Head to head
South Africa's showpiece roads. Gravel drama or the coastal cliff?
Our pick is the Swartberg Pass.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 22 March 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Swartberg Pass | Chapman's Peak Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.7 | 9.4 |
| Driving score | 9.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.8 / 10 | 9.7 / 10 |
| Length | 24 km | 9 km |
| Where | Karoo | Cape Peninsula |
| Season | Gravel, closed after snow or heavy rain | Closed after rockfall or heavy rain |
Verdict
The Swartberg is a hand built gravel pass of genuine historical importance and it is far more of an adventure, with switchbacks stacked up a rock wall.
Chapmans Peak is tarmac, close to Cape Town and drivable in any hire car, which makes it the realistic choice on a short trip.