As cities go, Cape Town arguably has it all. The spectacular V&A waterfront, a fascinating history and thriving food scene alongside white sand beaches dotted with penguins, scenic hiking trails in the Table Mountain National Park and vineyards aplenty in the Cape Winelands.
However, while Cape Town may be South Africa’s crown jewel, it is also the jumping-off point for many adventures. The rest of the country has so much to offer – from wine and wildlife to unforgettable cultural experiences.
World-class winelands, jazz bars, Big Five safaris... what to explore in Cape Town and beyond
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If you love Cape Town’s wine culture… try these unexpected wine regions
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Start in the city and adventure further afield
“If sipping a glass of wine on the beach while spotting whales sounds like your kind of holiday, St Francis Bay is a must-visit”
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Beyond Cape Town’s lush vineyards, there are plenty of winelands to explore. Of course, there’s Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, but there are many more exciting off-the-beaten-track producers whose expertise is redefining the craft.
On the Klein Karoo Wine Route, arguably the most isolated wine-producing region, vineyards stretch along the Cape Route 62 from Montagu in the west to the Outeniqua in the east, with mountain views in all directions. There’s a diverse range of wines to try, from world-class fortified wines such as Cape Port and South Africa’s champion muscadel to classic reds like the well-known full-bodied shiraz from this region.
In the Elgin Valley, which sits within the breathtaking Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, 20 wineries make up the Elgin Wine Route, where high altitude and cool climate create the perfect conditions for chardonnay and pinot noir. Meanwhile, for bold Rhône-style reds and exceptional old-vine chenin blanc, the Swartland Wine and Olive Route is the place to visit.
After enjoying Cape Town’s many beautiful beaches at Camps Bay, Clifton and Boulders Beach, there is a wealth of other sandy stretches to discover further afield, with South Africa boasting 1,740 miles of coastline.
If sipping a glass of wine on the beach while spotting whales sounds like your kind of holiday, St Francis Bay is a must-visit. It’s one of the prime spots to see humpback whales, while this charming town with tree-lined streets offers quaint coffee shops, artisan bakeries and hip wine bars. Heading further east, the Wild Coast between East London and Port Edward has fantastic hiking trails that take in deserted beaches, coastal forests and dramatic cliffs.
For something more action-packed, head to Sodwana Bay (KwaZulu-Natal), one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, known for vibrant marine life, coral formations and whale sharks. Further south in the same region, the area around the towns of Ballito, Salt Rock and Umdloti – nicknamed Dolphin Coast for the warm waters that attract large numbers of bottlenose dolphins – is also a lovely place to spend some time.
Or, heading west two hours by car from Cape Town, the West Coast National Park is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, birders and nature lovers – expect secret turquoise lagoons, flamingos and wildflower-covered sand dunes.
If you love Cape Town’s beaches… try these unexpected coastal experiences
Sea for yourself
Durban beaches, the Hole-in-the-Wall formation in Eastern Cape and the native hawksbill sea turtle
If you love Cape Town’s views… try these unexpected wild horizons
Trade city views from Table Mountain for dramatic canyon, coastal forest and safari landscapes.
The Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon and the largest green canyon, is a sight to behold, whether you admire these unique geological features via the many hiking trails that suit all fitness levels or simply visit the accessible viewpoints by car.
Tsitsikamma National Park, which forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park, is a beautiful coastal forest with reefs, rivers and lush vegetation. Here, you can kayak through caves, climb across impressive suspension bridges and watch the otters and dolphins that call this area home.
If it’s spotting the Big Five you’re craving, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest in the country yet still feels exclusive, making it an excellent safari destination. North of Durban, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest Big Five reserves.
Landmark lures
Hiking in Blyde River Canyon and kayaking at Storms River
Beyond Cape Town’s colonial history lies a deeper story – one written in battlefields, ancient kingdoms, local art and lesser-known towns.
Discover pivotal sites of the Anglo-Zulu War, such as Isandlwana, where the Zulu army won a famous battle in 1879, and Rorke’s Drift, where a small British garrison defended itself against overwhelming odds later on the same day. Continue your journey through Zululand to sites like Ulundi, where the war reached its climax, and then venture around the breathtaking peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.
For a glimpse into early human history, head about 30 miles northwest of Johannesburg to the Cradle of Humankind, a Unesco-approved site with some of the world’s oldest fossils.
Art and craft fans won’t want to miss the Ribola Art Route in Limpopo, a creative hub where local artists, sculptors and craftspeople bring Venda and Tsonga traditions to life. Visitors can experience firsthand how culture is preserved through art by meeting woodcarvers, beadwork artisans and storytellers.
If you love Cape Town’s history... try these unexpected cultural and historic sites
City scoots
Introduced in South Africa in the 1980s, the tuk-tuk is a popular mode of transport
Cape Town’s rooftop bars and bustling markets make it a great destination come evening, but it isn’t the only South African city for nightlife.
In Johannesburg, the Maboneng Precinct has seen a collection of old manufacturing buildings transformed into a community-led urban space that has revived this downtown area of the city. Expect a creative mix of restaurants, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries and independent retail stores and studios – and clubbing into the night.
Durban’s Golden Mile, with its lively beachfront promenade, has nightclubs, beach bars and open-air markets, while in town there’s a great craft drink scene – from gin to beer – as well as neighbourhood jazz bars.
Meanwhile, in Port Elizabeth, there’s a vibrant arts and culture scene, especially in music. PE, as it is locally known, is the birthplace of some of South Africa’s best musicians, such as Zolani Mahola and Feya Faku.
If you love Cape Town’s nightlife… try these unexpected night-time hotspots
Illuminating sights
Nelson Mandela Bridge and, below, the Maboneng Precinct
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There are many off-the-beaten-track wine producers
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Gilded grapes
Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch
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As cities go, Cape Town arguably has it all. The spectacular V&A waterfront, a fascinating history and thriving food scene alongside white sand beaches dotted with penguins, scenic hiking trails in the Table Mountain range and vineyards aplenty in the Cape Winelands.
However, while Cape Town may be South Africa’s crown jewel, it is also the jumping-off point for many adventures. The rest of the country has so much to offer – from wine and wildlife to unforgettable cultural experiences.
World-class winelands, jazz bars, Big Five safaris... what to explore in Cape Town and beyond
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Blyde River Canyon carved by time, draped in green
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Beyond Cape Town’s lush vineyards, there are plenty of winelands to explore. Of course, there’s Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, but there are many more exciting off-the-beaten-track producers whose expertise is redefining the craft.
On the Klein Karoo Wine Route, arguably the most isolated wine-producing region, vineyards stretch along the Cape Route 62 from Montagu in the west to the Outeniqua in the east, with mountain views in all directions. There’s a diverse range of wines to try, from world-class fortified wines such as Cape Port and South Africa’s champion muscadel to classic reds like the well-known full-bodied shiraz from this region.
In the Elgin Valley, which sits within the breathtaking Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, 20 wineries make up the Elgin Wine Route, where high altitude and cool climate create the perfect conditions for chardonnay and pinot noir. Meanwhile, for bold Rhône-style reds and exceptional old-vine chenin blanc, the Swartland Wine and Olive Route is the place to visit.
If you love Cape Town’s wine culture… try these unexpected wine regions
DISCOVER MORE