Explore the Western Cape

The Western Cape offers a wide variety of things to do for locals and visitors. Explore the natural beauty and the freedom to relax in any way you choose in our beautiful province.

1.    Steam trains and trams
 

If you like trains and rail travel make sure that you don’t miss a trip on a steam train through one of the most scenic parts of the Western Cape - from Cape Town to Ceres with the Ceres Rail Company.  You can also travel to Stellenbosch from Cape Town with Atlantic Rail or explore Franschhoek with the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This way you can explore the countryside stress-free and even do some wine tasting in relaxed and beautiful settings.

2.    Cycling

The Western Cape is a cyclist’s paradise and offers you a variety of beginners and experienced cycling routes to discover while you enjoy the amazing outdoors. This way of exploring the Western Cape will allow you to go home with a new experience as well as contribute to your health. So take the family, load your bikes, and head off to enjoy one or more of the cycling routes the Western Cape has to offer.

3.    Hiking

Very few places can surpass the Western Cape for its natural beauty. What better way is there to appreciate natural beauty than to be hiking in nature? Discover the natural beauty of the Western Cape on any of the many hiking trails that range from difficult for the more experienced hiker to very easy for first time hikers.  Explore the unspoilt beaches, mountains, forests, Karoo plains and the rich floral kingdom on the hiking trails of the Western Cape.
 

4.    Swimming

The Western Cape is a paradise in summer and you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to cool off. We have beaches, swimming pools and rivers offering natural swimming pools in our CapeNature reserves. If you prefer your water a bit warmer you can head off to one of the 7 hot springs in the Western Cape.

5.    Driving

Explore the Western Cape on one of the many scenic drives. There’s no better way to discover the diverse beauty of the Western Cape than to pack a picnic basket and explore one of the mountain passes with their breath taking scenery. Chapman’s Peak near Cape Town, Swartberg Pass near Oudtshoorn, Clarence Drive near Betty’s Bay and Seweweekspoort near Calitsdorp, will all seduce you with their unique beauty. 

6.    Mountain and rock climbing

If you prefer your interaction with nature to be a bit more challenging and you prefer to do rock or mountain climbing the Western Cape  has no shortage of mountains  to climb  and if you prefer indoor climbing, then we even have climbing gyms for you. Here’s some information on where to find the best climbing spots in the Western Cape.

7.    On the water

The Western Cape is a watersport paradise and offers locals and visitors endless choices of ways to spend in, on and under the water from surfing, scuba diving, yachting and kayaking just to mention a few. You can even swim with penguins or dive with sharks whatever you do, don’t  miss out on the water adventures  with the water sport opportunities in the Western Cape.

Enjoy the festive period by discovering more ways to spend your holiday in the Western Cape.

To make sure that you and your loved ones have a safe holiday, please have a look at our safety information.

Holiday Safety
Beach Safety
Fire Safety
Emergency Numbers