Western Cape
Located on the site of an early-20th-century whaling station, Stony Point is a much quieter place to watch the diminutive African penguins than at the…
Must-see attractions in Western Cape
Knysna
Reached by a turn-off along the N2 10km east of Knysna, Noetzie is a quirky little place with holiday homes in mock-castle style. There’s a lovely surf…
Western Cape
Dating from 1895, the lighthouse is set in pretty grounds and has some information on the 1852 HMS Birkenhead shipwreck. It's best to call in advance as…
Western Cape
It's not often you find a wine estate slap bang in the middle of town, but SoetKaroo is quite possibly the smallest wine estate in the country. The…
Knysna
Since this region has plenty of wet weather, a rainy-day option is welcome. The main museum is a pleasant complex in a mid-19th century building that was…
Winelands
This tiny cellar is the epitome of the garagiste (garage) winery. Set back from the main road in the centre of town, there are just two tables – one…
Hermanus
There's lots of info on whales, including daily audiovisual shows. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Old Harbour Museum and the…
Stellenbosch
A small nature reserve at the foot of the Helderberg mountains. There are several short day trails and you're likely to see tortoises, bonteboks and…
West Coast & Swartland
Sitting just 100m from the mainland, Bird Island is an important breeding site for the Cape gannet. You'll likely spot Cape fur seals too. The island is…
West Coast & Swartland
The largest winery in the region is best known for its easy-drinking boxed wine. You can do a casual tasting or try pairing the wines with chocolate or…
Route 62
Decorated with authentic period furniture, this place is as good an example of a ‘feather palace’ as you’re likely to see. Entrance is included with a…
Winelands
Housed in the Oude Pastorie (Old Parsonage), built in 1714, this museum has an interesting collection of Cape Dutch antiques and relics of Huguenot and…
Western Cape
Part of the Drostdy Museum, you’ll find part of the original administrative buildings and a watermill here. Entrance included in the museum's ticket price…
Huguenot Memorial Museum Annexe
Franschhoek
Part of the Huguenot Memorial Museum, this annexe offers displays on the Anglo-Boer War and natural history. Admission to the annexe is covered by a…
Western Cape
This residence, dating back to 1853, has a formal Victorian garden. It is part of the Drostdy Museum, and entrance is included with the museum ticket…
Route 62
Choose five tasters from the selection of table wine, spirits and the award-winning Port-style wines. A low-key restaurant serves light meals, cheese…
Route 62
West of Barrydale, Joubert-Tradauw is a charming spot for some boutique wine tasting and a light lunch from its small menu of salads, platters and burgers.
Stellenbosch
This delightful museum features a remarkable collection of detailed toys ranging from railway sets to dollhouses. The highlight for kids is probably the…
Garden Route
There are wonderful views from the lighthouse, but call ahead to ensure it's open as the hours aren't always observed. There are plans to open a coffee…
Western Cape
Genadendal’s fascinating history is documented in the Mission Museum, situated in what was South Africa’s first teacher-training college.
Route 62
Birdwatchers and photographers will enjoy a pause at this small dam in the town, frequented in the summer months (September to March) by sacred ibis, Cape…
Stellenbosch
The neo-Gothic St Mary’s on the Braak Church, completed in 1852, sits at the north end of the Braak, an open stretch of grass.
Winelands
One of the pioneers of boutique distilling in South Africa, Roger Jorgensen – 'the Still Man' – produces handmade gin, brandy, vodka, limoncello and…
Western Cape
Spread over three buildings, the museum is largely devoted to local hero Dr Christiaan Barnard, who performed the world's first human heart transplant.
Western Cape
Sitting beneath the train station, this eerie place is a right old jumble sale, containing everything from trophy heads to a collection of commodes.
West Coast & Swartland
As well as wine tasting, there are cellar tours and olive tastings. Cheese platters and pizzas are available on weekends if you book ahead.
Route 62
Guided walking tours take around 45 minutes and include an overview of the ostrich farming industry. Tours take place every 20 minutes.
Western Cape
There's an impressive private collection of vintage cars here, including two Daimlers from King George V's 1947 visit to South Africa.
West Coast & Swartland
Built in 1936, the diminutive lighthouse is worth a brief pause. You can also stay over here in a simple cottage (double from R650).
Route 62
Interesting displays and some good examples of antique furniture can be found at this museum in the old mission church.
Western Cape
Swellendam residents swear every visitor takes a photograph of this wedding-cake-like church in the centre of town.
Garden Route
George was the hub of the indigenous timber industry and, thus, this museum contains a wealth of related artefacts.
Route 62
Joubert House is the oldest house in Montagu (built in 1853) and has been restored to its Victorian glory.
West Coast & Swartland
Based in the old jail, the museum pays homage to Clanwilliam's icons, with sections on San rock paintings, rooibos cultivation, traditional veldskoen …
Hermanus
This museum doesn’t have a lot going for it, but outside there’s a display of old fishing boats and the admission fee includes entrance to the more…
Hermanus
There's a mildly interesting collection of photos from the Hermanus of yore at this small museum. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Old…
Stellenbosch
The VOC Kruithuis was built in 1777 to store the town’s weapons and gunpowder and now houses a small military museum.
Winelands
Opened in late 2017, this gallery has rotating exhibitions from local and international artists.
