Top Cape Town Day Trips: See the Best in a Single Day

Cape Town, South Africa, is, in some respects, one of those destinations that just begs to be explored. It’s got a magnetic charm, and its location makes it that much better, presenting tons of opportunities for unforgettable day trips. Maybe you’re looking to drink up the stunning scenery, or maybe you want to soak in the area’s compelling history, but either way, these spots promise unique experiences, all within reach of the city. These trips are awesome to get out and glimpse the area and still be back in your room well before bedtime. Pretty cool, right? Read our full review: Cape Town Day Trips Full Review and Details

Cape Peninsula: A Coastal Dream

Let’s kick this off with the Cape Peninsula, like your ultimate road trip showcasing nature’s finest work. I mean, you start off by going along the Atlantic Seaboard, which is very breathtaking, past the well-known beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. It’s really something to behold, let me tell you. From there, the drive takes you over Chapman’s Peak Drive, and honestly, that may be one of the planet’s most striking coastal roads. Then it keeps heading down, leading, as a matter of fact, straight to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. You know, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans are often said to meet. Whether that’s technically correct or not, the views sure don’t disappoint, now do they?

Boulders Beach is another must-see on this trip. This beach has a whole colony of cute African penguins, as a matter of fact, waddling about freely. Simon’s Town is nearby. It offers an awesome glimpse into naval history. Lunch can be, you know, enjoyed at one of the many restaurants that overlook False Bay. This lets you sort of relish some fresh seafood while watching the boats sail past. If you want an action-packed, stunning day, this is very likely the trip to select. It is arguably something you should see, at least once. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cape Peninsula Tour)

Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

Ready to swap seascapes for vineyards? Then take a trip into the Cape Winelands. Here you’ll find charming towns, you know, like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which are loaded with history, along with award-winning wines. The trip is really, really great, and takes you past rolling hills adorned with vineyards that look sort of golden in the sun. The views? Oh, so magnificent. Wine tasting is, obviously, the big draw here, so at each estate you’re often able to sample lots of different wines, coming, of course, with paired cheeses or chocolate.

Many estates, too it’s almost, provide tours which cover the whole winemaking thing, from grape to glass. Also, the architectural layout is pretty intriguing, blending Cape Dutch styles with today’s design. Franschhoek in some respects, feels like going into a little French village, thanks, honestly, to its Huguenot heritage. Often you will spot the area’s eateries dishing up food and drink options that perfectly complement the local wines. Basically, this trip is a treat for those after some awesome wines and looking to kick back in peaceful environments. Seems perfect if you just wanna drink and enjoy yourself. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wine Tour)

Aquila Private Game Reserve: A Safari Close to Cape Town

Did someone ask for a safari? Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town will land you at Aquila Private Game Reserve. And by the way, this gets you really up close and personal with South Africa’s famous wildlife. Day trips usually involve early departures. I mean, nobody wants to miss out on seeing these animals when they are most active. Usually, so your safari happens in an open-topped jeep which just provides awesome views and that all-important photo opportunities.

What could you see? The Big Five might be seen. You know, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, and there are, obviously, lots of other animals, too. Think giraffes and zebras, plus a huge array of birdlife, I mean it’s almost as good as seeing these creatures on television. Most trips offer lunch at the lodge, with traditional cuisine, before sending you on your journey. Aquila might not, frankly, be Kruger. However, its location makes it a perfect, easy day trip for those hoping to see some wild African animals without a big commitment. By the way, its good if you don’t have all the time on your hands, still a good glimpse, you know. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Aquila Safari)

Hermanus: Whale Watching (Seasonal)

If you want to see whales, specifically, head to Hermanus between June and November, when it’s whale season. This charming coastal town gets transformed then, into maybe the best spot in the world for shore-based whale watching. Anyway, the Southern Right Whales migrate into the shallow waters around Hermanus just to breed and give birth, really something to behold. Lots of viewing spots along the cliff paths, giving epic views over the bay, yet even so, boat tours let you get even closer. They’re still pretty huge animals at that distance, of course.

Sometimes, so you may just be lucky enough to hear the town’s “whale crier,” who alerts everyone to whale sightings through his horn. Besides whales, so Hermanus offers loads of things for everyone, like nice beaches, cool hiking trails, as well as a great vibe to enjoy a seafood lunch. Getting a glance at these gentle giants within their home just provides an absolutely profound connection with nature and something nobody will soon forget. You have to be patient, and it takes a bit to happen. Seeing these massive creatures is absolutely incredible. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Watching Tour)

Robben Island: A Journey Into History

A trip to Cape Town isn’t exactly complete, very probably, without going to Robben Island. Just a quick ferry ride from Cape Town. Yet its history will likely stay with you forever. By the way, this spot once housed people like Nelson Mandela, plus loads of other political prisoners all during apartheid. This island has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In fact, visitors can just now tour the prison. With the guidance of previous inmates who can honestly recount how things were when this island used to have a big hold over equality within this place.

Basically, you get the chance to walk through the small cells. It’s also extremely sobering and really powerful to see this prison facility. Also see the limestone quarry, at which prisoners were made to do intense labor, but beyond that, the island possesses quite amazing views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. A visit to Robben Island serves almost like a reminder of the injustices of the past. As a matter of fact, it really teaches so much and often inspires all who journey across to the island. The tours go quite quickly. A visit isn’t very expensive either. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Robben Island Tour)