There are various superb weekend getaways from Cape City. We’ve chosen the 15 greatest locations close to town to spend the weekend. The getaways are divided into completely different classes: romantic escapes, weekend drives, and tenting getaways. All recommended locations are positioned not additional than 300 km from Cape City not more than a 2,5-hour drive. The publish relies on our private journey expertise.
If you happen to’re visiting town as a vacationer a few of these getaways may be included in your Cape City itinerary.
Greatest methods of getting round Cape City
If you happen to’re not a neighborhood and don’t have your individual automotive renting one is one of the best ways to get across the metropolis and go on one of many weekend getaways from Cape City. You may hire a automotive on the airport on arrival on this case you possibly can drop it again on departure or within the metropolis when you don’t want a automotive each day. To go to a lot of the recommended locations you don’t want a giant 4×4 automotive any automotive can be tremendous.
If you happen to don’t wish to hire a automotive and plan your individual weekend you possibly can be a part of one of many 2-day excursions from Cape City.
The map with the 15 superb weekend escapes from Cape City
Incredible locations for a romantic weekend getaway
Franschhoek
- Distance – 81 km, a method from Cape City Metropolis Bowl
- Driving time – 1h15min.
- Greatest season – October – April
Franschhoek is an ideal place for a honeymoon escape or a romantic weekend getaway from Cape City. It’s positioned near Cape City, within the picturesque valley surrounded by stunning vineyards. Franschhoek is taken into account to be the meals capital of South Africa. It has a number of the greatest wine farms and eating places within the nation. There are various unbelievable issues to do in Franschhoek.
It’s not all about wine and eating. For journey and outside lovers, there are a number of mountaineering and mountain biking trails across the city. One of the simplest ways to spend a weekend right here is to come back on Friday evening and keep until Sunday to have sufficient time to discover, style, and benefit from the space.
Franschoek excursions
Issues to do in Franschhoek
- Take the wine tram and go to a few stunning estates within the space.
- Wine tasting and tremendous eating.
- Go on a hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, there are a number of mountaineering trails with some beautiful lookouts and views over the world.
- Mountain bike, there are a number of routes; Robertsvlei Loop, Franschhoek Move MTB route, and Matoppie MTB.
- Style scrumptious chocolate at Huguenot Effective Chocolate, a 1,5-hour candy expertise.
- Go to the Franschhoek Motor Museum the place you possibly can see lots of of vehicles from the primary motorized automobiles to trendy racing vehicles.
- Stroll via Franschhoek Saturday Village market on Huguenot highway within the metropolis middle. Open each Saturday from 9am to 3pm, closed in July.
Locations to remain in Franschhoek
There are various lodging choices within the city however for an actual romantic escape, I’d counsel staying at one of many estates simply outdoors Franschhoek.
Stellenbosch
- Distance – 50 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – about 50min.
- Greatest season – spring-summer for the perfect climate and essentially the most stunning views. Wine tasting may be achieved any season.
One other good spot close to Cape City to come back for a romantic weekend escape. The city is known for its stunning wine estates. Wine tasting is the primary exercise right here however there are lots of different issues to do in Stellenbosch like mountaineering, mountain biking, and highway biking. Stellenbosch is a college city there are lots of bars and golf equipment which can be open all evening lengthy. It’s a extra appropriate place for a romantic getaway for youthful {couples} than Franschhoek. {Couples} which can be in search of some tranquility can discover a good place for them in Stellenbosch as effectively. There are various beautiful wine farms within the space that provide tasting, eating, and lodging on their estates.
Stellenbosch excursions
Issues to do in Stellenbosch
Wine tasting, there are greater than 140 wine estates within the space, and lots of of them have tasting rooms and eating places. I’d counsel selecting 6 or 8 farms as an alternative of attempting to go to many.
Wine pairing, there are a few farms that provide to mix wine tasting with chocolate or cheese pairing; wine & chocolate pairing – Spier; bubbly wine & nougat – C J Le Roux; wine & cheese – Fairview.
Mountaineering is among the hottest outside actions round Stellenbosch. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has a number of mountaineering trails. Many wine farms have mountaineering and biking routes on their estates.
Exploring the historic middle of Stellenbosch; the College, the Botanical Backyard, Stellenbosch Village Museum, and so on. You are able to do it by yourself or by becoming a member of a strolling tour.
Visiting one of many Stellenbosch weekend markets. Route 44 is the most important weekend market within the space. It’s open Sat and Solar from 9am to 4pm. Right here you will discover all kinds of meals and drinks from native braai meat to sushi and curry. Make certain to come back right here hungry!
Locations to remain in Stellenbosch
Hermanus
- Distance – 120 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – about 1h40min.
- Greatest season – summer season for good seashore climate, and winter (July to September) for whale watching.
This stunning coastal city is a perfect place for a romantic getaway by the ocean. There are various unbelievable issues to do in Hermanus. Get up within the morning, go for breakfast to one of many sea view eating places, stroll round, exit with a ship to identify whales and dolphins, or go to the seashore. Hermanus has an incredible vary of lodging and restaurant choices for various budgets, you’ll have the ability to discover the one which fits you the perfect.
Hermanus excursions
Issues to do in Hermanus
Whale watching in Hermanus attracts hundreds of individuals yearly. The height season is July to September when Southern Proper whales come right here for breeding. Exterior the season you possibly can see dolphins, seals, and sharks right here. You may see whales and different marine animals from the shore however
Visiting African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai. There’s a good espresso store inside the place you possibly can have mild lunch, espresso, and dessert whereas watching rescued penguins within the pool. They do penguin feeding each day at 3pm.
Wine tasting, there are some nice wine farms round Hermanus.
Consuming contemporary seafood and fish at one of many native eating places.
Chilling on the seashore e.g. Grotto Seashore, the most well-liked and simple to entry.
Go to Hermanus Saturday Nation market, right here you will discover something from native farm merchandise to antiques and garments. Opened each Saturday from 9am to 1pm at Hermanus Cricket Membership.
Locations to remain in Hermanus
Paternoster
- Distance – 150 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – about 2 hours
- Greatest season – spring and summer season months. August and September is the perfect time to see the flower season in Namaqualand.
Probably the most stunning cities on the West Coast Paternoster has all you want for an ideal romantic weekend; breathtaking surroundings, unspoiled seashores, and nice eating places. The surroundings on the West Coast could be very completely different from the Cape Winelands and the East Coast, with much less vegetation and more room. The fantastic thing about the West Coast could be very particular there isn’t any different comparable place within the nation.
Paternoster is known for its eating places. Native seafood and fish are all the time contemporary. Oysters and crayfish listed here are a must-try. Native bread and pastry are one other not-to-miss right here. Paternoster is the place to come back for inspiration and leisure, to flee the bustling metropolis life, and to benefit from the tranquility of the West Coast.
West Coast excursions
Issues to do in Paternoster
- Driving to Cape Columbine lighthouse.
- Visiting Tietiesbaai Nature Reserve.
- Having lunch or dinner at Voorstrandt restaurant, they’ve a nice number of seafood and fish dishes.
- Sea kayaking
- Horse driving on the seashore
- Ingesting a beer or a cocktail at Panties Bar
Locations to remain in Paternoster
Aquila Sport Reserve
- Distance – 180 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – about 2 hours
- Greatest season – all 12 months spherical
The reserve is a superb place to flee the busy metropolis life and an ideal place for a romantic or household getaway from Cape City. The placement of the place is implausible; surrounded by hills, removed from noisy roads and bustling cities. The number of wildlife within the reserve is spectacular. You may see right here the Huge 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard), in addition to completely different sorts of antelopes, ostriches, giraffes, porcupines, and so on. There are morning, afternoon, and night safaris in addition to horseback driving and quad bike safaris.
The advanced features a luxurious lodge and cottages, a restaurant, an infinity pool, and a spa. All you might want to loosen up and benefit from the weekend. E-book your safari weekend at Aquila prematurely!
Safari excursions from Cape City
The Baths Scorching Springs
- Distance – 190 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – about 2h30min.
- Greatest season – it’s good right here in summer season however to essentially benefit from the scorching springs winter is the perfect time.
What may be higher than spending a weekend together with your dearest one soaking in an outside scorching spring pool or in a personal jacuzzi?! The Baths Scorching Spring Resort with pure scorching springs close to Citrusdal is an ideal place for a romantic getaway. The Baths is positioned in a small valley surrounded by mountains and orange plantations, removed from busy roads and metropolis noises. The place is an actual hidden paradise, after spending a weekend right here you’ll fill relaxed and recharged. E-book your chalet or house prematurely.
Issues to do at The Baths
- Chilling within the scorching spring swimming swimming pools.
- Enjoyable in rock swimming pools hidden within the forest.
- Mountaineering, two scenic trails uphill with a wonderful view over the world.
- Floating within the pool at evening wanting on the stars.
One of the best weekend highway journey escapes from Cape City
Cape Peninsula
- Whole distance – 150 km
- Greatest season – summer season is the perfect time however the space is gorgeous all 12 months spherical, and the primary points of interest are open all 12 months.
The driving route: Cape City – Camps Bay – Hout Bay – Chapman’s Peak Drive – Kommetjie – Cape Level – Boulders Seashore – Muizenberg – Constantia – Kirstenbosch – Cape City.
This drive is one in all our favourite weekend issues to do in Cape City. We’ve pushed this highway many occasions and each time there’s something new to see or to do. The round Cape City highway journey is the shortest out of the 5 recommended weekend getaway journeys however there are lots of superb locations alongside the route to maintain you busy for your complete weekend. This scenic drive may be achieved as a day journey from Cape City as effectively.
Begin your day at Sea Level and proceed driving alongside the coast previous Camps Bay to Hout Bay. Don’t neglect to cease at Maiden’s Cove parking for stunning views of Camps Bay and Twelve Apostles. In Hout Bay go to the harbor you possibly can all the time see there a few seals. From Hout Bay proceed driving alongside the coast in the direction of Kommetjie following the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive. There are a number of lookout factors alongside the route the place you possibly can park your automotive.
After all of the driving it’s time to stretch your legs. The Cape Level Nature Reserve is a superb place to do it. The world is completely stunning. One can spend hours exploring the park. Don’t neglect to go to the Cape of Good Hope, Dias Seashore, and the Outdated Lighthouse. There are a number of stunning hikes at Cape Level.
From Cape Level drive to Boulders Seashore in Simon’s City. You may keep in Simon’s City for the evening, there are lots of nice lodging choices, or proceed driving to Muizenberg and in a single day there.
The subsequent day on the way in which again to town you possibly can cease at a few wine estates in Constantia and do some wine tasting.
Cape Peninsula excursions
The Cape Peninsula highway journey highlights
- Camps Bay is the costliest and some of the stunning neighborhoods in Cape City.
- Hout Bay is among the greatest locations in Cape City for watching Cape Seals. You may see them on the harbor or snorkeling from a ship.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive is a 9-kilometer drive alongside the coast with a number of look-out factors.
- Kommetjie is a well-liked surf city with limitless sandy seashores.
- Cape Level Nature Reserve is a spot with beautiful surroundings, stunning seashores, and an previous lighthouse.
- Boulders Seashore in Simon’s City is a wonderful white-sand seashore surrounded by huge boulders with cute African penguins strolling round.
- Muizenberg is among the greatest locations in Cape City to study browsing well-known for its colourful wood seashore cabins.
- Constantia is among the greatest locations for wine tasting close to Cape City.
Locations to remain alongside the Cape Peninsula
Cape City to Cape Agulhas
- Whole distance – 505 km, return from Cape City
- Greatest season – any time although in winter, June – August, you would possibly get fairly a little bit of rain.
The driving route; Cape City – Gordon’s Bay – Crystal Swimming pools – Betty’s Bay – Hermanus – Elim – Stuisbaai – Cape Agulhas – Arniston – Napier – Caledon – Cape City.
This stunning highway journey to the Southernmost Level of Africa is one in all our favourite scenic drives in Cape City. We frequently do that journey as a weekend getaway from Cape City. Begin on Saturday morning and drive previous Gordon’s Bay alongside the coast. Cease at one of many viewpoints to take photographs and to identify Cape seals or Southern Proper whales when you do the journey between July and September. Go for a stroll to Crystal Swimming pools at Kogelberg Nature Reserve (e-book prematurely) or the Harold Porter Botanical Backyard.
Go to the penguin colony at Stony Level Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay. Cease for lunch and wine tasting in Hermanus, and drive previous the little city of Elim. Cease at Black Oystercatcher to style extra wine or craft beer. Simply earlier than Cape Agulhas cease at Struisbaai harbor, the place you possibly can typically see giant stingrays. Finish your day at Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost Level of Africa.
The subsequent day you possibly can go to Arniston to see the white fishermen’s cottages and the massive Waenhuiskrans cave. Ensure you go there at low tide in any other case you possibly can’t entry the cave. Cease for lunch or espresso within the stunning city of Napier earlier than heading again to Cape City.
Cape Agulhas excursions
Cape City to Cape Agulhas highway journey highlights
- Gordon’s Bay Drive is a shocking highway alongside the coast.
- Crystal Swimming pools Nature Reserve is a superb place for mountaineering although it’s a must to e-book a hike prematurely.
- Stony Level Penguin Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay.
- Harold Porter Botanical Backyard is a wonderful backyard with a number of mountaineering trails.
- Hermanus is a wonderful coastal city and a tremendous place for whale watching, nice seafood eating places, and wine estates.
- Elim is a wonderful small city with colourful homes lined up alongside the primary avenue.
- Napier, a pleasant city with many souvenirs and occasional outlets on the primary avenue. It seems to be nice in spring with jacaranda timber in blossom.
- Arniston is a small fishermen’s city well-known for conventional white fisherman cottages and Waenhuiskrans Cave.
- Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost Level of Africa.
Lodging in Cape Agulhas
The West Coast
- Whole distance – 393 km, return from Cape City to St.Helena Bay
- Greatest season – spring months of August and September are the perfect time to go to Namaqualand, to see fields coated in flowers
The driving route; Cape City – West Coast Nationwide Park – Langebaan – Jacobsbaai – Paternoster – Tietiesbaai – St.Helena Bay – Cape City.
A weekend getaway on the West Coast is one thing completely different and particular. The gorgeous limitless shoreline with white-sandy seashores and turquoise blue waters – an unbelievable mixture of vibrant blue and white colours sponsored. If you happen to really feel overwhelmed by the busy lifetime of a giant metropolis and wish to unwind and loosen up the West Coast is an ideal place for an escape from Cape City. Domestically caught contemporary seafood and fish at one of many eating places is a must-try right here.
To start out the day cease for breakfast with the ocean view at Huge Bay. We love coming to Ons Huisie and the Blue Peter for a Saturday breakfast. From Huge Bay proceed alongside the coast previous Melkbosstrand in the direction of Langebaan. As an possibility, you possibly can mix the journey with visiting wine farms in Durbanville. Cease at West Coast Nationwide Park. It’s an incredible place for chook watching and the most effective locations to observe flowers in Namaqualand to come back in spring to see fields coated with hundreds of flowers. There are a number of mountain biking and mountaineering trails contained in the park.
Then cease in Langebaan, a small coastal city and the most effective locations for kite browsing in Cape City. In summer season you possibly can see lots of of kites alongside the seashore. From Langebaan head to Paternoster the place you possibly can cease for lunch native seafood and bread/pastry are scrumptious! Voorstrandt and the Noisy Oyster are our favourite eating places right here. After lunch, go to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Finish the day in St.Helena Bay.
Go to the Lighthouse at Shelly Level it’s a wonderful place with unspoiled sandy seashores surrounded by big boulders. The waters round Shelly Level are vigorous in a few hours we spent on a ship we noticed many dolphins and seals, two whales, lots of of seabirds, and a sunfish a few occasions.
West Coast weekend drive highlights
- West Coast Nationwide park is a wonderful park and an incredible place for chook lovers.
- Langebaan is a pleasant city with nice circumstances for kite browsing between November and March.
- Jacobsbaai is a small city with sandy unspoiled seashores.
- Paternoster, a picturesque white city with nice seafood eating places.
- Tietiesbaai, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, a wonderful coastal surroundings, standard place for tenting over the December holidays. The campsite is good however not too long ago there have been fairly a couple of folks complaining about safety points they’d there.
- St.Helena Bay is among the most stunning corners on the West Coast. Shelley Level lighthouse and seashores are to not miss right here.
Locations to remain in St.Helena Bay
I’d undoubtedly suggest staying as near the seashore as doable, the sundown views listed here are spectacular.
Route 62
- Whole distance – 490 km, return from Cape City to Barrydale
- Greatest season – September – December, and March-Could are the perfect months. In winter it’s wet and chilly. In January – February it will get highly regarded.
The driving route; Cape City – Paarl – Du Toits Kloof Move – Breedekloof wine route – Rawsonville – Robertson – Montagu – Barrydale – Cape City.
To drive the entire route all the way in which to Port Elizabeth over a weekend is an excessive amount of, more often than not you’ll spend driving. You may drive part of Route 62 in two days to Barrydale, which is 246km from Cape City. Route 62 is an ideal escape possibility, if it’s unpleasantly windy on the coast you possibly can go extra inland and discover some cozy cities.
From Paarl don’t drive via the Huguenot tunnel take the scenic route over Du Toits Kloof Move. Cease at a few wine estates on the Breedekloof Wine Route, most of them provide free tasting. Cease for lunch and wine tasting at Nuy Vineyard, between Worcester and Robertson; a wonderful property with good wines, nice meals, desserts, and superb views.
You may cease in Montagu and loosen up within the mineral scorching springs. If you wish to discover extra of the Route 62 proceed to Barrydale. The drive between Montagu and Barrydale presents a really typical Platteland surroundings; wheat fields with occasional vineyards, highway kiosks with native merchandise, and an limitless highway.
On the way in which again you are able to do a small loop and drive to Paarl over Bain’s Kloof Move, one other stunning go with beautiful views.
Route 62 highlights
- Paarl
- Du Toits Kloof Move
- Bain’s Kloof Move
- Breedekloof Wine Route
- Robertson Wine Valley
- Montagu scorching mineral springs
- Platteland surroundings
- Barrydale
Locations to remain in Montagu
Wonderful tenting getaways from Cape City
We love tenting and have camped at about 30+ completely different campsites in South Africa, largely within the Western Cape Province. Listed here are our 5 favourite campsites close to Cape City.
Tweede Tol campsite, Paarl
- Distance – 90 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – 1h20min.
- Per pleasant – no
The campsite is positioned inside the Limietberg Nature reserve. To get there from Paarl you drive via the Bain’s Kloof Move – a wonderful go with a shocking view. The campsite is ideal for many who wish to spend a weekend in a tranquil place surrounded by stunning nature. The campsite is positioned on the river within the shade of huge timber which makes it an incredible place for a summer season escape from the scorching metropolis.
Issues to do at Tweedy Tol
- Swimming
- Mountaineering
- Fishing
- Discovering San & Khoi rock artwork
Campsite services
- Scorching water bathe – sure
- Flush bathrooms – sure
- Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
- Energy retailers – no
- Braai place – sure
- Cellphone reception – sure
22 Watervalle, Porterville
- Distance – 150 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – 1h40min.
- Per pleasant – no
22 Waterfalls is a wonderful visitor farm close to Porterville. It’s an ideal place for a weekend escape from town. The campsite isn’t very large however good and spacious. It’s positioned in a wonderful space on the foot of the mountain subsequent to a small river. There are actually 22 waterfalls that you simply stroll previous on the path, it goes fairly far up all the way in which to the highest and additional however the forest half is essentially the most spectacular.
Issues to do at 22 Waterfalls
- Mountaineering
- Swimming within the swimming pools
- Fishing
- Biking
Campsite services
- Scorching water bathe – sure
- Flush bathrooms – sure
- Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
- Energy retailers – sure, websites with retailers are dearer
- Braai place – sure
- Cellphone reception – sure
Khomeesdrif, Riviersonderend
- Distance – 160 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – 2 hours
- Per pleasant – sure
Khomeesdrif is one in all our favourite dog-friendly campsites close to Cape City. We’ve camped right here many occasions and each time our canine goes loopy once we arrive. The place is actually stunning and tranquil. The campsite is positioned near the river and surrounded by forest. It’s an incredible place to come back with household and pals. There are various outside actions that your complete household can get pleasure from.
Issues to do at Khomeesdrif
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Mountaineering
- Taking part in volleyball
- Enjoyable on the deck
Campsite services
- Scorching water bathe – sure
- Flush bathrooms – sure
- Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
- Energy retailers – no
- Braai place – sure
- Cellphone reception – no
Beaverlac, Porterville
- Distance – 175 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – 2 hours
- Value – ZAR 30 per automotive, ZAR 75 per particular person, ZAR 45 kids (4-17 yo), ZAR 50 per canine
- Per pleasant – sure
Beaverlac is a shocking place hidden behind the mountain vary on a windy highway. It’s an ideal place for a weekend escape from Cape City. The place is large with a number of spacious open grassy areas for tenting, an incredible place to camp with family and friends, very social and fairly busy over holidays. The world is gorgeous and fairly distant removed from busy roads and noise. You get up within the morning to the sounds of birds singing. There are good pure rocky swimming pools for swimming, a number of mountaineering, and MTB trails.
Issues to do at Beaverlac
- Swimming within the rock swimming pools
- Mountaineering
- Mountain biking
Campsite services
- Scorching water bathe – sure
- Flush bathrooms – sure
- Electrical energy – sure
- Energy retailers – no
- Braai place – sure
- Cellphone reception – no
Suikerbossie Visitor Farm, Cederberg
- Distance – 200 km, a method from Cape City
- Driving time – 2h30min.
- Per pleasant – sure
Suikerbossie Farm is a superb place to come back for a household weekend getaway. If you wish to get away from bustling Cape City life and unwind in a peaceable place removed from metropolis site visitors and noises come right here. The closest city is 94km away you’ll be stunned how quiet it may be at evening and the way vibrant the evening sky is. The tenting spots are grassy and spacious, positioned at a small river, surrounded by timber and bushes so spots are fairly personal, every web site has a roofed shade space. Our favourite web site right here is Boeta’s, it’s essentially the most personal, with a wonderful view of the river, a pleasant spot for swimming.
Issues to do at Suikerbossie
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- 4×4 driving
- Mountaineering
- Mountain biking
Campsite services
- Scorching water bathe – sure
- Flush bathrooms – sure
- Electrical energy – sure
- Energy retailers – sure
- Braai place – sure
- Cellphone reception – no
Please observe and like us:
The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, liable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack slightly than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.