RoadAtlas
Clarence Drive — South Africa — Scenic
Africa

Clarence Drive

South Africa

In short: Clarence Drive is a 96 km scenic road trip in South Africa, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Sep–Nov / year-round. Highlights: Gordon's Bay, Rooi-Els, Stoney Point Penguin Colony.

Distance
96 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Sep–Nov / year-round
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

The R44 between Gordon's Bay and Hermanus hugs the Kogelberg coastline, mountain cliffs plunging to turquoise sea, fynbos slopes, penguin colonies, and the world's finest shore-based whale watching.

Practical notes
The R44 is paved and easy in normal conditions, but it runs close to exposed cliffs and can feel slick in wind, fog, or winter rain. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic around Betty’s Bay and Hermanus, so start early and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and slow-moving sightseeing cars.
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Stops along the route

Gordon's Bay — Departure — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Departure
Gordon's Bay
A pretty harbour at the foot of the Hottentots Holland mountains. The drive begins at the edge of False Bay.
Hotels
Rooi-Els — City — Clarence Drive — South Africa
City
Rooi-Els
Tiny hamlet where the R44 begins its most dramatic cliff-hugging stretch above the pounding surf of False Bay.
Hotels
Kleinmond — City — Clarence Drive — South Africa
City
Kleinmond
Quiet lagoon town where the Bot River meets the sea. Flamingos feed in the estuary beside the beach.
Hotels
Hermanus — Arrival — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Arrival
Hermanus
The world capital of land-based whale watching. Southern right whales breach in Walker Bay from June to December.
Hotels

Things to Do

Stoney Point Penguin Colony — Nature — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Nature
Stoney Point Penguin Colony
African penguins nesting among boulders beside the road. One of only two mainland breeding colonies in existence.
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden — Nature — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Nature
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
Fynbos-clad slopes running from mountain to sea. Over 1,600 plant species grow within this compact coastal garden.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve — Nature Reserve — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Explore diverse fynbos vegetation and scenic hiking trails.
Betty's Bay Main Beach — Beach — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Beach
Betty's Bay Main Beach
Relax on sandy shores with picturesque mountain backdrops.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve — Nature Reserve — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Discover indigenous flora and panoramic views over Hermanus.

Where to Eat

KabelJoe's Seafood Restaurant — Seafood — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Seafood
KabelJoe's Seafood Restaurant
Enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views along Clarence Drive.
Bistro Three Six Five — Contemporary — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Contemporary
Bistro Three Six Five
Savor modern dishes in a cozy setting in Pringle Bay.
Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar — Seafood — Clarence Drive — South Africa
Seafood
Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar
Dine inside a historic cave with stunning views of Walker Bay.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Clarence Drive drive?

The Clarence Drive covers 96 km from start to finish.

How long does the Clarence Drive take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Clarence Drive, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Clarence Drive?

The recommended season for the Clarence Drive is Sep–Nov / year-round.

Where does the Clarence Drive start and end?

The Clarence Drive runs from Gordon's Bay to Hermanus.

What are the main stops on the Clarence Drive?

The Clarence Drive passes through Gordon's Bay, Rooi-Els, Stoney Point Penguin Colony.

Can I drive the Clarence Drive in a regular car?

Yes — the Clarence Drive is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Clarence Drive EV friendly?

Yes — the Clarence Drive has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Clarence Drive safe to drive?

The R44 is paved and easy in normal conditions, but it runs close to exposed cliffs and can feel slick in wind, fog, or winter rain. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic around Betty’s Bay and Hermanus, so start early and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and slow-moving sightseeing cars.

What scenic tier is the Clarence Drive?

The Clarence Drive is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.