons who are quick to steal lunches, car keys and whatever else they can lay their hands on. The road, which was reopened in early 2004, is now a toll-road payable on the Hout Bay side.