Discover the best day trips from Cape Town, from scenic drives to wildlife encounters and world-class wine regions. These unforgettable getaways showcase the Western Cape’s diverse landscapes and experiences.
It’s no secret Cape Town is packed with incredible things to do, but some of the best adventures lie just beyond the city limits.
From scenic coastal drives and penguin encounters to world-class wine regions and epic whale-watching tours, there’s no shortage of incredible day trips to add to your itinerary.
Having spent months living in Cape Town and exploring the Western Cape, I can confidently say these are the absolute best day trips from Cape Town—whether you’re craving wild landscapes, wildlife encounters, or wine-fueled indulgence.
Day trips from Cape Town
- Cape Winelands
- Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope
- Boulders Beach penguins
- Cape Peninsula
- Babylonstoren Gardens
- Visit an alpaca farm
- Safari
- Atlantis Dunes
- Whale watching in Yzerfontein
- Visit a township
- Canopy ziplining tour
- Hermanus
- Bonus: Drive the Garden Route
And if you’re wondering how to get to all these awesome places, jump down to the transportation section.
1. Cape winelands
It’s no secret that South Africa produces some world-class wines. A combination of the terrain, special weather patterns and exceptional grapes make the Cape Winelands an ideal place to harvest and one of the best day trips from Cape Town.
As an added bonus, South African wine is completely approachable. Tastings are inexpensive, vineyards are gracious hosts, and the pours are generous.
Between Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franchhoek, there are some extraordinary vineyards attracting wine-loving tourists from around the globe. Spend the day (or a weekend!) exploring the wine region and indulging in as many tastings as you can fit into your schedule.
Insider tip: Don’t miss out on tasting the Pinotage – a cross between the Pinot Noir grapes and native cinsault grapes, that is only found in South Africa.
Some of my favorite wine farms to visit
We have an entire guide to the best wine farms in the Cape Winelands, but if you’re looking for some quick answers. Here are some of my favorite wine farms.
- Tokara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
- My favorite reds, plus the views from their tasting room are amazing!
- Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch
- Their namesake restaurant (on a terrace with incredible views) is a must for lunch!
- Babylonstoren in Franschhoek/Paarl
- Take a stroll through the gardens and have lunch at their greenhouse restaurant.
- Bartinney Private Cellar in Stellenbosch
- Beautiful views from the two-tiered tasting terrace
- Ernie Els Wines in Stellenbosch
- Score a hole in one to take home a free bottle!
If a self-guided tour sounds like too much planning for your liking, you can join a full or a half day organized tour (which usually includes transportation from Cape Town!). Compare tour prices here.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a fun, hassle-free way to explore the Cape Winelands, with hop-on, hop-off routes that take you to top vineyards for wine tastings, cellar tours, and world-class cuisine.
Each route loops through different estates, letting you sip, stroll, and sample at your own pace—no designated driver needed!
We put together a detailed guide covering the best routes and must-visit stops.
How to get there: Book a tour with round-trip transport from Cape Town, take an Uber, or rent a car if you have a designated driver.
2. Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of Cape Town’s most breathtaking natural areas, with dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife.
As part of Table Mountain National Park, it offers scenic hikes, sweeping ocean views, and a chance to stand at the edge of the African continent.
No matter how many times I visit, I’m always blown away by its beauty.
Note: Keep an eye out for baboons, ostriches, and antelope that roam the reserve.
Cape of Good Hope
A historically significant landmark, this is where ships traveling along Africa’s coast begin heading east.
It’s a popular photo spot, but if you want a quieter moment, take a short hike uphill for panoramic views over the windswept coastline.
Cape Point
Venture a bit further and you’ll wind up at the famous Cape Point – the southwesternmost point on the African continent.
With its towering cliffs and expansive ocean views, Cape Point feels like the end of the world.
Walk up to the old lighthouse or take the Flying Dutchman funicular for an easy ride to the top.
PSA: The parking lot for Cape Point is notoriously full of baboons who are on the lookout for food. Keep your car windows rolled all the way up and don’t carry open food in your hand bag or backpack. And no matter what, do not open food while standing in the parking lot. I have seen many tourists being chased and “attacked” by these rather large baboons until they inevitably throw their food and the baboons get it.
Plan your visit
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
- Entrance Fee (international visitors): R455 (~$25 USD) for adults, R225 (~$13 USD) for kids (2-11)
- Google Maps Location
The best way to visit is by renting a car and driving into the reserve. Plan at least a few hours to explore the hiking trails, viewpoints, and beaches before making your way back to Cape Town.
Insider tip: A trip to the Cape Point Nature Reserve can be combined with #3 and #4 on this list for a full day trip adventure!
3. Boulders Beach (penguin colony!)
Boulders Beach is home to one of the world’s only land-based African penguin colonies, making it a must-visit on a day trip from Cape Town.
To see these adorable creatures up close, skip the crowded boardwalk and head to the beach entrance, where you can swim alongside these sweet birds in their natural habitat.
Responsible travel note: As with any wild animal encounter, always keep your distance and respect the space of the animals. Remember this is their home you are entering and you want to make sure you are not causing any harm during your “visit.” Never, ever try to touch, pet, hold or feed a wild animal. Check out more responsible travel tips.
Insider tip: With the ocean on your righthand side, walk all the way down the beach to the large boulders. If you look closely, there are some cracks you can just fit through at low tide and you’ll find a lot more penguins on the other side of the boulders!
Plan your visit
- Hours:
- Dec–Jan: 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Feb–April & Oct–Nov: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- May–Sept: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Entrance Fee (international visitors): R215 (~$12 USD) for adults, R105 (~$6 USD) for kids (2-11)
- Google Maps location
For a unique experience, this paddle with penguins kayak tour brings you along the coastline for a chance to paddle past penguins in the wild!
4. Cape Peninsula
A day trip down the Cape Peninsula is one of the most scenic adventures you can have from Cape Town. This iconic route is perfect for adventure seekers and leisurely travelers alike and combines #2 and #3 on this list into one epic day trip!
Muizenberg Beach
Kick off your journey at Muizenberg Beach, famous for its colorful beach huts and excellent surf. If you’re up for it, take a quick surfing lesson or just enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe.
Insider tip: Stop at Harvest Cafe for a delicious breakfast when you arrive in Muizenberg.
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Next, head all the way south to Table Mountain National Park to take in the views at Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. This makes a nice late-morning stop so you can time your drive to grab lunch in Simon’s Town afterwards.
Simon’s Town and the Boulders Beach penguins
By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite, so stop in Simon’s Town for lunch. I highly recommend Minari Korean Kitchen for some delicious Korean dim sum on the water.
After lunch, make your way to Boulders Beach, home to the famous African penguin colony. As I mentioned above in #3, skip the crowded boardwalk and head to the beach entrance, where you can get up close and personal with these adorable birds.
Kalk Bay
Next, stop in Kalk Bay, a quirky fishing village with oceanfront cafés, vintage shops, and fresh seafood. Most guides will tell you to go to Kalky’s, a local institution serving some of the best fish and chips around.
However, my favorite spot in Kalk Bay is Cape to Cuba, an authentic Cuban restaurant/beach bar with the best ribs and live music on Sundays. Don’t stay too long though, you won’t want to miss sunset on the drive home…
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Time your drive back to Cape Town so you have plenty of time to experience one of the world’s most stunning coastal roads.
The scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive hugs the coastline along the cliff side, similar to the drive along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. And the views are just as stunning!
You’ll want to stop at this viewpoint to soak in the golden hour light and witness a breathtaking sunset with panoramic views and Hout Bay in the distance. Plan your time wisely to arrive about 30-45 minutes before sunset so you can get a parking space (spots are limited!).
Insider tip: Chapmans Peak is also an excellent hike. You could make an entire day trip out of hiking to the summit and then watching the sunset from the view point before heading back into town.
5. Go on a safari
One of the most exciting day trips from Cape Town is—of course—going on safari.
At the Aquila Private Game Reserve, you can join an open vehicle game safari tour to see giraffes, lions, leopards, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, and endless others species on their bio-diverse reserve.
See if you can spot the famous Big 5 as you explore their natural habitats before enjoying a delicious lunch at the onsite lodge and heading back to your hotel Cape Town.
What you need to know:
- Hours: 9 hours
- Price: $175 USD
- Google Maps location (just 2 hours from Cape Town)
What guests are saying:
“To anyone who wants to visit a fairly large area of South Africa in one day, along with the landscape, fauna and flora, and above all great people, I would recommend this trip without hesitation. Thank you to the organizers and participants of this trip.” – Christopher (April 2023)
Got your own transportation? You can book full or half day safaris (game drives) directly from Aquila.
6. Babylonstoren Gardens
Babylonstoren Wine Estate is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek wine region. The large estate is a great place for wine tasting and boasts a fabulous fine dining restaurant called Babel (highly recommended!) as well as a hotel onsite.
What makes this place so unique, however, is the working fruit and vegetable gardens with spectacular botanical diversity. The gardens are spread out over 8 acres and are wonderful to walk through on a sunny day.
Join the daily garden tour, which leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the Farm Shop everyday, and is led by an experienced gardener. Guests are encouraged to pick, taste, smell and touch on this tour of the gardens.
Monday through Friday, Babylonstoren also offers a Special Collections Tour, departing from the same location at 11:30 a.m. Depending on the time of year, tours will focus on the succulent collection, the cycads next to the stream or a walk through the Healing Garden.
Note: There is an R80 (~$5 USD) entrance fee for everyone visiting the estate during daytime hours (excluding dinner reservations and hotel guests).
Combine your tour of the gardens with lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant. Tucked away at the back of the gardens, the Greenhouse Restaurant offers picnic-style meals of fresh ingredients on a first-come-first served basis.
7. Visit an alpaca farm
Just an hour drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Cape Winelands is the picturesque town of Paarl. At the Alpaca Loom & Coffee Shop you can enjoy a coffee or a light breakfast in the cafe overlooking the farm surrounded by miles of vineyards with the mountain range on the horizon.
Take a bucket of feed down to the pen where you can feed alpacas right out of the palm of your hand.
This interactive experience makes for some great photo ops, just be sure to watch out for the spitting! (Yes, as a show of dominance, alpacas may split at or near you… it’s actually quite funny.)
After indulging in some playtime with alpacas, stick around for the barn tour. The employees of the farm will escort you through the property, explaining the history of their operation.
If you time it right, you’ll have the chance to meet the baby alpacas on the tour!
How to get there
There are a few options for getting to Paarl from Cape Town.
- Uber is widely used in Cape Town and drivers don’t mind the longer trips out to wine country. However, it’s hard to say how many Uber drivers are around Paarl. So that is something to keep in mind for your return trip.
- You can hire a driver for the day, or a half-day, for a reasonable amount if you split the cost between a full car.
- Renting a car is probably going to be your cheapest option as car rentals are quite affordable in South Africa.
8. Atlantis Dunes
One of Cape Town’s best kept secrets has been uncovered…
Just north of the city are powdery white sand dunes that make the perfect playground for a bit of sandboarding, off-roading, or a scenic stroll.
How to get there: The dunes are about 43 km (27 miles) from Cape Town—that’s about a 40-minute drive with your own vehicle. Otherwise, local bus T03 runs to/from the dunes. An Uber will set you back about R650 ($35 USD) one way.
If you’re looking for a more exhilarating adventure, an Atlantic Dunes Quad Biking Tour is a sure way to get your heart racing in all the corners of this nature area.
9. Whale watching in Yzerfontein
For an unforgettable whale-watching experience, head to Yzerfontein, a charming coastal town just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. This area is a prime spot to see southern right whales, humpback whales, and even the occasional Bryde’s whale as they migrate along the West Coast.
With Whale Expeditions SA, you’ll embark on a responsible, boat-based tour led by expert marine guides who provide insights into the whales’ behaviors and conservation efforts.
The best time for whale watching on the west coast is December – March, giving you a great opportunity for spotting if you’re visiting Cape Town during the summer season. I know some friends who did this whale watching tour in early February and saw tons of whales!
What you need to know:
- Duration: up to 6 hours
- Price: R4950 (~$275 USD)
- Google Maps location
Insider Tip: Pack a windproof jacket and binoculars for the best experience, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the way!
10. Visit a township
Open your eyes to a different side of South Africa when you join your guide on a tour of Cape Town’s Townships. Take the opportunity to meet and interact with the local community. Walk the streets, learn about the interesting history of townships and visit the local school.
A unique and sustainable way to tour a township is by bicycle. There are a few innovative companies offering biking tours of the townships surrounding Cape Town.
Though I wasn’t able to experience these tours for myself, two of the companies that have good reviews and look like they offer fun tours are Awol Tours and Ubuntu.
While townships may offer tours to outsiders, it is important to remember that this is still someone’s home and to respect the property and privacy of the residents. Act like a guest and not a voyeur. And always ask permission before taking someone’s photo or a photo of their property.
11. Canopy ziplining tour
Just east of the city, dotted in a maze of nature reserves, you can soar through South Africa’s rugged mountainscapes on a Cape Canopy Tour.
Feel the rush as you glide through the scenery of the Hottentots Nature Preserve, an acclaimed World Heritage Site, surrounded by sparing eagles, coursing rivers, and sweeping vistas.
What you need to know:
- Hours: 4.5 hours
- Price: R1195 (~$60 USD)
- Google Maps location
What guests are saying:
“It was pretty much guaranteed to be a special day as you zip from mountain to mountain in a stunning location, but [the guides] were really the cherry & cream on top of the cake making the whole day fun, light-hearted and oodles of energy – they’re both so good at their jobs and kudos to the Cape Canopy team.” – Danielle (January 2022)
12. Hermanus
Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to spot southern right whales from shore. Between June and November, these gentle giants migrate to Walker Bay, offering spectacular viewing opportunities from the town’s cliffside paths.
For a closer look, take a boat tour with Southern Right Charters or even go kayaking among the whales. Beyond marine life, Hermanus boasts pristine beaches, excellent wineries, and charming coastal cafes, making it a fantastic day trip year-round.
Have lunch at the cliffside Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar, walk the cliff paths any time of year, or try sea kayaking in Walker Bay with Walker Bay Adventures.
Insider tip: On the drive to or from Cape Town, stop at Sir Lowry’s Pass lookout for a nice view, and make a lunch (or breakfast) stop at Peregrine Farm Stall.
Bonus: Drive the Garden Route
While not exactly a single day trip, if you have the time to explore more of South Africa, I highly recommend driving the Garden Route across the southern coast of the continent.
With so much to see and do on this drive, you’ll want to be sure you have more than a few days to dedicate to this trip.
Get yourself a camper van and use this guide to plan your South African Garden Route trip of a lifetime!
How to get to these day trips from Cape Town
Getting to and from Cape Town to visit these places takes a bit of pre-planning, but you have a few different options for transportation.
- Uber/rideshare apps – Uber is widely available for shorter trips (Cape Winelands, etc.), but for destinations farther from the city (like Cape Point or Hermanus), arranging a return ride in advance is a good idea.
- This is probably your cheapest option, but comes with the most risk in terms of waiting for return rides.
- Hiring a private driver – If you’d rather not drive yourself, hiring a private driver is a stress-free way to explore.
- I’ve personally arranged for a private driver many times with Reveler Tours, and I always suggest them to my friends. They are very reasonably priced and offer different sized cars and vans depending on your group size.
- Renting a Car – For the most flexibility, renting a car is the best option. South Africa’s roads are well-maintained, and driving yourself lets you explore at your own pace. I’ve personally used Discover Cars to book rentals in Cape Town and had great experiences.
More Cape Town Travel Resources
If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do, we have an entire article of fun things to do in Cape Town where we share details and tips for first-time visitors.
First timer’s guide to Cape Town
If this is your first time visiting the Mother City, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats.
Plan your trip to South Africa
We have TONS of resources on travel in South Africa and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our South Africa Homepage for all the answers to your most popular questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Start by reading up on the best time to visit South Africa.
- Plan your Garden Route road trip with our excellent guide.
- Sneak a peak at the best wine farms in Stellenbosch and the Cape winelands to plan a day of tastings!
- Read this before you book the Franschhoek Wine Tram—the best way to visit the Cape winelands!
- If you’re planning on visiting a game reserve, make sure you know what to wear on safari (+ what NOT to wear!).
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these Cape Town day trips is going to the top of your bucket list? Do you have any other day trips from Cape Town you’d suggest we add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!