Things to do around Somerset West

Wine tasting

Guided tastings, long lunches and wine weekends at estates around Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. In the cool-climate Elgin Valley, also try Paul Cluver, Oak Valley or Theewaterskloof.

Fine dining

From award-winning restaurants to relaxed family favourites, we have, of course, a personal list of places to eat in Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Strand.

Hiking and adventure

For example, walk in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, try trails like Suicide Gorge and the Kogelberg Biosphere, or zipline through ancient forests with Cape Canopy Tours.

Golf

Play top courses close by, such as Erinvale, Helderberg Village Golf Club and the relaxed Grabouw Mashie Golf Course.

Day trips

Stellenbosch, Hermanus for whale watching, the Clarence Drive scenic route and Cape Town all make especially memorable excursions.

Markets and local food

Visit the vibrant Elgin Railway Market for artisanal food, live music and local crafts, and then stop at Peregrine Farm Stall for fresh bakes and coffee.

Boulders Beach penguins

Swim and sunbathe beside a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. It also makes a lovely stop on a day along the False Bay coast towards Cape Point. Go early, before the crowds.

Go on safari

Lions, elephants, rhinos and zebras roam private game reserves in the Western Cape, some within a few hours' drive. So book a game drive for a day, or stay a night at a lodge.

Whale watching

From around June to November, southern right whales come close to shore at Hermanus. Watch from the cliff path or join a boat trip, and then combine it with the scenic Clarence Drive on the way.

Hiking and trails

Fynbos trails on the Helderberg, family walks at Helderberg Farm and full days in the Hottentots-Holland mountains, all within half an hour.

Beaches

Strand is eight minutes away, Gordon’s Bay fifteen, and the penguins at Boulders make an easy day trip along the False Bay coast.

Mountain biking

Farm loops in Raithby, single track through the Stellenbosch vineyards and the groomed trails of Oak Valley and Lebanon Forest.

Deep sea fishing

Charters leave from Gordon’s Bay for yellowtail, snoek and tuna, with shorter reef trips for families and first-timers.

Art and exhibitions

A gallery on our own high street, the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch and two world-class art museums in Cape Town.

Flowers and bird watching

Proteas and fynbos in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, rockjumpers at Rooi-Els, penguins at Stony Point and the botanical gardens of Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch.