Cape Town is not only famous for its stunning sights but also for the incredible destinations in its vicinity. Whether it’s the dramatic coastal scenery of the Cape Peninsula, the renowned wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, or the impressive Cederberg Mountains – there are countless experiences to discover around the Mother City.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best day trips from Cape Town, covering must-visit destinations, scenic drives, and hidden gems. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a foodie, these experiences will make your Cape Town itinerary unforgettable.
Wine Region around Cape Town: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
South Africa is globally renowned for its excellent wines, and the most beautiful wine regions are just a stone’s throw from Cape Town. The areas around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, in particular, offer a unique combination of world-class wines, stunning landscapes, and historic towns. Stellenbosch is considered the heart of South Africa’s wine scene, boasting historic vineyards and a vibrant university atmosphere. Meanwhile, Franschhoek captivates visitors with its French charm, award-winning restaurants, and the famous Wine Tram. Together, these two regions form one of the country’s best wine-growing areas. Perfect for a day trip or an extended weekend to enjoy fine wine and relax at scenic vineyards.
How to explore the wine region best?
There are several ways to discover the wine regions around Cape Town. For those who prefer flexibility, renting a car or hiring a private driver is a great option. Alternatively, organized wine tours provide a convenient way to visit multiple wineries in one day. A particularly popular option in Franschhoek is the Wine Tram, which offers various routes to selected wineries – ideal for enjoying wine tastings without the need to drive.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the most popular ways to explore the region’s wineries in a relaxed manner. It offers different routes, each stopping at selected wineries. The tram service combines historic railcars and buses, shuttling visitors between the estates. If you want to take your time and not rush from one winery to another, you can comfortably visit around three wineries in a day.
👉🏼 Tip: Start early in the day, especially if you plan to visit at least three wineries. One of the first departures is ideal since many wineries close as early as 5:00 PM.
Franschhoek Wine Tram: Routes, Info and Tickets
Recommended Wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Stellenbosch
🍇 Ernie Els Wines
Ernie Els, the South African golf pro, has turned this winery into a true highlight. It is renowned for its high-quality red wines. The large terrace also offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
🍇 Hidden Valley Wines
A quiet, picturesque winery with excellent red and white wines. The breathtaking view from the terrace makes the experience even more unforgettable.
🍇 Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards
This winery is perched high in the mountains and offers some of the best panoramic views in the region.
🍇 Waterford Estate
One of the most beautiful wineries in Stellenbosch! Waterford is particularly famous for its chocolate and wine pairings. The estate, designed in a Tuscan style, exudes a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere.
🍇 Simonsig
A must-visit for sparkling wine lovers! Simonsig is well known for its Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), the South African equivalent of Champagne.
🍇 Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
A must for those who love bold red wines. Additionally, the estate has an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy a fantastic lunch.
Franschhoek
🍇 Babylonstoren
More than just a winery – Babylonstoren is an expansive experience with beautiful gardens, sustainable farming, and high-quality wines. In addition to wine tastings, there’s also a farmer’s market, an outstanding restaurant, and even donkeys that are particularly popular with families. Since the entrance fee is 150 Rand per person, it’s worth planning at least half a day here.
🍇 Noble Hill
Small but exquisite – this winery impresses with a relaxed atmosphere and handcrafted wines. Perfect for those looking for a more intimate wine experience.
🍇 Vrede en Lust
One of the most famous wineries in the region. Here, you can not only taste premium wines but also enjoy breakfast or lunch at a beautiful café. Perfect for a relaxing wine tasting with a stunning view of the vineyards.
🍇 La Motte
An elegant winery with a rich history. La Motte offers excellent white and red wines as well as a fantastic restaurant. Wine lovers seeking a touch of luxury will find it here.
🍇 Mont Rochelle
This winery is part of Sir Richard Branson’s hotel brand and is known for its exclusive location and fine wines. If you’re looking for a romantic wine experience in an upscale setting, Mont Rochelle is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Whether you take the Franschhoek Wine Tram or plan your own wine tour, the wine regions around Cape Town offer countless opportunities to experience South African wine culture. Plan your route to combine wineries close to each other and start early to make the most of your day.
Cape Peninsula: Breathtaking Coastal Landscapes
Once you’ve explored the major sights and top attractions in Cape Town, you should definitely take a trip to the Cape Peninsula. A tour here is one of the most stunning excursions you can do around Cape Town. Along the coastal roads, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Tip: Since this is a full-day excursion, it’s best to start early in the morning to fit everything in at a relaxed pace. Alternatively, you can split the sights over two days.
1st Stop: Muizenberg – The Surfer’s Paradise with Colorful Beach Huts
Start your day in the relaxed surfer town of Muizenberg, best known for its vibrant beach huts and perfect surfing conditions.
👉 Tip: Kick off your morning with breakfast at Knead Bakery right on the beach while watching surfers catching their first waves.
2nd Stop: Simon’s Town & Boulders Beach
Simon’s Town is a charming coastal town with a maritime vibe, but the main attraction lies just outside of town: Boulders Beach. Here, you can see a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat. A wooden boardwalk leads through the dunes to the best viewpoints, and if you like, you can even go into the water at a small beach section.
However, during my last visit, I noticed that the penguin population has decreased significantly since my first trip in 2016. While there used to be plenty of penguins along the shore and among the rocks, today, their numbers are noticeably lower. The main reasons for this decline are habitat loss, pollution, and the increasing number of tourists.
👉 If you visit Boulders Beach, please remember that this is a protected habitat. Keep a respectful distance, don’t feed the animals, and ensure that children behave responsibly. The penguins are a protected species, and our actions determine whether future generations will still be able to experience them here. It would be a shame if they disappeared.
- Opening Hours: Summer (Oct–March) 6 AM – 6 PM // Winter (Apr-Sept.) 7 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee: 215 Rand per Person (as of 02/2025)
3rd Stop: Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point
From Simon’s Town, it takes about 40 minutes to drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to both the famous Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Both viewpoints are easily accessible via paved roads, but there are also countless hiking trails for those who want to spend more time here.
The nature reserve is a true scenic highlight: dramatic cliffs, wild vegetation, and powerful waves make this one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders.
At Cape Point, you’ll find the visitor center and lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the bay, the rugged coastline, and the crashing waves. There is also a kiosk, restaurant, and restrooms available.
One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region leads from Cape Point down to Diaz Beach and on to the Cape of Good Hope. The round trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and is relatively easy. Contrary to popular belief, the Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point of Africa – that title belongs to Cape Agulhas.
- Opening Hours: Summer (Oct-March) 6 AM – 6 PM // Winter (Apr-Sept) 7 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee: 455 Rand per person (as of 02/2025)
4th Stop: Chapman’s Peak Drive
On your way back to Cape Town, you must drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive. This 9 km panoramic road winds along steep cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is especially spectacular at sunset when the sea and rocks are bathed in golden light.
- Toll for Chapmans Peak Drive: 64 Rand per car (as of 02/2025)
Whale Watching & the Wild Coast: Hermanus, Betty’s Bay & More
Visiting Cape Town between July and November? Then you have the rare opportunity to witness whale watching in Hermanus, one of the world’s top destinations to observe southern right whales in their natural habitat. Often, you can spot these majestic giants directly from the cliffs, especially during their annual migration when they move to the warmer waters of South Africa to give birth.
Beyond Hermanus, Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay offer equally stunning coastal landscapes. Kleinmond is a hidden gem with long, sandy beaches and even wild horses roaming the area.
Betty’s Bay, on the other hand, is famous for the Stony Point Penguin Colony, an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the crowded Boulders Beach. Here, you can enjoy a quieter, more natural wildlife experience—just remember to keep a respectful distance from the animals!
Cederberg Mountains — An Outdoor Paradise
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, the Cederberg Mountains offer an untouched wilderness perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Located about three hours northeast of Cape Town, this rugged mountain range is renowned for its dramatic sandstone formations, ancient San rock paintings, and scenic trails.
Top Highlights in the Cederberg Mountains:
- Maltese Cross & Wolfberg Arch – Two of the most iconic rock formations, with Wolfberg Arch being a must-see for serious hikers.
- San Rock Paintings – The Stadsaal Caves feature ancient rock art depicting the lives of the indigenous San people thousands of years ago. You can reach the caves after a short hike.
- Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the area is amazing to witness the sparkling nightsky and the milky way. For even clearer views you can visit the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory.
- Rooibos & Craft Beer – This region is the birthplace of Rooibos tea, which you can taste fresh from the farms, along with locally brewed Cederberg Craft Beer.
Is a Trip to the Cederberg worth it?
Absolutely! Whether you’re an adventure traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Cederberg Mountains offer one of the most unique trips from Cape Town.
Atlantis Dunes
Just 45 minutes north of Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes present a vast desert-like landscape with towering sand dunes reaching up to 50 meters high. This massive sand playground is ideal for adrenaline-packed activities like sandboarding or quad biking.
Why you should visit:
The Atlantis Dunes offer some nice outdoor adventures — perfect for adrenaline junkies and photographers. Since it is quite close to the city it’s perfect for a half-day trip or a full-day escape.
👉 Tip: Combine your visit with a seafood lunch in Yzerfontein or Langebaan, two charming coastal towns along South Africa’s West Coast.
Essential Tips for Visiting the Atlantis Dunes:
✅ Permit & Entry: Since it’s a protected area, you’ll need a permit, which can be obtained on-site. It’s free if you’re just hiking.
✅ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and perfect lighting.
✅ What to Bring: Light clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sand reflects the sun intensely!
Garden Route – The Ultimate Road Trip from Cape Town
If you have extra time, consider extending your Cape Town itinerary with a drive along South Africa’s legendary Garden Route. This breathtaking coastal road stretches over 300 km from Mossel Bay to Storms River, offering an unforgettable mix of pristine beaches, dense forests, and dramatic ocean cliffs. Especially the charming coastal towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness are worth a visit, offering excellent gastronomy, hiking trails and idyllic views. Another highlight is the Tsitsikamma National Park, which attracts visitors with its famous suspension bridge and activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Read more: 2‑week Garden Route Itinerary
Getting Around: Rental Car, Private Driver, or Tour?
Cape Town is the ideal base for day trips, whether you’re heading to the Cape Winelands, the Cape Peninsula, or inland adventures. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for spontaneous stops and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. The streets are in good conditions and just remember, South Africa drives on the left!
All those who don’t want to drive by themselves, a private driver or a guided tour might be suitable options. There are a lot of travel agencies who offer guided tours to the most popular places like Cape of Good Hope, the penguins in Boulders Beach or to the Cape Winelands. A organised tour also has the advantage that no further planning is needed and you’ll get additional background information from the guides.
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