After the phenomenal success of and interest in my ‘Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Cape Winelands’ post, I realised there was a noticeable desire among couples to find incredible places to cement their love.

But let’s face it: you can’t plan a wedding without first proposing! And so this post on the best proposal spots in the Western Cape was born. 🙂

In My Fiancee Era

When I first wrote this post, I was very much single (after a string of hopelessly bad, toxic relationships, as life would have it).

Now, a few years later, I am newly engaged and living an incredibly blessed life with my dream man.

And so, more than ever before, I feel blessed enough to write about and share proposal spots to help couples make their engagement dreams come true.

So, here are my pick of the best proposal spots scattered all across the Western Cape.

My Best Proposal Spots in the Western Cape

Being in a happy, committed long-term relationship has taught me many things. The first of which is that no one proposal spot or setup is going to suit every couple.

Some prefer a private, intimate moment at home to pop the question. Others prefer to hire a company or florist to create a special proposal setup that takes the stress of planning out of the day.

I say: do whatever makes you happiest, caters to your budget and gives you a perfect day to treasure forever.

Whatever you and your partner hope for on your special day – I hope all your engagement dreams come true.

May it be a day filled with love and happiness for the future! 🙂

Go on… Surprise Them

However, if you want to keep things old-school while still planning a (completely secret) proposal somewhere around the Western Cape, then this post is for you.

Here is my round-up of the best proposal spots in the Western Cape – with some ideal activities to go hand-in-hand (pun intended!):

Candelight, Champagne and Cosy Caves…

Weltevrede Wine Estate (Bonnievale)

When I first visited Weltevrede Wine Estate for their incredible, blast-from-the-past underground wine tasting, I remember thinking, as I sipped their gorgeous, award-winning MCC: “Now, isn’t this romantic?”

During this unique wine tasting, time stands still, as you sit in the cosy, candlelit recesses of the farm’s old underground cellars.

Here, amass a sea of golden, flickering candles, you learn more about the estate history, its wines – and of course, how these cellars (home to 80-year-old fermentation tanks) came to, well, light.

Booking is required. But if you book an underground cellar tasting for you and your beloved, why not get the Weltevrede staff in on the secret and order some sneaky MCC too?

Then, once the stories from the past are finished. You can look to the future, as you, far removed from everyone else, kneel down in candlelight and ask for her hand.

This will be an extremely intimate and altogether romantic proposal.

If she’s a soft-hearted romantic or whimsical dreamer, she will adore this.

If you two want to take photos afterwards (or during), bring a decent DSLR camera along because it can be quite dimly lit down in the cellar.

So, instead, I actually recommend taking your main photos by the tasting room. There is a beautiful courtyard area, which wistfully overlooks the rest of this special Bonnievale estate. It offers picture-perfect Breede River beauty at its best.

Tip: Weltevrede is also a popular wedding venue, which can host 50 – 150 guests.

So when you two do tie the knot, why not do so in a place which really means something to your relationship?

Contact information: +27 (023) 616 2141, info@weltevrede.com

Website: weltevrede.com

Cost: Please check their website or enquire with the estate directly.

Location: R317, Bonnievale, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery (Durbanville Wine Valley)

Klein Roosboom is one of the most lovely wine estates I have visited – but it’s also the keeper of one of Cape Town’s best-kept winetasting secrets.

For, at this beautiful Durbanville estate, you will find a very different tasting centre – and you can book a winetasting experience in your own ‘cave’!

The estate has reclaimed and lovingly restored the former wine storage facilities (‘caves’) and in so doing, they have created romantic, oh-so-fun wine tasting nooks for their visitors. These can accommodate several people but they are perfect for a cosy tasting-for-two. Especially if you want to propose!

Each cave has been tastefully decked out with roses, soft natural lighting, old-fashioned decor pieces and ornate mirrors. Together, these elements really set the mood nicely.

The estate’s wines are also beautiful (their whites and rose wines are especially great).

I recommend doing a normal tasting – perhaps combined with a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter for two – and then, asking her. But really, do whatever feels right to you.

Either way, you are guaranteed a special spot, with relative privacy, to propose.

Tip: For me, the lighting was more than substantial inside the caves – but there are some lovely places to pose outside, if needed.

Contact information: +27 (060) 877 2678, info@kleinroosboom.co.za

Website: kleinroosboom.co.za

Cost: Price on request (call or email for more information).

Location: M13 (Tygerberg Valley Road), Durbanville, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

From on High

Tranquility Cracks (near Camps Bay)

Tranquility Cracks is an incredible cluster of jigsaw-type rock formations. This unique place overlooks both Camps Bay and the back of upper Table Mountain.

The route up to the phenomenal Cracks is accessible via the Pipe Tracks trail.

Overall, it is a relatively easy hike for the most part (the steepest, hardest section being Corridor Ravine). It takes several hours up and down, anything between 4-6, I would say.

But the views from up here are spectacular! And it is so cool to be able to actually walk in the Cracks (where mini forests even grow).

When I hiked it, we packed in thermo flask coffee and lunch, which we enjoyed among the Cracks themselves. It is still one of my most memorable hiking adventures to date.

And, while it is generally a quieter CT hike, it might just be the ideal place for a jawdropping proposal.

Whether you hike up with the ring or not is your call. (Just let someone know your plan in advance for safety reasons.) In fact, you can invite a friend or two along or hire a guide as there is safety in numbers.

And please keep your precious commodity hidden before and afterwards. It’s just better to be safe than sorry, especially out in the city’s wilderness.

But honestly, the views are swoonworthy – and what better place to propose from up on high, with the gorgeous ocean far below?

Contact information: N/A

Website: tamlynamberwanderlust.com/hiking-table-mountain-national-parks-pipe-track/

Cost: Free to hike.

Location: Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape.

 

Protea Farm Tractor Ride (Koo Valley)

The Koo Valley is one of South Africa’s coldest, most fruitful valleys (and yes, it’s where KOO canned food originates from). But it’s also home to some unique local attractions, including the now-famous Montagu tractor ride.

What started out in 1985, is still going strong to this day. And every Wednesday and Saturday (excluding bad weather conditions or routine annual maintenance – normally in October), this thrilling tractor ride takes visitors from Protea Farm – one of the valley’s finest – up to the top of the spectacular Langeberg mountains.

The trip reaches an amazing altitude of 1500 metres above sea level. The views are meant to be glorious from up there.

And although I grew up in the valley, I have sadly never personally done the tractor ride – but everyone I’ve spoken to (including one of the main drivers, who is a good family friend) agrees that this is an unforgettable experience for young and old.

On your way up, you can enjoy taking in the natural beauty of the Koo Valley. This lovely valley is quite special in that it enjoys heavy snowfalls during wintertime. This transforms it into a winter wonderland, ensuring it is even more appealing.

Once you reach the summit and disembark, you can also see over into the Robertson Wine Valley on the mountain range’s opposite side.

There is a brief stop at the adorable mountain hut (visible from below in the valley) for a surprise – and then it’s time to head back down.

To me, this stop is a fun and adventurous opportunity for a proposal… I mean, proposing on top of a mountain is pretty epic in general.

And when you throw in gorgeous wooden cabins as accommodation options, Protea Farm seems like the perfect place for a significant weekend away.

Tip: I recommend booking one of their delightful cabins – Waterblommetjie, Pine Tree, Ou Opstal or Panorama Cottage respectively – for the weekend and heading up on Saturday for the tractor ride, if it’s on-going.

Contact information: +27 (023) 614 3012

Website: proteafarm.co.za

Cost: For latest tractor ride pricing, please contact Protea Farm directly. Accommodation prices vary but can be found here.

Location: Protea Farm, Koo Valley, R318, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Sunset on Table Mountain (Cape Town)

Let’s face it: Table Mountain is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It is, in essence, the natural heart of the Mother City. And, of late, it has also become a pretty popular place to propose. And I can definitely see why.

Whether you choose to hike up (either via India Venster or Platteklip Gorge) – or use the famous (yet pricey) cable car for quick access, it’s sure to be a special occasion.

There are plenty of trail paths around the mountain to explore. Plus, glorious views over Cape Town, Camps Bay and beyond from atop the mountain.

There is also the cafe and eatery, if you wish to grab a good bite to eat.

Personally, though, I recommend going up at sunset and proposing then. The sights are spectacular any time of day – but few places look more stunning than Table Mountain at sunset. (Again, I have this on good authority; I’ve only been up Table Mountain during normal daytime hours.)

Either way, Table Mountain is a unique natural wonder in Cape Town and it will make for a good story someday when people ask you where you got engaged. 🙂

Tip: If you want professional engagement photos, you could plan a couple’s shoot on the mountain – and then surprise her by going down on one knee!

Contact information: +27 (021) 424 0015, info@tablemountain.net

Website: www.tablemountain.net

Cost: For latest ticket prices, please visit their website. Note: Hiking up is free but is safest in groups.

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Helicopter Ride (Cape Town)

Arguably one of the best ways to experience the Mother City in all its glory, is from a helicopter or plane.

There are a few local tour operators – like NAC Helicopters, Cape Town Helicopters and Sport Helicopters Cape Town to name a few – who offer a range of stunning city and winelands trips. Each gives you a different route and perspective of the city.

Personally, having flown with them, I can strongly recommend Cape Town Helicopters.

They were incredible from start to finish. With everything from booking my flight to every moment at their facility on the day.

Their staff are outstanding, professional and friendly and the pilots are superb. I flew with pilot Willem for the City Express flight (as a shared trip) and it was incredible. I cannot stress this enough.

This has got to be the ultimate experience for a couple to do together. And, while you cannot propose in a helicopter, you can certainly do so afterwards.

So, when you’re both coming down from a high (literally), thanks to the adrenaline and the gorgeous scenery you have just soaked in… why not ask that all-important question?

It is one of the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences out there and a dream proposal for sure!

Tip: Keep the weather in mind when booking as trips are dependent on this. 

Contact information: Various

Website: Various

Cost: Tour- and package-pricing varies depending on your selected trip and flight.

 

By the Water…

Tigger2 Sunset Cruise (V&A Waterfront, Cape Town)

The Tigger2 (or Tigger Too) Royale is a 55-foot, luxury catamaran that operates from the V&A Waterfront.

She can cater to 70 guests and offers everything from wedding celebrations to romantic sunset champagne cruises, making her perfect for a fun or romantic trip.

With a main dining area, upper chill lounge, open back deck and open sundeck, guests can enjoy a range of comfortable seating options, all with incredible ocean views.

I booked a normal, one-hour afternoon cruise (with no refreshments included, although you can purchase drinks on-board) and it was amazing!

Everyone had a blast; the views of the Mother City, Table Mountain and the ocean were stunning; the vibe was carefree and fun; and it was indeed a luxurious cruise.

As someone who practically grew up on a boat and loves the water, I would definitely have said yes to a sunset champagne cruise proposal on this stylish catamaran.

Tip: They have a range of different cruise trip options but the 1.5 hour-champagne sunset cruise is undoubtedly the perfect one to pick if you plan to pop the question! 🙂

Contact information: +27 (021) 418 0241, 082 852 4383, info@tigger2.co.za

Website: tiggertoo.co.za

Cost: For latest rates and cruise offers, please see their website.

Location: Tigger2 Royale Catamaran, V&A Waterfront (T-Jetty, near Hildebrand Restaurant), Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Stark-Conde Wines (Jonkershoek Valley)

Stark-Conde Wines, in Stellenbosch, is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. Seriously.

This hidden wine estate is well-loved and famed for its impressive setting, which sees it surrounded by the beauty of the popular Jonkershoek Valley.

Add to that a stunning lake, a cosy cafe called Postcard Cafe – and a truly unique positioning for its tasting room… and you have a picture-perfect proposal spot!

Dropping to your knee and asking for her hand in this beautiful location is sure to take her breath away and almost guarantee you an emphatic yes – especially if she loves nature. 🙂

Tip: Few spots can be as scenic and gorgeous for a proposal. But why not pop the question after a winetasting or cafe visit to keep your partner from suspecting anything?

Contact information: +27 (021) 861 7700, info@stark-conde.co.za

Website: stark-conde.co.za

Location: Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

During a Winelands’ Picnic

Most wine estates offer incredible picnics these days – but, to me, there are only a few that really set the mood for a romantic proposal.

My top picks (see websites for additional information) are:

• Spier Wine Farm (Stellenbosch)

Website: www.spier.co.za

• Boschendal Wine Farm (Franschhoek)

Website: www.boschendal.com

• Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek)

Website: www.virginlimitededition.com/en/mont-rochelle

I feel each of these estates offer romantic, gorgeous picnic experiences. I can definitely envision any of them as the setting for an ideal picnic proposal.

At Spier and Mont Rochelle, you can look forward to unique settings by the dam. This makes the picnic even greater fun, ensuring particularly memorable picnic experiences.

Boschendal offers a range of different picnic options/locations. But each setting is lovely in their own right. Their picnics certainly need no introduction either.

The picnics are all of the highest quality, with a filling basket’s worth of delicious goodies (including dessert).

What’s more, you can order drinks or wine to accompany your picnic.

And, if there are no picnic tables or dedicated spots to enjoy on the estate, usually a blanket and cushions can be provided.

Contact information: various

Website: Please see above.

Cost: Picnics-for-two vary according to the estate and picnic offering selected. Booking is essential and must generally be made at least 24 hours in advance. Picnics are either only available seasonally and/or in good weather conditions.

Location: Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Back to the Beach at Cape Point

Cape Point is one of the most stunning, wild places in the Western Cape – and one of the most mind-blowing locations for a proposal you will find anywhere in the world.

With its pristine secret beaches, iconic lighthouses, hiking trails and vast stretches disturbed only by fauna and flora, you really are spoiled for choice in terms of where (and how) to pop the question.

You could pretty much choose anywhere – but if your partner is a beach babe like me, you really cannot go wrong with either the more famous, visually spectacular Dias Beach or the lesser known Platboom Beach.

Although Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve have a few other beaches – like Maclear, which is also lovely and fairly easy to find – these two are certainly the stand-outs for me.

Dias Beach

Dias Beach is the place to go for an epic proposal. It is like something straight out of the Greek Isles or Caribbean. Just with crashing waves and looming, ragged cliff faces encircling it.

However, you need to make a short hike down to the beach. This is moderately difficult, as your legs get a bit tired from all those wooden steps – but it’s so worth it.

Once you are down there, I recommend waiting for a quiet moment. If you are lucky, you might just have this beautiful beach all to yourself for the big moment.

Oh and you definitely want to have a camera with, as this is the stuff of engagement legend. At least as far as setting and photographs are concerned.

Contact information: +27 (021) 7809010, info@capepoint.co.za

Website: capepoint.co.za

Cost: For latest pricing and activity fees, please visit their website.

Location: Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Platboom Beach

Platboom Beach, on the other hand, is my favourite pick for a more intimate, just-the-two-of-us kind of proposal.

I have walked there at sunset among the sandy dunes, with only the crashing waves, soft bird calls and ostrich prints surrounding me.

This is certainly the ideal location for a gentle approach to your proposal and one that can be filled with immense meaning and closeness, if you time it right.

The beach isn’t as easy to find as Dias Beach – but it’s there for those who know how to adventure properly.

Contact information: +27 (021) 7809010, info@capepoint.co.za

Website: capepoint.co.za

Cost: For latest pricing and activity fees, please visit their website.

Location: Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

A Dreamy Garden Proposal at De Meye (Stellenbosch)

Situated in leafy Muldersvlei, near Stellenbosch, family-owned De Meye Vineyards is now officially one of my favourite places on earth.

As you progress down their oak-lined drive towards lush vineyards and sprawling, picturesque lawns edged by white-washed buildings (like something straight out of the French or Italian countryside), the magic of De Meye becomes apparent.

With gorgeous gardens (including their thriving veggie patch), winetasting, cheese platters and famous lunches at The Table at De Meye, this estate feels truly dreamy.

The lunches at De Meye are the stuff of legend and the gardens are the ideal place to pop that special question.

Tip: De Meye Vineyards can also host gorgeous weddings. So if you really love the estate, why not even plan your special day with them too? 🙂 I would definitely get married here. It is stunning!

Contact information: +27 (072) 696 0530, bookings@thetablerestaurant.co.za.

Website: demeye.co.za

Cost: For more details on pricing and lunch menus at The Table at De Meye, please contact them directly.

Location: De Meye Vineyards,
Muldersvlei Road, corner of Old Paarl Road (R101), Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

Best Local Photographers for Couples/Engagement Shoots:

And because most engagements these days are not complete without special, lifelong photographic memories, here is my pick of the best Cape Town- and South Africa-based couple photographers. I am including a link to their website/social feed for more information.

To me, each of these photographers really captures the couples’ love and happiness in a fun, most beautiful way.

• Honeybee Photography (I’ve used Melissa for my blog’s branding shoot and several family shoots since 2018; she’s incredible!)
• Elana van Zyl Photography (Elana did my blog’s branding shoot in 2021 (seen here); she’s amazing.)
• Lilac Photography
• Coba Photography
• Chantel & May Photography 
• Caroline Pinto Photography
• Inecke Photography 
• Chantall Marshall
• One, Two, Three, Cheese Photography 
• Bianca Smit Photography

Please note: Photographer availability and fees may vary.

These are just my personal favourite photographers for couple and/or engagement shoots.

I have not contacted any of these photographers, nor collaborated with them for this particular blog post.

Local Jewellers and Ring Suppliers:

Because I know how difficult and costly it can be to find an amazing ring – especially if you don’t know where and how to look – I have also included a listed of my favourite local ring suppliers, with a link to their websites for more info.

Each jeweller listed offers a range of affordable to high-end rings, depending on your needs, tastes and above all, budget.

Please note: I am not affiliated with any of these ring suppliers, nor have I collaborated with them for this post.

These are simply a selection of my personal favourites, based on beauty, ring style and pricing.

Pricing varies greatly (some start at under R1000, others may range between R4 000 – or R50 000), both from ring to ring and from one supplier to the next.

Also, while most prices are available only via quote/price on request, a few of the rings/sites show individual pricing.

My List of Suppliers: 

• Cape Diamonds (most prices on request)
• Craig Marks Diamonds (prices available vary according to budget)
• Arthur Kaplan (prices on request)
• NWJ (prices generally available on site)
• Ring Artisan (some prices are available on their site)
• Sterns (prices are generally available on site)
• Shimansky (most prices on request)
• Victoria’s Jewellery (They actually designed my stunning engagement ring and my partner assures me they are a dream to work with.)
• Botanica Jewellery (I have purchased a beautiful ring from Botanica in the past and love their work/brand.)

Ring Tip: There are plenty of ring size guides online and most jewellers can assist with this – but it’s tricky if you don’t know her exact ring size. (And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more embarrassing than buying an ill-fitting or too small engagement ring!)

Your best bet is to either carefully slip one of her rings onto each of your fingers (your pinky or index finger might work best as these fingers are normally smaller and thinner than the others) and see which/where it fits right.

Or try find out her ring finger’s size. If you can’t ask her without giving the secret away, ask her parents or close friend to casually source this information for you.

And remember… a ring doesn’t need to cost the earth to win her hand – and heart. 🙂

It is, however, important to find a special ring, which represents your love, her personality (example: if she hates diamond rings, don’t buy a diamond ring. Rather look into other gemstones or even ornate bands) and ring size.

Proposal Setups and Catering Services:

If you need some help planning a special proposal setup or themed proposal or someone to assist with catering for the post-engagement celebrations, there are some lovely local companies who can provide catering or proposal setups. 🙂

Here are some of the ones I personally like across Cape Town and the Western Cape:

• Protea Picnics (I’ve personally tried and can recommend their picnics; you can read my review here.)
• Dearest Proposals (by Nearest and Dearest)
• Dial-a-Picnic
• The Perfect Proposal
• Your Picnic
• Souk
• Cultivate Picnics

 

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Best Wedding Venues in the Cape Winelands

I previously compiled a post on my pick of the Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Winelands.

This list features some incredible Winelands wedding venues, with catering services, unique settings and venue prices to suit everyone’s needs… not just travellers!

If you are interested, you can read about the venues here.

And if you want to plan a local honeymoon in the Western Cape, I also have a post on Best Budget Honeymoon Spots. 🙂

Share Your Joy With Me

If you propose to your partner using any of the ideas from my list, I would love to hear about it and share in your happy moment! 🙂

You are welcome to comment on this post, email me or tag me in your posts. 🙂

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