Best Day Trips from Cape Town

The meeting of two oceans is attractive, along with its culture, history and colourful streets. The best things to do in Cape Town take visitors to explore the surrounding area.

Explore the picturesque wine routes in Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, visit Cape Esperance, take a boat trip to the famous Robben Island or get close to South Africa's best beaches. From thrilling safaris to relaxing cruises, find out about the duration, prices, advantages, disadvantages and tips for excursions and tours from Cape Town, one of the 3 capitals of South Africa.

The port city where Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years covers an area of 2,446 km² flanked by pristine beaches. Filled with scenery and wildlife, including whales, penguins, seals and elephants, it's no surprise that there's a wide variety of day trips available.

Options include a direct trip to the Cape of Good Hope, wildlife-focused tours such as the Cape Peninsula and penguin colony excursions, or those where beachcombing is the focal point of the activity. What will you see on the peninsula?

The Cape of Good Hope, so named for its hopeful promise after its meeting of oceans between sheer cliffs. You'll also witness the diverse landscape that characterises the south-west of South Africa. From the white sandy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, to the ocean-energised trails that wind along the peninsula.

Throughout this type of day trip from Cape Town you're likely to get to interact with the charming colony of African penguins in their natural habitat, the perfect outing to aim for among the things to do in Cape Town with kids. To finish just the highlights, don't forget to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, included in the top ten of South African gardens.

Interesting details

• Price: from €31 per person.
• Duration: 9 hours and upwards.
• What you need to know: the tours in the area are varied. They range from cruises, hiking or some of the best bus tours from Cape Town.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service. Entrance to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Transfer service to and from the hotel in Cape Town. Entrance fee to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. Hiking on the Cape Peninsula. Bottled water.
• Pros: A visit to this peninsula is delightful and the range of opportunities makes it one of the most sought-after destinations.
• Cons: Meals, entrance fees and cruises often cost extra.

Not enough is said about South Africa's wine production and culture, but it is the eighth largest wine producer in the world and from Cape Town you can follow a wine tour, whether you choose to stay in town and visit the Groot Constantia winery in Cape Town or take a tour, South Africa's vineyards are waiting for you. Where can you go from Cape Town? Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch are outstanding wine lands.

Hop on the Franschhoek wine tram with transfers from Cape Town and visit one of the wineries along the route. A combined option? Follow the wine trail to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek from Cape Town and treat your taste buds to up to 15 types of local wines. And if you're visiting Cape Town in 3 days or more, and you're a connoisseur or aficionado of these beverages, complete the route by adding Paarl.

Interesting details

• Price: from €10 per person.
• Duration: 4 hours and upwards.
• What you need to know: the tram experience works similarly to the tourist bus, i.e. you have a day to hop on and off at all stations along the route, the added bonus here is the included wine tastings as well as tapas.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from the hotel. Wine tasting. Cheese board. Appetizers or tapas. Lunch. Hop-on/hop-off wine tram.
• Pros: The wine tour from Cape Town offers a revamped and modern experience by incorporating the train or tour bus service (if these alternatives are chosen). The opportunity to sample products at stops of your choice personalises the experience.
• Cons: This is an adults-only experience.

Africa is home to 5 distinctive marine species, namely sea lions, sharks, dolphins, whales and of course the large and endangered Cape penguin community, all of which can be seen on one of the marine animal boat tours from Cape Town.

This is one of the at least one day tours, ideal to aim for when you will be in Cape Town for at least 7 days, or with longer itineraries. Accompanied by a marine biologist, you learn first hand about the behaviour and curiosities of the region's marine wildlife with beautiful views throughout the cruise.

The trip is not limited to the sea, as it also includes a stop at the fascinating Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. With full safety equipment, from life jackets to clothing suitable for wet conditions, your only concern will be to enjoy yourself.

Details of interest

• Price: from €131 per person.
• Duration: 8 hours and upwards.
• What you need to know: This type of tour offers a complete tour of African marine wildlife from the comfort of a boat. Adults and children are welcome on the tour.
• What the tour may include: Transport service to and from your accommodation. Cruise from Cape Town to Hermanus. Visit to the Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Services of a marine biologist as a guide. Breakfast. Lunch. Snacks. Drinks.
• Pros: This type of tour is a one-day tour and is usually offered on an all-inclusive basis for the convenience of the participants.
• Cons: Although Hermanus is one of the top ten places in the world for whale watching, whales have their season in the area. The best time for whale watching in Cape Town is between June and December.

Depart from the iconic Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and embark on an adventure to Robben Island, a prison-turned-museum and symbol of South Africa. The ferry takes you to Murray's Bay, where you'll begin a fascinating tour of the island. You'll walk past old buildings and a wall built by prisoners, immersing yourself in history from the very first step.

During your Robben Island and Long Walk to Freedom excursion from Cape Town a local tour guide, versed in the island's 500 years, will lead you around the prison, exploring sites such as the leper cemetery, Bluestone Quarry, the maximum security prison and a hundred life-size bronze sculptures of local heroes.

Follow the memories of iconic inmates who are symbols of resistance, including the former president of South Africa, who was imprisoned for almost three decades. The walk is a historical immersion into the struggle for the rights of the majority of the local population.

Details of interest

• Price: from €89 per person.
• Duration: 7 hours and upwards.
• What you should know: this experience is usually done in small groups. As a curiosity, the guides are former political prisoners who fought against apartheid.
• What the tour may include: Shuttle service to and from the accommodation. Entrance to Robben Island. Entrance to Long Walk to Freedom. Expert guide service.
• Pros: The tour is not only historical but also cultural. It is a complete tour where you have the opportunity to get to know South Africa in detail.
• Cons: The tour is entertaining for those who want to learn about the not so distant past of the African Finisterre, however, for children it may not be the most entertaining alternative.

Experience the thrill of a day on one of the best safaris in Cape Town as you visit the Aquila Game Reserve, home to some of Africa's most iconic game. Embark on a journey through the scenic Hex River Valley to immerse yourself in the biodiversity of this private reserve. In an open 4x4 vehicle, you explore vast expanses in search of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo.

The journey on this type of tour spans over 7 hours, giving you the perfect opportunity to connect with South African wildlife. Before the safari, relax in the spa or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, access to all the game reserve facilities is usually part of the service.

With an expert guide at your side, this tour to Aquila Game Reserve from Cape Town takes you to explore the rich natural habitat of an impressive array of species, from giraffe to elephant and ostrich. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the reserve on this journey that highlights the diversity and majesty of African wildlife.

Details of interest

• Price: from €137 per person.
• Duration: from 7 hours and upwards.
• What you should know: this type of tour is usually all-inclusive, so your only occupation is to enjoy the experience.
• What the tour may include: transport service to and from the accommodation. Expert local guide service. Lunch. Snacks. Access to all Aquila Game Reserve facilities, including the swimming pool and spa. Off-road safari.
• Pros: The activity is quite comprehensive, an encounter with Africa's big five is possible with just one drive and from start to finish the experience is of a high standard.
• Cons: Transfers to the lodges are often restricted or pre-arranged. If necessary, the transfer would be made at a strategic point, close to your hotel.

Explore South Africa's magnificent coastline on an 8-hour tour to Cape Point and Boulders Beach from Cape Town. Board a comfortable air-conditioned coach and join us on a journey guided by a local nature expert, who will reveal the natural treasures of this unique region.

The tour will take you through picturesque villages, rugged cliffs, beaches and spectacular trails. From colourful Muizenberg Beach, a surfer's paradise, to charming Simon 's Town, you'll explore iconic sites and enjoy the sights and outdoor activities the region has to offer.

A visit to Boulder Beach will be a highlight, where you'll witness a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat. The Cape Point Nature Reserve will immerse you in the wild energy of South Africa, with the opportunity to climb the Green Point Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views.

The Cape of Good Hope, with its sheer cliffs, wins over the most seasoned of travellers, just as it did the Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Diaz. Another highlight of the tour is the passage through the Silvermine Reserve, with its blue-green landscape and greenish trails. Join this tour to Cape Point and Boulders Beach from Cape Town for a coastal adventure in South East South Africa.

Details of interest

• Price: from €28 per person.
• Duration: from 8 hours and upwards.
• What you need to know: These tours are designed as guided Cape Town sightseeing tours in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from a central location in Cape Town. Professional local guide service. Hiking in Cape Town. Visit to Boulders Beach. Lunch.
• Pros: The tour is suitable for all ages, a favourite for families to enjoy, the penguin community definitely appeals to children and adults.
• Cons: Entrance to Boulders or Penguin Beach, access to the Cape Point funicular and meals usually cost extra.

Another must-do on a tour of the Rainbow Nation is the tour of Langa, Gugulethu and Bonteheuwel from Cape Town, the famous townships that survived apartheid despite their unprivileged status.

The tour usually starts in District Six, the township from which more than 50,000 locals were brutally evicted during the height of apartheid in the 1970s. Discover the secrets of this place as you walk through its recent history, immersing yourself in the stories of resistance and the very traces left behind by its structures.

Then move on to Langa, whose name in Xhosa means 'sun'. This is Cape Town's oldest township. The journey takes us to the Joe Slovo settlement, named after the courageous anti-apartheid activist. After the tour of the settlement, you will be immersed in the vibrant life of the modern townships of Bonte Heuvel and Gugulethu. In addition to exploring their traditions, culture and way of life, you can sample Cape Town cuisine.

Interesting details

• Price: from €41 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours and upwards.
• What you need to know: the transfer is usually by minivan or bus and then you can walk the streets of these neighbourhoods, taste their flavours and listen to their stories.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from the accommodation. Tasting of traditional food. Expert guide service.
• Pros: The route allows you to connect with the locals in a unique way. Hearing anecdotes first hand is a valuable experience to understand the history without intermediaries.
• Cons: Entrance to sites of interest such as museums often costs extra.

• Language. Activities are conducted in English, except on very rare occasions when a translator is hired, which increases the cost of the activities in question.
• Buy your discount card. The Cape Town City Pass allows you to save up to 60% during your visit to Cape Town. Specifically, there are some 80 attractions including the Table Mountain cable car, cruises, major museums such as MOCAA, kayaking, complimentary gifts and more. This is an investment.
• Clothing. I advise you to pack plenty of loose-fitting, quick-drying clothes, especially if you plan to hike. The climate in Cape Town is tropical, however, in the mountains such as Lion's Head, rainfall can occur at any time of the year.
• Transport services. Most of these tours include service to selected hotels, so check in advance to organise your itinerary.