Two self-drive day trips from Cape Town

Cape Town itself is a beautiful and entertaining city to visit, but the surrounding areas are no less enchanting. Self-drive day trips from Cape Town are one of the best ways to explore the Western Cape. You can easily make them by renting a car in Cape Town. To give you a taste of what this diverse province has to offer, we’ve picked out two of our favorite day trips from Cape Town.

Day trips from Cape Town: The flower-powered West Coast

The West Coast of the Western Cape is probably best known for its chilled out atmosphere, white beaches and rustic fishing villages. During the magical months of August and September, however, the area undergoes a downright kaleidoscopic transformation, thanks to the emergence of sprawling fields of multihued spring flowers.

The Cape Flower Route extends from the Western Cape up into Namaqualand in the Northern Cape. However, day trips from Cape Town covering only the southernmost section of the route are guaranteed to leave you awe-struck by some of the loveliest wildflower displays in the country.

Either pack a few croissants and a thermos of coffee to enjoy along the way or stop for breakfast in the quirky, artsy town of Darling just one hour outside of the city. Try a designer omelet and a cappuccino at the popular Marmalade Cat café.

Head towards the coast and enter the West Coast National Park; true wildflower territory. The Postberg section of the national park is not only a flower mecca but is also home to indigenous game like kudu, zebra, eland and ostrich – so keep your eyes peeled.

While away the afternoon amidst the flowers with a packed picnic, which you can purchase from the Geelbek restaurant situated inside the park. If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, however, you can’t beat a buffet meal at rustic beachfront restaurant Die Strandloper just north of the West Coast National Park in Langebaan. Brave the frigid Atlantic for a quick dip or take a stroll along the beach before making your way back to Cape Town.

Day trips from Cape Town: The fairest Cape

Cape Town has a dramatic beauty that sets it apart from other cities in South Africa. Ivory beaches and indigo seas, majestic mountains and manicured Winelands; the Mother City and her surrounds make for a veritable scenic overload. As such, day trips from Cape Town needn’t venture far to impress even the most insatiable road tripper.

Start your day off with the best cup of coffee in town at Olympia Café in Kalk Bay. If you’re early enough, you can catch the early morning action at the harbor as fisherman auction off their haul.

Continue along the coast to Simon’s Town, home to the South African Navy and the world famous African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. The waters here are sheltered and warm, perfect for a quick snorkel or a spot of sunbathing.

Day trips from Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Cape of Good Hope National Park, where you can spot resident Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok and Zebra, as well as the troop of cheeky baboons. Excellent walking trails and breath-taking views are two a penny in the park, the most famous being the unparalleled view of Cape Point itself. Eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant or hop back in the car and stop for lunch at Blue Water Café at Imhoff Farm. Browse the boutique shops or seize the opportunity to ride a camel if you’re feeling adventurous.

Continue back towards the city via one of the most spectacular mountain passes on earth: Chapman’s Peak Drive. The peerless views from this zigzagging marine drive will leave you dumbstruck with wonder, so take your time and soak it all up.

You’ll arrive back into the city via the Atlantic seaboard. Pick from the numerous ocean-facing restaurants and bars and settle in with a cocktail to watch the sunset over the ocean.