Capetown Stellenbosch
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 30-01-2025
Route Summary It is a ride that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Western Cape.
The first part of the route is a highway (N2), but this route deserves 5***** stars because of the beautiful nature, passes, views and sights.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
10h 51m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
310.96 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review In the village of Helderberg Rural we visit the Motorcycle Museum Helderberg. Enjoy a vintage collection of carefully restored motorcycles and memorabilia such as old petrol pumps and signs. The collection also includes ultra-modern, Modern Classic motorcycles.
The Hottentots Holland Mountains form part of the Cape Fold Belt in the Western Cape, South Africa. The range forms a barrier between the Cape Town metropolitan area and the southern Overberg coast. The range is composed mainly of Table Mountain Sandstone and lies between the eastern suburbs of Cape Town, Somerset West and Gordon's Bay, to the west, and the Elgin Valley to the east. Sir Lowry's Pass is the only pass, in the form of the N2 highway.
As you approach Botrivier, a small town in the Overberg region, you are greeted by rolling hills and vineyards. Botrivier is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a quick coffee at one of the local cafes. As you leave the N2 towards Botrivier, you will drive on an easily accessible 1km stretch of gravel road.
For off-road enthusiasts there is the possibility to drive part of the route from Grabouw on the “Highland Road”, this is largely unpaved, winds through the beautiful vineyards, does not run along Botrivier and reconnects to the existing route at Arabella Country Estate. Please note that you will have to skip a number of route points.
From Botrivier you continue on the N2 and the scenic Clarence Drive R44. At the town of Kleimond you drive past the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, which is considered the most beautiful of the protected areas of “Cape Nature”. This 18000 ha reserve is pristine and wild. There is a lot of biological diversity here and conservation is the priority. Only activities that do not have a negative impact on nature and wildlife are allowed here. From the scenic Clarence Drive you have a beautiful view of this reserve.
The scenic drive along Clarence Drive to Bettys Bay offers stunning ocean views and as you approach Bettys Bay the fresh ocean breeze and the sound of crashing waves will entice your senses. Bettys Bay is a picturesque coastal town known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect place to take a short break and enjoy the scenery.
In Bettys Bay you can also visit the “Stony Point Nature Reserve”, home to a unique colony of African penguins. “Stony Point” offers you the chance to see these beautiful flightless birds up close, via a boardwalk, in their natural environment, without disturbing or interfering with them.
From Bettysbaai you continue on the scenic Clarence Drive, which from here on is one of the most scenic coastal roads in South Africa, the road winds along the cliffs and offers panoramic views of “False Bay” and the rugged coastline, along the route there are opportunities to stop and take photos. With a bit of luck you will spot whales.
Arriving in Gordons Bay, a charming seaside town where you can stop for a leisurely lunch at one of the seaside restaurants, we turn right onto the “Sir Lowry’s Pass”, which we drove earlier today. At Grabouw we head north on the R321 inland via the Viljoens Pass towards Theewaterkloof. The route takes you through the heart of the Cape Winelands, with vineyards stretching out on both sides of the road. The Theewaterkloof Dam, one of the largest dams in the Western Cape, is a sight to behold. The serene waters and surrounding mountains create a tranquil setting, perfect for a quick photo stop.
We drive via the “Franschhoek Pass” also known as Lambrechts Road or Olifantshoek ('Elephants Corner'), the latter named after the now mythical herds of elephants that once roamed these valleys and mountains. This long, steep and dramatic pass with its variety of landscapes was South Africa's first properly constructed road. On weekends, city dwellers flock to the pass on bicycles, motorbikes, skateboards and cars to soak up the sheer beauty. The drive through the Franschhoek valley is spectacular, with vineyards and mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
In the town of Franschhoek, known for its French heritage and world-class wines, we visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum, a must for any car and motorcycle enthusiast. The museum houses an impressive collection of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, each with its own unique story. Entry fee is R90.00 and tickets can only be purchased online, details at the links in this review.
Franschhoek itself is a charming little town, with its tree-lined streets and quaint cafes. It is a great place to explore on foot and perhaps stop for a wine tasting or a bite to eat.
From Franschhoek we drive via the Helshoogte Pass through the region “Greater Simonsberg” to Stellenbosch. The region “Greater Simonsberg” owes its name to the mountain of the same name, named after the 17th century founder of Stellenbosch, Simon van der Stel. The mountain rises some 1399 meters above sea level and is the source of numerous streams, including the Krom River, which provides water to this area known for its vineyards, orchards and other crops. There is a Stellenbosch wine route that takes you along the vineyards, more information about this can be found in the links in this review.
The end point of this beautiful route is Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most famous wine regions and a vibrant town, with a rich history and a bustling atmosphere. It is the perfect place to end your road trip with a delicious dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in town. Also visit “Oom Samie Se Winkel”, one of the oldest shops, “Oom Samie Se Winkel” (Uncle Samie’s Store) is an iconic shop that continues the beautiful long tradition of the rural trading post. They sell everything from straw brooms to handmade clothing, a selection of South African herbs and teas, and arts and crafts.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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South Africa
About this region
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. Its nine provinces are bounded to the south by 2,798 kilometres (1,739 miles) of coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean; to the north by the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; to the east and northeast by Mozambique and Eswatini; and it encloses Lesotho. Covering an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 square miles), the country has over 62 million people. Pretoria is the administrative capital, while Cape Town, as the seat of Parliament, is the legislative capital. Bloemfontein has traditionally been regarded as the judicial capital. The largest and most populous city is Johannesburg, followed by Cape Town and the busiest port city in sub-Saharan Africa, Durban.
Archaeological findings suggest that various hominid species existed in South Africa about 2.5 million years ago, and modern humans inhabited the region over 100,000 years ago. The first known people were the indigenous Khoisan, and Bantu-speaking peoples who expanded from West and Central Africa later settled in the region 2,000 to 1,000 years ago. In the north, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe formed in the 13th century. In 1652, the Dutch established the first European settlement at Table Bay, and in 1795 and 1806, the British occupied it. The Mfecane, a period of significant upheaval, led to the formation of various African kingdoms, including the Zulu Kingdom. The region was further colonised, and diamonds and gold were discovered, bringing a shift towards industrialisation and urbanisation. The Union of South Africa was created in 1910 out of the former Cape, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River colonies, becoming a republic in 1961. Though a system of non-racial franchise had existed in the Cape, it was gradually eroded, and the vast majority of Black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994.
The National Party imposed apartheid in 1948, institutionalising previous racial segregation. After a largely non-violent struggle by the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid activists both inside and outside the country, the repeal of discriminatory laws began in the mid-1980s. Universal elections took place in 1994, following which all racial groups have held political representation in the country's liberal democracy, which comprises a parliamentary republic and nine provinces.
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions; it is often referred to as the "rainbow nation" to describe the country's multicultural diversity, especially in the wake of apartheid. As a middle power in international affairs, South Africa maintains a significant regional influence. In addition to that, the country is a member of BRICS+, the African Union, SADC, SACU, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the G20. A developing, newly industrialised country, South Africa has the largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP. It is tied with Ethiopia for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, and is a biodiversity hotspot with unique biomes, plant, and animal life. Since the end of apartheid, government accountability and quality of life have substantially improved. However, crime, poverty, and inequality remain widespread. Having the highest Gini coefficient of 0.63, South Africa is considered one of the most unequal countries in the world, if not the most unequal.
Read more on Wikipedia
Archaeological findings suggest that various hominid species existed in South Africa about 2.5 million years ago, and modern humans inhabited the region over 100,000 years ago. The first known people were the indigenous Khoisan, and Bantu-speaking peoples who expanded from West and Central Africa later settled in the region 2,000 to 1,000 years ago. In the north, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe formed in the 13th century. In 1652, the Dutch established the first European settlement at Table Bay, and in 1795 and 1806, the British occupied it. The Mfecane, a period of significant upheaval, led to the formation of various African kingdoms, including the Zulu Kingdom. The region was further colonised, and diamonds and gold were discovered, bringing a shift towards industrialisation and urbanisation. The Union of South Africa was created in 1910 out of the former Cape, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River colonies, becoming a republic in 1961. Though a system of non-racial franchise had existed in the Cape, it was gradually eroded, and the vast majority of Black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994.
The National Party imposed apartheid in 1948, institutionalising previous racial segregation. After a largely non-violent struggle by the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid activists both inside and outside the country, the repeal of discriminatory laws began in the mid-1980s. Universal elections took place in 1994, following which all racial groups have held political representation in the country's liberal democracy, which comprises a parliamentary republic and nine provinces.
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions; it is often referred to as the "rainbow nation" to describe the country's multicultural diversity, especially in the wake of apartheid. As a middle power in international affairs, South Africa maintains a significant regional influence. In addition to that, the country is a member of BRICS+, the African Union, SADC, SACU, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the G20. A developing, newly industrialised country, South Africa has the largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP. It is tied with Ethiopia for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, and is a biodiversity hotspot with unique biomes, plant, and animal life. Since the end of apartheid, government accountability and quality of life have substantially improved. However, crime, poverty, and inequality remain widespread. Having the highest Gini coefficient of 0.63, South Africa is considered one of the most unequal countries in the world, if not the most unequal.
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