Day Tour ideas around Capetown

Day tour Suggestions around Cape Town .

Decide a day or two before with which day tour according to the weather. There are many more things to do and see. This is just some ideas. 

Ideas for day outings 

Day

City Tour : Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Trafalgar Flowers, Groote Kerk ( Church), Slave Lodge, Parliament Lane, Company Gardens Green Market Square - African curious, Church Street for Art Galleries, Bo-Kaap. Especially Chiappini Street & Atlas Trading Store, Signal Hill, V&A Waterfront, Seapoint

Round off your day with Helicopter flight or sunset boat cruise to a wine tasting at the Waterfront Wine Shop

Day

Cape Winelands

Boat trip to seal Island in Houtbay

Walk in Kirstenbosch Botanical garden

Sunset Cruise at Watefront

Day

Table Mountain. 

Use Cable car and do a longer walk on the top. 

Various hiking options. Can also meet none hikers at top and walk together on top. See my page on Table Mountain Trails

Day

Peninsula Tour to Cape of Good Hope

 Scenic drive along the Atlantic coast,  drive via Chapmanspeak. 

Continue to  Boulders Beach Visit the Penguin colony. After this  visit Cape point. On return, stroll in the art village of Kalbay. Enjoy a late lunch in Kalbay. 

Day

Visit Stellenbosch wine area,  Enjoy a wine and food pairing and a Balsamic vinegar tasting. Or perhaps Cheese and/or chocolate tasting 

Perhaps enjoy a gourmet lunch on one of the estates. 

Day

Morning

www.khwattu.org/

👆🏻Interesting visit to learn about SAN (bushman) indegenious people of South Africa. 

Several tours options to learn about San culture in a very natural and interesting way, with personal stories from people with direct experience.  San lifestyle - very educational and inspirational

Safari in Afternoon https://buffelsfontein.co.za/

Day Safari (Alternative to above) 

Sunset Safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve or visit Invedoorn

The perfect Mother City escape. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Cape Town views.  Depart at 12h00. After a hot day in the Karoo veld, the animals are just starting to stir, moving towards the watering holes and coming out of the shade.

The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share exciting inside stories and facts about your surroundings, easily rousing your inner wild side.

Day

Durbanville is a hilly wine-producing area on the northern outskirts of Cape Town in South Africa. It is one of the country's coolest wine-producing regions, and flinty, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc is the most important style of wine produced from the grapes grown here.

Day 

Hermanus and Hemel and Aarde Valley. 

Bordering Walker Bay - a breeding ground for Southern Right whales on their annual winter migration - is a 20-kilometre stretch of vineyards known for their unique terroir and maritime character, which derive maximum benefit from the high elevation and cool sea breezes. Each winery produces small volumes of premium-quality wines in sustainably managed vineyards.

Arrangements : I will gladly assist in arranging activities and tours. (No charge to arrange activities or tours)

Costing for a private tour

Spoil yourselves, sit back, relax and enjoy a private tour and learn more about the areas you are visiting. 

Tour can be conducted in English, German or Afrikaans. 

I can put together which suits you and what you like. Feel free to contact me. I will gladly assist you. 

R3300/day for 2 or 3 people .

R5200 4 to 6 people

More than 6. Please Request quote. 

Tours further than 40 km radius from city center. Fuel surgage will be charged depending on distance. 

This includes guiding, car & fuel.

Excluding entrance fees, guide & client meals. Clients pay Guide meals & entrance feesif not complimentary 

Payment in cash on the day since I do not have credit cards facilities. We can just on way at ATM

Helicopter Flight Capetown

Scenic Helicopter in Cape Town: 

The Most Epic Way to Experience the City

You don’t have to be a high flyer to enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride over Cape Town.

There are several packages to suit every budget and occasion, from a 20-minute ride over the Atlantic Seaboard to a 3-hour flight into the Winelands.

Whale Trail

 Whale Trail 

The Whale Trail is located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve between Cape Agulhas and Cape Infanta. The trail is a little under 60km over 5 days. 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Potberg - Overnight at accommodation there before the start

DAY 2:

Potberg to Cupidoskraal
14,7 km – Moderate to strenuous ± 8 hours

This is the toughest stretch of the trail and an early start is recommended. It will take you to the top of Potberg at 611 metres with breathtaking panoramic views of Swellendam in the north, unequalled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River, Cape Infante in the east and Cape Agulhas in the west. You will also have a good chance of sighting the rare Cape vulture. The trail descends towards Cupidoskraal where a swim in the dam offers, a refreshing end to the day.

DAY 3:

Cupidoskraal to Noetsie
15 km – Moderate ± 8 hours

The trail follows the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos with unequalled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River. The route finally leaves the Potberg and leads onto limestone hills with strikingly different fynbos, then descends to the enchanting bay of Noetsie at the coast.

DAY 4:

Noetsie to Hamerkop
8.5 km – Easy ± *6 hours (4 hours of actual walking with 6 hours suggested for several break periods

This short distance allows a leisurely start to the day and ample time for exploring the coastline. Stilgat, with its clear tidal pools and abundant marine life will provide an unsurpassed opportunity for snorkeling and swimming. Several whale watching points lie ahead until you reach a lovely sandy beach stretching all the way to Hamerkop.

DAY 5:

Hamerkop to Vaalkrans
10,5 km – Moderate ± 6 hours

It is well worth the long walk on the beach as the views and turquoise rock pools that you eventually reach are splendid. Please stay clear of the sensitive calcrete formations and look out for interesting seabirds like the shy oystercatchers and whitebreasted cormorants basking in the sun. Hikers are requested to respect the privacy of the guests staying at the remote Lekkerwater Lodge which is on this route.

DAY 6:

Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen
7 km – Easy ± *6 hours (2 hours of actual walking, with 6 hours suggested for several break periods)

This is a short hike through coastal thickets with ample time to soak up the last of the scenic landscapes, there are two alternative routes for high and low tide. Hippo Pools offers great swimming before the path leads up to Koppie Alleen where the trail ends

The group are collected by bus for the 45 minute journey to the start at Potberg where the vehicles are parked.

Accommodation: Shared bedrooms. Four people per room. Bunker beds. 

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Garden Route Hiking Trails

Garden Route day hikes. 

At the Diepwalle Forestry Station  there are 3 beautiful Elephant Trails in the Knysna Forest.

Three trails, of varying difficulty, wind their way through pristine Knysna forest, starting and ending at the Diepwalle Forestry Station. 

Black Route: 9km; circular (Easy: 3-4 hours)

White Route: 8km; circular (Moderate: 3-4 hours)

Red Route: 7km; circular (Moderate – Difficult: 3-4 hours)

The trail is a mix of forestry road, woodcutter trails and boardwalk, winding its way past giant old yellowwoods, stinkwood trees, gurgling streams and beautiful tree ferns.

Along the forest floor, the fungi are a delight to behold. From the brightest orange to something that looks like Oreos growing out the side of a tree.

If you keep your eyes open, you might spot a Knysna Loerie or a Knysna dwarf chameleon.

It is magical!

Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenbergbay area is a World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and artefacts. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses.

Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery.

Tsitsikamma National Park, Natures Valley & Storms River area 

There are a number of walks and hikes in the Park, at Nature's Valley and around Storms River Village.  The trails range from 1,8 km up to 9km and meander through the indigenous forests and on to coastal areas. 

Harkerville

Several one day or shorter Hiking Trails at Hakerville crisscrossing the Forest. Beautiful. See two day trail below. 

Goudveld Forest:

There are many different trails in the forest. I will only mention a few. 

Jubilee Creek that takes you through a maze of indigenous forest, with several age-old tree species extending beyond the forest canopy. The trail follows the edge of the forest stream, and criss-crosses it several times before eventually veering deeper into the forest ending at a lovely pool below a waterfall. Take a bathing costumes with. Picnic spots available at the start of the trail. Distance 3,6km out & back. 

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https://www.visitknysna.co.za/explore/for-the-family/swim-walk-picnic-at-jubilee-creek-in-the-forest/

The Circles in the Forest trail is situated in the Goldfield State Forest:  Starts/ends at the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site. It is a beautiful easy to moderate walk through the forest. There are sections where you walk amongst huge forest ferns and frog-filled streams with small wooden bridges, also a cool forest pool with a waterfall to swim in. Two options a short 3.1km circle route and a 9km circle route. 

http://www.gardenrouteadventureguide.com/jubilee-creek-short-walk.html

Multi-day Hiking Trails

Also see Multi-day Hiking Trails Page

Outeniqua Hiking Trail 

Best to park your car at the end of the trail sy Hakerville and take a shuttle to the start. 

The first huts are currently closed. Platbos Hut is also closed but it is a good starting point for this beautiful trail. 

Platbos to Millwood Hut:

This is +-15km and the Homtini River is a beautiful place to rest. On this day you also pass through Jubilee Creek picnic site which is a scenic delight and beckons you to stop. A short diversion also leads you to a waterfal with an inviting plunge pool. The hut  consists of a charming, rambling old house with updated ablusion blocks. (For those who knew it. Mother Holly's (Matterolli) restaurant has closed down) 

Millwood to Rondebossie Hut:
This is +- 17km and is quite hilly. Although you walk in the forest, it can become extremely hot. Take adequate water and nutrition to help kerb exhaustion. Don't miss the swimming spot on the Knysna River. Just when you think you have really had enough, the hut suddenly appears in a clearing in the forest.

Rondebossie to Diepwalle Hut:
About 13km start on a lovely green forest food path  but a hill awaits you and after that another HILL. The top offers a spectacular view.  One can see as far as the Knysna Heads. Best to have a break before you reach the top since there are no shade on the top. The rest of the route you just cruise to Diepwalle hut where electricity and a warm shower awaits you. Diepwalle hut is also a great start/stop point for shorter route options. The Deepwalle Teagarden is about 40 m from the hut. Phone ahead to book. 

Diepwalle to Fisantehoek Hut:
Other hiking trails criss-cross this 16km route near the start so be alert not to follow the wrong indicators. The route crosses two rivers which offer refreshing resting spots.

Fisantehoek to Harkerville Hut:
Is the shortest distance, +-12km, on the trail and quite easy-going. It is worth while taking your back pack off your weary shoulders and taking a stroll through the Garden of Eden as the trail crosses the N2 national road near here. After that its just 5km to the Harkerville hut which boasts electricity and hot water to soothe your weary bones.

Harkerville Trail

The Harkerville Trail is a two day trail It starts at Hakerville hut where the Outeniqua Trail ends. It can fine directly after the Outeniqua Trail. It is a lovely Trail but fairly challenging if you have fear of heights. 

The Harkerville Hut at the start has separate rooms with bunk beds and mattresses, a braai area with wood, toilets and hot showers.  Cars a relatively safe there. 

The Sinclar Hut and the consists of two rooms with bunk beds and mattresses which sleep 12. There are flush toilets with wash basins but no showers.  There is also a very inviting covered braai area with wood.  Be sure to pack something to braai and while peering into the fire reflect on the day's hike, very relaxing. Be aware of the baboons and be sure to close up all windows and doors and please clean up.

There are ample rock pools to explore. Take your goggles,  snorkel flippers or  "swimmingshoes"

Take enough water. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Otter Trail 

The Otter trail  runs along the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley, It is named after the shy, mostly nocturnal, Cape Clawless Otter which inhabits the estuaries and streams of the South African coast. The trail, which is officially the oldest and undoubtedly the most iconic hiking trail in South Africa, was opened in 1968.  

The trail is 5 days and 4 nights. The approximate distances and durations are:

• Day 1 = 4.8km (± 2 hours)
• Day 2 = 7.9km (± 4 hours)
• Day 3 = 7.7km (± 4 hours)
• Day 4 = 13.8km (± 6 hours)
• Day 5 = 10.8km (± 5 hours)
• Total Distance = 45km

Tour Suggestions Capetown + Western Cape

 Itinerary 

Day 1 

Cape Town to Groot Winterhoek

Spend half day day, walking etc 

SLEEP Langebaan 

Day 2

Westcoast Fossil Park 

Mussel Tour

Walk on beach 

SLEEP Langebaan 

 Day 3

Safari Day 

https://buffelsfontein.co.za/game-drives/ 

Beach walk 

SLEEP Langebaan 

 Day 4

Hemel-en-Aarde valley visit 

SLEEP Sandbaai

Day 5

Botanical Garden

Marine & Botany Experience with André 

SLEEP Sandbaai

Day 6

Drive to Cape Agulhas. Southern tip of Africa 

SLEEP L'Agulhas 

 Day 7

Drive to Knysna 

Visit Knysna heads

SLEEP Knysna 

 Day 8

Visit:

Tsitsikamma National Park 

Birds of Eden 

Monkeyland 

SLEEP Knysna

Day 9

Visit Swartberg Pass. 

Cango Caves

Sleep Oudtshoorn 

 

Day 10

Route 62  to Stellenbosch 

Day 11

Spend day in Stellenbosch/Franschhoek area 

SLEEP Stellenbosch area

Day 12

Drive back to Cape Town. 

Tour Suggestion 2

Day 1

Cape Town to Groot Winterhoek

Spend half day day, walking etc 

SLEEP Langebaan 

Day 2

Westcoast Fossil Park 

Mussel Tour (weather permitting) 

Walk on beach 

SLEEP Langebaan 

Day 3

Safari Day 

https://buffelsfontein.co.za/game-drives/ 

SLEEP Langebaan 

Day 4

Visit https://www.khwattu.org/

Drive via Clarence Rd to Sandbaai 

SLEEP Sandbaai

Day 5

Botanical Garden

Marine & Botany Experience with André 

SLEEP Sandbaai

Day 6

Hemel-en-Aarde valley visit 

SLEEP Sandbaai

Day 7

Drive to Cape Agulhas. Southern tip of Africa 

SLEEP L'Agulhas 

 Day 8

Drive to Knysna 

Visit Knysna heads

SLEEP Knysna 

Day 9

Visit:

Tsitsikamma National Park 

Birds of Eden 

Monkeyland 

SLEEP Knysna

 Day 10

Cango caves

Drive over Swartberg Pass. 

SLEEP Prince Albert

Day 11

Drive to to Stellenbosch. 

Afternoon in Stellenbosch/wine area

SLEEP Stellenbosch 

Day 12

Spend day in Stellenbosch/Franschhoek area 

Back to Capetown. 

Silvermine Panorama/ Skyline Route

 Silvermine Panorama/ Skyline Route,  this circular route,  provides stunning views of both False Bay on the one side and Hout Bay on the other. 

The trail starts at the Silvermine Dam, at the end of the tarred road that leads in to the reserve, with the first part of the walk along the edge of the dam, before a short winding path leads off a jeep track to the plateaux above.  Eventually the path leads to the viewing platform at the top of Blackburn Ravine, with a much photographed view over Hout Bay.

The circular route branches off shortly before the platform, leading up to the ridge above. It is a walk of about an hour from here to the highest point at Noordhoek Peak. The views over the Atlantic coast are quite spectacular and include a designated viewing sight of the nesting place of a pair of black eagles (the nest can only be seen, not reached).

From Noordhoek Peak the path follows the jeep track for while before the path branches to Silvermine Ridge and back to the dam and car park. The hike takes about 3½ to 4 hours.

Wood or also called Not-Woody Butress

Wood or also called Not-Woody Butress 

The Wood Buttress is on the Atlantic side. It is a thrilling route with a fair amount of moderately easy scrambling. In other words, climbing up rocks using both arms and feet.

The route is not very exposed. Above all, the rocks are made for climbing with plenty available hand- and foot holds. Therefore it is an ideal trail for those inexperienced in scrambling. If you do not want to scramble at all, Kasteelspoort is the trail for you.

The altitude at the start of this trail, is 330 m. Consequently, the elevation gain to the top of Wood Buttress is only 400 m, ending at 730 m. However, the top of Table Mountain, at the Cableway, will take you to 1060 

Only a few know the route over the Wood Buttress. Therefore you are likely to walk alone and really experience nature.

It takes +/-3 hours to hike to the top of Wood Buttress at a comfortable pace, including photo stops and rest stops. The size of the group as well as fitness levels will largely determine the duration. During the hike, stop at the Old Cableway, with the iconic sufboard rock in the background.

The descent

Descend the mountain either by Kasteelspoort or Woody Ravine, which add +/-2 more hours to the hike.

Reason to choose this hike:

If you enjoy scrambling, are reasonably fit and wants an exciting, beautiful hike. You must have no fear of heights! Fear will not only prevent you from having fun, but it will also put you in danger, as a large part of this trail involves scrambling.

Marloth Hiking Trail

 Marloth 

The Swellendam Hiking Trail is often compared to the Otter in terms of difficulty – hikers must have suitable experience. All food and cooking gear must be carried with. There’s plenty of clean water en route, and each hut is close to a perennial stream.

Day 1’s hike is long, so aim to arrive at the office early. 

It’s possible to reach every hut by lunchtime (except for Day 1) if you start early.

Day 1: Office to Boskloof Hut – 15km/7 hours

After signing in,  cars can be parked behind locked gate. Try get a lift with a park officer to the start at Duiwelsbos (you might have to hike in the 2km to the start). The trail jumps right into the action with a steep zig-zag climb through the fynbos – a long day awaits, so take it easy and conserve your energy.

About halfway the trail swings North and heads over the mountain, with the majestic Boskloof gorge dropping down on the right-hand side. Numerous small streams, use each opportunity to fill up. After a sting-in-the-tail final uphill it relax at Boskloof hut, take a refreshing dip in the nearby rock pool and enjoy peace and quiet.

The original wooden Boskloof hut burned down some years ago, and has been replaced with 2 spartan sheet metal huts. 

Day 2: Boskloof Hut to Goedgeloof Hut – 12km/5.5 hours

The trail starts with an uphill. It then crosses into a wide valley, where it follows the Langkuile river upstream. This part of the route is fairly flat.

Soon the Goedgeloofnek will be reached that looks down the other side of the mountains to the Robertson Valley. Only (steep) downhill from here! Far below, the Goedgeloof hut complex will be visible, count on just more than an hour’s descent to the hut from the Nek.

Compared to Boskloof, Goedgeloof is luxurious. There are two dormitory buildings with bunk beds and mattresses, eco toilets, a cool stream nearby, and a great communal kitchen with a picnic table and stoep to admire the sunset. The hut is on private property and swimming is prohibited at the nearby dam.

Day 3: Goedgeloof Hut to Proteavallei Hut – 10km/5 hours

This is one of the easiest days.  The path ambles along before a stiff climb up to Warmwaternek around the 3km mark, with an elevation gain of 500m. Take it slowly and steadily – after this initial climb, the rest of the day is a breeze. 

From here the trail winds along the Protea Valley to its namesake hut. En route, the so-called “Clock Peaks” and the imposing 1710m Misty Point (often true to its name) stand guard over a breath-taking landscape that teems with proteas!

The hut is a wooden beauty with a large covered stoep, two dormitories with bunk beds and mattresses, and long drop outhouses some distance away. 

Day 4: Proteavallei Hut to Wolfkloof Hut – 7km/4 hours

The trail, aptly named the “Kruispad”, crosses over again to the Swellendam side of the mountain. 

After the usual uphill (gains 200m) there is a view over the farmland and faraway Indian Ocean. Descend into Kleinhoutboskloof, where the path precariously hugs the mountainside as it descends. It’s not too technical, but take care with the loose terrain!

The bottom part of the trail is an easy cruise down to the Wolfkloof gorge – look out for King Proteas on the way. Nestled down by the river is the final wooden hut, with a separate basic lapa and fireplace.

The river close by,  has several large pools to explore and swim in. The hut has a lovely big grass lawn in front. Amenity-wise, there are bunk beds and mattresses, a basic long drop outhouse and a cold-water shower. 

Day 5: Wolfkloof Hut to Office – 10km/5 hours

The last day has a rather sneaky climb up and out of Wolfkloof to the next gorge, Hermitagekloof. There’s a small ravine here with a rock pool and lovely shade for a quick brunch.

The trail then quickly descends into pine plantation (this is about the halfway mark for Day 5). Another quick switchback climb then lead out onto a wide jeeptrack that meandered back to the office. 60km done and dusted!.

 You can grab a shower close to the office building complex. 

It is a challenging, but an amazing hike. 

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