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Africa & Middle East

Western Cape Safari & Tours

  • Surrounded by mountains, Stellenbosch is one of the Western Cape's prime wine producing areas.
  • The largest city in the Western Cape, Cape Town is often referred to as the "Mother City"
  • Featuring a rugged coastline, Walker Bay is also home to a thriving wine producing region
  • In the Swartberg range, the Cango Caves are among South Africa's finest
  • The white sand beaches and blue waters make Plettenberg Bay a popular holiday destination

The Western Cape is a province located to the southwest of South Africa. Roughly L-shaped, the province extends north and east from the Cape of Good Hope and is bordered by the Northern and Eastern Capes as well as two oceans, the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west.

The capital and heart of the Western Cape are Cape Town, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations on South African tours. Despite its relatively small size in comparison to other states in the country, the Western Cape has much to offer including the famed Garden Route, the culinary-rich Cape Winelands and the stunning Table Mountain.

The West Coast is somewhat of a secret to international travelers, however, the beaches found there are where many South Africans choose to holiday.

Centuries of trade and immigration have created a very multicultural feel in the province. Much of the population is able to trace links back to parts of Europe, Southeast Asia, India and other parts of Africa. Areas like Cape Town and Stellenbosch are known for their nightlife, however, the incredible nature and wildlife aspect of the province must not be overlooked. The scenery here is unmatched and visits to nature reserves and national parks should not be missed on a South African vacation.

What are the places to visit in Cape Town?

Table Mountain

Table Mountain dominates the city skyline and literally hovers over the city. It is recognized as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is South Africa’s most photographed landmark. The rocks on the mountain are over 600 million years old making Table Mountain one of the oldest mountains in the world. Table Mountain offers fantastic views of Cape Town, Table Bay and Robben Island to the north and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. It is 3 kilometres/2 miles from side to side and has a flat top with edges consisting of steep cliffs (just like a table). When it is covered by a cloud bank which sometimes it is, this is referred to as the “tablecloth”. The Table Mountain Cableway takes passengers on South African vacations from the lower cable station to the plateau at the top of the mountain.

Robben Island

Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 7 kilometres/4 miles west of Cape Town and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has become famous since the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid. Three former inmates of Robben Island have gone on to become President of South Africa: Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. A tour to Robben Island takes 3.5 hours including the ferry rides to and from the island. You will see where Mandela was imprisoned and spent his time. Also, you will learn about the long history of Robben Island.

The Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula. This is where the currents of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at the point where the warm water Agulhas current meets the cold water Benguela current, a point that fluctuates between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point, just east of the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape of Good Hope has long been of special significance to sailors, many of whom refer to it simply as "The Cape”.

The Cape Peninsula is 52 kilometres/32 miles in length and has two main routes to cover all the outstanding attractions. On South African tours or a drive on your own, you will experience amazing scenery, deserted beaches, rugged cliffs and great bird watching. Some 250 species of birds have been spotted here including penguins and ostriches. En route, you will visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve with its rich diversity of animal and plant life. The tip of the peninsula has stunning views as if you are standing on the edge of the world. You are surrounded by rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres/650 feet above the sea.

More information on the Cape of Good Hope

The Penguins at Boulders Beach

On the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula is Boulders Beach, a sheltered beach made up of several inlets sandwiched between granite boulders. Its major claim to fame is the colony of African penguins which makes its home on the beach in the town centre. You can get up close and personal with these birds who wander freely albeit in a protected natural environment. There are as many as 3000 penguins here.

More places to visit in Western Cape

Hermanus

Hermanus, which is 122 kilometres/75 miles from Cape Town, is generally considered the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. From June to December, the bay becomes the swimming grounds for a large number of Southern Right Whales. You are almost guaranteed of seeing whales in September, October and November. Hermanus is the mating and breeding ground of the Southern Right Whale during the winter and spring months. They migrate from the Antarctic around June to calve and mate. Calving takes place in August and September and the males arrive for mating in October when the whale population peaks.

The Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is approximately 40 kilometres/25 miles and located in a series of valleys. The region is also a collection of historic towns and Cape Dutch farmsteads that produce excellent wines known worldwide to be enjoyed on South African tours. This very pretty area benefits from the local soil and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The main centres are Stellenbosch, a charming old university town and the second oldest town in South Africa, Paarl with its beautifully restored Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings and Franschhoek which lies in one of the most beautiful valleys of the region and has a wonderful collection of art and antique shops and galleries. In all of these, you will find world-class wineries that offer tours of their vineyards as well as wine tastings. There are also some excellent restaurants offering gourmet meals. Franschhoek is known as the gourmet capital of the country. Eight of the top 100 restaurants in the country are in Franschhoek together with around 30 wine cellars and over 28 restaurants.

More information on tours to the Cape Winelands

The Garden Route

The word “Garden” here indicates a beautiful stretch of coastal scenery. Some call it South Africa’s Garden of Eden. It is located roughly between Mossel Bay in the west and Plettenberg Bay in the east, a distance of around 300 kilometres/185 miles. It has an exceptionally scenic coastline, excellent beaches with, in places, large waves crashing against tall cliffs, picturesque lakes and lagoons, ancient indigenous dense forests, dramatic ravines, deep gorges and abundant wildlife. There are also top-level golf courses, artists’ colonies, bungee jumping sites and attractive resorts.

One of these resorts is Knysna located on an attractive lagoon with a large selection of accommodations and restaurants. Another is George known for its world-class golf courses and its proximity to the Outeniqua Mountains. The Wilderness is a very serene and charming village and the start of the more dramatic scenery along the Garden Route. It is here that you can walk along the beach with towering cliffs in the background together with rolling breakers and large stretches of white sand. It is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone wanting a peaceful sojourn. Plettenberg Bay is a seaside vacation town and a great place to relax for a couple of days on a South African vacation with its white sand and crystal-blue waters making it one of the country’s top tourist destinations. The beaches here are excellent and there are excellent golf courses, hiking trails and nature reserves nearby.

More information on tours of the Garden Route

South Africa Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to South Africa trips.

Learn about the history and culture of South Africa, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about South Africa's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering South Africa for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our South Africa tours today!

Extend Your Stay in South Africa and beyond

After your South Africa vacation, why not consider one of Goway's Europe tours or Egypt tours en route from South Africa or perhaps a stopover in Dubai on one of our United Arab Emirates tours.

 

Read More

Western Cape, South Africa

  • Cape, Wine and Safari: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Kruger

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This 12 day South Africa trip will have you experiencing both the Western Cape and the thrill of an African Safari. Beginning in Cape Town, you’ll have plenty of time to take in not only the beautiful Mother City, but also its surrounds with your 5 nights stay. Next up, its off to the Winelands. Enjoy a private food and beverage tour through the streets of Stellenbosch as well as wine tasting of course. Lastly, its off to Karongwe Game Reserve for your exciting African Safari as you search out all the animals that call this area home.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,999
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • South Africa and Victoria Falls Escapade: Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Pilanesberg National Park

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine South Africa’s most attractive city with a game safari and a visit to Victoria Falls on one great African vacation. Start in Zimbabwe, where you’ll witness the majesty of Victoria Falls. Onward to Cape Town to tour the city and enjoy some wine tastings. Cap the trip off with a safari in Pilanesberg National Park.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,499
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Zimbabwe See Trip Details

  • Cape Highlights and Safari: Cape Town, Garden Route & Kariega Game Reserve

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Enjoy a stay in South Africa's Mother City; Cape Town before getting up close with African wildlife on the Eastern Cape. Visit the world's ostrich capital, sample the best of South Africa's famous Winelands, and follow the Garden Route to see South Africa in all its diverse beauty.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,849
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Spectacular South Africa: Cape Town, Knysna, Kapama Private Game Reserve & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: This comprehensive South Africa tour offers a taste of all that makes the country such a great destination, including its wine regions, natural beauty, abundant wildlife, national parks, and rich native culture.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,539
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Signature South Africa: Cape Town, Rovos Rail, Kruger & More

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the magic and splendour of Southern Africa on this 12-day luxury journey of South Africa. Starting in Cape Town, you’ll venture to the Cape Winelands, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era with 2 nights spent on-board the elegant Rovos Rail train.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,168
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Rail Travel Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Magic of Africa: Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls & More

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the magic and splendour of Southern Africa on this 12-day luxury journey from South Africa to Botswana. Starting in Cape Town, you’ll venture to the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park, majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and the waters of the Chobe River in Botswana.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 9,929
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • City Lights & Safari Sights: Cape Town & Pilanesberg National Park

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine South Africa’s most attractive city with the wonders of the African bush on this city lights and safari sights vacation. Start in Cape Town where you’ll have three days at leisure to experience its charms. Then head on to Pilanesberg National Park to head on daily game drives in search of the Big Five.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,949
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • A World in One Country: Kruger, Hluhluwe, Cape Town & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Enjoy a tour of the best of South Africa, packed full of activities and ‘must-see’ areas from Kruger National Park to the Zulu Kingdom, ending in Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City’.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,985
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Savanna in Style: Cape Town, Franschhoek and Sabi Sands Game Reserve

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: One of the most beautiful nations on Earth, South Africa boasts the spectacular Cape region, some of the world’s finest wines and unparalleled game viewing in its national parks. After enjoying three days in the ‘Mother City’, head to Franschhoek to enjoy some fine South African wine and take in the stunning scenery. Last but certainly not least, head on your African safari in the famous Sabi Sands as you search out the Big 5.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,819
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Africa: Masai Mara, Livingstone, Cape Town & More

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: South Africa or Kenya for your African adventure? With this unique itinerary, there’s no need to choose. Enjoy the culture and wildlife of the Masai Mara before flying on to Victoria Falls to see the breathtaking Falls before heading to Cape Town.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,333
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Luxury Cape and Kruger Safari: Grootbos, Cape Town & Sabi Sands

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Experience the beauty and charm of South Africa on this luxury package. Begin with a stay in an eco-reserve tucked between mountains, forest and sea - followed by elegant atmosphere in Cape Town. Finally, head to a sanctuary symbolizing a new era in lodging in the greater Kruger for your African safari.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 9,007
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Cape & Kruger Escape: Cape Town & Greater Kruger National Park

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the most beautiful regions of South Africa on this adventure. Explore the Western Cape before embarking on an African safari through a private game reserve in Kruger National Park.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,699
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • City Lights, Safari Sights with Dubai: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Dubai

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Pair together the natural and cultural delights of South Africa with the futuristic wonders of Dubai. Start in South Africa, where you’ll explore Cape Town and head on safari in Pilanesberg. Then connect to United Arab Emirates to experience Dubai, the greatest show on earth.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,052
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Qatar and South Africa Safari

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore 2 great countries in one trip. Beginning in Cape Town, you'll have 3 full days to discover what makes the 'Mother City' and surrounds one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Next its off to Pilanesberg National Park for your African Safari. Finally, fly to Qatar for a 3 night stay as you explore the capital, Doha - a wonderful blend of culture, tradition and modern innovation.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,041
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Rovos Rail: Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

    DELUXE | RAIL: This journey is one of the most famous rail experiences in the world. Travel through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania combining the luxury of pre-war travel with modern touches.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 13,600
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Rail Travel Ideas
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Kalahari & Lower Zambezi Safari

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Start with Cape Town’s most iconic luxury hotel - celebrating art and design. Next, stay in South Africa's largest private game reserve where your game lodge blends comfort seamlessly with the stunning landscape. Lastly, head to the banks of the Zambezi River, where a luxury safari camp offers the utmost comfort amidst the wild 'real Africa' that is Zambia.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 14,006
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Romance & Honeymoon, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Wonders of South Africa: Kruger, Garden Route, Cape Town & More

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: Spend two weeks discovering all that makes South Africa one of the world’s most diverse and colourful destinations. Take in natural sights such as Blyde River Canyon, explore the historic lands of the Zulus and Swazis, follow the magnificent South African coastline, and immerse yourself in the beauty, wine, and culture of the Cape. On this tour, a maximum of 40 guests are escorted by a local professional tourist guide. All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests. Transportation is in air-conditioned luxury vehicles and tours are only conducted in English.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,819
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • South African Family Adventure: Cape Town, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve & More

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Start your trip in Cape Town, a highlight of Southern Africa with its unrivalled natural beauty, before continuing on to a unique malaria-free private game reserve located at the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains. End with a stay at the only private lodge situated inside the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,796
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Taste Of The Western Cape: Cape Town & Stellenbosch

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Embark on a culinary journey to Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Enjoy high tea at the Mount Nelson, a craft gin distillery tour, and a hands-on cooking session with a local family in Cape Town. Head to Stellenbosch, where you’ll be able to enjoy a 4x4 tour complete with wine tasting.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,937
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Winelands & Wildlife: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Sabi Sands Game Reserve

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore vibrant Cape Town and see the sights of the Cape Peninsula. Visit picturesque Stellenbosch, the heart of the Winelands before a ‘Big 5’ encounter at Kruger National Park.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,208
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Rovos Rail: Cape Town to Pretoria (or v.v)

    DELUXE | RAIL: Departing from Cape Town or Pretoria, stopping en-route to view Kimberley's 'Big Hole' and the Mine and Diamond museums, while enjoying the stark beauty of the Northern Cape.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,862
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Cape Town Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Uncover Cape Town, the mother city of Africa, and its Western Cape, regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. A rare cultural gem, Cape Town offers a mix of many cultures.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 564
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Essence of Cape Town

    FIRST CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Uncover Cape Town, the mother city of Africa, and its Western Cape, regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. A rare cultural gem, Cape Town offers a mix of many cultures.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 561
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Transkalahari Adventure: Cape Town, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Sossusvlei & More

    MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: From exploring the towering sand dunes in Namibia to floating along the stunning waterways of the Okavango Delta, this trip combines the best of Southern Africa as you make your way through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana before ending in Zimbabwe.
    Duration:
    20 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,199
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Adventures in Nature: Cape Town & Karongwe Game Reserve

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Venture through South Africa as a family to have unforgettable wildlife encounters. This family vacation takes you from Cape Town to Greater Kruger to see South Africa’s famous animals like lions and cheetahs, and incorporates kids programs for stress-free family travel.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,497
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details
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