South Africa pairs dramatic scenery with a relaxed, outdoorsy way of life: mountains that drop straight into the ocean, a penguin colony on the beach, laid-back seaside towns and wine estates just an hour or two inland. Cape Town is the natural starting point, with great food, hikes with big views and plenty of sunset spots, and it’s an easy base for day trips along the coast and into the winelands. Whether you’re hiking Lion’s Head, lingering over a long winelands lunch or grabbing a sandwich for the beach, the Western Cape rewards taking your time.
Community Tips For South Africa
The Wine Tram on the Pink Route is hop-on hop-off across 5+ farms, so pre-book your ride home as Ubers can be expensive and scarce.
Plan your day trips around the distances: Kalk Bay is 40+ minutes from the CBD, Stellenbosch is 1 hour inland and Franschhoek is 1.5 hours inland.
Book ahead for fine dining, including The Pot Luck Club, La Colombe and Chefs Warehouse.
Get to popular spots early: arrive at Aperitif before 6pm to guarantee a table, and go to Aruba early in summer.
Oranjezicht Market is open Saturday and Sunday until 1–2pm, and on Wednesday evenings.
Explore South Africa
Cape Town
Sea Point is a central base for shops, restaurants and the promenade, but expect some homeless people resting in the streets.
Green Point, De Waterkant and Mouille Point are also good areas to stay, and Gardens is beautiful but can be a 15–20 minute drive to the nearest beach.
Giovanni’s Deli is the best deli in Cape Town, so build your own sandwich and take it to the beach or Green Point Park.
Our Local on Kloof Street serves the best beef burger ever, and Kloof Street House is a vibey spot for dinner.
BLONDIE has delicious food and is a regular spot, but avoid weekends as it gets too busy.
Hike Lion’s Head, then take drinks up Signal Hill for sunset.
Take few valuables on Table Mountain and hike in a group.
Boulders Beach is where you can see the penguins, and Saunders Rock is a locals’ favourite for a quick swim.
Stop at South Yeaster bakery on the way along Chapman’s Peak Drive, and at the very least go to the Twelve Apostles Hotel for a sunset cocktail.
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay is a surfing and fishing town, 40+ minutes from the CBD, with seaside restaurants, cafés and a beach.
Make it a day trip for lunch, shops and a swim in Dalebrook tidal pool.
Olympia Café, Harbour House and Brass Bell are recommended places to eat.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is 1 hour inland, with restaurants, wine estates and shops.
Go hiking at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
Babylonstoren is near Stellenbosch, so spend the day there and book Babel.
The Table at De Meye is a must, with a beautiful outdoor space and family-style meals.
Delaire Graff has exceptional sushi, though it’s pricey for South Africa.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek is 1.5 hours inland and is a small, upmarket town with wine estates and cafés.
Grand Provence is a wine farm near Franschhoek.
Check out the map and recent trip notes from our community by Hannah
