Described as one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa, this is a must do. It takes you from Gordon’s Bay, False Bay through to the Overberg at Hermanus.
From Cape Town, take the N2 East, take the R44 Gordon’s Bay turnoff. Take a Right at the M153, and then further on, Left onto the R44 again. You stay on this road all the way to Hermanus. Clarence Road actually starts at Faure Marine Drive (on the R44) along the beachfront in Gordon’s Bay. Clarence Drive is from here to Kleinemond. It is 65 to 70kms long and without stops, takes about 1 hour 30 mins.
You will of course need to stop even if just for photos! There are good photo opportunities at Lookout Point and Clarence Drive Lookout. The views of False Bay are panoramic, the entire coastline is lovely, looking back you can see Table Mountain. From Gordon’s Bay to Betty’s Bay is the most scenic section (22kms). So, you can do what most do and spend a day driving from Cape Town to Hermanus and have a fantastic day out. However, we suggest you take it slower and explore along the way.
Stop at Doppat se Gat, about 10 minutes driving after Steenbras River Walk. You will find a lovely sandy beach where you can watch the surfers. Do not swim as there is a dangerous rip. There is an official entrance for visitors of the camping place but at the parking right along the road at the sign for ‘Dappat se Gat’ (look for the shark flag), there is a path directly down to the beach.
At Spark’s Bay Beach, you can braai, picnic, fish and there is a lovely tidal pool. There is an entrance fee.
The entire drive is good for seeing Southern Right Whales which come close to shore from June to December. Kleinmond is the start of the Whale Route. The magnificent Hottentot Hollands mountains are on one side and the sea on the other. This coast is good for anglers but you will see memorials to anglers caught by waves as it is a treacherous area. The Kogel Bay Resort is the surfers’ choice spot.
Stop at the Palmiet Bridge, Kleinmond and enjoy lazing on the rocks or a swim, beneath. It is a little warmer than the sea and a lovely protected area for a picnic.
Look out for the turoff to Pringle Bay. Close to the road is a fantastic gallery of local South African art, FOMO. Enjoy a very good coffee with treat and walk around the beautiful sculpture garden. Janco De Beer has his studio in the gallery and you may be lucky to see this renowned artist’s latest work. There is another gallery in the little village, Menucha Coffee and Crafts which has good work from local artists and potters. It is a good spot to stop for a casual bite.
In the middle of Betty’s Bay, find the Harold Porter Botanical Garden which is worth visiting. There is an entrance fee. It is full of fynbos and there is a plant information centre plus a nursery. These beautiful gardens have walks, waterfalls and pools leading down to the sea. You get your own set of keys which means that visitor numbers are limited giving a wonderful, almost private experience.
Also visit the Stony Point Nature Reserve to see the little penguins. It is less crowded than the Boulder’s Bay Reserve. Betty’s Bay is a good stop over if you have the time with some good places to eat … and particularly scenically romantic at full moon!
Clarence Drive is an easy day drive of 2 hours, without stopping. However, to enjoy even the scenery alone, you need to stop. Our suggestions of where to stop, make this a really worthwhile trip. To get the most out of this route, we suggest that you spend 4 nights: 2 nights in Gordon’s Bay, 1 night in Pringle Bay or Betty’s Bay. These are tiny villages, each with its own character. Clarence Drive ends at Kleinmond but many go on to Hermanus, which is a gem. It is a lovely art focussed coastal town and one of WWF’s 12 best places to watch whales and it definitely requires you to stay, we suggest for 2 nights.
3 Bright St, Mayfair Building,...
Winery Road, off R44, Raithby,...
Lourensford Rd, Somerset West,...
