The Western Cape is South Africa's most varied province for visitors: mountains and vineyards, a wild coastline, whales, wildflowers, caves and the wide open spaces of the Karoo. Villa Helderberg in Somerset West is a good base for many of the highlights, and the rest make memorable multi-day trips. Here are our top 10 things to do in the Western Cape, in the order we would suggest them to our own guests.
1
Cape Town and Table Mountain
Start with the Mother City. Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch and Robben Island are all within easy reach of Somerset West, as Cape Town's city centre is only around 45 kilometres away. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway can close in bad weather, so check before you go. Our full guide to the top 10 things to do in Cape Town has the details.
2
The Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the famous names, and Somerset West sits on the Helderberg route, which the Stellenbosch Wine Routes describe as the southern part of the Stellenbosch region. Estates here combine tastings with gardens, restaurants and mountain views. Start with our list of the best wine estates in Somerset West, then read about wine and food pairings in the Helderberg. Guests can also ask us about our wine tasting experiences.
3
Cape Point and the Boulders penguins
The Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park is a full day out, with dramatic cliffs, walking trails and the Flying Dutchman Funicular that carries visitors up towards the old lighthouse. On the way back, stop at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town, where an African penguin colony that began with just two breeding pairs in 1982 has grown to roughly 3,000 birds. The species is classed as critically endangered, so keep to the boardwalks.
4
Hermanus and the Whale Coast
Hermanus lies about 115 kilometres from Cape Town and is one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching. According to Wikipedia, southern right whales arrive from as early as June and usually leave in early December, and you can watch them from the cliff tops. The town has even employed a whale crier since 1992, who blows a kelp horn to announce sightings. It is a lovely day trip from us, and you can read more on our day trips page.
5
Cape Agulhas: the southern tip of Africa
Around 170 kilometres southeast of Cape Town, Cape Agulhas is the geographic southern tip of the African continent and the traditional dividing line between the Atlantic and Indian oceans. A lighthouse was built here in 1848 after several shipwrecks, including the loss of the Arniston. Agulhas National Park offers birding, walks, whale watching and a flower season. It works best with an overnight stay, perhaps combined with a stop in Hermanus on the way.
6
West Coast National Park and Langebaan
West Coast National Park is around 1.5 hours from Cape Town's city centre, so allow a little longer from Somerset West. Its centrepiece is the Langebaan Lagoon, with turquoise water, white dunes and more than 250 bird species recorded each year. SANParks opened this year's wildflower season on 1 August, which makes late winter and spring a wonderful time to visit. Bring a picnic for the lagoon shore at Kraalbaai.
7
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a roughly 300-kilometre stretch of coast that includes Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Expect indigenous forests, lagoons, beaches and nearly 300 bird species, all inside a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is too far for a day trip from Somerset West, so plan at least three or four nights and take your time along the way.
8
Route 62 and the Cango Caves
The scenic Route 62 leads to Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves in the Swartberg foothills. The cave system stretches for more than 4 kilometres, although only about a quarter of it is open to visitors. There is a standard tour of around an hour and a more demanding adventure tour that squeezes through passages as narrow as 15 centimetres. Give this one its own multi-day trip.
9
The Cederberg
About 250 kilometres north of Cape Town, the Cederberg Wilderness Area covers roughly 71,000 hectares of sandstone formations such as the Maltese Cross and the Wolfberg Arch. It also holds more than 2,500 San and Khoi rock art sites, some between 300 and 6,000 years old. CapeNature requires permits for wilderness trails, and hiking groups need a minimum of three adults, so plan ahead.
10
A Big 5 safari close to Cape Town
Yes, the Western Cape has real safari country. Aquila Private Game Reserve, founded in 1999, describes itself as the first official Big 5 reserve close to Cape Town, and Inverdoorn in the Tankwa Karoo lists the Big 5 too. Closer to home, Vergelegen offers a safari-style environmental tour. Read our guide to safaris near Somerset West to compare your options.
Plan your Western Cape trip
Distances above are approximate and mostly measured from Cape Town, so add or subtract a little from Somerset West. Cape Town, Cape Point, the winelands and Hermanus make comfortable day trips, while Cape Agulhas, the Garden Route, Route 62 and the Cederberg deserve an overnight stay or more. Guests at Villa Helderberg can ask us about day trips and see our rooms for your stay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the Western Cape?
The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers that suit beaches and long lunches. Late winter and spring bring green landscapes, wildflowers and whales, so September to November is a lovely time for many of the highlights in this guide.
Which of these are easy day trips from Somerset West?
Cape Town, the winelands, Cape Point with Boulders Beach and Hermanus are comfortable day trips. West Coast National Park makes a longer day. Cape Agulhas, the Garden Route, Route 62 and the Cederberg are better as overnight trips.
How many days do I need?
Three or four days cover Cape Town, the winelands and Hermanus. A week lets you add Cape Agulhas or the West Coast, and the Garden Route and Cederberg each deserve a trip of their own. For ideas closer to home, see our top 10 things to do in Somerset West.