The roadtrip from Cape Town along False Bay and the Clarence Drive offers a stunning coastal contrast to city life and inland routes. While part 1 featured wide plains, this leg is all about dramatic coastlines, charming seaside towns and unforgettable wildlife encounters – the perfect addition to your Cape Town adventures.
Overview: Cape Town → Hermanus (via False Bay & Clarence Drive)
100
Distance in miles
4-5
Drive time in hours
5-6
Curated destinations
Let’s Go: Leaving Cape Town Towards False Bay
After four days exploring Cape Town, leaving the city might feel bittersweet – but as soon as it’s in your rearview mirror, one of South Africa’s most scenic coastal stretches begins. The route hugs False Bay, offering constant ocean views, hidden coves, and rolling mountains.
Stop 1: Muizenberg Beach
Famous for its colorful beach huts and laid-back surfer vibe, Muizenberg is the perfect first stop. Take a short stroll along the sand or enjoy a coffee with a sea view to start your coastal day.
Why stop here?
- Iconic photo opportunities with the beach huts
- Perfect for breakfast or a coffee break
- Relaxed surfer atmosphere sets the tone for the day
- Reading tip: The 8 Most Stunning Photo Spots in Cape Town – Instagram & Camera Highlights for First-Time Visitors
Optional: Detour to Boulders Beach & Simon’s Town
Just a few minutes from Muizenberg, you’ll find one of the route’s most famous wildlife encounters: the African penguins at Boulders Beach. A boardwalk lets you observe these charming birds up close.
Highlights:
- African penguins in their natural habitat
- Combines wildlife with a charming coastal town
- Simon’s Town with cafés, harbor, and colonial charm (recommendation: The Lighthouse Café)
- Tip: Start at Windmill Beach first – with a bit of luck, you can see penguins for free.
- Reading tip: The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Cape Town – From Camps Bay to Boulders Beach
Stop 2: Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay is one of the most charming fishing villages around Cape Town. Galleries, vintage shops, and cafés line the main street, while the harbor is often visited by seals.
Why include Kalk Bay?
- Ideal for lunch or a coffee break
- Creative shops & local galleries
- Authentic coastal atmosphere
Stop 3: Clarence Drive (R44) – One of the World’s Most Scenic Coastal Roads
Between Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay lies the highlight of this leg: the Clarence Drive. Steep cliffs rise on one side, the open Atlantic stretches out on the other – a road trip dream.
Highlights along the way:
- Multiple lookout points for photo stops
- Stunning in clear weather and afternoon sunlight
- Quiet coves & minimal traffic
Stop 4: Stony Point Penguin Colony (Betty’s Bay)
A must-see between Clarence Drive and Hermanus is the Stony Point Penguin Colony – one of the largest mainland colonies of African penguins in the world.
What to expect:
- Boardwalk with amazing views of the colony
- African penguins in their natural environment
- Other wildlife, including dassies (rock hyrax)
Stop 5: Hermanus – Whales, Cliffs & Relaxed Coastal Life
Hermanus is globally renowned for land-based whale watching (July–November). Even outside whale season, the town impresses with cliffside walks, beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
What to do in Hermanus:
- Cliff Path Walk along the coastline
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Excellent restaurants & cafés
- The perfect place to unwind after a roadtrip
Tips for Planning This Leg
Time Planning:
- Serves as a smooth transition to the Garden Route (next leg)
- 1–3 nights in Hermanus recommended
- Possible as a day trip from Cape Town
Why this route works so well:
- Variety in a short distance
- Wildlife encounters (penguins & whales)
- One of South Africa’s most scenic coastal roads
- Ideal lead-in to the Garden Route
Highlights Along Our Coastal Roadtrip
Some of the best moments on this leg:
Our conclusion: The stretch from Cape Town to Hermanus may be short, but it’s packed with unforgettable experiences. Coastal drives, wildlife encounters, and charming seaside towns make this part of the Western Cape roadtrip one of the most scenic and rewarding – before the journey continues toward De Hoop Nature Reserve & Garden Route.
Which stop from Cape Town to Hermanus would you love the most?
Share this guide with your favorite road trip buddies and leave us a comment below!
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