Western Cape
The splendours of the Western Cape lie not only in its world-class vineyards, stunning beaches and mountains, but also in lesser-known regions, such as the wide-open spaces of the Karoo, the many nature reserves and the wilderness areas. Make sure you get out into these wild, less-visited areas for birdwatching and wildlife adventure, as well as pure relaxation under vast skies.
The Western Cape offers a huge range of activities, from sedate endeavours such as wine tasting and scenic drives to more hair-raising encounters such as skydiving and rock climbing.
The diverse mix of cultures in the region also begs to be explored. Khoe-San rock art is at its best in the Cederberg mountains, and there are some fine opportunities to learn about the fascinating culture of the Xhosa people.
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Western Cape.
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Babylonstoren
This 2.5-sq-km wine and fruit farm is on the north slope of the Simonsberg mountain between Klapmuts and Paarl. Its highlight is an 800-sq-metre, formally designed garden; inspired by Cape Town’s Company’s Garden, it is an incredible undertaking, featuring edible and medicinal plants, lotus ponds and espaliered quince trees, chicken coops and a maze of prickly-pear cacti. Reserve a place on one of the garden tours (10am). Better yet, check into one of the super-chic guest rooms (single/double from R4200/5700), crafted from the old workers’ cottages, so that once the day visitors have left you can enjoy the gardens – not to mention the spa and pool in one of the farm’s old reservoir tanks. There’s no need to reserve if you’d like lunch at the Greenhouse (mains R75 to R100), hidden deep in the garden. However, bookings are essential for the Babel (mains R100 to R280), which serves delicious meals made with produce from the garden and quaffable wines that the farm has recently resumed making. The new wine cellar is a model of contemporary design with interesting exhibits related to the wine-making process. There are cellar tours on the hour (R35, including tasting). You can also buy freshly baked bread and charcuterie cured on-site if you feel like picnicking.
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La Motte
There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine-pairing lunches and dinners are served at the Pierneef à la Motte restaurant. The restaurant is named for South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef and a collection of his work is on show at the on-site museum. This is also the starting point for historical walks (R50) through the estate, taking in four national monuments and a milling demonstration and ending with a bread tasting (Wednesday 10am, bookings essential). If you’ve overindulged, walk off a few calories on the 5km circular hike that starts at the farm.
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Boschendal
This is a quintessential Winelands estate, with lovely architecture, food and wine. Tasting options include bubbly, brandy or wine and chocolate pairing. There are excellent vineyard and cellar tours; booking is essential. When it comes to eating, there are various options, from sandwiches or cake at the Farmshop & Deli to bistro lunches featuring produce grown on the farm at the Werf. On Sundays you can partake in a huge buffet lunch (adult/child R325/160) in the 1795 homestead, while picnics (basket for two R480, bookings essential) can be ordered to enjoy under parasols on the lawn from September to May. Mountain-biking trails start from the farm, for those who feel like working up an appetite.
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Spice Route
Spice Route is known for its complex red wines, particularly the Flagship syrah. Aside from wine there is a lot going on, including glass-blowing demonstrations, wine and charcuterie pairings (R85), a chocolatier (tutored tasting R35), grappa distillery and a superlative microbrewery (tastings R35). As well as the upmarket restaurant headed by celebrity chef Bertus Basson (mains R140 to R215), there is a pizzeria (mains R70 to R150).
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Spier
Spier has some excellent shiraz, cabernet and red blends, though a visit to this vast winery is less about wine and more about the other activities available. There are superb birds-of-prey displays (adult/child R75/65), Segway tours through the vines, three restaurants, and picnics to enjoy in the grounds. Look out for special events in the summer months, including open-air cinema evenings and live entertainment.
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Avondale
This quiet spot in a gracious old homestead serves delectable, organically made wines. The formal tasting takes around an hour, or you can join a two-hour eco-safari through the vineyards on the back of a tractor, which culminates in a tasting. The restaurant, Faber (mains R160 to R220), is one of the Winelands' best, with dishes like roasted springbok loin, truffled leeks and sourdough bread-and-butter pudding. If you'd like a less formal way to taste the cuisine, the Garden Bar is open on Friday evenings. You can enjoy wines and sharing plates from the Faber kitchen.
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West Coast Fossil Park
The first bear discovered south of the Sahara, lion-size sabre-toothed cats, three-toed horses and short-necked giraffes are all on display at this excellent fossil park on Rte 45 about 16km outside Langebaan. Fascinating tours depart hourly from 10am to 3pm (until 1pm on weekends) and take you to the excavation sites – among the richest fossil sites in the world. There are also mountain-biking and walking trails, and a coffee shop. A new exhibition centre funded by the national lottery was about to open when we last visited.
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Viljoensdrift
One of Robertson’s most popular places to sip, especially on weekends. Put together a picnic from the deli, buy a bottle from the cellar door and taste on an hour-long boat trip along the Breede River (adult/child R70/20). Boats leave on the hour from noon. Bookings essential.
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Vergelegen
Simon van der Stel’s son Willem first planted vines here in 1700. The buildings and elegant grounds have ravishing mountain views and a ‘stately home’ feel to them. You can take a tour of the gardens, a cellar tour or just enjoy a tasting of four of the estate's wines. Tasting the flagship Vergelegen Red costs an extra R10. There are also two restaurants. The bistro-style Stables (mains R80 to R165, 9am to 5pm) overlooks the Rose Garden and has a super cool kids' playground. For a more upmarket meal, try Camphors (three courses R395, noon to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 9pm Friday and Saturday). Picnic hampers (R255 per person, November to April only) are also available – bookings are essential for these and Camphors.
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