Western Cape
Why visit the Western Cape?
For many visitors, this is their first taste of South Africa and for good reason. We have visited many times and know both the key highlights and the hidden gems. We almost feel like locals.
‘The Mother City’ of Cape Town, with its unforgettable backdrop of Table Mountain, is a perfect start point. Spectacular and diverse, it’s a heady mix of a cosmopolitan city, green suburbs and wineries, coastal views and adventurous activities. Day trip options abound, with the floral Cape Peninsula, Cape Point funicular and penguins at Boulders Beach all within easy reach.
The Cape Winelands are justifiably known the world over. Countless wineries and vineyards, a stunning backdrop in every direction, and delightful towns such as Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch where you'll find a host of exceptional restaurants, shops and galleries to while away your time. Drive yourself, take a tour or we can arrange your own driver guide.
To the north of Cape Town, the dramatic Cederberg Mountains and coastal area around Paternoster have a real South African feel, where locals spend their weekends. On the shores of Walker Bay, Hermanus is known as the land-based whale-watching capital of the world. Travelling eastwards, the Garden Route awaits with its stunning coastlines, nature reserves and beautiful scenery. Or first take the alternative scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. Either way, these are great drives.
The Western Cape was made to be explored and whatever your choice, we can help you create your perfect holiday.
Discover the Western Cape
"The best trip we have ever had and we have had some wonderful holidays. Africa is a very special place - we will definitely be returning to South Africa."
Mr S via The Travel Shop
"We had an amazing honeymoon, thank you for making it such a memorable time for us. Who wouldn’t want to sit on their own private balcony watching pods of whales not to mention the safari - absolutely magical!"
Honeymooners K & T via Holidaze
"We had an amazing holiday thanks! It was super from start to finish. African Pride did us proud. Our £££ took us much further than would have been the case in Europe - meals out were much cheaper, as was drinking. We were delighted. The Harley Davidson coastal tours and Franschhoek ebike tours were excellent, and we would definitely recommend. It was a really lovely holiday making memories that we will treasure always!!"
LA via Bakewell Travel
"We had an amazing time in South Africa, especially at Shamwari - what an incredible place it is. Thanks for your help in organising this holiday that we will always remember."
Family G via Swords Travel
"We felt thoroughly spoiled and privileged to have had such a wonderful family holiday - we really enjoyed the whole experience. The boys loved the hike up Table Mountain, and cable car back down. We definitely benefited from a good exchange rate, so eating out as a family wasn’t a painful experience! The only thing I would have done differently is pack a few warmer layers for safari – always forget how cold Africa can be in the bush!"
Family G via Travel Counsellors
How to Travel the Western Cape
Self-Drive Touring
The Western Cape lends itself beautifully to a self-drive holiday. A well-maintained, well signposted, and relatively quiet road network means the driving is easy, leaving you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you go. Firm favourites of ours include Chapman’s Peak Ocean drive, the mountain passes along Route 62, or the scenic Garden Route with lakes, mountains, forests, or coastal views. The winelands have several attractive valleys, whilst the West Coast is famed for its carpets of spring flowers. Our team will help you plan your route, book accommodation, and we provide driving directions to help you on your way.
Guided Day Tours
The range of day tours in and around Cape Town is incredible. We can offer popular small group tours covering all the main sights but can also suggest tours like a poignant visit to a philanthropic project within the townships, or a guided tour around the food markets of Cape Town. For a more bespoke experience, we have access to a range of private guides who can tailor the day to your needs, be that family picnics on the beach or hike up Lions Head for sunrise. For those wanting a little more independence, then we can discuss options like the Red Bus Tour around Cape Town or joining the Wine Tram around the wineries in Franschhoek.
Guided Journeys
Taking a small group tour lasting three to four days from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has always been a popular way to visit the scenic Garden Route and we offer a number of these tours. For something a little more leisurely we can arrange slightly longer journeys that may include towns like Hermanus on the way. Or if preferred these tours can also be ‘linked’ to create an extensive two-week tour of South Africa. For a more bespoke tour we are able to organise a range of private guides who can offer the same routes but tailored to your needs and including hotels of your choice. We also have access to specialist guides, be that a botanist to take you to the stunning Namaqualand flowers in spring, or a specialist walking guide along the coastal paths near Hermanus.
Rail Travel
Cape Town’s Railway Station is often the scene for many a grand departure for one of the enigmatic rail journeys through Africa. The Blue Train has journeys between Cape Town and Pretoria all year, enabling you to experience this famous train known for its quality service and stylish carriages. The iconic Rovos Rail, with Edwardian style carriages also regularly travels between Cape Town and Pretoria, but also offers longer journeys to and from Victoria Falls. Whilst the ultimate African journey would be to join Rovos Rail on their two-week journey to or from Dar es Salaam.
Flying
Cape Town Airport is well serviced by many of the world’s leading carriers and has direct flights from London arriving every day. For onward connections, domestic flights link to the Kruger area, Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or Johannesburg, whilst regionally you can fly directly to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mauritius or Nairobi. We have access to a competitive range of fares and the African Pride team can advise on the best routes to ensure an effortless journey and to combine all the areas you want to include in your holiday.
Cruise
Cape Town has a long maritime history and today the city remains a key departure or arrival port for many a voyage around the African continent. Voyages are planned well in advance and working with the cruise companies we can incorporate a cruise into a pre or post Africa itinerary to help plan the trip of a lifetime.
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Classic South Africa
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Discover
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Cape Explorations
Explore some of South Africa’s ‘Off the beaten track’ gems in the Western Cape on this tailor-made self-drive itinerary.
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Floral Kingdom, Garden Route & Safari
This self-drive holiday captures the best of South Africa's unique flora, fauna and wildlife.
DiscoverWhen to travel to the Western Cape
South Africa is a year-round destination to visit, but being such a vast country the climate varies and some parts are better to visit at certain times of year.
The Western Cape area will be cooler (and probably wetter) from May to October. For whale spotting the best months tend to be July to November and for carpets of spring flowers we suggest August.
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Western Cape
The Western Cape is an 'L' shaped area at the south-western tip of South Africa, with Cape Town at its heart. Stretching through the Winelands north to the Cederberg, and east along the coast including
the garden route to past Plettenberg Bay, the Western Cape is a beautiful and varied part of South Africa to discover.
Why Travel with African Pride?
Be inspired by the African Pride Brochure
Explore some of the best experiences that Africa and the Indian Ocean has to offer in the African Pride brochure.
View the Brochure
How to plan a holiday
Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you.
Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.
Choose your preferred destinations or experiences to include in a holiday
Talk to your travel adviser or us about your holiday requirements
We use our expertise to design an ideal holiday based on your preferences
We use the latest deals and offers for the best price available at the time
Special occasion? We can suggest little extras and hidden gems
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