A scenic coastal road trip filled with dramatic mountain views, secluded beaches, African penguins, waterfalls, great food and the kind of places that make you want to stay a little longer.

There are road trips you simply drive through — and then there are road trips that deserve to become part of the holiday.

Clarence Drive, the spectacular R44 coastal road between Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay, is firmly in the second category.

Winding between the rugged slopes of the Kogelberg and the coastline of False Bay, the road delivers dramatic ocean views, mountain scenery, secluded beaches and some wonderfully unhurried places to stop along the way.

For visitors travelling between Cape Town and Hermanus, taking Clarence Drive instead of simply following the quickest route transforms the journey into an experience in its own right.

And our suggestion?

Don’t rush it. Make it a weekend of spoils, stay at Misty Shores Cottage in Betty’s Bay, Whale Walk Apartment in Hermanus Village or on Cliff Path at The View in Hermanus.

Why drive Clarence Drive?

Clarence Drive is one of the Western Cape’s most spectacular coastal routes, following the coastline through the Kogelberg region between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi-Els before continuing towards Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay.

The road offers constantly changing views across False Bay, dramatic mountain slopes and rugged coastline. There are numerous opportunities to pull over, take photographs and simply appreciate the landscape.

The route is particularly appealing to couples, photographers, nature lovers, hikers, road-trip enthusiasts and travellers looking for something quieter and more authentic than the traditional Cape Town tourist itinerary.

It is also one of those rare journeys where the destination is only half the attraction.

This is our recommended route for guests staying at Misty Shores Cottage, Whale Walk apartment or The View.

First stop: Dappat se Gat

One of the more memorable stops along Clarence Drive is Dappat Se Gat.

From the parking area, a path and stairs lead down towards a secluded beach framed by rocky cliffs and caves.

It is a beautiful place to stretch your legs, explore the shoreline and experience a wilder side of the Cape coast.

The beach is particularly appealing to adventurous couples, photographers, surfers and travellers who enjoy discovering less conventional coastal spots rather than spending their day at a busy tourist beach.

There is an important safety consideration, however: Dappat se Gat is not recommended for swimming because of dangerous rip currents. The caves can also fill with seawater at high tide, so check the tide before exploring them and never enter a cave if conditions are uncertain. (Cape Town City⁠)

For the adventurous traveller, this is exactly the sort of stop that makes Clarence Drive memorable.

Continue towards Betty’s Bay — but don’t hurry

As Clarence Drive winds onwards, the landscape becomes increasingly wild.

The Kogelberg mountains rise dramatically from the coastline, while small settlements such as Rooi-Els and Pringle Bay offer opportunities to stop, photograph the scenery or simply enjoy the slower pace of the Overberg.

Eventually, you reach Betty’s Bay.

And this is where we recommend changing gears completely.

Rather than treating Betty’s Bay as a quick stop on the way to Hermanus, stay the night.

Lunch at Koring n Kaf

By now, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite.

One of our favourite places for a relaxed lunch is Koring n Kaf in Betty’s Bay.

It’s exactly the sort of place that fits the Clarence Drive experience — relaxed, local and unpretentious, with a menu centred around good bread-based dishes, including pizzas and Turkish pide, alongside lighter options. (KALLISTE BOUTIQUE STAYS⁠)

This isn’t a lunch to rush.

Sit down, order something delicious and let the road-trip pace slow down.

That’s really the point of Clarence Drive.

Meet the African Penguins at Stony Point

After lunch, make your way to Stony Point Penguin Colony.

Stony Point is home to a colony of African penguins, and the boardwalk allows visitors to observe these fascinating birds while keeping a respectful distance from the nesting areas.

The colony is also historically significant. It occupies the site of the former Waaygat whaling station, with remnants of the old whaling infrastructure still visible.

For wildlife lovers, photographers and families, it is a wonderful opportunity to see African penguins in their natural coastal environment.

Importantly, the penguins are critically endangered, so visitors should remain on designated paths, give the birds space and never feed or touch them. (Bettys Bay⁠)

Take your time here. Watch them waddling along the rocks, swimming offshore or returning to their nests.

And before leaving, check underneath your car for penguins — they can be surprisingly adventurous! (Bettys Bay)

Coffee and cheesecake at Coffee, on Clarence

After the penguins, there is only one sensible thing to do.

Stop for coffee and cheesecake.

Coffee, on Clarence is one of our favourite local stops in Betty’s Bay, offering coffee, cakes, pastries and light meals.

It’s the perfect place to sit down after a day of driving, walking and wildlife watching.

And yes — make room for the cheesecake.

It is also a wonderful reminder that the best travel experiences aren’t always the headline attractions. Sometimes they’re simply sitting outside with a good coffee, something sweet and nowhere else you need to be.

Stay the night in Betty’s Bay

This is where we believe Clarence Drive becomes something much better than a day trip.

Stay overnight.

Betty’s Bay is surrounded by the Kogelberg mountains and ocean, and its appeal lies in its tranquillity, natural beauty and sense of space.

For couples looking for a peaceful coastal escape, Misty Shores Cottage⁠ is ideally positioned.

The private oceanfront cottage is designed especially for two, with spectacular sea views, indigenous gardens and a natural tidal rock pool just steps from the cottage. It provides an intimate base from which to explore Stony Point, Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, the beaches and the surrounding Kogelberg landscape. (KALLISTE BOUTIQUE STAYS⁠)

Why stay at Misty Shores?

Wake up beside the ocean.
Enjoy your morning coffee with uninterrupted sea views.
Explore Betty’s Bay without having to rush back to Cape Town.
Watch for whales and coastal wildlife.
Relax beside the tidal rock pools.
Enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of an oceanfront cottage designed for two.

Discover Misty Shores Cottage⁠

Sunday morning: hike Leopards Kloof

Wake up slowly.

Have coffee while listening to the ocean.

Then put on your walking shoes.

Sunday morning is the perfect time to explore Leopards Kloof Trail at Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.

The trail climbs through indigenous forest, crossing the stream several times before reaching a series of waterfalls. Ladders form part of the route, adding a little adventure to what is an exceptionally beautiful walk.

The trail eventually reaches the base of the final waterfall, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and forest.

In season, particularly around late December and January, the area can also showcase the spectacular red disa flowering among the rocks. (SANBI⁠)

A note before you go

Leopards Kloof isn’t simply a walk you arrive and start.

A permit is required, and a key is obtained from the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden entrance. Keys are not issued after 13:00 and must be returned by 16:00. Following heavy rain, access may be restricted because the stream crossings can become dangerous. (SANBI⁠)

That makes an early Sunday start a particularly good idea.

Breakfast at Chapter Three Bistro

After the hike, you’ve earned breakfast.

Head to Chapter Three Bistro in Betty’s Bay.

It’s another of our local favourites — a small, relaxed bistro offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it a fitting final stop before continuing your journey towards Hermanus or back towards Cape Town.

Sunday breakfast here gives you the chance to sit down, enjoy something good to eat and reflect on a weekend that has combined some of the very best things about the Overberg:

ocean, mountains, wildlife, hiking, food and time.

Where to stay if you’re continuing to Hermanus

If your Clarence Drive weekend continues towards Hermanus, Kalliste Boutique Stays offers two different ways to experience the town.

The View — oceanfront Hermanus

The View Apartment⁠ sits directly on the famous Hermanus Cliff Path, with uninterrupted ocean views from the apartment and private patio.

It is particularly suited to couples who want to make whale watching part of their stay. During whale season, whales and dolphins can sometimes be seen from the apartment itself.

The restaurants, cafés, galleries and attractions of central Hermanus are also within easy walking distance. (KALLISTE BOUTIQUE STAYS⁠)

Choose The View if you want:

Oceanfront accommodation.
Direct access to the Cliff Path.
Whale watching from your accommodation.
A peaceful seafront setting.
Easy access to central Hermanus.

Explore The View⁠

Whale Walk Apartment — stay in the heart of Hermanus

For travellers who prefer to be in the middle of the action, Whale Walk Apartment⁠ offers a stylish one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Hermanus.

Cafés, restaurants, beaches and the famous Cliff Path are all within easy walking distance.

It combines the convenience of a village-centre location with a private terrace overlooking Hoy’s Koppie, while guests also have access to a shared rooftop terrace and plunge pool. (KALLISTE BOUTIQUE STAYS⁠)

Choose Whale Walk if you want:

To explore Hermanus on foot.
Restaurants and cafés close by.
Easy access to the Cliff Path.
A stylish base for a weekend escape.
A central location without needing the car every time you go out.

Explore Whale Walk Apartment⁠

The perfect Clarence Drive weekend

Saturday

Cape Town → Clarence Drive → Dappat se Gat → Betty’s Bay → Koring n Kaf → Stony Point Penguins → Coffee and cheesecake → Misty Shores Cottage

Sunday

Misty Shores → Leopards Kloof → Chapter Three Bistro → Hermanus

You could then continue your journey with a stay at The View or Whale Walk Apartment, depending on whether your priority is oceanfront tranquillity or being in the heart of Hermanus.

Why Clarence Drive deserves more than a few hours

The greatest attraction of Clarence Drive isn’t one particular viewpoint, beach, restaurant or wildlife encounter.

It is the combination.

A dramatic coastal road. A hidden beach and caves. Lunch in a local café. African penguins on the rocks. Coffee and cheesecake. A night beside the ocean. A forest hike to waterfalls. And breakfast before continuing your journey.

This is the Western Cape at its most enjoyable — beautiful without being hurried, adventurous without being overwhelming, and sophisticated without losing its sense of place.

So, if you’re planning a trip from Cape Town to Hermanus, don’t simply ask Google Maps for the fastest route.

Take the scenic road.

Take Clarence Drive.

And, better still, give yourself a night or two to experience it properly.

Plan your Clarence Drive escape with Kalliste Boutique Stays

Kalliste Boutique Stays offers three thoughtfully designed properties for couples exploring the Cape Whale Coast:

Misty Shores Cottage — Betty’s Bay⁠
Oceanfront tranquillity, nature and privacy.

The View — Hermanus⁠
Oceanfront living directly on the Hermanus Cliff Path.

Whale Walk Apartment — Hermanus⁠
A stylish village-centre stay within walking distance of Hermanus’s restaurants, cafés, beaches and coastal paths.

Explore Kalliste Boutique Stays⁠

Thoughtful spaces. Thoughtful service. Memorable stays.

Useful visitor links

Dappat se Gat Beach — City of Cape Town:
Visitor information for Dappat se Gat⁠

Leopards Kloof Trail — SANBI / Harold Porter National Botanical Garden:
Leopards Kloof Trail information⁠

Stony Point visitor information:
Stony Point visitor guidelines