Great wines, fine dining, beach walks, and stunning mountain views – the Western Cape has everything you need for a romantic self-drive holiday. With a seemingly unending selection of beautiful, cozy and downright luxurious places to stay, the Cape has enough variety for a hundred unique getaways.
The Cape Winelands in South Africa
First on the list is a drive around the Cape Peninsula. Start with a seaside breakfast overlooking the many-colored fishing boats in Kalk Bay harbor then follow the coastal road south, past Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and down to the Cape of Good Hope. You’ll pass secret coves and sandy beaches, plus a colony of jackass penguins – cute and ungainly as they waddle across boulders, but streaking, streamlined bullets once they hit the sea.
Chapman’s Peak drive
The Cape of Good Hope has breath-taking 360-degree views, but by now the sun will be dipping towards the west and it’s time to head up along Chapman’s Peak Drive, skirting the cliff tops with stomach-churning drops to the sea below. Round off the day with a sunset picnic on Clifton Beach or some fine dining and palm-fringed views at one of the top restaurants on the Camps Bay strip.
Don’t leave the Cape without spending a few days in the Cape Winelands. With 18 official routes, the Winelands covers a huge area – the famous Stellenbosch region has over 200 vineyards alone. For the best romantic drive, with wonderful beaches, views and, of course, great wines at the end, head out from Cape Town on the N2 and take the R44 coastal road towards Rooi-Els. This might be the most beautiful drive in South Africa, a winding ribbon of tar that clings to the cliffs between the Kogelberg Mountains and the rocky False Bay coast. Each of the small towns you’ll pass have something to offer, but Hermanus is a favorite. From July to October southern right whales pass by in their hundreds and can often be seen from the restaurants and boutique hotels along the shore. In the hills behind Hermanus, you’ll find the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley with a selection of beautiful self-catering cottages, and some very fine wines. Wine tasting and food pairing are available at most vineyards and the views across the Hemel en Aarde provide the perfect romantic backdrop. If you would like to inquire about our car hire South Africa and the different vehicle options, one of our consultants will readily assist with any questions you may have.