Welcome to 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.
Top experiences in Western Cape
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Western Cape activities
Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour - Northern Route
The Northern Route wine tour in Stellenbosch operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Be collected at any Guesthouse in Stellenbosch or at the Stellenbosch Tourism Information office at 36 Mark Street. You can decide when you would like to depart and how long you would like to hop on hop off along our route.The mini bus departure times from Stellenbosch town are at 9:45, 10:50, 12:10, 13:20, 14:30 and 15:40.Please be advised that the later you depart, the fewer estates you will be able to visit. The Northern Route has spectacular views of the Winelands where you can see all the way to Table Mountain in the distance and enjoy the splendour of the Western Cape. On this Route you have the option to visit the following farms:Bergkelder - The best wine experience in the Cape awaits you at Die Bergkelder, the famous “Cellar in the mountain” in Stellenbosch. Take a tour through the underground cellars in the mountain while tasting fantastic wines.Beyerkloof - Home of Pinotage. Beyerskloof has a small but modern cellar with a welcoming homely atmosphere. Here you can do a wine tasting or have a glass of wine along with a meal in our restaurant.Simonsig - Voted top South African winery in three prestigious competitions and bearer of numerous accolades, including South Africa’s top Shiraz, Simonsig signifies the ultimate in wine excellence. One of the founder farms of the Stellenbosch wine route and home of the famous Kaapse Vonkel. Cuvee Restaurant also is a perfect lunch stop for the fine food lover.Warwick - Set on the Simonsberg Mountain slopes, this highly regarded winery has become synonymous with the great winelands picnics tradition. Join Warwick for their delicious Gourmet Picnics, Big 5 Vineyard Safaris and historic Wines, the perfect ingredients for a memorable, lazy-day-out in wine country.Delheim - Seeing Sperling family members flanked by at least one Jack Russell each; watching the geese line up for lunch; marvelling at the vineyards in the foreground of the great Simonsberg mountain all make this farm worth a visit. The restaurant offers an la carte menu or you can order meat and cheese platters to be enjoyed with your wineMarianne - A young boutique estate on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain with fantastic views over the estate and beyond which complement the elegant wines of this estate. Enjoy a biltong and wine pairing or get a cheese platter to enjoy with your wine on the beautiful Panoramic deck terrace.After the tour, we will drop you off at your pick up location.
Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour - Southern Route
The Southern Route wine tour in Stellenbosch operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We collect at any Guesthouse in Stellenbosch or at the Stellenbosch Tourism Information office at 36 Mark Street. You can decide when you would like to depart and how long you would like to hop on hop off along our route.The mini bus departure times from Stellenbosch town are at 8:45, 10:15, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:40.Please be advised that the later you depart, the fewer estates you will be able to visit.The Southern Route highlights the differences in the types of farms Stellenbosch has to offer. You can decide if you would like to go to all 6 estates or spend more time at a few of your favourites. The Southern Route visits the following farms.Neethlingshof - Along with the awe-inspiring manor house, Neethlingshof is steeped in history which dates back to 1705 and distinguished by the beautiful avenue of stone pines. It’s a place where soil, climate and vines co-exist in perfect harmony. We’re blessed with 13 distinguishable terroirs and by choosing the correct site; we've been able to enhance the natural flavour and aroma of our range of wines. Our estate’s also a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI), highlighting our commitment to eco-sustainability. 28 ha of the 110 ha wine farm (under vine) is set aside for conservation and the replanting of the indigenous Renosterveld species with the aim of restoring the natural balance and encouraging wildlife, big and small, in this area.Van Ryn Brandy Cellar - The Van Ryn’s Distillery is housed in a beautiful building and a daily cellar tour shows of the Cooper, practicing his ancient art of Barrel making. After the cellar tour there are different options of brandy tasting pairings.Spier, is one of the biggest Wine Estates in Stellenbosch and is a destination in itself. Experience different wine tastings and pairing options, Restaurants, a Deli and the Cape Raptor Centre with its daily flying shows of birds of prey. Alto - Situated high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain, the history of Alto Estate dates back to 1693 and has a special place in the wine loving South Africans heart. Fantastic red wines can be tasted here with views over the wine valley. Bilton - Tucked away in the foothills of the Helderberg, this boutique winery is a specialist producer of rare wines of distinctive character. Chocolate and wine pairing at this estate is a favorite. Kleine Zalze - Wine has been made at Kleine Zalze since 1695. the family-owned winery continues the tradition of producing wines of outstanding quality, receiving numerous awards, both locally and abroad.
Shark Cage Diving and Viewing in Kleinbaai
The trip starts between 6 am and 12 pm in the morning from Kleinbaai harbour, which is a 2 km drive from the village of Gansbaai, but may vary due to the tides and expedited sea conditions. You will be personally notified, after 5 pm the day before your dive, about the time you must meet at our crew house in Kleinbaai. We will use the contact number you supply when making your booking. After a continental breakfast (no greasy foods), a safety briefing is held and then you board the shark-chaser, Apex Predator for the 5-mile voyage to Dyer Island or an anchor spot where we have observed recent white shark activity. When the boat leaves the harbour, the round trip usually takes 3 to 4 hours. After dropping anchor, the crew will begin attracting Great Whites Sharks with a specially- formulated ‘Chum’ mixture. (MANDATE AGAINST THE USE OF SHARK PRODUCTS - The local supplier do not feed the sharks nor use any part of a shark product in their ‘secret chum mixture’ and have signed a mandate to this effect.) Once the Great White Sharks arrive, you will have the opportunity to photograph these majestic apex-predators feeding at the surface, right alongside the boat. This is when you get the opportunity to enter the cage! Passengers are exposed to the open sea while travelling to Shark Alley where the boat will be anchored and chumming commence. The boat is protected with vinyl side curtains to give additional protection from the wind and water spray.
Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus
The whale watching tour begins with an on-land briefing presented by our whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our boat. We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ During the tour our friendly, knowledgeable crew adds that personal touch to ensure an all-round great experience, from ensuring you don’t miss the perfect photo opportunities to serving complimentary light refreshments. The guides keep you informed via our on board PA system ensuring your whale trip is informative and educational.WHAT YOU CAN ENCOUNTEREncounter Southern Right, Humpback & Bryde’s whales.Dolphins, Seals, and a large variety of marine birds including the African penguin.JUNE- MID AUGUST | Humpback & Southern Right whalesJUNE-DECEMBER | Southern Right whalesPASSENGER COMFORT- Twin hulls of the catamaran provide optimum stability.- Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating throughout.- Enclosed areas for protection from sea spray and weather conditions.- Retractable, transparent blinds to give the option of open-air freshness in good sea conditions.- Surround- sound public address system for optimum communication by the specialist guide on board.- Modern ladies and gents toilets on board.- Refreshments bar on board
Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine: Private Tour from Cape Town
This is a private tour which includes a private vehicle for you and your family/friends with your own private Tour guide/Driver. It is not a shared transport tour and does not include guests from other establishments. So you will have your own luxury vehicle and a personal qualified tour guide/Driver. This Cape Whale Route gives you a massive amount of options when it comes to exploring the Western Cape beyond Cape Town. You are also able to customize your own itinerary under the guidance of their knowledgeable Tour Guide/Driver, but there's also a recommended itinerary for you just in case. You will be collected from your accommodation at the agreed time and embark on a journey to the Whale watching capital of South Africa that is Hermanus. Along this private whale watching and Hermanus wine tour, you will drive on the N2 through small towns of Grabouw and Elgin, the apple growing region in South Africa until we reach Hermanus for the boat-based whale watching experience. Here you will spend 2 to 3 hours on the water for an encounter with these majestic creatures. The southernright whales can be encountered as close as 50 meters. These whales which in size each equal up to ten African Elephants, normally approach the boat for a closer look. You will begin the tour with a briefing by a whale specialist site guide whilst we are still on land. We then head off to the boat and set sail towards the whales. Light refreshments will be served on the boat and the site guide will make sure that you take enough photos. You will not only encounter the whales, but will also leave having gained extensive knowledge from the site guide about these large sea creatures. There is also a Translator on board the boat.After the private whale watching tour, you will journey back towards Cape Town, but not before a stop at 2 wine estates namely Newton-Johnson and Hamilton Russell. Creation Wine Estate is highly recommended for a food and wine pairing lunch.Next you will proceed to Stoney Point to see the Penguins colony. This is one of the biggest African penguins colonies. Here you will enjoy taking photos to the penguins. Ever wondered how Penguins survive in South Africa? Well, its because they are African Penguins. After the penguins you will travel back to Cape Town via the scenic Route 44 and see for yourselves what make the African coastline unique from the rest of the world.You will be dropped off at your accommodation at the end of the tour.
3-Day Cape Point, Winelands and Cape Agulhas Small Group Tour from Cape Town
Day tripping simply just doesn’t do South Africa’s Western Cape justice and, like all good tasting plates, this tour delivers the very best of the region – from Cape Point, Winelands, Whale Coast and to the Tip of Africa; Cape Agulhas. You'll taste local MCC and pair wines with biltong and chocolate in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions, enjoy an optional kayak among marine life, spot majestic Southern Right Whales (seasonal), watch the sun sink and pastel colours flood the sky at the most Southern Tip of Africa and meet penguins at Betty’s Bay. The history, hospitality and the sheer diversity of flora, fauna and cultures in the Western Cape, together with a landscape that dramatically transforms with every curve of the road will naturally wow… Think serene hikes along rugged cliff paths of Hermanus, wine tasting in the heart of the Cape Winelands, local delights on a foodie history walk in Stellenbosch, winding coastal drives, kayaking, sightseeing and so much more. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find just beyond Cape Town. Please see the Itinerary below for details on each day of the tour.