Best day trip ideas from Cape Town within two hours

If you’ve spent any time in Cape Town, you’ll know that there’s hardly enough time to cover everything that the city has to offer, let alone anything slightly further afield. But appreciating the best of the city also means exploring its surroundings on an incredible day trip from Cape Town. There are day trips in all directions, and you can reach most destinations in under two hours – leaving you plenty of time to explore and still be back in the heart of the action in Cape Town.

If you’re looking to get out of the city, these are some day trips to consider.

West Coast National Park

South Africa’s West Coast National Park is world-famous for its seasonal wildflowers that pop up spontaneously each spring. If your timing is right, it’s a spectacle to behold – multicoloured flower blankets spread out across the ocean-side planes. Often, you’ll also spot animals like ostriches, bontebok, and baboons picking through the daisies, making for the ultimate photo opportunities. But even outside of the short annual flowering window, the park is worth a visit. It’s home to a pristine lagoon and a variety of wildlife, including various antelope and an array of birds, and there’s a peaceful restaurant located in its centre, perfect for a midday lunch break.

West Coast National Park. Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Cape Winelands

Much of the Cape’s spectacular Winelands are located within an easy drive of the city, and it’s possible to spend anything from a few hours to a few days exploring what each town there has to offer. It’s the perfect day trip for foodies and wine lovers to consider – there’s a massive selection of incredible wineries to visit, and most have world-class restaurants. The options are so diverse that picking which wine estates to see between the likes of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek isn’t exactly easy – so if you’re new in town, hopping aboard an organised tour may be your best bet.

Cape Point

A day trip to Cape Point that includes the various famous stops along the way may just be Cape Town’s best day trip. Depending on the route or tour you choose, you’ll get to stop in at several of the city’s quaint seaside destinations like Simonstown and Kalk Bay and pay a visit to the penguins at Boulder’s Beach. It’s easy to spend an entire day in Cape of Good Hope National Park – there are hikes, beaches, fascinating history, and a food shop to keep you busy and satisfied. And returning to the city can be just as fun, especially if you stop off for an all-South African sundowner on the epic Chapman’s Peak Drive.

View from Cape Point. Photo: Andrew Thompson.

Hermanus and Gansbaai

Hermanus and nearby Gansbaai are best known for their spectacular marine life at specific times of the year – but there’s a lot to see in each coastal town aside from whales and sharks. On the outskirts of Hermanus are some top-notch wine farms and restaurants. And if you want to be closer to the ocean, there are plenty of options at sea level too. Gansbaai is a beautiful, rugged little town best known for its shark cage diving – and if you dare to dip into a cage among circling great whites, then it’s a must-do. A well-organised trip will help you see the best of this so-called Whale Trail and still be back in Cape Town in time for dinner.

Although it’s possible to self-drive each of these day trips from Cape Town, it’s often way easier and more enjoyable to let others do the planning and driving. Kiff Kombi Tours offers a range of scheduled day trips – or contact us about a private Cape Town day trip tailored to your group’s specific needs.