Best Day Trips from Cape Town

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

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

The port city where Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years occupies an area of 2,446 km² flanked by pristine beaches. Full of curious landscapes and wildlife, including whales, penguins, seals and elephants, it is not surprising to find a wide variety of day trips available.

Options include a direct excursion 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 characterizes South Africa's southwest. From the white sandy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, to the sea-filled trails that meander along the peninsula.

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

Interesting details

• Price: from 31 € per person.
• Duration: 9 hours and upwards.
• What you should 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: Visiting this peninsula is delightful and the range of opportunities makes it one of the most sought-after destinations.
• Cons: Meals, entrance fees and cruises usually 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 decide to stay in the city 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 streetcar with transfers from Cape Town and visit one of the wineries along the route. A combined option? Follow the wine route to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek from Cape Town and delight your palate by tasting up to 15 types of local wines. And if you visit Cape Town in 3 days or more, and you are a connoisseur or aficionado of these beverages, complete the route by adding Paarl.

Details of interest

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

In Africa there are 5 characteristic marine species, namely sea lions, sharks, dolphins, whales and of course the large community of the endangered Cape penguin, 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 excursions, 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 behavior 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 up.
• 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: transportation service to and from the lodge. 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 comfort of the participants.
• Cons: Although Hermanus is one of the top ten places in the world for whale watching, these animals 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 nearly 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 up.
• 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 fee to Robben Island. Entrance fee 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 know South Africa in detail.
• Cons: The tour is entertaining for those who wish 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 animals. Embark on a journey through the scenic Hex River Valley to immerse yourself in the biodiversity of this private reserve. In an open-top off-road 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, offering 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 reserve's facilities is usually part of the service.

With an expert guide at your side, this excursion to Aquila Game Reserve from Cape Town takes you to explore the rich natural habitat of impressive species, from giraffes to elephants and ostriches. 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 up.
• 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: transportation service to and from the accommodation. Expert local guide service. Lunch. Snacks. Access to all Aquila Game Reserve facilities, including the pool and spa. Off-road safari.
• Pros: the activity is quite complete, the encounter with Africa's big five is possible with just one ride and from start to finish the experience is of a high standard.
• Cons: transfers to the lodges are usually restricted or pre-arranged. If necessary, the transfer would be done 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 colorful Muizenberg Beach, a surfer's paradise, to charming Simon 's Town, you explore iconic sites and enjoy the sights and outdoor activities the region has to offer.

A visit to Boulder Beach will be one of the highlights, where you will 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, conquers the most seasoned of travelers, just as it did with Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Diaz. Another highlight of the excursion 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 and enjoy a coastal adventure through southeastern South Africa.

Details of interest

• Price: from $28 per person.
• Duration: from 8 hours onwards.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is designed as a guided tour to Cape Point 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 Point. Visit to Boulders Beach. Lunch.
• Pros: the tour is suitable for all audiences, a favorite to enjoy as a family, the penguin community definitely convinces children and adults.
• Cons: entrance fee to Boulders or Penguin Beach, access to the Cape Point funicular and meals usually cost extra.

Another must on the tours of the rainbow country is the excursion through 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 over 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 uncovered by its structures.

Then move on to Langa, whose name in Xhosa means "sun". It is the oldest neighborhood in Cape Town. The trip takes us to the Joe Slovo settlement, named after the courageous anti-apartheid activist. After the tour of this neighborhood, you dive into the vibrant life of the modern townships Bonte Heuvel and Gugulethu. In addition to exploring their traditions, culture and way of life, you will be able to taste the typical Cape Town cuisine.

Details of interest

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

• Language. Activities are conducted in English except for 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 in Cape Town. Specifically, it's about 80 attractions including the Table Mountain cable car, cruises, major museums like MOCAA , kayak rides, complimentary gifts and more. This is an investment.
• Clothing. I advise you to pack plenty of loose-fitting, quick-drying clothing, 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.
• Transportation service. Most of these tours include service to selected hotels, I recommend you consult in advance to organize your itinerary.