Cape Town to Johannesburg: 8 places from coast to canyon
Explore South Africa's diverse landscapes across 108.3 km, connecting Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain and penguin-filled Boulders Beach with inland wonders like Blyde River Canyon and Johannesburg. The 56-minute route showcases coastal villages Clifton and Camps Bay, the historic Nelson Mandela Bridge, and the charming town of Hermanus.
- Distance
- 108.3 km
- Duration
- 21 h 40 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Table Mountain
- End
- Hermanus
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Table Mountain — Iconic flat-topped mountain offering panoramic views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Boulders Beach & African Penguins — Sandy cove lined with massive granite boulders hosting a thriving colony of endangered African penguins in their natural habitat.
- Blyde River Canyon — Natural marvel featuring dramatic canyon landscape and scenic river vistas.
- Nelson Mandela Bridge, Johannesburg — Iconic arched pedestrian bridge spanning the Apies River, symbolizing connection and unity in South Africa's economic heartland.
- Cape Town – Gateway to South Africa — Mountains and sea converge in this vibrant coastal city, the starting point of our South African journey.
- Clifton — Upscale coastal neighborhood with beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
- Camps Bay — Lively beachfront area perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Hermanus — Charming coastal town renowned as the heart of the Cape Whale Route, ideal for whale watching June–December.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Hermanus for whale watching between June and December when Southern Right whales come to breed and calve in the waters.
- Tip
- You can see penguins and elephants on the same day in South Africa—penguins at Boulders Beach and elephants at Kruger National Park.
- Transport
- At Table Mountain, you can either climb to the top on foot if adventurous, or take a cable car for a more relaxed ascent.
- Tip
- Clifton has four different beaches, each with its own unique charm and personality.
- Avoid
- Clifton's waters are quite chilly despite looking inviting, so be prepared for a refreshing shock if you plan to swim.
- Tip
- Camps Bay is known for spectacular sunset views—the sky turns into canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples as the day ends.
- Timing
- Visit Stellenbosch between October and December to pick your own strawberries at Muiburga outside town.
- Tip
- At Hermanus, you can enjoy land-based whale watching from the cliffs without needing to get on a boat.
- Tip
- Kruger National Park offers two exploration options: guided safaris with expert guides or self-drive adventures at your own pace.
- Tip
- Blyde River Canyon's God's Window viewpoint offers views that stretch for miles, and on clear days you can see Kruger National Park in the distance.
- Tip
- South Africa boasts the longest wine route in the world, stretching over 850 km, with many estates offering wine-making process tours.
- Food
- Try Bobotie—a dish of spiced minced meat with egg custard topping that is considered South Africa's national dish.
Video on this route
South Africa’s Landscapes Are on a Whole Different Level | Travel Video 4K