Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Western Cape, South Africa

April 16, 2022 Etsuko Causey

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. Chapman's Peak Drive

Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa +27 21 791 8220 http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,126 reviews

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as #Chappies.

Reviewed By Loolew - Nice, France

The drive takes you up the side of Chapman's Peak. It's well secured from falling rocks now. The view of Hout Bay Karbonkelberg and round the corner, Noordhoek and it's beach are just stunning. Don't miss it

2. Otter Trail

Garden Route Coast, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa 270124265111
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 80 reviews

Otter Trail

Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa

Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!

3. Clifton Beaches

Victoria Road Parking: what3words ///holders.dives.gnawing, Cape Town Central South Africa
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,876 reviews

Clifton Beaches

Reviewed By robfN4841FD - Paarl, South Africa

I have been coming to Clifton beaches for the last 40 years. One of the most beautiful beach on the Planet, in the middle of an amazing city, Cape Town, with Lion's Head as a backdrop, wind sheltered, and soft fine sand. What more could you ask for ??

4. 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
1%
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.

5. Garden Route

South Africa +27 21 935 4800 http://kontours.co.za/contact
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Garden Route

Reviewed By MargoVV - South Africa, null

I've written a review a while back about the beautiful garden route but would like to mention a hidden gem along the way for tourists. Botlierskop! If you haven't got time to go north to the Kruger National Park and you'd like to experience a beautiful, compact, luxury safari experience in the Cape, make a point of stopping by at the small game farm, Botlierskop (between Mossel Bay and George) for an informative game drive to see the Big Five (except leopard), various buck and antelopes, giraffe, rhinos, lions, elephants and the rare black impalas. This exceptionally well run establishment offers, top class food at their restaurants, infinity pools, indoor and outdoor fires, luxury comfortable accommodation, a spa, horseback riding, safari game drives, etc. A night or two is totally worth it!

6. Camp's Bay Beach

Victoria Road Parking: what3words ///nibs.mazelike.swaying, Camps Bay 8005 South Africa
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,793 reviews

Camp's Bay Beach

Just up Kloof Nek Road from the center of town is this thriving beach community. Plenty of trendy nightclubs, shops and cafes bring diners and shoppers, while tranquil seas and fine white sand draw sun worshippers and swimmers.

Reviewed By yns_10 - Sydney, Australia

Camps Bay has a great beach, and there are good shops and fabulous bars and restaurants along the esplanade. Yes, it got extremely windy one day while we were there which made it less than comfortable on the beach, but the cafes are all adept at sheltering patrons from the elements when required.

7. 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
0%
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.

8. The Dolphin Trail

Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa +27 42 280 3588 [email protected] http://www.dolphintrail.co.za/
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

The Dolphin Trail

Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.

Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa

Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen

9. Plettenberg Beach

Plettenberg Bay South Africa
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 254 reviews

Plettenberg Beach

Reviewed By michaelv507

Plettenberg Beach is a must go and see on your journey through the Garden Route, its well look after neat and clean beautiful view from relaxing on the sandy beach. Safe for swimmers and surfers and jet sky as well as boat trips, it was a good mid-day relaxing time for us.

10. Bloubergstrand Beach

Bloubergstrand Parking: what3words ///rusher.overlap.pollutant, Cape Town Central 7405 South Africa
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,378 reviews

Bloubergstrand Beach

Reviewed By KingBJ01 - Koforidua, Ghana

Surf friendly and super clean beach, you get amazing restaurants and pubs right on the beach front like wimpy, Angus Grill and many more who serve the best sea food.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.