8 Road trip ideas that Cape residents can try these holidays!
The Western Cape has an abundance of roads just waiting to be driven on! Take a look here for some road trip ideas that you should try these holidays!
We always say we want to ‘go away for the weekend’, but we just forget about it, or we can’t think of a place to visit. Well, in South Africa you can go away every weekend of the year and still not have witnessed all of the splendor that this country has to offer!
If you live in the Western Cape, here are some road trip ideas!
1. Route 62 for the wine lovers
This is the longest wine route in the Western Cape. The Route 62 Wine Route encompasses Wellington, Tulbagh, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. Wine lovers can visit up to 70 wine farms, of which 11 are specialist brandy cellars, and comprise the R62 Brandy Route.
You can also find fruit orchids and farm stalls. With the abundance of nature comprising of trees, indigenous flora and crystal clear streams forming in the rocky mountain range this one is a winner. If you are thinking of visiting Route 62 anytime soon, you can pop by the Wacky Wine festival happening in Robertson and surroundings from the 5th till the 8th of June. Just remember to drink and drive responsibly and rather appoint a designated driver.
2. Cape Peninsula route for the day-drivers
If you’re seeking to go on a road trip for a day this is perfect. This route encompasses the whole of Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Cape Point, Simonstown, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Ou Kaapse Weg, Constantia and Kirstenbosch. You can drive around all those places and straight back to Cape Town. You also don’t have to squeeze them all in at once!
The beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens – where you can find over 7000 plant species – are just 13 kilometers away from Cape Town’s city centre. Explore further to the delightful suburb of Fish Hoek and end off at the famous Cape Point, which promises a breathtaking view. A detour into Simonstown, is also worth the effort!
3. Cape Town to Kleinmond for the serene
We just did this trip as a day trip a few weeks back, but you can also have a lovely weekend away on this route. You drive from Cape Town along Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay to Kleinmond, and it only takes about an hour and twenty minutes. You drive along the coast, so you have a breathtaking view the whole way, and the small seaside towns has a lot to offer.
4. The garden Route for the nature lovers!
If you want forestry and beaches all in one, the garden route is for you. Situated along the N2, it actually stretches all the way to the Eastern Cape and it’s famously known as the ‘Eden of South Africa’ thanks to the lush vegetation, rugged coastline, indigenous forests, waterfalls and long beaches.
The garden route takes you to Oudshoorn, Knysna and George and is only about a 5 hour drive from Cape Town. You can also check out the Fynbos Floral Kingdom, which takes you through the smaller secluded bays. Or for something a bit more adventurous, take part in the 50km Knysna Ghost Adventure route or grab a bike and be part of the Rocky Mountain Garden Route. Whatever you prefer, the Garden Route has something to offer.
5. The most southern tip of Africa, where the two oceans meet
If you haven’t been to the most southern tip of Africa, be sure to make note in your calendar to visit L’Agulhas. From Cape Town you will be driving over Sir Lowry’s Pass which is the gateway to the Overberg and the Eden Coastal Region. It is about a 3 hour drive, and along the way you will find a few charming old towns.
If you are in the mood for a weekend to wind down – then this is for you. There are also loads of things to do – like horseback riding along the 20+ km of beach in Struisbaai – right next to L’Agulhas or even just relaxing at the harbor and visiting the lighthouse. On your way back be sure to pop in at Aniston, which is a charming fishing village also known for its picturesque white beach.
6. Cape Town to Greyton for the more chilled adventurers
This tranquil village, which is nestled between the Riviersonderend Mountain Nature Reserve, is only 90 mins outside of Cape Town. So you don’t have to travel far for this weekend away! You will be driving on the N2 so you can always stop in at the historical village of Genadendal, which will be on your way there.
Greyton is somewhere to relax with beautiful scenery and you can take part in some lovely hikes and loads of other outdoor activities.
7. The Franschoek pass for the breathtaking views
Franschoek is situated just about 60 kms east of Cape Town. It’s a wonderful destination for a day-trip away from the busy city and the pass makes for some exciting driving.
The Franschoek Pass offers breathtaking views of the mountain gorges and valleys. The drop down to the river below – off of the rise at the top of the mountains – delivers awe-inspiring vistas, making it a very popular route.
The view of Franschoek from the pass is astonishing, plus Franschoek has loads to do once you get there and you will just be astounded by this fairy-tale village.
8. West Coast route to Paternoster for fresh seafood, surfing and sundowners
The West Coast of the Cape also offers an abundance of seaside villages for our enjoyment. You can take a trip all the way up the west coast from Langebaan via Jacobsbaai, to Paternoster.
Being the oldest fishing village on the west coast, if you truly want a ‘fishing village’ experience, Paternoster is the place to go! At only 90 mins away from Cape Town, long walks on the 8km long beach of Langstrand, penguin watching, evening fires and seafood braais are just a few of Paternoster’s attractions. Be sure to also visit Shelley point and ST. Helena Bay while you have the chance!
And remember to forget your worries at home!