Clarence Drive

Clarence Drive is a scenic coastal road stretching about 22 km between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi-Els. It forms part of the R44 and is well known for its sharp bends and dramatic panoramic cliffside views of False Bay, the coastline, Table Mountain, and parts of the Cape Peninsula.  The coast is popular with anglers and whale watchers. Kogel Bay Resort provides great surfing opportunities

Before its construction, access to the Hangklip and Betty’s Bay area was minimal. Supplies had to be transported over Sir Lowry’s Pass and across the Palmiet River. Two routes existed: the established Gantouw Pass over the mountains, used for centuries by migrating eland and by Khoi communities, and a rough track skirting the mountains near Cape Hangklip. The latter became known as a route favoured by escaped slaves, deserters, and others avoiding colonial authority.

Access was still difficult in 1912, even after the Stony Point Whaling Station opened. Supplies from Cape Town had to cross Sir Lowry’s Pass, travel by ox-wagon to the Palmiet River, be ferried across by pontoon, and then continue to Betty’s Bay.

The idea for the road was first proposed in 1940 by businessman Jack Clarence, who owned property in the area and played a key role in the development of Betty’s Bay.

World War II accelerated the need for roads. The South African military had installed radar stations along the coast to monitor shipping and detect potential enemy movement. A road was needed to provide access to these installations. Much of the construction was carried out by Italian prisoners of war; South Africa held more than 60,000 at that time, and several hundred were sent to the Hangklip area. Because the road now served a military purpose, construction moved quickly.

Clarence Drive was completed during the war years, greatly improving coastal access. In the 1990s, the road was upgraded, and a new section was opened in 1998. Remnants of the original metal bridges and stone retaining walls are still visible in places. Despite these modern upgrades, Clarence Drive largely follows its original alignment with 77 bends and curves and hugging the coastline. The average speed on the drive is 60 km.

Points to look out for along the route

• Steenbras Lookout Point – One of the first major viewpoints after leaving Gordon’s Bay, with the road high above the coast and views across False Bay towards the Cape Peninsula.
• Steenbras River and Crystal Pools – The Steenbras River crosses the route below the mountains. The Crystal Pools hiking trail starts in this area, but a permit is required.
• Dappat se Gat – A small beach and popular surf spot below the road. The water has strong rip currents, so it is not recommended for swimming.

• Kogel Bay Beach – Part of the Kogel Bay Resort area, with a long stretch of sandy coastline beneath the mountains. There are picnic, braai and camping facilities in the resort.
• Rooi-Els – The small coastal settlement marks the southern end of the actual Clarence Drive section. There are several places to stop for views across False Bay, and the road passes beneath the rocky slopes of the Kogelberg.
• Rooi-Els lookout points – There are several roadside stopping places around this section where the mountains drop steeply towards the sea. It is also a good area for whale watching when southern right whales are in False Bay.
• Lynette Morris-Hale Creative Ceramics – A pottery studio on Clarence Road in Pringle Bay, offering pottery classes and creative ceramics.
• Pringle Bay – The road continues through the village, which lies beside a sandy bay and the mouth of the Buffels River. The river forms a small lagoon at the beach.
• Buffels River Estuary – The Buffels River flows into Pringle Bay, forming part of the beach and lagoon system. The estuary is an important small coastal habitat.
• Hangklip Hotel and Hangklip Lighthouse – A detour from the main route takes you towards Hangklip and the historic Hangklip Hotel, with the road continuing towards the automated lighthouse at the point. The hotel is in Pringle Bay.

• Betty’s Bay – Continue along the R44 towards Betty’s Bay, with several beaches and coastal viewpoints along the way.
• Coffee on Clarence– well-known place to stop for refreshments
• Stony Point Nature Reserve – A boardwalk leads through the remains of the former whaling station and along the coast beside a large African penguin breeding colony.
• Harold Porter National Botanical Garden – Situated in Betty’s Bay, the garden has cultivated and natural fynbos, mountain trails, waterfalls and views towards the coast.
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve – The entrance is reached by turning off the R44 on the approach to Kleinmond. The reserve is within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is known for its fynbos and mountain scenery.
• Rooisand Nature Reserve – Near Kleinmond, this reserve includes wetlands and is known for its birdlife and the small herd of free-roaming horses.
• Palmiet River Bridge – The R44 crosses the Palmiet River shortly before Kleinmond. From here the road enters the Kleinmond area.
• Kleinmond – The road continues into Kleinmond, with access to the lagoon, beaches, nature areas and the town itself.
• Kleinmond Harbour and Harbour Road – The working fishing harbour has a pedestrian area with restaurants, galleries and shops, as well as views across the harbour.

Take a virtual drive

Gordons Bay

See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide