In September we will be going to South Africa for a mix of private and self-guided tours. We are a healthy and active septuagenarian couple. There are 2 side trips we would like to take in a rental car and would appreciate an assessment of their safety during the day.

The first is Picnic at Afrikaanse Taalmonument on hill over Paarl for great view. Then Jan Phillips drive, 5 min from monument. Halfway down hill from the Language Monument is turnoff onto a dirt road and sign for the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. Dirt road is Jan Phillips Mt Dr, which runs 7 mi along mountainside, tremendous views over valley & passes Mill Water Wildflower Garden. Dirt road rejoins Main Street at far end of Paarl. Safe or not?

The second is Franschhoek Pass - Regional road #R45| Tra Franschhoek – Villiersdorp. Safe or not and thanks in advance

Paarl is a safe area in the Winelands just an hour or so from Cape Town. I have been to the Fairview wine farm there a couple of times, and driven through on the way to a game reserve near Ceres. I didn’t stop at the Taal Monument, though. You will get more information locally as to safety in specific areas.

The Winelands area safe area for travel.

Driving Jan Phillips Mountain Drive should be no problem.

Franschhoek Pass is a nice drive and safe, stop off at the Leopard Leap Family Vineyard on your way to Franschoek

Very safe & easy drive. Just watch out for baboons on the road as you climb past La Petite Ferme.