The Western Cape is a beautiful province to visit year-round but it is unquestionably idyllic during summertime.
Temperatures soar, locals and tourists head outdoors in their masses and there’s a feeling of endless optimism savoured in every ice-cream lick, outdoor adventure and epic sunset.
In this post, I share my best summer experiences to enjoy in the Western Cape, everything from Atlantic helicopter tours to family-friendly tours, gorgeous road trips and unique experiences aplenty.
1) Visit Our World-class Beaches
Cape Town and the Western Cape offer visitors a stunning array of beaches to choose from, including world-class, blue flag-rated beaches.
Some of my personal favourite Western Cape beaches include:
- Struisbaai Beach (near the harbour)
- Diaz Beach (Cape Point)
- Clifton 4th
- Boulders Beach (Simon’s Town)
- Bloubergstrand
- Oudekraal
- Kraalbaai (West Coast National Park)
For a a more detailed overview of my favourite beaches. please see here.
- Keep in mind that, during summertime, the Cape Doctor (South-Easter wind) blows something fierce so, if you want quality beach time, you do have to pick calm(er) moments.
- Some of the more popular beaches in the Mother City are packed during summertime. If you crave a quieter beach experience, branch out into the coastal towns and Overberg Region.
- Sharks do sometimes come into our Cape waters. We don’t have shark nets in the Western Cape, so always follow lifeguard instructions and keep an eye out for the shark flags and warnings.
Location:
Various
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
Most of our beaches are entirely free to enjoy.
Some beaches, however, do have a small entry fee, as they fall within protected national parks. These include ones like Kraalbaai, Oudekraal, Diaz Beach (Cape Point) and Boulders.
Contact information and/or bookings:
Various; speak to the local tourism bureau/municipality directly (where the beach is situated) or visit an applicable website.
Website:
Various
2) Head to Captivating Cape Point
Cape Point is one of my favourite places on earth. If there’s one place outside of Table Mountain, our Cape Winelands and the V&A Waterfront that are must-sees when you visit Cape Town, it’s Cape Point.
Situated within the southern section of the vast Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point falls within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It is a local attraction and travel destination I recommend to everyone!
It offers spectacular beaches (although not all are safe for swimming due to wild waves and rip currents), rich Cape history, pristine flora and fauna and some iconic features, like the two lighthouses (one of which you can hike or catch the Flying Dutchman funicular up to), the Two Oceans Restaurant, curio shops, shipwreck hiking trails, the Cape of Good Hope and much more.
When exploring the Western Cape, this family-friendly travel destination is an unmissable summer experience.
Location:
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Table Mountain National Park
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
It is relatively budget-friendly for South Africans with a valid ID, as we enjoy great discounts.
For SADC nationals, it is a bit more expensive but still affordable.
Standard prices are steeper still but are nevertheless very affordable for international visitors and tourists.
For the latest pricing and opening hours, please see here.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (021) 780 9010
Please see here for full contact details and other key information.
Website:
3) Enjoy Incredible Lunches and Wine Pairings in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands is arguably my favourite place for summer feasting.
Not only do we have such an incredible selection of wine farms to choose from (stretching from Elgin to Montagu to the more well-known regions like Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Durbanville) but there are so award-winning wines and world-class restaurants to savour.
You can also enjoy an amazing array of delicious, unique wine pairings, as well as cheese boards and platters. Here are some of my top recommendations.
If you prefer something low-key, many of the wine farms also have stunning farm shops and delis on-site.
My top picks are found on Babylonstoren, Boschendal, Laborie and La Motte estates respectively.
As far as restaurants, cafes, farm shops and tastings go, the Cape Winelands has it all. It really is a feast for all the senses!
Location:
Various
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
It depends – if you dine at a high-end restaurant, like De Grendel or either of Delaire Graff’s restaurants, for example – then you can expect to pay a pretty penny. Although this is quality dining at its finest.
What’s more, our Cape Winelands restaurants are among some of the best in South Africa and indeed, the world. So it’s definitely worth the splurge or saving up for a special occasion.
If you sample tastings, wine pairings or farm deli products, it’s actually quite affordable.
The same applies to wine farm cafes and bistros. These are (generally) reasonably priced and offer a lovely experience for all ages.
Contact information and/or bookings:
Various. Please enquire with the wine farm directly or book via their website. Most bookings work through Dineplan; it’s a seamless, almost instant process.
If you need to budget ahead of time, most wine farms have full menus and pricelists available on their websites. (Alternatively, you can normally request these via email.)
For tastings and restaurant meals in the Winelands, I recommend booking in advance. Especially if you visit on weekends, as the wine farms can be extremely busy then. Our top establishments and tastings often book up days in advance.
Website:
Various. Please visit the wine estate’s website or refer to a local winelands directory.
4) Take to the Skies with an Epic Helicopter Tour
I never thought I would be able to afford or even brave a helicopter tour – but wow, is it a life-changing experience!
I am so glad I splurged on this for a special birthday treat and, based off my personal experience and the service received, I can unquestionably recommend Cape Town Helicopters.
While there are other local providers, I found that Cape Town Helicopters offers the best overall service. Starting from the point of correspondence to my ride on the day. Everything about my first-time helicopter flight with them was flawless.
I did a short Atlantic Seaboard trip and it was incredible.
They do, however, have a range of tours to choose from – including Two Oceans and Robben Island, as well as Winelands flights and some pricey but amazing sounding experiences.
While most locals can’t afford to drop a few k at a pop, if you can save up for a flight – I highly recommend it.
It’s a truly luxurious experience and if you think Cape Town is stunning from the land or mountain, wait till you see her from the sky!
Location:
Unit no. 03, V&A Waterfront Helistop, 36 East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
This is a more break-the-bank type of experience, as pricing starts at R2000 per person and can run up to R100 000 based on the tour or experience you choose.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (021) 418 9462 or Whatsapp on +27 (084) 766 7777
For online bookings, please see here.
Website:
5) Visit the West Coast National Park
I feature the West Coast National Park a lot but for good reason.
It really is one of the best national parks for couples, solo travellers, tourists, friend groups and above all, families to enjoy in the Western Cape.
With everything from amazing seasonal wild flower spotting (during August to September only), wildlife sightings, hiking- and MTB-trails, accommodation, birdwatching, pristine Mediterranean-esque beaches, braai spots and picnic areas, there is so much to see and enjoy in this national park.
Best of all, it’s a short outing from Cape Town, while also being the perfect distance from West Coast towns, like Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Darling and Paternoster.
Location:
West Coast National Park, West Coast
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
It is budget-friendly, especially for locals but you do have to pay a year-round entry fee, as it is a protected national park.
For the latest pricing and opening hours, please see here.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (022) 772-2144/5, moipone.thathane@sanparks.org
For online bookings, please see here.
Website:
6) Journey Aboard Ceres Railway Company’s Steam Train
Another perfect summer experience is a trip aboard the Ceres Railway Company steam train. To this day, it remains one of my more memorable, special travel experiences.
This popular steam train company offers several train trips and outings, although their most frequently running and long-standing return trip takes you from the Mother City to Elgin Railway Market and back for the day!
The train trip is a perfect family-friendly outing and allows you to cover 160 km (from 7am – 19:00 pm) aboard a beautifully maintained train.
Enter a lost world of luxury train travel, as you soak up beautiful Cape scenery that flits by in a flash.
Highlights include travelling up Sir Lowry’s Pass, exploring the steampunk Elgin Railway Market, sipping drinks, cocktails and hot beverages and snacking on the train as you ride, thanks to their dedicated on-board food and drinks.
Location:
The train departs from Harbour Bridge Platform (close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre).
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
This is a more break-the-bank experience in my view, as tickets can start at +/- R600-800.
However, it is certainly a unique experience and you can choose from a range of comfy to more luxurious seating options.
What’s more, this is an unforgettable all-day outing so, given that, pricing is actually very reasonable!
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (079) 401 9353, bookings@ceresrail.co.za
For online bookings, please see here.
Website:
7) Explore a Flower Farm, Local Garden or Sunflower Field
The Western Cape is blessed with some of the most beautiful gardens and farms anywhere in the world. Our wine farms and botanical gardens, in particular, offer the most amazing outdoor experiences and floral attractions for plant- and flower-lovers to enjoy.
Wander through a Local Botanical- or Winelands-Garden
In my view, as far as botanical gardens go, Harold Porter (near Betty’s Bay) and Kirstenbosch are two of the best in the Western Cape.
Both of these wonderfully maintained national gardens have so much to see and do.
Both Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch have entry fees but they are both definitely budget-friendly.
However, for events and other experiences (like hikes or on-site restaurant meals), you must book and/or pay separately.
For Harold Porter visitor information, please see here.
For Kirstenbosch visitor information, please see here.
If you are exploring the Winelands region, meanwhile, and are looking for stunning gardens to explore, check out my best picks here.
Note: Most gardens in the Cape Winelands are free to visit so they are certainly budget-friendly.
Some, like Old Nectar and Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, have entry fees – but I still consider them budget-friendly day outings.
Visit Adene’s Farm Flowers
As for flower farms, one of the best to visit during summertime in the Western Cape is undoubtedly Adene’s Farm Flowers.
While visitors can only experience this wonderful farm over select weekends (from mid-December to the first week of April annually), it is one of the most beloved summer attractions and definitely one to add to your adventure list!
Found in Wolseley on a family farm, this flower experience allows you to enjoy walking among green houses filled with a wide array of bountiful blooms, including some +/- 50 000 dahlias and 4000 hydrangeas.
On the day, you can also visit the on-site coffee shop for some drinks and cake or pre-book a gorgeous farm picnic to enjoy.
You can’t pick your own flowers here but, when you visit, you can buy some fresh-cut flowers.
Just arrive early (the farm opens at 08:00 am) – as, after 11:00 am, the greenhouses and netting attracts a lot of heat and it becomes a bit stifling on hot days.
Location:
Adene’s Farm Flowers, Platvlei Fruit Farm, Wolseley
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
This a budget-friendly experience. Tickets are between R40-R70 and you receive a complimentary seed packet worth R65 with your ticket.
For picnics and coffee shop treats, you must book and pay separately. For pricing, please contact them directly.
Contact information and/or bookings:
Contact Adene’s Farm Flowers directly.
For more information on open days, please see here.
Website:
Lose Yourself in a Sea of Sunflowers
One of the most cheerful, exciting additions to the Cape Winelands is Vergelegen’s impressive sunflower field.
Each summer now, this majestic field becomes a sea of happy yellow flower faces, edged by peaceful fields and distant mountains.
It’s the perfect summer attraction, especially when you discover that Vergelegen is a treasure trove of garden features and sections, experiences (everything from farm-, museum- and cellar-tours to picnics, restaurant experiences and wine tastings) and of course, rich Cape history.
The sunflower field at this stunning Somerset West-lying wine farm usually lasts for two to three weeks.
The blooming period varies (some years, it falls in late December to January, while other times it has happened in January to February) and is weather-dependent.
So keep an eye on their social pages for updates each summer season!
Location:
Vergelegen Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
Vergelegen has a small entry fee (under R15 per person) to the estate but the sunflower field is free to enjoy.
You must book and pay for other on-site attractions and experiences separately.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (021) 847 2100, info@vergelegen.co.za
For additional visitor information, please see here.
Website:
8) Soak up a Summertime/Open-air Market
During summer, a lot of open-air markets pop up in the Western Cape after their winter hibernation, while others offer extended trading times.
If you are a market lover, summertime is the perfect time to explore open-air and/or twilight markets in the Western Cape.
Some of my favourite markets to visit include Oranjezicht City Farm (OCZF) Market, The Mountain Market, Lourensford Market, Elgin Railway Market, Neighbourgoods Market, Franschhoek Village Market and more. For a full market list, please see here.
Some special summertime markets to enjoy are:
- Boschendal Friday Night Market (Friday evenings; weather-dependent; usually runs from September till the end of summer)
- Cape Point Vineyards Market (Thursday evenings during summer)
- Noordhoek Village Farm Market (Wednesday evenings during summer)
Location:
Various. Many of these markets are found in and around Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Western Cape.
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
Unless you visit a wine farm that has a paid entry fee to the estate, most Western Cape markets are entirely free to enjoy. So it’s definitely a budget-friendly experience for all ages!
Contact information and/or bookings:
Various. Please contact the relevant market or wine farm directly.
Website:
Various. Please visit the applicable market/wine farm website for details.
9) Enjoy a Summer Picnic and Horse Ride at Boschendal Wine Estate
I love our Cape Winelands’ summer picnics! Many local wine farms offer their unique picnics every spring to autumn (or late summer, in some cases).
It’s honestly one of the things I love most about summertime in the Western Cape.
Almost all the wine farm picnics I have tried are incredible, hugely family-friendly and above all, offer a romantic feast of top quality, organic or locally sourced picnic spreads.
A Wonderful Winelands Picnic at Boschendal
You can see a full list of my recommended picnics here – but probably my top pick is Boschendal’s Werf picnics.
I have literally done their picnic experience thrice over the years and I could quite frankly book it every summer.
The service is impeccable; the picnic spread is filling, varied and offers the best in sustainable, locally produced or sourced goods; and the setting, oh, the setting is a dream.
You can sit on the Pavilion lawns, feasting in comfort as your picnic and drinks are served to you.
Also, they normally have relaxing live music performances on weekends (Saturday to Sunday) and on public holidays, which only adds to the experience.
Boschendal’s picnics really are superb and are perfect for solo travellers, couples and families. In fact, they are one of the few wine farm picnic options that caters to solo travellers and I love that!
Please note: Picnics must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance and can be collected from 12:00 – 14:00 pm on the day. You can pay when booking or on the day.
For more information and booking details, please see here.
Horse Around After Your Picnic
After your picnic, why not enjoy a thrilling, yet soothing guided horse ride on the estate?
Boschendal is one of the most beautiful, historic Franschhoek estates around and I can confirm that their guided horse rides are fun, safe and hugely enjoyable.
I am always hesitant to book animal experiences or anything that puts human comfort above those of animals – but Boschendal’s horses are exceptionally cared for, in good condition and lead a very happy, relaxing life.
I have been around horses since before I could walk or talk – and honestly, you can really sense how much the handlers love the horses, as well as how happy and content the horses seem.
If horse rides are not your type of summer experience, Boschendal has so much more to enjoy on-site – including an array of shops and an art gallery to browse, The Deli and Werf Restaurant, farm tours, accommodation, MTB- and hiking-trails, wine tastings, The Tree House (for kiddies) and more.
Note: Guided horse rides last for one hour and cost R550 per person, per hour. There are separate time slots for novice vs experienced riders so please book accordingly.
For kiddies under 8, they can enjoy pony rides, available near the Werf on weekends and public holidays.
For more information and booking details, please see here.
Location:
Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
I feel Boschendal’s picnic are budget-friendly, as they are extremely good value for money and a truly quality food- and drink-experience (although you do need to pay and order drinks separately).
The horse rides are a bit on the pricier side but still very reasonable for a quality, guided travel experience. So, while you might have to save up a bit, it’s definitely closer to budget-friendly than break-the-bank in my view.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (021) 870 4200, enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Website:
10) Book a Classic Car Drive with FMM
One of our best experiences remains our memorable classic car drive with the excellent Franschhoek Motor Museum (or FMM).
This is a one-of-a-kind winelands experience that allows you to experience the old school thrill of being chauffeured around in an iconic classic car.
The estate where the museum is situated, L’Ormarins, is one of the most beautiful around and this only adds to the experience!
This experience must be pre-booked but happily, it is not weather-dependent so nothing can rain on your parade.
Before or after your classic car drive, why not also check out the lovely on-site, family-friendly motor museum, which houses more than 220 motors and takes you through a hundred years of motoring history!
You can also enjoy a bite to eat at their deli or catch the tram to nearby Anthonij Rupert Wines for a wine tasting.
Location:
Franschhoek Motor Museum, L’Ormarins, Franschhoek
Budget-friendly or break the bank?
Definitely budget-friendly, as both the classic car ride and museum are under R100 per person.
Contact information and/or bookings:
+27 (021) 874 9002
Website:
For online bookings, please see here.
Summer Experiences to Savour in the Western Cape
For more summer inspiration, check out my guide to summer here! 🙂 It has links to all my popular summer content and offers a wide array of fun, safe experiences for all to enjoy!
About the Author
