15 superb weekend getaways from Cape City

There are a lot of superb weekend getaways from Cape City. We’ve chosen the 15 finest locations close to the town to spend the weekend. The getaways are divided into totally different classes: romantic escapes, weekend drives, and tenting getaways. All instructed locations are positioned not additional than 300 km from Cape City not more than a 2,5-hour drive. The put up is predicated on our private journey expertise.

Should you’re visiting the town as a vacationer a few of these getaways will be included in your Cape City itinerary.

Finest methods of getting round Cape City

Should you’re not an area and don’t have your personal automobile renting one is the easiest way to get across the metropolis and go on one of many weekend getaways from Cape City. You may lease a automobile on the airport on arrival on this case you may drop it again on departure or within the metropolis in case you don’t want a automobile on daily basis. To go to a lot of the instructed locations you don’t want an enormous 4×4 automobile any automobile will likely be advantageous.

Should you don’t need to lease a automobile and plan your personal weekend you may be a part of one of many 2-day excursions from Cape City.

The map with the 15 superb weekend escapes from Cape City

Improbable locations for a romantic weekend getaway

Franschhoek

• Distance – 81 km, a method from Cape City Metropolis Bowl
• Driving time – 1h15min.
• Finest 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 finest wine farms and eating places within the nation. There are a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Franschhoek.

It’s not all about wine and eating. For journey and out of doors 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 return on Friday night time 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 advantageous eating.
• Go on a hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, there are a number of mountaineering trails with some gorgeous lookouts and views over the realm.
• Mountain bike, there are a number of routes; Robertsvlei Loop, Franschhoek Move MTB route, and Matoppie MTB.
• Style scrumptious chocolate at Huguenot High-quality Chocolate, a 1,5-hour candy expertise.
• Go to the Franschhoek Motor Museum the place you may see a whole bunch of vehicles from the primary motorized automobiles to fashionable racing vehicles.
• Stroll by means of 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 a lot of lodging choices within the city however for an actual romantic escape, I’d recommend staying at one of many estates simply outdoors Franschhoek.

Stellenbosch

• Distance – 50 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – about 50min.
• Finest season – spring-summer for the perfect climate and essentially the most stunning views. Wine tasting will be achieved any season.

One other excellent place close to Cape City to return for a romantic weekend escape. The city is legendary for its stunning wine estates. Wine tasting is the primary exercise right here however there are a lot of different issues to do in Stellenbosch like mountaineering, mountain biking, and highway biking. Stellenbosch is a college city there are a lot of bars and golf equipment which can be open all night time 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 excellent place for them in Stellenbosch as nicely. There are a lot of gorgeous 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 recommend selecting 6 or 8 farms as a substitute of making an attempt 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.

Climbing is among the hottest out of doors 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 forth. 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 largest weekend market within the space. It’s open Sat and Solar from 9am to 4pm. Right here you could find all types of meals and drinks from native braai meat to sushi and curry. Be certain to return right here hungry!

Locations to remain in Stellenbosch

Hermanus

• Distance – 120 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – about 1h40min.
• Finest season – summer time 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 a lot of unimaginable 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 amazing vary of lodging and restaurant choices for various budgets, you’ll be capable to discover the one which fits you the perfect.  

Hermanus excursions

Issues to do in Hermanus

Whale watching in Hermanus attracts 1000’s of individuals yearly. The height season is July to September when Southern Proper whales come right here for breeding. Exterior the season you may 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 may have gentle lunch, espresso, and dessert whereas watching rescued penguins within the pool. They do penguin feeding on daily basis at 3pm.

Wine tasting, there are some nice wine farms round Hermanus.

Consuming recent seafood and fish at one of many native eating places.

Chilling on the seashore e.g. Grotto Seaside, the most well-liked and straightforward to entry.

Go to Hermanus Saturday Nation market, right here you could find 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
• Finest season – spring and summer time 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 may be very totally different from the Cape Winelands and the East Coast, with much less vegetation and extra space. The great thing about the West Coast may be very particular there isn’t a different related place within the nation.

Paternoster is legendary for its eating places. Native seafood and fish are all the time recent. Oysters and crayfish listed below are a must-try. Native bread and pastry are one other not-to-miss right here. Paternoster is the place to return for inspiration and rest, 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 using on the seashore
• Consuming a beer or a cocktail at Panties Bar

Locations to remain in Paternoster

Aquila Recreation Reserve

• Distance – 180 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – about 2 hours
• Finest 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 situation of the place is improbable; 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 totally different sorts of antelopes, ostriches, giraffes, porcupines, and so forth. There are morning, afternoon, and night safaris in addition to horseback using 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 chill out and benefit from the weekend. Guide 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.
• Finest season – it’s good right here in summer time however to actually benefit from the sizzling springs winter is the perfect time.

What will be higher than spending a weekend along with your dearest one soaking in an out of doors sizzling spring pool or in a personal jacuzzi?! The Baths Scorching Spring Resort with pure sizzling 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. Guide your chalet or condo prematurely.

Issues to do at The Baths

• Chilling within the sizzling spring swimming swimming pools.
• Enjoyable in rock swimming pools hidden within the forest.
• Climbing, two scenic trails uphill with a good looking view over the realm.
• Floating within the pool at night time trying on the stars.

One of the best weekend highway journey escapes from Cape City

Cape Peninsula

• Whole distance – 150 km
• Finest season – summer time is the perfect time however the space is gorgeous all 12 months spherical, and the primary sights are open all 12 months.

The driving route: Cape City – Camps Bay – Hout Bay – Chapman’s Peak Drive – Kommetjie – Cape Level – Boulders Seaside – Muizenberg – Constantia – Kirstenbosch – Cape City.

This drive is one in every of 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 instructed weekend getaway journeys however there are a lot of superb locations alongside the route to maintain you busy for the whole weekend. This scenic drive will be achieved as a day journey from Cape City as nicely.

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 may 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 may park your automobile.

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 totally stunning. One can spend hours exploring the park. Don’t neglect to go to the Cape of Good Hope, Dias Seaside, and the Outdated Lighthouse. There are a number of stunning hikes at Cape Level.

From Cape Level drive to Boulders Seaside in Simon’s City. You may keep in Simon’s City for the night time, there are a lot of nice lodging choices, or proceed driving to Muizenberg and in a single day there.

The following day on the best way again to the town you may 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 one of the stunning neighborhoods in Cape City.
• Hout Bay is among the finest 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 countless sandy seashores.
• Cape Level Nature Reserve is a spot with gorgeous surroundings, stunning seashores, and an previous lighthouse.
• Boulders Seaside in Simon’s City is a good looking white-sand seashore surrounded by large boulders with cute African penguins strolling round.
• Muizenberg is among the finest locations in Cape City to study browsing well-known for its colourful wood seashore cabins.
• Constantia is among the finest 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
• Finest 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 every of our favourite scenic drives in Cape City. We regularly 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 pictures and to identify Cape seals or Southern Proper whales in case 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 may typically see massive stingrays. Finish your day at Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost Level of Africa.

The subsequent day you may go to Arniston to see the white fishermen’s cottages and the large Waenhuiskrans cave. Be sure you go there at low tide in any other case you may’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 surprising highway alongside the coast.
• Crystal Swimming pools Nature Reserve is a superb place for mountaineering although it’s important to e-book a hike prematurely.
• Stony Level Penguin Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay.
• Harold Porter Botanical Backyard is a good looking backyard with a number of mountaineering trails.
• Hermanus is a good looking coastal city and a tremendous place for whale watching, nice seafood eating places, and wine estates.
• Elim is a good looking small city with colourful homes lined up alongside the primary road.
• Napier, a pleasant city with many souvenirs and occasional retailers on the primary road. 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
• Finest season – spring months of August and September are the perfect time to go to Namaqualand, to see fields lined 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 totally different and particular. The attractive countless shoreline with white-sandy seashores and turquoise blue waters – an unimaginable mixture of brilliant blue and white colours sponsored. Should you really feel overwhelmed by the busy lifetime of an enormous metropolis and need to unwind and chill out the West Coast is an ideal place for an escape from Cape City. Regionally caught recent seafood and fish at one of many eating places is a must-try right here.

To begin 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 choice, you may mix the journey with visiting wine farms in Durbanville. Cease at West Coast Nationwide Park. It’s an amazing place for chook watching and top-of-the-line locations to observe flowers in Namaqualand to return in spring to see fields lined with 1000’s 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 top-of-the-line locations for kite browsing in Cape City. In summer time you may see a whole bunch of kites alongside the seashore. From Langebaan head to Paternoster the place you may 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 good looking place with unspoiled sandy seashores surrounded by large 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, a whole bunch of seabirds, and a sunfish a few occasions.

West Coast weekend drive highlights 

• West Coast Nationwide park is a good looking park and an amazing place for chook lovers.
• Langebaan is a pleasant city with nice situations 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 good looking coastal surroundings, common place for tenting over the December holidays. The campsite is good however just lately there have been fairly a couple of individuals 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 advocate staying as near the seashore as attainable, the sundown views listed below are spectacular.

Route 62

• Whole distance – 490 km, return from Cape City to Barrydale
• Finest season – September – December, and March-Could are the perfect months. In winter it’s wet and chilly. In January – February it will get extremely popular.

The driving route; Cape City – Paarl – Du Toits Kloof Move – Breedekloof wine route – Rawsonville – Robertson – Montagu – Barrydale – Cape City.

To drive the whole route all the best way 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 choice, if it’s unpleasantly windy on the coast you may go extra inland and discover some cozy cities.

From Paarl don’t drive by means of 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 supply free tasting. Cease for lunch and wine tasting at Nuy Vineyard, between Worcester and Robertson; a good looking property with good wines, nice meals, desserts, and superb views.

You may cease in Montagu and chill out within the mineral sizzling springs.  If you wish to discover extra of the Route 62 proceed to Barrydale. The drive between Montagu and Barrydale provides a really typical Platteland surroundings; wheat fields with occasional vineyards, highway kiosks with native merchandise, and an countless highway.

On the best way again you are able to do a small loop and drive to Paarl over Bain’s Kloof Move, one other stunning go with gorgeous views.

Route 62 highlights 

• Paarl
• Du Toits Kloof Move
• Bain’s Kloof Move
• Breedekloof Wine Route
• Robertson Wine Valley
• Montagu sizzling 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+ totally different campsites in South Africa, principally 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 by means of the Bain’s Kloof Move – a good looking go with a surprising view. The campsite is ideal for many who need 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 amazing place for a summer time escape from the scorching metropolis.

Issues to do at Tweedy Tol

• Swimming
• Climbing
• Fishing
• Discovering San & Khoi rock artwork

Campsite amenities

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Flush bathrooms – sure
• Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
• Energy shops – no
• Braai place – sure
• Mobile phone reception – sure

22 Watervalle, Porterville

• Distance – 150 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – 1h40min.
• Per pleasant – no

22 Waterfalls is a good looking visitor farm close to Porterville. It’s an ideal place for a weekend escape from the town. The campsite will not be very huge however good and spacious. It’s positioned in a good looking space on the foot of the mountain subsequent to a small river. There are actually 22 waterfalls that you just stroll previous on the path, it goes fairly far up all the best way to the highest and additional however the forest half is essentially the most spectacular.

Issues to do at 22 Waterfalls

• Climbing
• Swimming within the swimming pools
• Fishing
• Biking

Campsite amenities

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Flush bathrooms – sure
• Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
• Energy shops – sure, websites with shops are costlier
• Braai place – sure
• Mobile phone reception – sure

Khomeesdrif, Riviersonderend

• Distance – 160 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – 2 hours
• Per pleasant – sure

Khomeesdrif is one in every of our favourite dog-friendly campsites close to Cape City. We’ve camped right here many occasions and each time our canine goes loopy after we arrive. The place is actually stunning and tranquil. The campsite is positioned near the river and surrounded by forest. It’s an amazing place to return with household and buddies. There are a lot of out of doors actions that the whole household can take pleasure in.

Issues to do at Khomeesdrif

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Fishing
• Climbing
• Enjoying volleyball
• Enjoyable on the deck

Campsite amenities

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Flush bathrooms – sure
• Electrical energy – sure, within the ablution advanced
• Energy shops – no
• Braai place – sure
• Mobile phone reception – no

Beaverlac, Porterville

• Distance – 175 km, a method from Cape City
• Driving time – 2 hours
• Value – ZAR 30 per automobile, ZAR 75 per particular person, ZAR 45 kids (4-17 yo), ZAR 50 per canine
• Per pleasant – sure

Beaverlac is a surprising 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 huge with a number of spacious open grassy areas for tenting, an amazing 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
• Climbing
• Mountain biking

Campsite amenities

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Flush bathrooms – sure
• Electrical energy – sure
• Energy shops – no
• Braai place – sure
• Mobile phone 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 return 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 night time and the way brilliant the night time 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 good looking view of the river, a pleasant spot for swimming.

Issues to do at Suikerbossie

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• 4×4 driving
• Climbing
• Mountain biking

Campsite amenities

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Flush bathrooms – sure
• Electrical energy – sure
• Energy shops – sure
• Braai place – sure
• Mobile phone reception – no

The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack relatively than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (really any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.