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.
Located just 50 kilometres outside of Cape Town, Die Swartland is known for its scenic beauty - majestic mountains, pristine beaches and wheat, olive, rooibos and vineyard covered farmlands. Stretching from the glistening turquoise waters of the West Coast towards the hinterland, the area is named for its rich fertile soil which turns black after the rains in winter (‘Die Swartland’ means the 'black land' in Afrikaans). Visitors can sample delicious wines along the Swartland Wine Route, visit the quaint historic towns dotting the region and enjoy a wide selection of adventure activities including cycling, mountain biking, trail running, and scenic hiking trails.
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.
A small historical town in the Western Cape winelands, Tulbagh rests within a lush valley surrounded by the peaks of several mountain ranges, the slopes of which are blanketed with indigenous buchu, proteas and wildflowers. Tulbagh is home to the highest concentration of national monuments anywhere in South Africa, with over 30 historical buildings clustered around the old church. A number of esteemed wine farms are located in the valley and offer wine tastings and tours, including Twee Jonge Gezellen and Drostdyhof.
