Western Cape tailor-made holidays

The Western Cape is perhaps South Africa's most popular region. Explore picturesque vineyards along the world's longest wine route, enjoy wonderful whale watching in the pretty coastal town of Hermanus, discover historic sites, fantastic restaurants and trendy beachside suburbs in captivating Cape Town, and experience the brilliant and varied landscapes of the Garden Route and Route 62. Natural beauty, diverse cultural and heritage sites, fine wine and dining options and a host of outdoor and adventure activities make the Western Cape one of South Africa's must-see regions.

Cape Town

Iconic attractions and a world-class culinary scene along with easy access to South Africa’s best vineyards and the natural wonders of the Cape Peninsula make this eclectic city the country’s most exciting urban destination. Head to the V&A Waterfront for superb shopping and delicious dining, take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain to enjoy sweeping city-wide views, and spend lazy evenings sipping sundowners on the golden sands of Camps Bay.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Winelands

Stunning landscapes and picturesque Cape Dutch towns set the scene for South Africa’s premier wine region, which today produces some of the world’s most acclaimed vintages. Take in the region's finest estates on guided tours and tastings, before dining out in style at some of South Africa's finest restaurants.

Hermanus

Each year, between July and October, southern right whales gather in the waters off Hermanus to mate, calve and rear their young. There’s also the chance to see humpback, minke and killer whales in the Indian Ocean swell. Take to the waters on naturalist-led cruises, and explore the region's hill-top surrounds with scenic hikes through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

Humpback whale in the sea off Hermanus

Garden Route

Encapsulating some of South Africa’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, the Garden Route’s spectacular natural diversity is evidenced in everything from dense forests and tranquil lagoons to idyllic beaches and tumbling gorges. A stunning stretch of road, the route itself hugs the coast for almost 190 miles between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay on the Eastern Cape.

South Africa: Cape Town, Wine & Whales

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,430 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £450pp
Book by: 31 January 2025

Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

South Africa's West Coast Discovery

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,950 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Free night at Bushman's Kloof during May-Aug – Save up to £340pp
Book by: 31 January 2025

Pair the headline acts of Cape Town with some off-the-beaten track luxury in Paternoster and the spectacular Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

Chile to South Africa on Silver Wind

25-day expedition cruise holiday from £12,300 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £2,000 pp
Book by: 31 December 2024

This is a rare chance to explore the remote islands of the southern Atlantic. Sailing between the wilds of Patagonia to South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town, you’ll experience some of the remotest locations on Earth.

Western Cape holiday ideas

Aerial view of Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa

Highlights of South Africa

16-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,410 pp incl. flights

This is the perfect introduction to South Africa. A spectacular drive along the Garden Route will see you link Cape Town’s beachside charms with the country’s finest vineyards before ending with an all-inclusive Big-Five safari.

Classic Cape, Blue Train and Kruger Safari

16-day tailor-made holiday from £6,435 pp incl. flights

Follow in the tracks of kings and presidents with a trip aboard the Blue Train, its 19th-century luxuries linking Cape Town with an all-inclusive Big Five safari. Return from expert-led game drives in a private reserve to four poster beds and gourmet meals.

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

11-day tailor-made holiday from £5,330 pp incl. flights

Discover the icons of Cape Town, the world-famous wildlife of Kruger National Park and epic Victoria Falls on this spectacular Southern Africa adventure.

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

14-day tailor-made rail holiday from £8,850 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence aboard Africa's most luxurious train as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

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Places to stay in the Western Cape

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

Historic hotel

Without a doubt one of the most famous and iconic hotels in Cape Town, Mount Nelson is set on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and within nine acres of lush gardens, just minutes from the fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Cape Town’s stunning beaches.

Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town

Contemporary hotel

Positioned within a precinct of heritage buildings the prime hotel location boast some of the finest retail outlets and designer stores, restaurants, craft markets and cinemas alongside boat cruises to Robben Island and entertainment in the amphitheatre.

Cape Grace V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Traditional hotel

With a classically inspired exterior and graceful elegance within, the Cape Grace is a 5-star hotel offering warm, personalised hospitality – a perennial contender for best city hotel in Africa.

Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve, Supreme Suite

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Cederberg Mountains

Small & intimate lodge

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat is an award-winning property nestled deep in the Cederberg Mountains, just a few hours drive from Cape Town.

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Where to go in South Africa's Western Cape

Cape Town

Gateway to the Rainbow Nation, Cape Town is famed for its natural beauty, diverse culture, fine wines and celebrated restaurants. It's also a city made for outdoor living, with a host of adventure activities right on its mountain-framed doorstep.

Cape Winelands

With its magnificent scenery, world-class vineyards, fabulous food and wide range of boutique luxury accommodation, it's not surprising that the Cape Winelands rank highly on many visitors' South Africa bucket list.

West Coast

The Cape West Coast in Western Cape runs from Cape Town to the edge of the Northern Cape at Touws River and includes the Cederberg Mountains and a series of historic towns and fishing villages, such as Paternoster, Lambert's Bay and Langebaan.

Hermanus

The coastal village of Hermanus is one of the world's prime land-based whale watching spots. Located on the charming Garden Route coastline of the Western Cape around 2.5 hours from Cape Town, it has plenty of upmarket boutiques and cafes and excellent wine tasting and vineyard tours.

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When to go to South Africa's Western Cape

Cape Town

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South Africa's Western Cape articles

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