Self-drive Western Cape - Off the beaten track

Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.

Situated in the beautiful province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Montagu is a popular stop along the famous Route 62, a scenic alternative to the N2 highway. This quaint town serves as the gateway to the Little Karoo and is well-known for its natural hot springs, heritage and idyllic setting. The rugged terrain features majestic mountains, spectacular passes, vineyards, orchards and rivers. It is a popular destination for rock climbers who flock here to scramble up the many rugged rocky outcrops and cliff faces encircling this charming town. Visitors can explore the wide picturesque streets lined with over twenty Cape Victorian national monuments, discover a wide range of wining and dining options, and soak up the scenic tranquillity on one of the many hiking trails in and around Montagu.

Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as the bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.

Serving as the gateway to the arid wilderness of the Great Karoo, the little South African heritage town of Prince Albert is surrounded by an oasis of magnificent mountains, fresh sparkling water, lush gardens, vineyards, and fruit orchards. This Karoo gem is home to beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings. It is a popular place in which to relax in the sun and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the town or appreciate the spectacularly clear and star-filled night sky to the rare sound of silence. Visitors can discover ancient fossils, visit a working moonshine distillery at the Fransie Pienaar Museum, enjoy a historical walking tour through the town, and drive along the edge of the harrowing 19th-century Swartberg Pass for dramatic mountain views. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and botanical excursions.

Matjiesfontein is a quaint little railroad town situated on the fringe of the Karoo. This fascinating remote town has been proclaimed a National Heritage Site as the entire town boasts well-preserved Victorian buildings. Matjiesfontein is set in spectacular terrain, amidst barren mountains and wide open tranquil Karoo landscapes. Visit this living museum and step back in time, enjoy the old world charm of the Lord Milner Hotel, take a ride on the Old London Bus, or explore local history in the Transport and Victoriana museums. Other attractions include: The Old Post Office, the Travellers Chapel, The Railway Station, and the picturesque Pink Church. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: bird watching, veld walking, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and tennis.

The Cederberg is a region of wild, dramatic valleys situated just 2.5 hours' drive from Cape Town, between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam. Lined with citrus orchards and surrounded by magnificent mountains, the jaw-dropping scenes here become even more spectacular at sunset when they are bathed in an array of vivid colours, and in springtime when flowers completely take over (this is the heart of the biodiverse Cape Floral Kingdom). Travellers can also swim in turquoise rock pools, visit intriguing ancient rock art sites, take advantage of superb beaches with excellent surfing conditions, or learn about the clear night skies at the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory. Some other activity options include hiking, bouldering, tubing, sundowner cruises, and rock climbing - as well as dining at top-notch wineries and restaurants.

While the Garden Route remains one of South Africa’s most famous attractions, the West Coast’s windswept isolation and tranquillity appeal to visitors seeking a break from the hustle and bustle that often accompanies popular tourist towns. The sparsely populated West Coast offers wide open spaces, unspoilt beaches, rugged terrain, and azure seas. Visitors can look forward to exploring quaint country towns and whitewashed fishing villages, hiking through the spectacular Cederberg and the West Coast National Park as well as sampling fresh seafood at the seaside towns of Langebaan and Paternoster. Other popular activities include bird watching, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing.