Photo by Anika Mikkelson
Are you looking for weekend getaway ideas from Cape Town? Read this article to find out some of my favorite places to go on a road trip from Cape Town.
Cape Town has a bevy of beautiful destinations within 1 to 3 hours away for any kind of weekender. Whether you want to drink wine in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, see the most southern tip of Africa in L’Agulhas, walk with elephants in Knysna, or get your tan on in Langebaan, Cape Town’s got you covered.
Psst…Want more Cape Town, South Africa travel tips? Check out these other posts:
Guide to Visiting South Africa for the First Time
30+ of the Best, Most Iconic Places to Eat and Drink in Cape Town
Read on for a list of where to pack your bags for next!
Table of Contents
For the Haute Sophisticate, Franschhoek
For the Bucket List Ticker, L'Agulhas
For the Wine Drinker, Stellenbosch
For the Ellie Lover, Knysna Elephant Park on the Garden Route
For the Flower Child, Langebaan in West Coast National Park
Photo by Marcelo Novais
For the Haute Sophisticate, Franschhoek
For those who want to rosé all day, you can get lit taste wine aboard Franschhoek’s Wine Tram. You can even open a bottle of MCC with a whole saber (just like Champére in Emily in Paris). Yes, you heard that right. A saber. It’s called Sabrage and ties into the French roots of this French wine farm, Haute Cabrière. Don't forget to stop in at Babylonstoren for dream garden inspiration, an artfully curated lunch at their Greenhouse Restaurant, and shopping in their charming, seasonally designed Farm Shop.
Photo by Sincerely Media
for the bucket list ticker, L'Agulhas
Three hours East of Cape Town lies the sleepy town of L’Agulhas, but this quiet town has a huge claim to fame that keeps visitors coming all year round. It’s the most southern point of the African continent! It’s also where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. If you want to make this a relaxing weekend trip, snap your shots at L’Agulhas, then head to Arniston for lunch by the sea and a walk through the fishermen’s village. You’ll think you’re on the islands of Greece, as you stroll past whitewashed Cape Dutch houses gleaming in the sun and smell the salty breeze as it stirs the clotheslines. While you’re in town, stop to see the Waenhuiskrans Cave. (Practice your Afrikaans by trying to pronounce that word!)
Photo by Matthieu Joannon
for the wine drinker, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch or "Stellies" depending on how local you're feeling, has so many wine farms, you’ll be spoiled for choice to choose. Indulge your senses with chocolate, wine, and beer tastings at the ever popular Spice Route. Spier Wine Farm is another popular stop in the winelands; they have a range of wine tastings and pairings, sprawling grounds to explore, and outdoor art installations.
for the ellie lover, Knysna elephant park on the Garden Route
One of my favorite places to visit along the Garden Route in Knysna is the Knysna Elephant Park! They’re preserving the African elephant population in Tsitsikamma. Estimates say there are only 3-5 wild elephants left in the region, maybe even 1.
You can meet the herd for 360 rand (SA Resident rate) or 430 rand for internationals. Pensioners and students get 10% with valid cards. A 5 - 6 hour drive will take you here from Cape Town. Visit when it’s less busy (like I did in September 2020) and have more time getting to know these elephants one-on-one, pose for photos, and feed them fruit (R45 for a bucket). December 2021 was a busy month to see them, but it was worth it!
for the flower child, Langebaan in West Coast National Park
Get your tan on and practice your paddle boarding in Langebaan. If it’s August to September, endure the wait to see the wildflowers in West Coast National Park. During flower season, the entrance fee costs R220 for international visitors and R100 for South African locals. There's often a long queue, especially on weekends, so bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water for your picnic. Outside of flower season (October to July), this is still a stunning park to cool off in the beautiful blue bay, spend time by the sea, and keep your eyes peeled for West Coast wildlife. Don't forget to look out for Cape Mountain Zebras!