Nearby Attractions

Cape Whale Coast, Hermanus

Discover the Cape Whale Coast, just 40 minutes from Capelands and located near the tip of Africa, outside Cape Town. This pristine South African coastline stretches from Rooiels in the west to Quoin Point in the east, flanked by captivating mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The region includes Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford, and Gansbaai as its main towns, but it's a mosaic of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves, and valleys, each with its own unique charm.

Hermanus, at the heart of the Whale Route, is only 127km from Cape Town or 80km from Somerset West. It has transformed from a rustic fishing village into one of the world's top whale-watching destinations from June to November, offering both land and boat sightings. Here, you'll also find the world's only Whale Crier, who signals whale locations using a kelp horn.

Gansbaai

Gansbaai, just an hour away from Capelands, is renowned as the "Coast of Contrasts" and the town itself is often referred to as "Big 2 Town." This unique destination offers the opportunity to witness both the majestic Southern Right Whale and the formidable Great White Shark in their natural habitat.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain, just 40 minutes from Capelands, is an iconic flat-topped mountain that serves as a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town, South Africa. It is not only a symbol featured in the flag of Cape Town and local government insignia but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors can reach its summit by taking the cableway or by embarking on a hiking adventure. This natural wonder is an integral part of the Table Mountain National Park, offering stunning vistas and outdoor experiences for all.

African Penguins

The African Penguin, also known as the Black-footed Penguin, lives along the southwestern coast of Africa on 24 islands from Namibia to Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with the largest colony on Dyer Island near Kleinbaai. Once called Jackass Penguins due to their braying call, they are now known as African Penguins, being the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. Two mainland colonies were established in the 1980s near Cape Town at Boulders Beach and Stony Point in Betty's Bay, just 30 minutes from Capelands. The Betty's Bay colony faced leopard attacks, and another mainland colony exists in Namibia with an unknown establishment date. Boulders Beach is a tourist attraction, for the beach, swimming and the penguins. The penguins will allow people to approach them as close as a meter.

Cape of good hope

The Cape of Good Hope, 1.5 hours from Capelands and known as "Cabo da Boa Esperança" in Portuguese, is a rugged headland on South Africa's Atlantic coast. While it's often thought to be the southernmost tip of Africa, the true southernmost point is Cape Agulhas, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) to the east-southeast.

This cape marks the convergence and reversal point of the warm Agulhas current and cold Benguela current, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It's significant because it's where ships traveling along the western African coastline from the equator begin to head more eastward than southward. Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias' historic rounding of the cape in 1488, initially named "Cabo das Tormentas" or the Cape of Storms, marked a milestone in their quest for direct trade relations with the Far East.

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas, 2.5 hours from Capelands, is the rocky southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. It's both the geographic southernmost point of Africa and the official division point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Historically known as a hazard for sailors on the clipper route, it's considered one of the great capes. The town of L'Agulhas is nearby. You can visit the beautiful lighthouse.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, just 40 minutes from Capelands, is a visual and auditory delight. Its Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts draw hundreds of Capetonians every Sunday from late November to early April. Situated at the base of Table Mountain, the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is celebrated for its extensive array of indigenous plant species. Established in 1913, this breathtaking 528-hectare (1,300-acre) garden boasts 60 hectares (148 acres) of meticulously cultivated plants, ancient trees, serene ponds, meandering streams, lush lawns, and well-kept pathways.

Butterfly World

Butterfly World, a short 40-minute drive from Capelands, is Southern Africa's largest free-flying butterfly park. It opened its doors to the public in November 1996, inspired by a concept originating in the UK and found in various countries worldwide. These enclosed parks draw thousands of visitors each year, and thanks to the initiative of two Capetonian women, South Africans can now experience the wonders of nature up close.

The indoor garden at Butterfly World is meticulously landscaped, featuring water features and exotic plants that provide as much delight as the freely fluttering and colorful butterflies. The tropical garden is also home to butterfly-friendly birds, adding to the picturesque setting. Butterfly World's location on Route 44 near Klapmuts, just off the N1 highway, is ideal as it lies at the crossroads of the prominent Wine Routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands, nestled within lush green valleys and embraced by majestic mountain ranges, are a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. This region is dotted with towns, villages, and historic homesteads, and occasionally, you'll spot fruit orchards whose harvests are enjoyed around the globe. The Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall in the southwestern Cape contribute to the creation of some of the finest wines in South Africa.

The fertile soils, especially in areas like Somerset West, Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, along with the Breede River Valley, have gained worldwide acclaim for producing exceptional whites, reds, Sherries, ports, and brandies. You can explore various Wine Routes in the Cape, including the Constantia Valley, Coastal Routes, Little Karoo, Oliphant's River Wine Routes, and more, each offering its unique charm and wine experiences.

Beaches

Gordons Bay, a charming seaside town just 10 minutes from Capelands, offers a Mediterranean climate and some of the Cape's finest beaches. With their beautiful white sand, rocky pools, shallow paddling spots, and calm waters, these beaches are ideal for relaxation. Notably, the world-famous Bikini Beach has earned Blue Flag status, and the sea here is notably warmer compared to the Atlantic beaches like Clifton.

Additional nearby beaches include Kammabaai, Strand, Grotto Beach, and Kogel Beach. Cape Town and its surrounding areas boast a variety of splendid beaches, including Camps Bay, Muizenberg, Clifton Beach, Sea Point, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, and Blouberg's Big Bay. Each beach in the Western Cape has its unique attributes and allure, making them all worth exploring.

Game Reserves

Within a 2-hour drive from Capelands, you can explore several smaller game reserves in the Western Cape, including Aquila Private Game Reserve, conveniently located near Capelands. Aquila offers more than just luxury accommodations; it's committed to providing an educational experience to visitors, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with nature.

Over the years, Aquila has invested in reintroducing wildlife to the Cape region, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy the benefits of conservation efforts. The reserve proudly offers a Big 5 safari experience.

In their commitment to conservation, Aquila offers guests a free educational introduction to their cheetahs, raising awareness about the challenges faced by free-ranging cheetah populations, which are in critical decline. It's important to note that Aquila's cheetahs were bred in captivity and are not "born free." Direct interaction with them is not permitted, but guests receive a comprehensive talk on global cheetah conservation efforts.

Golf

If you're a fan of leisurely drives through picturesque countryside, basking in the warmth of the sun, surrounded by lush greenery, and gazing upon vineyards, valleys, and mountains, then Cape Winelands golf is an experience you're sure to cherish. Come and immerse yourself in the fresh air and scenic beauty – you won't be disappointed.

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