Cape Town is not only blessed with so many wondrous places to visit within or around the city – but just an hour or two outside of the Mother City, you will find some amazing places to visit and explore. Here are some great day trips, two hours or less from our glorious city, for you to experience:

1 - Riveting Riebeek Kasteel

Riebeek Kasteel is so often overlooked in favour of the other Winelands regions around Cape Town – like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Durbanville, Constantia, Paarl and even Wellington or Somerset West – but make no mistake, it is one colourful, vibrant and vital piece in the unique Cape Winelands tapestry. Situated just over an hour’s drive from the Mother City, Riebeek Kasteel offers developing wineries, the oh-so-enticing Bartholomeus Klip and a historic (one of the oldest towns in SA, in fact), yet burgeoning town, where you can visit interesting cafes and chocolatiers or browse fascinating small shops for take-home goods. For more information on Riebeek Kasteel, contact the Riebeek Valley Tourism Office on: (022) 448 1545.

  

Photo credit: www.western-cape-info.com  

2 - Stunning Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch often has to compete with its fair neighbour, Franschhoek, but there’s still no question as to which Winelands town, just outside of Cape Town, draws much of our local and international tourism. Located some 45 minutes away from Cape Town, this university town is alive with youth, heritage and beauty. It’s also a hot food and travel destination that offers a multitude of wine estates, shops, restaurants and more to enjoy.  Photo credit: www.stellenbosch.travel That said, it’s equally well-known for its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and local markets, which delight week in and week out. For more information on Stellenbosch, contact Stellenbosch360 Tourism Information Office on: (021) 883 3584.

3 - Heavenly Hermanus

Photo credit: www.walkerbayxtreme.com Hermanus is famous for its whales the world over – but that’s not the only reason to visit this seaside town in the impressive Overberg region. A mere 1.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is a place of great natural beauty, with lovely local shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels to enjoy when visiting. There’s a real freeing, ocean feel to this town – and it is something that makes it a great destination no matter the time of year. Of course, it’s particularly special if you get to visit during the annual Whale Season (which generally peaks between June to November), when the migrating whales flock to the nearby shores to calve and mate. For more information on Hermanus, contact Hermanus Tourism on: (028) 312 2629.  

4 - Fabulous Franschhoek

 Photo credit: www.winetram.co.za Franschhoek needs no real introduction, as the favourite child of the Cape Winelands – and perhaps that easily given title should be of small surprise, given its breath-taking scenery; laid-back, yet buzzing town vibe; historic Cape Dutch buildings and unique French roots. Marvellous wine estates, trams and awesome restaurants, cafes and interesting shops are the norm in Franschhoek – which lies roughly an hour’s drive from the majestic Mother City – so, all in all, there’s just so much to keep visitors coming back for more... For more information on Franschhoek, contact Franschhoek Wine Valley on: (021) 876 2861.  

5 - Wonderful West Coast

Last but by no means least on the day-time excursion list is the wild and beautiful West Coast, which offers the most glorious beaches, awesome wild flower sightings (come the annual Flower Season), characterful small towns (like Yzerfontein, Darling or Paternoster) of varying natures and all-round country charm… and all this lies only two or so hours outside Cape Town. There is always something new to discover in this unique natural wonderland – be it stunning beaches, charming seaside or inland towns, fun markets, delightful restaurants and even great camping and accommodation spots too. For more information on the West Coast region, contact Cape West Coast Tourism on: (022) 433 8505.  Photo credit: www.discoveringsouthafrica.com   These are just some of the amazing places, towns and regions you can visit without even having to travel more than two hours outside of the Mother City – so, go on, rev up the engine, pack the padkos and embark on one of these great day trips today!