Bugatti Bosses Join Incredible Convoy in Cape Town
Bugatti’s CEO, President and Managing Director have just completed a grand tour of South Africa with a group of owners.
One of the perks of running a hypercar company is driving its cars and Mate Rimac (CEO), Christophe Piochon (President) and Hendrik Malinowski (MD) seized the chance to join in on an eight-day adventure from Cape Town.
The multi-million pound convoy (and multi-milllionaire drivers) left Cape Town and immediately took on the coast-hugging curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, before continuing over mountain passes to the valley of Tulbagh, and the Western Cape’s famous vineyards. A third stage took the Bugatti buyers and bosses to Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point on the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. The cars then followed the Garden Route, took in a game reserve and explored the Karoo, before a final run up the wild Atlantic Coast and through the Cape Winelands, the Franschhoek Pass and back to Cape Town.
Bugatti quite accurately described this 2026 Grand Tour as “A journey through the captivating beauty of South Africa.”
Of course you don’t need to be rich to enjoy the wealth of wonders on the superb South African roads. No matter what you drive, you’ll find detailed guides to these routes, and many more, right here at Detour.
A tight and twisty climb that’s rewarded with terrific views of Table Mountain.
South Africa’s Karoo offers open roads, big skies and plenty of 19th Century charm – but where exactly does it start and finish?
Sudhir “Banzai” Matai retraces a route last seen from the back seat of his dad’s old Mercedes-Benz 230E.
Best mates Kobus Esterhuizen and Marius Burger Lourens are driving from Cape Town to Europe in a car that not many, if any, others have used for this trip.
Sudhir ‘Banzai’ Matai heads into the wild as he explores the Valley of the Baboons.
There’s nothing quite like the prospect of imminent death to make you feel alive. On that basis a drive up (or down) the Sani Pass might be the most life-affirming Detour in Southern Africa.
An old tannery outside of Cape Town has been repurposed to house this charming cafe with dozens of classics on show.
Maarten van Pel and Renske Cox are on a mission to drive from The Netherlands to Cape Town and back in an electric Skoda.
A silent Rolls-Royce Spectre gives Sudhir ‘Banzai’ Matai a different perspective on his favourite Franschhoek Pass.
Two Women & A Merc sounds like a good name for a reality-based web series, but instead it’s the chosen title for the trip of a lifetime for two virtual strangers embarking on an overland African Adventure.
The man responsible for the creation of the fastest BMWs recalls a memorable road trip in South Africa.
South Africa’s Northern Cape is home to the speediest road on the continent with a 155 mph limit – as long as you know who to ask.
The Grille Shack is a 1950’s Pump Diner inspired restaurant with a “lekker” South African twist.
Our man in the Cape, Sudhir ‘Banzai’ Matai takes us along, what could be, the finest coastal drive in the world.
It might sound counter-intuitive but if you’re tracking the Western Cape eastwards, then you should really head north, says Sudhir “Banzai” Matai.
Don’t be misled by the naughty name, Ronnies and its Roadkill cafe are the go-to pit stops for drivers and riders taking South Africa’s meandering Route 62.
South Africa’s answer to Goodwood is a three-day festival of speed on a twisty hillclimb course.
Nothing beats local knowledge as South African Detourist Sudhir “Banzai” Matai reveals his favourite hometown road.
For a caffeine and car fix in Cape Town Sudhir “Banzai” Matai pays a visit to a hub of South African auto culture.
Inspired by Italy’s most epic rally, the Cape 1000 is four days of petrolhead perfection in beautiful wine country. George Philipas was along for the ride.
Most people just see a scrapyard, but the Wijnlands Auto Museum on the way out of Cape Town holds some real treasures.
Setting a national endurance record sounds like fun… until you read the small print, discovered Sudhir “Banzai” Matai.
The Grand Exotic is a bizarre and beautiful jewel on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Sudhir Matai sticks some flowers in his hair to explore.
Most people visit Franschhoek for the delicious wine, but the Franschhoek Pass is an even tastier treat for keen drivers, reckons Sudhir Matai.
On the run into the scenic town of Franschhoek lies probably the best automotive museum in all of South Africa.
South Africa’s Coastal Garden Route offers 124 miles of driving pleasure from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, the border between the Western and the Eastern Cape. It’s a drive Elsa Dixon knows like the back of her hand.
Today’s car commercials are computer-generated fantasies, blandly mindful of not upsetting the ad authorities but only a few years ago they were memorable mini movies that would sell, sell, sell.
Endless views to the horizon, the smell of salt spray in the air and asphalt that twists and turns with the coastline. There’s nothing quite like an ocean drive. Here are ten of Detour’s favourite seaside sojourns.
If you happen to have seen a car commercial in the 1990s, then there’s a very good chance it was filmed on Chapman’s Peak Drive. And for good reason.
Bugatti’s CEO, President and Managing Director have just completed a grand tour of South Africa with a group of exotic car owners.