Hire a car in Cape Town for day trips around the Cape

Hire a car in Cape Town for day-tripping around the Cape. The Western Cape is a wonderful place to explore and day trips are a great way to see the abundance of sights on offer. Here are five fantastic day trips to try:

Game viewing at Aquila Game Reserve

The four star Aquila Private Game Reserve is located in Touws Rivier, bordering the Winelands’ lush vineyards and fruit growing areas. A breathtaking two hour drive from Cape Town, Aquila is a remarkable initiative which prides itself on being more than just another luxury lodge and game reserve. The purpose of the reserve is to educate guests about the fundamental necessity of wildlife conservation and protection of the environment.

Aquila offers wonderful packages, including a choice of:

(Daytime) game drive safari
2 hour (daytime) horseback safari
2 hour quad bike safari

A leisurely drive back to Cape Town via the Bainskloof or Du Toitskloof passes after an enthralling day of game viewing is a perfect way to end a memorable day.

Cape Overberg Coast and Hermanus

Exploring the Cape Overberg Coast is a wonderful day trip. Much of the coastline is known as the “Cape Whale Coast” because of the many whales that take up residence in the local bays from June till December. Southern Right whales, Bryde’s whales and Humpback whales come to the Cape Whale Coast to mate and calve. Hermanus is the most popular whale watching town because of its 12km long cliff path which gives the observer an almost aerial view of whales in the waters below. The town even has its own “whale crier” who blows a horn to signal the type, number and location of whales in the vicinity.

Cape West Coast: National Park and Fossil Park

Hire a car in Cape Town for an unusual drive up the Cape West Coast. The coastline is wild and beautiful with quaint fishing villages and wonderful scenery along the way. Route 27 is the road to take, branching off to visit towns and attractions. A meal at an open air beach restaurant is a treat and the wildflowers in spring are a sight to behold. The West Coast National Park encompasses the Langebaan Lagoon and is a delight to bird watchers, with a great variety and number of seabirds residing on-site. The fascinating Fossil Park is also worth a visit.

V&A Waterfront and the Two Oceans Aquarium

For a day trip closer to the city, spend some time at the V&A Waterfront. The Waterfront is one of the most frequently visited attractions in South Africa. It’s an entertainment venue of note with superb shopping, excellent eateries, great pubs, specialty shops, theatres and movies. There’s often a craft market and live music outside, and visitors can enjoy a glass of local wine overlooking the working harbour. Seals sometimes play among the boats, and the Two Oceans Aquarium is captivating for both adults and children.

Durbanville Wine Route

Hire a car in Cape Town and travel the Durbanville Wine Route for a relaxed day of wine tasting and fine dining. The Durbanville Wine Valley is twenty minutes from Cape Town, set in the Tygerberg Hills. There are nine producers whose estates are part of the Durbanville Wine Route:

Altydgedacht
Bloemandal
D’Aria
De Grendel
Diemersdal
Durbanville Hills
Hillcrest
Meerendal
Nitida

Each winery has its own unique history and distinctive character. As well as wine tastings, some estates offer restaurants, picnics, hiking, music concerts and other entertainment.

Make the most of a holiday in the Western Cape: hire a car in Cape Town for unforgettable day trips.

• Added 2010/03/02 02:30:47 PM