Top 10 Things To Do When Visiting The Western Cape

Heading off to enjoy the wealth of wonders in the Western Cape? The Flight Centre team of Travel Experts rounded up ten of their ultimate experiences to enjoy in the Western Cape year-round.

Enjoy exploring South Africa with our Homegrown Holidays collection. All you need to do is get in touch with a Travel Expert, and we will do the rest!

1. The classic road trip

Drive along the coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River, and you'll discover hills and sun-kissed vineyards, lush forests, deserted beaches and winding rivers. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Western Cape. Choose South Africa’s timeless road trip journey – exploring the Garden Route.

Our Homegrown Holidays domestic travel collection includes a variety of Western Cape road trip itineraries, such as the Cape Town to Knysna 6-night road trip via Swellendam.

 

 

2. Rooibos and rock art

The orange-hued Cederberg Mountains hide a wealth of San rock art, trails just begging to be climbed, rock pools to cool off in and endless fields of rooibos tea to explore. Make the trip to hike or horse ride through the rooibos fields and learn about the heritage of the Khoikhoi and San people.

 

3. Smell the wildflowers

Expect a riot of colours as you view expansive carpets of wildflowers on the Cape West Coast from September to early October each year. The Postberg area of the West Coast National Park is a must-do and is a great day trip from Cape Town, just two hours from Cape Town.
Top tip: Drive 40 minutes north to enjoy an idyllic seaside retreat in the sleepy fishing village of Paternoster. It’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking to sit back, relax and soak up the sun, famous for its pristine white beaches and West Coast charm.

 

 

4. Wine in the Winelands

With more than 560 wineries in the Cape, you couldn't so much as pop a cork without hitting a wine farm. The Constantia, Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Route 62 routes are the most popular, although the less well known Plett Wine Route is also putting its name on the map. The Plett Wine Route’s four wineries are located in The Crags, on the stretch of the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. The region produces cool-climate wines, mostly whites, with the Sauvignon Blanc a firm favourite with visitors.

 

 

5. Cape Malay in the Mother City

There’s one cuisine you absolutely have to try in the Mother City – it’s proudly South African and found nowhere else on earth. Pop into the colourful homes of the historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and join a local cooking class. Learn how to make delicious dhaltjies, bredie, breyani, bobotie and more, so you can add these Cape Town favourites to your repertoire of recipes. 

6. Step back in time in Swellendam

Swellendam is the third-oldest town in South Africa, home to over 50 important heritage sites, including some of the best-preserved Cape Dutch architecture in the country. It’s ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and George.

Did you know that Swellendam is the largest youngberry (a mix of a raspberry and blackberry) growing area in the world? The unique microclimate of the Hermitage valley just a few kilometers outside of Swellendam provides the perfect soil for growing these little berries.

 

7. The world’s best land-based whale watching

Sure, Hermanus is the whale watching capital of the world but did you know you can spot these gentle giants from land in St. Francis too? Coincide your visit with the spectacular display of spring wildflowers.

 

 

8. Fruit picking with the family

From as early as September and October, you can go fruit picking with the family.

Redberry Farm in the Garden Route is a favourite as you can pick strawberries year-round. But September to early January is recommended for the best, seasonal strawberry picking. Redberry Farm is also open for raspberry and blackberry picking from the end of November until end March. Closer to Cape Town, you can pick strawberries at Mooiberge Farm Stall and Polkadraai Farm in Stellenbosch from October.

 

9. A wealth of wildflowers

The Cape wildflowers are a South African bucket list favourite. Plan your itinerary around where the flowers are currently blooming as they only bloom for a short period, and are weather dependent. Along the Cape West Coast, such as the Postberg area of the West Coast National Park, flowers usually bloom from September until early October.

 

10. All-in-one experience

With such a wealth of diversity, from cuisine to culture and wildflowers to whales, it’s easy to combine the best of the Western Cape in one trip. Why not see if you can tick off all these ultimate experiences on your next holiday in the Western Cape!

Are you eager to discover the wealth of delights that await you in the Western Cape this holiday season? Browse our hottest Western Cape holiday packages and contact your Flight Centre Travel Expert to book your getaway today.