Cape Town & Surrounding Areas

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Daytrips from Cape Town could have you covering a lot of ground and sampling many Cape delights - from wine tasting and whale watching, to enjoying the simple life in the fishing villages of the West Coast.

If you want to explore further afield and overnight in some of Cape Town's surrounding areas, you'll be warmly welcomed.

Cape Winelands

An easy drive from Cape Town finds you in the Cape Winelands. Cape Town's Winelands offer beautiful scenery surrounded by craggy mountains, small towns with interesting little shops, top class food and of course the best new world wines South Africa has to offer.

Sample wine at various wine estates dotted around the countryside; get a guided tour through one of the wine cellars; go shopping in Stellenbosch and indulge at one of Franshhoek's excellent restaurants.

Whale Coast & Overberg

Within two hours drive of Cape Town, you can be in the heart of the Whale Coast & Overberg. Drive along country roads, surrounded by fynbos and colourful fields that are dotted with quaint towns and villages which have changed little over the years.

The dramatic coastline of the Overberg, known as the Whale Coast, is a rocky coastline that hides sandy coves on its shores and many shipwrecks under its waves. During whale season (June to November) the waters of this southern coast come alive with many, many whales that come from the icy Antarctic to breed every year.

Hermanus is a bustling seaside town that's famous for its superb land-based whale-watching. While whales are the big attractions, they're not the only reason to head to Hermanus: markets, restaurants, the old harbour and Grotto Beach make for plenty to do even when the whales are away.

At Gansbaai, a mere 40 minutes from Hermanus, you can view the magnificent great white shark in its natural habitat. Staying in the cage is strongly advised though.

Further along the coast (you'll have to take the scenic inland road through Elim) is the southernmost tip of the African continent at Cape Agulhas and the picturesque fishing village of Arniston.

Cape Town & Garden Route

The Garden Route is easily accessible from Cape Town and makes a great self-drive destination. The Garden Route is all blue skies, long white beaches, lush forests and plenty of adventure. Take time to explore as each stop offers something different, from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay's hustle and bustle, to the relaxed vibe of Nature's Valley and good, old-fashioned George.

This is a part of the world where nature rules but at least you get to play in it, whether by playing the area's top golf courses, bungee jumping, dolphin watching or zipping along the tree tops.

Garden Route accommodation is plentiful with hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges to choose from. Whatever you decide, the sea is always close, so look out for dolphins and be sure to taste the oysters.

To complete this African journey, go on a Big Five Eastern Cape safari. The Eastern Cape is conveniently situated at the northern end of the Garden Route, and the safari lodges are within a few hour's drive of Port Elizabeth.

The West Coast

Explore the Cape's rugged West Coast for a variety of flowers, icy Atlantic surf and seafood done in the distinctive local way.

During the spring months a visit to the West Coast National Park is a must, particularly in August and September when the Postberg Nature Reserve (it lies within the park) opens its gates to the public. This reserve is famous for its spectacular multicoloured wild flower displays and rugged setting.

Follow the flowers slightly inland and you'll find the quaint village of Darling. If you start early you can fit both in. Darling is known for its good wines, tasty food and of course its spring flowers.

Famous South African Satirist, Pieter Dirk Uys, has built his theatre complex, Evita se Perron, here. It consists of two theatres, a restaurant and bar, arts and crafts market and the delightful Boerassic Park, a satirical garden with statues depicting the funny and absurd side of South African life. His shows are always good and so is the food.

Paternoster is a made-for-postcards fishing village complete with a rickety old hotel stuffed with local characters, small restaurants and photogenic fishing boats pulled up on the shore.

The Cederberg

About 200km north of Cape Town lies the Cederberg, known for its spectacular rock formations and the hiking, climbing and bouldering it offers.

A magnificent area with ever-changing scenery, the Cederberg boasts over 250km of well-maintained footpaths and for climbers, it's heaven.

Route 62 and the Karoo

This scenic Route 62, which includes some of South Africa's small fruit-growing towns, also happens to be the world's longest wine route.

It meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, bridging the gap between the Garden Route and taking in part of the Klein Karoo, an arid area with a unique character. It's the scenic alternative to the N2 highway.

The route goes past towns and villages such as Barrydale, Bonnievale, Montagu, Robertson, Ceres and Tulbagh - and almost each of the stops en route has its own wine cellars and estates that are well worth visiting.

The area is also known for its mountain views and many scenic passes such as the famous Swartberg Pass: a nail-biting road that twists and turns through some magnificent rock formations.

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