Top Ten Hidden Gems to visit in the Western Cape, from wine tasting in the Cape Town northern vineyards, exploring the impressive Cango Caves, a springtime wildflower spectacle in the West Coast National Park during August and September, the captivating history of diamonds at The Cape Town Diamond Museum, as well as picturesque, secluded beaches – the ideal escape for surfers and sun worshippers.
Aegir Project Taproom, Noordhoek
Are you a beer devotee? Stop by the Aegir Project Taproom, a family-friendly eatery and brewery situated at the foot of Chapmans Peak Drive – a breathtakingly scenic coastal drive between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast. The alternating tap list features a range of authentic, premium beers and ales, such as lagers, IPAs, porters, sour beers, pale ales, along with a carefully chosen wine list, as well as ciders, gin, coffee, and soft drinks. The sundowner deck offers spectacular mountain and sea views, and the food is excellent, with a menu that caters to vegans and vegetarians. The venue is kid-friendly (safe enclosed playground), dog-friendly, and wheelchair accessible.
Bali Beach, Bakoven, Cape Town
Bali Beach (also known as Robyn’s Beach) in Cape Town is a quiet beach located north of Camps Bay, along the renowned Atlantic Seaboard. Tourists and residents of Camps Bay can easily stroll down the shore from the tidal pool, and then descend a few steps to the glimmering cove below. When driving, and no longer in the congested area of Camps Bay, a parking space along Victoria Road is easier to locate, and you should notice a sign for Bali Beach near the fence. With its fine sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views, Bali Beach is a hidden gem and an escape for surfers and sun worshippers, from the more crowded beaches.
Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn
A cultural and natural landmark in South Africa, the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn is an impressive show cave system that provides Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tour options. Experienced, informed, and certified cave guides lead the tours, which are available in English, Afrikaans, German, and French (other languages may be available – check language availability when making reservations). Only around a quarter of the vast five-kilometer network of tunnels is accessible to tourists; the remainder is locked for preservation. Visit the 20 million year-old Cango Caves system of fine dripstone caverns, with its tall limestone formations, mysterious dark passages, and spacious halls.
De Hoop Nature Reserve Whale Trail, Overberg
The 34 000 hectares De Hoop Reserve in the Overberg is only three hours from Cape Town, and is managed by CapeNature. It is a firm favourite for hikers, cyclists, bird and whale watchers. The Whale Trail is one of the best hiking trails in South Africa, and is a five-day, 55km trek with well-equipped accommodation on each of the five nights. The Whale Trail offers both mountain and coastal walking with breathtaking views and, of course, plenty of opportunities for land based whale watching (Southern Right whales from June to November). Whale Trail and permit bookings – please contact the Call Centre on 087 087 8250 for more information or to make advanced bookings.
Durbanville Wine Valley, Cape Town’s Northern Vineyards
The Durbanville Wine Valley in the Tygerberg Hills just north of Cape Town, with its 13 renowned wine estates, is quickly growing in popularity among both locals and visitors due to its picturesque vineyards, award-winning wines, and welcoming atmosphere. Through their assortment of wines and culinary offerings, each winery embodies classic country elegance with its own distinct character. The Durbanville Wine Safari, where you are accompanied by expert tour guides, is a great way to enjoy the Durbanville Wine Valley, offering exciting day trips, delicious food and wine experiences, and tours for those interested in adventure and history.
Kraalbaai Beach/Lagoon, West Coast National Park, Langebaan
Kraalbaai Beach/Lagoon is located in the West Coast National Park, Langebaan, Cape West Coast, about 135km from Cape Town. Kraalbaai is well-known for its warm, calm waters, sandy white beaches, distinctive houseboats, and Flower Season – a springtime wildflower spectacle (August & September). With ideal conditions, visitors can enjoy a wide range of thrilling water sports and ocean adventures, including surfing, water skiing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, boating, fishing, angling, kayaking, water skiing, canoeing, and much more. Excellent amenities include a great area for picnics and braais, a well-kept wooden boardwalk, a jetty, and ablutions. Pets are not allowed in the National Park.
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch
This Conservation Garden, which is situated in Stellenbosch’s historical centre, is home to over 3,000 plant species, including a wide variety of native and foreign plants, including bonsai, glasshouses, and themed gardens. Displays highlight local habitats and conservation issues, South African ecosystems and plants, medicinal plants, and more. The Stellenbosch Garden Gift Shop has an amazing selection of botanical products, and the Botanical Café provides the ideal spot to relax. Although there isn’t a designated visitor parking area at the Botanical Garden, street parking surrounding the garden and a municipal parking lot on Van Riebeeck Street, next to the Garden, is available.
The Cape Town Diamond Museum
This museum, which is situated in the Clock Tower Retail Centre, Clock Tower District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, explores the captivating history of diamonds. Discover more about the world’s most valuable gem, and see specimens of Kimberlite rock that date back billions of years. The Shimansky Diamond Experience Tour teaches you more about the South African diamond trade, and the diamond cutting and polishing process. In addition, stunning reproductions of some of the most well-known diamonds in the world, such as The Cullinan, The Hope, The Taylor-Burton and others, are on display.
Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West
Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen in Somerset West, is a world-class wine estate for the discerning visitor, renowned for its handcrafted wines, heritage (the homestead, library, mill ruins and slave quarters), exquisite gardens, and refined cuisine. Visit the wine tasting centre and cellar tours; Camphors – Vergelegen Signature Restaurant; Stables – Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant; Rose Terrace Tea Room; or indulge in the luxury Riverside Picnics on the banks of the Lourens River. Should you wish to learn more about Vergelegen you can book a guided Heritage and Garden tour.
Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch
Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain in the Blaauwklippen Valley, Stellenbosch region, the Waterford Estate is a sophisticated, award-winning winery in a tranquil setting. The Estate offers Wine Drive Safaris through the 120-hectare Estate, cellars and tasting rooms around a fountain courtyard, walking trails – including the Porcupine Trail Wine Walk to explore both the vineyards and natural Fynbos, and fine dining at SALT Restaurant.
