Cape Town, also warmly known as the Mother City, is South Africa’s premier tourist destination. Poised in an amphitheatre known as the “City Bowl”, it lies between the glittering Atlantic Ocean and a semi-circle of towering mountains.

Here are five scenic routes which are a must for any visitor to Cape Town.

Boye’s Drive

Boye’s Drive stretches along the slopes of the Muizenberg Mountain, connecting the coastal villages of Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. Because of its high elevation, it offers spectacular views over False Bay and the coastline, while the mountain rises behind you. Several lookout points along the road make it possible for visitors to stop and enjoy the views. These are especially useful in whale watching season, during the late winter and early spring months.

Victoria Road

Victoria Road curls around the back of the Table Mountain range, including the iconic Lion’s Head and the peaks known as the Twelve Apostles. Flanked by these majestic mountains on the one side and by the ocean on the other, Victoria Road connects many of Cape Town’s favourite beaches and surf spots, such as Clifton, Llandudno and Camps Bay.

To make the most of your day, start in Hout Bay, where you can watch the sunrise and enjoy the harbour and markets in the area. Then make your way across Victoria Road to Camps Bay, where you can enjoy the sunset on the beach or at one of the many fine restaurants dotted along the road.

De Waal Drive

De Waal Drive is a gently winding stretch of road along the banks of Table Mountain, overlooking central Cape Town and the harbour. There are a few spots where you can stop your car and take in the views. However, De Waal Drive can get busy at times because it’s one of the main connections between the city and outlying southern suburbs.

Signal Hill Road

Signal Hill Road, pictured here lit up at night, stretches to the top of the ‘Lion’s Rump’, which is the back end of Lion’s Head. This part of Lion’s Head is more commonly known as Signal Hill because it’s the point from which signal flags were once used to communicate with ships docking nearby. Today the pinnacle of Signal Hill Road offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Cape Town seaboard. Cape Town’s Noon Gun is fired from Signal Hill every day, so don’t get a fright if you’re driving up there at midday!

Kloof Road

Not to be confused with Kloof Street or Kloof Nek, Kloof Road winds down the side of Lions Head, starting at the same intersection as Signal Hill Road. It’s a relatively steep road, with tight twists and turns, that cuts through a gorgeous forest and dense fynbos. For those with a taste for adventure, Kloof Road also offers exciting riding for cyclists and downhill boarders, and is the site of the Red Bull Downhill Challenge.

This is a guest post by Jeff, a Cape Town based writer who writes for the South African car hire company www.reedscarrental.co.za.

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