10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Western Cape That You Shouldn't Miss

January 8, 2022 Oliva Fomby

South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Restaurants in Western Cape

1. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Btwn Montagu & Barrydale between Montagu & Barrydale, Montagu 6720 South Africa +27 21 010 0028 [email protected] http://www.sanbona.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 351 reviews

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Welcome to the malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town to the heart of the Little Karoo, along the Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts 58, 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3, 500 years, plus a unique boat safari. More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Explore a wilderness sanctuary in the Western Cape while staying at your choice of three luxurious lodges or a back-to-nature Explorer Camp adventure, each of which is surrounded by ancient folded mountains and endless vistas. Please note that Sanbona is a private reserve and booking in advance is essential.

Reviewed By ursulab911 - Johannesburg, South Africa

Depart from Mother City, head out on the long and winding road (3 hours), ROUTE 62, voted by CNN Travel as the world’s best road trip destination. At the foot of towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo lies the unique safari destination of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58, 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains and wide-open plains. Experience a huge diversity of indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3,500 years, plus a unique boat safari and thrilling game drives. Conservation is paramount at Sanbona and every guest contributes to preserving this wilderness for future generations. More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique.

2. Robberg Nature Reserve

8 Plettenberg Street, Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa +27 44 533 2125 http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,524 reviews

Robberg Nature Reserve

Reviewed By FoodorArt - Polokwane, South Africa

Wow Wow Wow loved my little hike to the gap and sitting on the rocks looking out over Plettenberg Bay... Amazing!

3. Waterford Estate

Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 880 5300 [email protected] http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 719 reviews

Waterford Estate

Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120 hectare property owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord and managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold. The Estate boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Provence or the Spanish countryside, with your first glimpse of this enchanting realm. However, we are immensely proud of our uniquely South African location and the rich diversity of our indigenous flora and fauna. The winery was styled along the engaging terracotta design and was the result of winemaker Kevin Arnold and architect Alex Walker teaming up to create the home of Waterford Estate wines. The centre piece of the magnificent courtyard is the Waterford Estate fountain. This feature has been immortalized in the Waterford Estate label and represents a fundamental component of our philosophy. We believe in the old adage of 'less is more'. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty. Welcome to our world, a world where the passing of time and the change in seasons only add rich layers of character and charm to the scene.

Reviewed By Richardreynolds1 - London, United Kingdom

On not a very South African day, more Somerset than Somerset West with low mist and drizzle, we were superbly looked after by head guide and budding oenologist Devon, a very engaging and enthusiastic host. It's a beautiful, Florentine styled, estate to visit - but that does not make it different from several others in the region. What does is the wine safari, an imaginative way to take visitors around the vineyards, normally tasting and eating very moreish tapa type food among the vines. Kevin Arnold is an ambitious wine maker and the estate's top wine, The Jem, compares very favourably to other top New World wines at a fraction of their price. Buy before the rest of the world wakes up! The estate also does a chocolate and wine pairing, very much enjoyed by most.

4. Durbanville Hills Table Mountain Wine Safari

Tafelberg Road, Durbanville South Africa +27 21 558 1300 http://www.durbanvillehills.co.za
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
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Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 67 reviews

Durbanville Hills Table Mountain Wine Safari

Reviewed By Teebail - Docklow, United Kingdom

The wine was so good.Henry was an amazing company!. Had a blast with good food, great wine and wonderful company.

5. The Cango Caves

328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa +27 44 272 7410 http://www.cango-caves.co.za/adventure.php
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,151 reviews

The Cango Caves

Though damaged through shortsighted tourism schemes in the 1960s, these caves are still worth a visit for their eerie dark tunnels and stunning limestone formations.

Reviewed By magsboy - North Vancouver, Canada

The Cango Caves are well worth the visit to see to large underground caverns and the awesome geologic formations (we only did the Heritage Tour) and you can get some spectacular photos - we took the earliest available tour and glad we did because the tour buses were rolling up when we left and hordes of people were arriving - I do think they need to limit the numbers - and also enforce their requests for visitors not to sit and touch where they are asked not to!

6. Drostdy Museum

18 Swellengrebel Street, Swellendam 6740 South Africa +27 28 514 1138 [email protected] http://www.drostdymuseum.com/
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

Drostdy Museum

This former government building, an architectural treasure in itself, is now a museum containing some impressive artifacts. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.

Reviewed By DannyB_11 - London, United Kingdom

Open air type museum with numerous buildings displaying bygone lifestyles and crafts. Including a magistrates home with courthouse. Lovely couple of hours wander.

7. Helderberg Nature Reserve

Verster Avenue, Somerset West 7130 South Africa +27 21 444 9744 [email protected] http://www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 336 reviews

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Hiking, camping and bird watching are the top attractions in this majestic wildlife sanctuary nestled on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain. O

Reviewed By trevawalsh - Rustenburg, South Africa

I did a trail run/hike up to the top of West Peak. The bottom trails of Helderberg are well marked and utilized, however the upper trails are not as well maintained and require you to be very careful. It is well worth it for the view at the top of the mountain though! It felt safe in terms of security and the facilites at the entrance were good.

8. Vergelegen Estate

Lourensford Road, Somerset West 7130 South Africa +27 21 847 2100 [email protected] http://www.vergelegen.co.za/
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 889 reviews

Vergelegen Estate

Vergelegen - no ordinary Estate. Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen (meaning "situated far away"), has been under the ownership of some of the world's great explorers and visionaries, each of whom, in their own way, have helped shape Vergelegen to what it is today: a world-class Estate. With its world renowned handcrafted wines, history spanning over 300 years, heritage, exquisite gardens and refined cuisine, it comes as no surprise that Vergelegen continues to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience. For this reason, the Estate has borne witness to many visits of heads of state and celebrities from all over the world. Think of Vergelegen to spend quality time on your own, with your family and friends or business associates - wine tasting centre and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and the Picnic, are only a few of a myriad of enjoyable activities at Vergelegen. We invite you to experience the world of Vergelegen first-hand.

Reviewed By GundaJohannesburg - Johannesburg, South Africa

Walk in these calm and beautiful surroundings with magnificent camphor trees and end your visit in their restaurant which serves you exquisite food

9. Swartberg Pass

192 Buitekant Street, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa +27 82 461 8253 http://www.truesouthtravel.co.za.
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,633 reviews

Swartberg Pass

Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.

10. Outeniqua Transport Museum

2 Mission Road, George 6530 South Africa +27 44 801 8289 [email protected] http://www.outeniquachootjoe.co.za/museum.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

Outeniqua Transport Museum

The Transnet Transport Museum has a unique display featuring the history of Transnet. Enter the world of South African Railway history and admire some of the Iron Ladies that once ruled the railway lines of South Africa. From the small prestigious Emil Kessler(National Monument) to some of the more modern bigger veterans that concurred the scenic Outeniqua railway pass. An excellent selection of privately owned vintage cars are on display and other exhibitions of interst are silverware, cutlery and crockery from various periods of the transport industry, locomotives number plates, makers plates, fire engines, road transport vehicles, furniture and many other rail related items. Open weekdays from 08:00 AM to 4;30 PM . Saturdays and Public Holidays from 08:00 to 14:00. Closed on Sundays and 25 December. ENJOY A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.

Reviewed By lopesfamily_1 - Johannesburg, South Africa

The power van is such a hidden gem!! A 2 and a half hour trip up and through the Outenique mountain pass, 6 tunnels and unparalleled panoramic views of gorges and valleys and the mountains. Breathtaking fauna and flora - with waterfalls when it rains! The 2 guides have exceptional local knowledge! Tip - take a jacket - weather must be clear and sunny and pack a picnic basket! The museum itself is awesome for kids - plenty old locomotives and vintage cars - an enriching peak into the past!!

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