Clarence Drive South Africa
A legendary coastal drive with 77 curves, offering dramatic ocean vistas, whale sightings, and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Epic sunsets, longer daylight
Clarence Drive South Africa
Best Time
Epic sunsets, longer daylight
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary coastal drive with 77 curves, offering dramatic ocean vistas, whale sightings, and breathtaking sunsets.
"One of the most scenic and stunning drives in South Africa - Clarence Drive between Rooi-Els and Gordons Bay."
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The winding road is best enjoyed at ~60 km/h. Take your time to appreciate the views.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Epic photo opportunities abound. Ensure your phone is charged or bring a power bank.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Whale Route Views
Along the entire Clarence Drive
Spectacular coastal road with 77 curves, offering dramatic sea cliffs and False Bay vistas.
Sunset at Clarence Drive Outlook Point
Rooi Els to Gordon's Bay stretch
Catch breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Atlantic Ocean.
African Penguin Colony
Betty's Bay
Visit the penguins in their natural habitat along this famous whale route.
Whale Watching Opportunities
False Bay coastline
Between June and November, keep an eye out for whales breaching in the waters below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Route
Sunset Spectacle & Wind Advisory
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The winding road is best enjoyed at ~60 km/h. Take your time to appreciate the views.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Epic photo opportunities abound. Ensure your phone is charged or bring a power bank.
🌬️ Beware of Strong Winds
Winds can be powerful, especially at lookout points. Secure hats and loose items.
☕ Coffee & Views
Stop at Curbside Coffee for a cappuccino and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The winding road is best enjoyed at ~60 km/h. Take your time to appreciate the views.
📸 Pack Your Camera!
Epic photo opportunities abound. Ensure your phone is charged or bring a power bank.
🌬️ Beware of Strong Winds
Winds can be powerful, especially at lookout points. Secure hats and loose items.
☕ Coffee & Views
Stop at Curbside Coffee for a cappuccino and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
🦭 Penguin Spotting
Don't miss the chance to see African penguins at Betty's Bay.
🐳 Whale Season Alert
Visit between June and November for a good chance to spot whales.
🐒 Baboon Sightings
Keep an eye out for baboons, but maintain a safe distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Clarence Drive's breathtaking coastal scenery, calling it one of South Africa's most spectacular drives. The sunsets are legendary, and the chance to spot whales and penguins adds to the allure. Some note that strong winds can be a factor, and weekends can be busy, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Whenever you are visiting cape town be sure to take the time and go for a drive along the breathtaking oceans and beautiful mountains on the Clarence drive. Be on the look out for whales and dolphins and don’t forget to stop at coffee on Clarence for a cappuccino and take in the views."
Twooceanssafaris
"The coastline south of Cape Town has many lookout spots that are worth exploring one by one. Several are simply spectacular. It's hard to describe the feeling that you get as you stand gazing at the various bays, the open ocean, and the majestic cloud formations. On one of your lucky days, you also get to spot a shark or a whale."
Georges Younes
"The Clarence Drive Outlook Point is a must-visit for an unforgettable sunset drive! Starting from Rooi Els to Gordons Bay (~30 km), this scenic R44 stretch took us about 2 hours with stops at Rooi Els, Klippies Baai, Kogel Bay, and Curbside Coffee.
Summer (Dec–Feb) is perfect for late sunsets (~7 PM). We started our trip on 2025-01-28 at 17:30 (5 30 PM), it was a perfect summer day with blue skies and sunshine, to catch the golden light of setting sun along the Atlantic Ocean. We finished our trip on the beach at Gordon's Bay with the most spectacular sunset views ever seen in the world.
The beautiful play of colours of the sunset through the clouds was just breathtaking, but behind the beauty was a very strong wind that were hitting the ocean and the mountains behind us. Whenever we stopped at a lookout point, we had to keep our hats together, even when opening the door of your vehicle the wind gusts were very strong.
Just a few tips to make your trip truly unforgettable. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, and a camera—my power bank kept my phone ready for epic shots. Tourists can rent a car from Cape Town (~R300/day). The winding road is safe if you drive slowly (~60 km/h). Check our full guide on saferplaces.org or photos and tips! #ClarenceDrive"
Bluedolfins 10
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clarence Drive is easily accessible from Cape Town. Renting a car is recommended, costing around R300/day. The drive typically starts from Gordon's Bay and heads towards Rooi-Els or Kleinmond.
Clarence Drive is a two-way road, part of the R44. You can drive it in either direction, from Gordon's Bay to Rooi-Els or vice versa.
A leisurely drive with frequent stops at lookout points is ideal. Consider starting from Gordon's Bay and heading towards Rooi-Els for stunning ocean views.
Public transport is limited for this specific scenic route. Renting a car is the most practical and recommended option for exploring Clarence Drive.
The drive itself is about 30 km, but with stops at various viewpoints, it can take 2-3 hours to fully enjoy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Clarence Drive is a public road and does not require any tickets or entry fees. It's a free scenic drive.
There are no toll gates on Clarence Drive itself. It's a public road managed by provincial authorities.
As a public road, Clarence Drive is open 24/7. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours, especially for sunset views.
The lookout points along Clarence Drive are free to access. They are designated areas along the roadside for visitors to stop and admire the scenery.
While technically open, driving Clarence Drive at night is not recommended due to the winding roads and potential for wildlife. It's best experienced during daylight and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Every curve offers a new perspective! Key spots include the Clarence Drive Outlook Point for sunsets, Kogel Bay Beach, and various unnamed pull-offs with dramatic cliff and ocean views.
The 'golden hour' before sunset offers magical light for photography. Summer evenings provide late sunsets with beautiful colors.
While drone shots offer incredible aerial perspectives, as seen on Instagram, you can capture stunning photos with a good camera or smartphone from the ground.
Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of the ocean and the rugged mountains. Wide-angle lenses are great for landscapes.
Besides whales and dolphins, keep an eye out for baboons and various seabirds. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
Key stops include Rooi Els, Klippies Baai, Kogel Bay Beach, and the Clarence Drive Outlook Point. Betty's Bay is also a must for penguin spotting.
Yes, motorcyclists love Clarence Drive for its scenic curves and ocean views. It's a popular route for bikers.
Yes, there are numerous parking spots and designated lookout points. Kogel Bay Beach is a great spot for a peaceful break.
Bring water, snacks, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and a camera. A jacket is advisable due to potential strong winds.
Absolutely! Clarence Drive is known as the Whale Route. Between June and November, you have a good chance of spotting whales.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Clarence Drive itself is primarily a scenic route, you'll find options in nearby towns like Gordon's Bay and Betty's Bay. Some mobile food trailers might be present at popular stops.
Yes, there are many scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Pack your own food and enjoy the stunning ocean views.
Curbside Coffee is a popular spot mentioned by visitors for a cappuccino with a view.
Nearby towns like Gordon's Bay offer a range of dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants, capitalizing on the coastal location.
Occasionally, mobile food trailers can be found at popular stops, offering snacks and drinks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The numerous lookout points offer safe places to stop, stretch legs, and marvel at the ocean, making it engaging for younger travelers. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be mindful of the strong winds when letting children explore near the edges of viewpoints. Consider a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots, like Kogel Bay Beach, for a relaxed family meal with an incredible backdrop. The drive itself, with its winding turns, can be an adventure for kids, and the chance to spot dolphins or whales adds an element of surprise and wonder to the journey.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Key locations like the Clarence Drive Outlook Point are renowned for sunset photography. For wildlife photographers, the whale watching season (June-November) and the penguin colony at Betty's Bay offer unique subjects. Remember to bring extra batteries or a power bank, as you'll likely be using your camera or phone extensively.
🏍️ Bikers & Road Trip Enthusiasts
+1 The road is well-maintained and provides ample opportunities to pull over and admire the scenery. Bikers often start their journey from Gordon's Bay, enjoying the winding ascent and the breathtaking views unfolding with every turn. The scenic beauty and the thrill of the ride make it a must-do for any motorcycle enthusiast exploring the Cape region. Remember to ride responsibly and be aware of other vehicles, especially during peak times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Clarence Drive: A Coastal Masterpiece
+1The drive is particularly famous for its whale watching opportunities between June and November, when Southern Right Whales often come close to shore to calve and nurse their young. Beyond the marine life, the route is also home to a colony of African Penguins in Betty's Bay, offering a unique chance to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat. The dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches like Kogel Bay, and the ever-changing play of light on the water make it a photographer's paradise.
Travelers often describe the experience as unforgettable, with many highlighting the spectacular sunsets as a major draw, especially during the summer months when daylight extends late into the evening. While the beauty is undeniable, visitors should be prepared for the strong winds that can sweep across the coast, adding to the wild, untamed feel of the landscape.
Planning Your Clarence Drive Adventure
Timing is crucial for both the best views and crowd management. While summer evenings offer the magic of late sunsets, they can also be busier. Weekday mornings provide a more serene experience with fewer visitors. If whale watching is your priority, aim for the period between June and November.
Don't forget to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a camera. Binoculars are a great addition for spotting marine life. A power bank is also a smart idea to keep your phone charged for capturing those epic shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit