A week gives you time to see the Western Cape properly, without rushing from hotel to hotel. This Western Cape itinerary is built around a single base in Somerset West. From there, Cape Town, the Winelands, the whale coast and even a safari are all within reach as day trips.
Day 1: arrive in Somerset West
The airport is 33 km from Somerset West, about 25 minutes by car. Check-in starts at 14:00, so after a long flight you can simply relax by the pool, have a drink at the lapa and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in town.
Day 2: Table Mountain and the city
Drive into Cape Town, about 40 minutes, and go up Table Mountain if the weather allows. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at the V&A Waterfront or in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Our city top 10 has more ideas.
Day 3: Cape Point and the penguins
Cape Point is about 1 hour 15 from Somerset West. Walk up to the lighthouse, then visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town on the way back. If Chapman’s Peak Drive is open, it makes a spectacular detour along the Atlantic cliffs.
Day 4: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Stellenbosch is only 15 minutes away and Franschhoek about 45 minutes. Plan two or three tastings and a long lunch, and let a driver take the wheel. Not sure which town to focus on? Our comparison of Winelands towns explains the differences.
Day 5: the whale coast and Hermanus
Take the coastal road from Gordon’s Bay, with the mountains on one side and False Bay on the other. Hermanus is about 1 hour 10 from Somerset West. Between June and November, southern right whales often come close to the shore, and the cliff path is a good place to watch them.
Outside whale season, the drive is still worth it for the views, the cliff walks and a seafood lunch by the sea.
Local tip
Leave in the morning, when the light on the coastal road is at its best, and stop at the viewpoints along the way rather than rushing to Hermanus.
Day 6: a safari day in the Western Cape
Several private game reserves lie within a few hours’ drive of Somerset West. They are smaller than the big parks further north; nevertheless, a guided game drive can bring you close to elephants, rhinos and other wildlife. Our safari guide compares the options.
Day 7: a slow last day
End the week gently. Walk on Strand Beach, eight minutes away, or take a morning hike in the Helderberg; our hiking guide lists the best trails. Check-out is at 11:00, and the airport is just 25 minutes away.
Planning tips for your Western Cape itinerary
First, rent a car or book a driver, because most highlights are a drive apart. Second, keep the order of the days flexible: the weather changes quickly, so use clear days for Table Mountain and Cape Point. Third, book safari days and popular lunches well ahead, especially in summer.
Finally, staying in one place saves a lot of time. Instead of packing every other day, you return each evening to the same room, the same pool and, if you like, the wood-fired hot tub. Read more about choosing your base.
Questions about this Western Cape itinerary
Is a week enough for the Western Cape?
A week covers the highlights around Cape Town. The Garden Route further east needs extra days, so we suggest a longer holiday or a separate trip for that.
Can I do the whole week from one base?
Yes. Every day in this plan starts and ends in Somerset West. The longest drives, to Cape Point, Hermanus or a game reserve, take between one and a few hours each way.
When is whale season in the Western Cape?
Southern right whales usually visit the coast between June and November, with the best sightings often in September and October.
Can I shorten this plan?
Of course. For a shorter stay, follow our five-day plan instead.