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Grab some friends, jump in the car and head out on an adventure. These are fun day trips which require little to no planning and can double as weekend escapes depending on how much time you have. Escape the city to the rugged beauty of the West Coast, frolic in the flowers, get your paleontologist on or do a leisurely wine tour of the Hemel en Aarde Valley. There’s so much on offer less than 2 hours from the Mother City.
West Coast Wanderer
Into the blue at West Coast National Park
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The beautiful blue waters of the lagoon will tempt you to swim even in winter!
Entrance to the park is R64 per adult, per day and R32 per child, per day during flower season (August and September). Normal rates are R45 per adult, per day and R22 per child, per day.
Drive time: 1 hour and 5 minutes from Cape Town
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Picnic by the Cape Columbine lighthouse
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This picturesque beacon was named after a wooden ship “Columbine” which was wrecked on the shore near here long before the lighthouse was built. It is also one of four lighthouses in South Africa which offer overnight accommodation on site. The popular Titiesbaai Rest camp nearby offers camp sites on the beach. No electricity.
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Find the lighthouse in Columbine Nature Reserve just a 5km drive from Paternoster.
Entrance fee to the reserve: R16 per adult, R8 per child under 12, and R10 per pensioner or student.
+27 (0)22 752 2705
Drive time: 2 hours from Cape Town.
Enjoy a proper West Coast seafood braai at die Strandloper in Laangebaan
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An entire experience involving woodfired bread and so much crayfish you won’t believe your eyes. Either go for a leisurely lunch or dinner under the stars.
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Booking essential, call 022 772 2490.
Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Cape Town.
Budding paleontologists will love visiting the West Coast Fossil Park
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See a fur seal skull, the remains of sabre tooth cats and short-necked giraffes. This is the only place in the world where you’ll find this many five-million-year-old fossils. Free for kids under 5 years old. Phone ahead if visiting on a weekend as opening times depend on the season.
Call: +27 (0)22 766 1606.
Drive time: 1 hour and a half from Cape Town.
Frolic among the flowers in August and September
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The best place to start your botanical bonanza is the West Coast National Park.
Entrance to the park is R64 per adult, per day and R32 per child, per day during flower season.
Drive time: 1 hour and 5 minutes from Cape Town.
Relax in peaceful Paternoster
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Walk on the beach, eat a leisurely lunch in the garden at the Noisy Oyster and feel the workweek stress evaporate.
Those in search of a more rambunctious time can stop in for a klippies and cola at the Panty Bar found at the Paternoster Hotel where frilly drawers of all kinds hang from the ceiling.
Drive time: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Overberg overtures
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Greyton is a beautiful town tucked in the Overberg perfect for hiking, relaxing and eating in pastoral settings.
If you have the chance stay at the Post House, however if it’s a day trip you’re after then a cosy lunch at the pub is called for.
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The more active will love the many hikes and trail runs available. It is a day’s hike over the mountain to McGregor, another Overberg gem.
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Drive time to Greyton: 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cape Town.
Wine and song in the Hemel en Aarde Valley
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In the gorgeous valley behind Hermanus take a drive to the various wine farms and drink in the view along with the quality wine.
La Vierge Restaurant – 028 313 2007
Creation Wines – 028 212 1107
Newton Johnson Wines – 028 312 3862
Also see: Undiscovered Wine Farms around Cape Town
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Drive time: 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cape Town.
History and Spice in Paarl
Ingest some fascinating history at the Paarl Museum before a chocolate and fine brandy tasting at the KWV Emporium. Not only that but the Emporium has a selection of celebrated South African artworks on the walls of the tasting room.
For a day trip which combines educational elements kids will love the interactive exhibits upstairs at the Taal Museum. Combine this with ice cream at Spice Route, a trip to Fairview to visit the goats, finishing off with a sunset view at the Taal Monument.
The Taal Museum
11 Pastorie Avenue, Paarl
+27 (0)21 872 3441
The KWV Wine Emporium, Kohler Street, Suider Paarl, Cape Winelands.
Call: +27 (0)21 807‑3007 or +27 (0)21 807‑3008
Spice Route
Suid Agter Paarl Road
021 863 5200
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Suid Agter Paarl Road
021 863 2450
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Brandy lovers should also pay a visit to the Zomerlust Gastehuis opposite where the old Paarl Wine and Brandy Company used to be. It is here that legend has it the director had a pipe made under the road to take the brandy from the distillery to a tap in his study. There is a bar named “die Kraan” here now in honour of the legend. The gardens are quite lovely too, especially in Summer and are well worth a visit after lunch.
Call: +27 (0)21 872 2117
Drive time: 50 minutes from Cape Town.
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And if you want to go a little further, check out these 5 Unforgettable Road Trip Routes in South Africa
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