There are so many amazing things to do in South Africa and there's no better way to see everything than by car! Having your own personal ride to explore this incredible country is a must, as many of the top destinations are off of the main bus routes, and aren't to be missed.
There are many famous drives and areas to see in this vast country, but we'll focus only on the Western Cape here.
Cape Town
This popular city is gorgeous and is the best place to start your trip to South Africa. Make sure to visit the District 6 Museum to gain a better understanding of this country's horrible not-so-distant history. After learning about the past, definitely check out the harbor area, including seals basking in the sun on the docks! If you're lucky, you'll be able to see some tribal dancing on the streets. This is a great place to enjoy a meal or a coffee and do some people watching.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Since you'll have your own wheels while in the country, we highly recommend taking the Chapman's Peak drive. The road twists and turns for 9 kms along the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic cliffs dropping off to the water below. The scenery is stunning. This is paradise for runners, motorcyclists, cyclists and photographers! No matter how you move along this road, you'll love the vistas here.
Hermanus
This is the ultimate land-based whale watching spot! Between the months of June and November, humpback and southern right whales can be spotted just off shore. Sitting on the rocks is the best place to spot the mammals, who will come within meters of the shoreline. There's also a Whale Crier who blasts a horn every time a whale is spotted. Seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is very special.
Winelands of Stellenbosch and Robertson
Route 62 is the ultimate wine route and we highly recommend driving through this area and spending a few nights. The drive itself is stunning, and the wineries in the area are world-class. Spend the night in Stellenbosch, and a couple of nights in Robertson to properly enjoy the surrounding vineyards.
Table Mountain National Park
Towering over Cape Town is the incredible flat-topped Table Mountain. Take a gondola ride up to the top for great views over the city and the ocean below. Included in the National Park is not only the mountain, which is great for walking around, but the Cape Of Good Hope is also a part of this park. There are excellent hiking trails and numerous animals to spot including birds, tortoises, baboons, buck and zebras!
Cape Agulhus
This is the southernmost tip of Africa and the place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. Watching the waves crash against the rocks as you stroll along the wooden boardwalk will be a very memorable experience. Make sure to have your picture taken at the official plaque, which lists this as the most southern tip of Africa, and check out the white and red lighthouse.
South Africa is a country that is jam-packed with activities, sights and history. The Western Cape is only a small fraction of what the country has to offer. Go to South Africa, we guarantee you won't be disappointed.
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