While not short of scenic routes to drive, Cape Town’s Cape Peninsula is in a class all its own. We recommend travelling in a clockwise direction around the Peninsula and setting aside a full day for the excursion to stop and enjoy the sights and explore along the way. A suggested route would be to start at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (one of the world’s finest with over 5 000 plant species), and then make your way towards Muizenberg, whose famous colourful beach huts have prompted many a photo, and whose warmer and gentle waters are conducive to swimming. Next, visit Boulders Beach – a protected bay home to a colony of African penguins.

Cape Point Nature Reserve follows. Flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay, it’s at the most southwestern corner of South Africa (and Africa) and its mountainous scenery, rich fauna and flora and secluded beaches are well worth a stop. A road trip wouldn’t be complete without heading around Chapman’s Peak – without question one the most scenic drives in the country and a major feat of engineering carved out of the rock face in 1920. This will take you through to Hout Bay – originally a small fishing village and now a quiet suburb home to craft markets, a strong surf community and plentiful fresh seafood. End off with a sundowner on the strip in Camps Bay, a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset.