The Mother City is a beautiful and wonderful place, but once in a while it’s good to get out and explore the surroundings. With so much beauty in the Western Cape, there are many options for what to do over the weekends.
Below are some of the best weekend getaways around Cape Town, for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Family Getaways
If you’re looking for a great place to spend a weekend away with your family then look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some great family-friendly getaways.
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Widely considered the heart of Cape Floral Kingdom, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site.
It has a large diversity of different types of fynbos (hard-leaf shrubland), and is an area protected from human interference. It is a biosphere reserve, offering plenty of fun activities for children and adults, such as canoeing, whale watching, and mountain hiking.
This makes it an ideal weekend getaway for families.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 110 km
- Opening hours: 7:30 - 16:00 (reserve office hours)
- Accommodation: self-catering eco-cabins only
- More info: Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, click here.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, its rocky coastline was once a hazardous area and many ships crashed into it at night, however, it is still a major navigational landmark for sailors during the day.
A few kilometres away is the Cape of Good Hope, which is inaccurately thought to be the most southern tip of South Africa.
There are numerous spots for picnics, as well as hiking trails, and beautiful beaches along this region, making it a fun weekend getaway just outside Cape Town.
- Distance from Cape Town city: 71.2 km
- Opening hours: Cape Of Good Hope: 6am-6pm (October – March), 7am-5pm (April – September); Flying Dutchman Funicular: 9:00am – 5:30pm
- Accommodation: Olifantsbos Guest House; Eland and Duiker Cottages
Hermanus
A famous spot for whale watching, Hermanus is a charming town on the Southern Coast of the Western Cape.
It has been named one of the 12 best whale watching spots in the world, where whales can be spotted from June to November. It also has one of highest floral diversities in the world.
There are plenty of activities around Hermanus, such as sandboarding, hiking, quad biking and kayaking, to name a few. Children and adults alike will enjoy this weekend getaway.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 122 km
- Opening hours: 9am-3pm for chartered boats
- Accommodation: everything from backpackers hostels, to guest houses, B&B, hotels, private rentals, townhouses, and self-catering houses.
Ceres
The Ceres Valley produces the best fruits in South Africa, and is well known for its dried fruits, fruit juices, and natural spring water.
During the winter months, it snows enough that the area is called “Little Switzerland”, and this attracts many families looking for a bit of adventure away from Cape Town.
Snow trails are a fun activity, and some farms open up their doors for people to come and enjoy the snow, for a fee of course. Other attractions include arts and crafts, cherry picking, and ziplining, mountain biking, and fishing.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 143 km
- Opening hours: depends on the activity
- Accommodation: everything from luxury game reserves, a nature reserve, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, a holiday resort, self-catering units, farm cottages, mountain & eco-huts, and campsites.
West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park lies north of Cape Town CBD, and attracts a lot of visitors of all age groups, making it ideal for a family getaway weekend.
The main attractions at the West Coast National Park are mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching, bird watching, game watching, flora, and beautiful beaches.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 89 km
- Opening hours: September-March: 7am-6:30pm; From April-August: 7am-5:30pm
- Accommodation: cottages, chalets, houseboats, and self-catering accommodations range.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Located along the Garden Route, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site because of the endemic floral species in the reserve.
It also has one of the best hiking trails in South Africa where one can also spot whales easily from land.
Other activities include hiking, game watching, bird watching, and biking. Additionally, there are turquoise rock pools where families enjoy swimming and snorkelling.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 234 km
- Opening hours: Office hours: 7:30am-6pm
- Accommodation: cottages, chalets, lodges, campsites, and self-catering accommodations
- More info: De Hoop Nature Reserve, click here.
Plettenberg Bay
About 6 hours’ drive from Cape Town, Plett is quite far. Many people choose to fly if they’re not interested in a road trip. However, despite the distance, this town is definitely worth a visit.
Aside from the 16 wine estates, there are many different activities available, such as horse riding, bungy jumping, canopy tours, kayaking, township tours, and dolphin and whale watching.
Families will enjoy this town, and given the distance from Cape Town, it’s better to spend at least a weekend there, if not longer. It’s definitely a fun family getaway weekend for Capetonians.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 525 km
- Opening hours: depends on the activity
- Accommodation: B&B, backpackers, hotels, caravan & camping, lodge, guesthouses, holiday rentals, self-catering, and villas
The Plettenberg Bay Tourism website offers more details about making the most of your weekend getaway.
Muizenberg
Muizenberg is a beautiful beach suburb southeast of Cape Town. It is famous among surfers, and is actually thought to be the place where surfing originated in South Africa.
Other fun family activities include kitesurfing, whale watching, paddle boarding, hiking and golf. Moreover, Muizenberg is a town rich in history where one can visit cultural centres, historic sites, and museums.
The colourful beach houses at Muizenberg beach are another popular attraction, one that is heavily photographed and instagrammed.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 26 km
- Opening hours: depends on the activity
- Accommodation: B&B, backpackers, guesthouses, self-catering luxury accommodation
Romantic Getaways
What better way to spend a weekend than escaping the city with someone special and exploring a quaint new spot.
The Baths
Located on the Citrus farm in the Olifants River Valley, the main attraction of The Baths is the natural hot springs which reach 43 degrees Celsius.
This resort is a self-catering resort, and promotes outdoor living in a serene but comfortable atmosphere. There is a restaurant on site, as well as campsites for those with caravans.
On top of the natural hot springs and swimming pools, there are many other fun activities ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. Couples can enjoy bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, and tennis.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 192 km
- Opening hours: click here for more information
- Accommodation: resort
- More info: The Baths, click here.
McGregor
An ideal getaway weekend for couples seeking spiritual wellness and serenity, the McGregor Winelands is located about 150km east of the Cape Town city centre.
Although McGregor is the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time and do nothing else, there are also a few activities that can be enjoyed in town.
The Saturday morning market offers a variety of homemade products and organic produce, and there are many local art galleries and studios to enjoy.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 177 km
- Accommodation: B&B, guesthouses, self-catering accommodations, country inns, and farm stays
- More info: visit the McGregor tourist website for more details.
Marianne Wine Estate
Not too far from the Cape Town CBD, Marianne Wine Estate is located just outside of Stellenbosch.
Situated at the base of Simonsberg Nature Reserve, this estate is surrounded by orchards and vineyards, with a scenic swimming pool and Table Mountain in the background.
It is the perfect place for a couple to relax, sip on some wine, and enjoy a little weekend getaway. There is a restaurant on site, and visitors can also enjoy scenic walks around the estate, and braai by the pool.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 50 km
- Opening hours: Check in: 2pm, Check out: 11am
- Accommodation: bed & breakfast
- More info: visit Marianne Wine Estate, here.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a beautiful town surrounded by vineyards and mountains and nature reserves.
It is a university and academic town, where the streets are lined with oak trees, coffee shops, and art galleries. The architecture from the colonial days have been preserved, which gives this town a rich historical significance.
Among the many attractions are museums, Cape Winelands, cultural and historical architecture, and plenty of activities for nature lovers as well. With all the beauty that Stellenbosch has to offer, a weekend trip is ideal.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 24 km 50km
- Opening hours: depends on activity
- Accommodation: all kinds of accommodation, from historic Cape Dutch homesteads, to guesthouses, to luxurious hotel accommodation
Riebeek Valley
This scenic valley includes the towns Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek West, and Riebeeksrivier, and Hermon.
The Riebeek Valley is an ideal weekend getaway for couples as it provides everything from vineyards, olive groves, restaurants, shops, mountains, and nature-filled activities.
It is ideal for a romantic trip, and provides much needed serenity and quiet for those looking to escape Cape Town for the weekend.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 88 km
- Opening hours: depends on activity
- Accommodation: all kinds of accommodation, from B&B, to caravans and campsites, guest houses, hotels, and self-catering accommodation
- More info: plan your romantic trip to Riebeek Valley, here.
Boschendal
One of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, this estate was bought by Cecil Rhodes in 1887, and is now the Boschendal Farm.
The winery is known for producing high quality wine, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Romantic activities include vineyard tours, wine tasting, cellar tours, horse riding, mountain biking and hiking, picnics, and even trout fishing. There is also a spa. Day trips are also possible.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 62 km
- Opening hours: depends on activity
- Accommodation: cottages on the farm
- More info: visit the Boschendal site for details.
Knysna
This breathtakingly beautiful town is part of the Garden Route, and well worth the long road trip.
It is famous for its warm and friendly people, oyster festival, beautiful views, and the Knysna Heads. It is rich in flora and fauna. The small seaside town also boasts an elephant park and monkey sanctuary.
The Garden Route National Park is nearby, and beautiful beaches frame the southern part of town, particularly Buffalo Bay beach, famous among surfers. Additionally, Knysna is the town closest to the Tsitsikamma National Park, a beautiful area offering all kinds of fun activities.
There are many activities that attract visitors to Knysna, making it ideal not only for couples, but for families as well.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 488 km
- Accommodation: guest houses, hotels, B&B, homestay, self-catering, caravans and campsites, and backpackers hostels
Solo Getaways
If you’re in need of some “me-time” why not head out on a solo mission. Melkbosstrand and Langebaan both offer the perfect place to recollect your thoughts as they are both rich in natural beauty and offer a range of activities. Do a solo fishing trip to Langebaan or relax in the tranquility of Melkbosstrand.
Melkbosstrand
Melkbos is a gorgeous seaside village along the West Coast, about 35km north of the Cape Town CBD.
It’s known for its tranquility, beautiful beaches, and friendly town people. It offers a variety of activities, including hiking, skydiving, horse riding, sandboarding and golfing. It’s also ideal for a solo trip as plenty of visitors go there for fishing.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 30 km
- Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, B&B, self-catering apartments and villas
Langebaan
Past the West Coast National Park lies the Langebaan lagoon, a spot of international significance especially for bird species during low tide.
Langebaan attracts visitors who are interested in kiteboarding, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. This makes Langebaan a perfect trip for those travelling solo in search of some alone time, and looking to connect with nature.
- Distance from Cape Town city centre: 123 km
- Accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, B&B, self-catering apartments, cottages, chalets and villas
These getaway weekend spots are ideal for families, couples, as well as solo travellers. There is a wide range of places to visit around Cape Town, whether you’re looking for some romantic time with your special someone, some fun family time, some alone time, or you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky.
Some trips can be done in a day, but to make the most of the trip we recommended you stay the weekend.
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