7 Scenic Drives Around Hermanus Worth Taking
Discover 7 of the most scenic drives near Hermanus, South Africa. From coastal roads to mountain passes and wine routes, explore the breathtaking Overberg by car.
Hermanus, renowned for its pristine coastline and dramatic mountain backdrops, is one of South Africa’s most scenic destinations. While most visitors come for the whale watching or cliff path strolls, fewer take the time to explore the region’s breathtaking roads that reveal an entirely new dimension of its natural beauty. The surrounding Overberg region is crisscrossed with drives that offer everything from sea views and winding mountain passes to tranquil farmlands and charming villages.
Here are seven scenic drives around Hermanus that are absolutely worth taking, whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor wanting to discover the hidden beauty of the Cape.
1. Clarence Drive (R44): Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els and on to Kleinmond
Distance: 45 km
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour (without stops)
Often described as one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world, Clarence Drive connects Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els and Kleinmond, tracing the eastern edge of False Bay. It’s best approached as you head toward Hermanus from Cape Town.
With more than 77 bends and turns, the road hugs the rugged cliffs of the Kogelberg Mountains and offers panoramic ocean views at nearly every turn. Numerous lay-bys allow drivers to stop, take photos, and even watch for whales between June and November. The small town of Rooi-Els and the white-sand beach at Betty’s Bay make for perfect detours.
This route is ideal for a relaxed day trip and should be driven slowly to appreciate its dramatic beauty fully.
2. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Road (R320): Hermanus to Caledon
Distance: 35 km
Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Translating to “Heaven and Earth,” the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley lives up to its name with rolling vineyards, misty hills, and winding roads. Starting just outside of Hermanus, the R320 snakes through a lush, fertile valley renowned for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
This drive is a favourite for foodies and wine lovers. Along the way, stop at top-class wine estates like Creation Wines, Newton Johnson, and Hamilton Russell for tastings and long lunches. The road eventually connects to Caledon, where the expansive farmlands contrast starkly with the lush vineyards.
Whether you’re in it for the wine, the views, or simply the tranquility, the Hemel-en-Aarde route offers one of the most immersive and rewarding drives in the Overberg.
3. Stanford to Gansbaai Coastal Road (R43)
Distance: 20 km
Estimated Driving Time: 25 minutes
The short but striking stretch between the historic village of Stanford and the fishing town of Gansbaai delivers rolling fields, mountain views, and glimpses of Walker Bay. Unlike many other Overberg routes that twist through mountain passes, this drive is open and sweeping, with uninterrupted views of the vast fynbos plains.
Stop in Stanford to admire the heritage architecture and enjoy a coffee before heading to Gansbaai, one of the country’s most famous shark cage diving destinations. The town of De Kelders, just before Gansbaai, also has cliffside caves and great whale watching in season.
This drive combines coastal beauty with cultural charm and serves as a perfect route for nature photography and day excursions.
4. Baardskeerdersbos and the Elim Wine Route
Distance: Approx. 70 km loop
Estimated Driving Time: 2 to 3 hours with stops
If you’re after a quiet, rustic route through farmlands and remote hamlets, head inland from Gansbaai toward Baardskeerdersbos and Elim. The road meanders through agricultural lands, over hills and through forests, finally revealing the historic Moravian mission village of Elim, with its whitewashed buildings and timeless atmosphere.
This route includes the lesser-known Elim Wine Route, home to boutique estates offering unique wines influenced by the cool ocean breezes. Expect gravel sections, so it’s best to drive a high-clearance vehicle, although sedans can handle it in dry weather.
Baardskeerdersbos, or “B’bos” as locals call it, is a tiny artist’s community surrounded by nature, and it often hosts open studios and art weekends. This is a drive for those who want to escape the crowds and tap into the soul of the Overberg.
5. Karwyderskraal Road to Botrivier
Distance: 40 km
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour
For a true “off-the-beaten-track” experience, take the Karwyderskraal gravel road connecting the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to Botrivier. This seldom-used road is ideal for drivers wanting solitude, silence, and stunning scenery.
The road winds through forests, farms, and isolated homesteads, eventually offering sweeping views of the Botrivier Lagoon. It’s common to see cattle, sheep, and even baboons crossing the road, and the route is rich in birdlife and wildflowers in spring.
Once you reach Botrivier, stop at the local wineries or have a hearty lunch at a farm kitchen. The charm of this drive lies in its untouched, pastoral quality and its ability to make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
6. The Highlands Road to Elgin
Distance: 35 km
Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Branching off from the R43 just before Hermanus, the Highlands Road climbs steeply through pine forests and mountain passes toward the cool-climate region of Elgin. This area is a major fruit-growing region and is increasingly known for its boutique wineries and apple cider producers.
As the road climbs, dramatic views of the Bot River Lagoon and the Cape Fold Mountains appear. Depending on the time of year, you may see fruit blossoms, forest mist, or snow-dusted peaks.
Stop at wineries like Iona or Paul Cluver in Elgin for tastings, and consider combining this drive with the nearby Cape Canopy Zipline experience for an adrenaline kick. This is a great route for anyone interested in experiencing the high-altitude beauty of the Overberg.
7. Agulhas Coast Drive: Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas
Distance: 110 km
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
While a bit further from Hermanus, the drive from Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, is a must-do. The journey follows the coast before heading inland past rural settlements and flatlands that lead to the windswept tip of the continent.
Cape Agulhas itself is a dramatic and spiritual place, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Visit the lighthouse, walk the rocky shorelines, and appreciate the isolation of the southern edge of Africa. Along the way, you’ll pass through Struisbaai with its impossibly long white beach and the small town of Napier, which is known for its bakeries and vintage shops.
This route is for explorers at heart and can easily be done as a full-day trip from Hermanus.
The greater Hermanus area is a treasure trove of scenic routes, with each road offering a different aspect of the Overberg’s stunning diversity. From the dramatic cliffs of Clarence Drive to the windswept plains leading to Cape Agulhas, these drives are not just about the destination but the journey itself.
Whether you’re traveling with a camera, a picnic basket, or just a sense of adventure, there’s a road around Hermanus waiting to show you something extraordinary.
FAQ about Hermanus Scenic Drives
What is the most scenic drive near Hermanus?
Clarence Drive is widely considered the most scenic route near Hermanus, offering dramatic coastal views between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond.
Are the roads safe to drive in the Overberg?
Most main routes are tarred and in good condition. Some rural roads are gravel but accessible with standard vehicles in good weather.
Can you do wine tasting along the drives?
Yes, especially on the Hemel-en-Aarde and Elim Wine Routes, which offer world-class wine tasting with incredible views.
Which drive is best for whale watching?
Clarence Drive and the road between Stanford and Gansbaai offer excellent whale spotting opportunities during the season.
Are these drives suitable for a day trip from Hermanus?
Yes, all listed drives can be comfortably done within a day, with plenty of time for stops, sightseeing, and meals.