South Africa had always been high on our bucket list, and after spending two unforgettable weeks exploring the Cape region, we can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. 

This itinerary covers our exact route – from the stunning beaches of Cape Town to an immersive safari experience and the tranquil vineyards of Franschhoek. If you’re planning a similar trip with a mix of adventure, wildlife, and wine, here’s exactly how we did it.

Introduction

Firstly, we know South Africa is BIG – with so much to see across its diverse regions, planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming. This guide is focused specifically on the Western Cape, one of the most accessible and scenic parts of the country. If you’re looking to experience a mix of city life, safari, and wine country without cramming in cross-country flights, this two-week Western Cape itinerary is a great place to start.

Best Time of Year 

We visited South Africa in October, which falls during the shoulder season in the Western Cape. The region has a Mediterranean climate – hot, dry summers (December to February) and cooler, wetter winters (June to August). 

October is a sweet spot: spring is in the air, the landscapes are lush from winter rains, and the temperatures are mild and pleasant. Best of all, you’ll avoid the summer crowds and higher prices, making it a great time to explore comfortably. Here’s a breakdown on weather when visiting the Western Cape. 

  • December – February (Summer) – Hot, dry, and sunny.
    • Average highs: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
    • Peak tourist season: beaches are busy, prices are higher
    • Ideal for beach days and outdoor dining
  • March – May (Autumn) – Warm days, cooler evenings
    • Average highs: 20–27°C (68–81°F)
    • Fewer crowds, great for wine tasting and scenic drives
    • Stunning fall colors in the Winelands
  • June – August (Winter) – Cool and wetter, but not freezing
    • Average highs: 13–18°C (55–64°F)
    • Rainy days are common, especially in July
    • Quieter tourist season, good for museums and restaurants
  • September – November (Spring) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers
    • Average highs: 17–24°C (63–75°F)
    • October is a shoulder season—fewer crowds, pleasant weather
    • Great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing

Days 1–5: Cape Town (Camps Bay & City Centre)

We flew in and out of Cape Town International Airport, which is well-connected and easy to navigate (especially with direct flights available from London). Upon arrival, we grabbed an Uber to our hotel – Cape Town is very well connected, and ride-hailing apps like Uber work seamlessly throughout the city. We didn’t rent a car right away, since it’s easy to get around without one in Cape Town. Later in the trip, we picked up a rental car for the safari portion, when having our own wheels became essential.

Where We Stayed: Camps Bay

We chose to base ourselves in Camps Bay, one of the safer and more upscale neighborhoods in Cape Town. It’s a perfect mix of beach, dining, and laid-back vibes. The area has fantastic restaurants and bars – although it tends to wind down early, which wasn’t an issue since Uber is cheap and reliable if you want to venture out later in the evening. If we did it again, we’d also consider Clifton, another great area to stay in.

What We Did in Cape Town

  • Beaches
    • Clifton’s Four Beaches – A series of sheltered coves, each with its own vibe. Perfect for sunbathing or dipping into the (very chilly!) Atlantic.
    • Camps Bay – A beautiful stretch of sand framed by palm trees and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. We stayed in Camps Bay, and having this just down the road was EPIC—ideal for a relaxed first day.
    • Boulders Beach – Home to a colony of African penguins. It’s surreal to share a beach with them, and it’s just as fun (and cute) as it sounds.
  • Red Bus Tour – Often called the best red bus tour in the world—and we can see why. It’s a great way to get your bearings and hit several top attractions with zero stress. Highly recommend early in your trip!
  • Groot Constantia – South Africa’s oldest wine estate and a stop on the red bus route. You can easily combine a visit here with your bus tour day for a history-meets-wine experience.
  • Table Mountain – We took the cable car up (which rotates for 360° views), but if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike. Either way, the views from the top are unforgettable. Bonus: it’s another red bus stop. How good is that tour?
  • Bo-Kaap – Wander the colorful cobbled streets and dive into Cape Malay culture. Great for photos and a quick history lesson.
  • Time Out Market – Yes, it’s touristy—but trust us, this is hands-down the best Time Out Market we’ve been to. Amazing food options, solid pricing, and a buzzy atmosphere.
  • Cape Point – A day trip well worth taking—expect dramatic cliffs, a historic lighthouse, wild baboons, and stunning ocean views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet (sort of). We did this on our last day in Cape Town before heading off on safari. In the morning, we picked up a rental car in downtown Cape Town and set off on this stunning coastal drive. We made stops at Boulders Beach to see the penguins and Muizenberg for its iconic colorful beach huts—making it a perfect mini road trip.

Days 6–9: Sanbona Safari Lodge

After soaking up Cape Town’s energy, we headed out on a 3-hour drive to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, one of the largest privately-owned nature reserves in South Africa. 

We picked up our rental car the day before from downtown Cape Town for our mini Cape Point road trip—and honestly, we’d highly recommend doing the same. While many opt for a transfer to safari lodges, having your own car gives you the freedom to explore the Western Cape at your own pace. The drives here are absolutely stunning, and being able to stop wherever and whenever you want makes the experience even more memorable.

Why Sanbona?

We were after a real safari experience without having to fly all the way to Kruger – and Sanbona absolutely delivered. Some safari options closer to Cape Town can feel more like glorified zoos (Aquila, for example, we’ve heard compared to Longleat in the UK, with animals kept in separate enclosures and limited interaction). Sanbona, on the other hand, felt truly authentic. It struck the perfect balance—wild, immersive, and exactly what we were looking for.

What to Expect

  • Twice-daily safaris: 3–4 hours each, one at dawn and one at sunset. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, which made every sighting more memorable.
  • Wildlife: We spotted 4 of the Big Five—though the elusive leopard gave us a miss (which, from what we’ve heard, is pretty common). Beyond the headline animals, we saw loads of other species—and honestly, at least 50 giraffes. By the end, we might’ve been officially giraffe’d out (who knew that was possible?).
  • Accommodation: Total luxury. Between drives, we relaxed at the Dwyka Tented Lodge, indulging in great food, wine, and uninterrupted silence. It was all-inclusive, and after fast-paced Cape Town, this slower rhythm was ideal.

Days 10–14: Franschhoek Wine Country

From Sanbona, we drove to Franschhoek, South Africa’s wine capital and one of the most picturesque places we’ve ever visited. Once again, driving in South Africa is absolutely stunning. If it’s an option for you, renting a car and soaking in the scenic routes between destinations really adds to the overall experience.

Getting Around

Although we still had our rental car, we rarely used it—because, well, wine. Instead, we relied on Franschhoek Taxis, a local taxi company that was always reliable. There’s also Uber, however we’ve heard stories they can be hit and miss in Franschhoek (lack of drivers, unreliable). 

What We Did

  • Franschhoek Wine Tram – An absolute must-do. We picked the orange line, which included stops at Babylonstoren (stunning gardens and wine) and Boschendal (great food and atmosphere). It’s a safe, fun, and social way to explore the region’s best estates.
  • Dining – You’re spoiled for choice. Most wine estates have world-class restaurants with panoramic views and multi-course meals for a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe or North America.

Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

We wrapped up our trip by heading back to Cape Town International for our flight home. It’s a straightforward drive, and leaving from Franschhoek makes for an easy final leg.

Top Tips:

  • Book Sanbona well in advance—it’s popular for good reason.
  • Do the Red Bus Tour early in Cape Town—it helps you get your bearings.
  • Budget time to just relax—the scenery across all three locations makes even downtime feel like an experience.

Things to Consider

  • Safari – If you’re after a more iconic safari experience, you could opt for an internal flight to Kruger National Park. Kruger is world-renowned and offers one of the most impressive wildlife experiences in all of Africa. Regional airline Airlink operates flights from Cape Town, making it a doable alternative to Sanbona—just keep in mind the added travel time and cost.
  • Franschhoek – Short on time? Franschhoek can be done as a day trip from Cape Town, or you could choose to shorten your stay. For us, having a few slow days at the end of the trip to unwind and enjoy the wine country was perfect—but we know that pace isn’t for everyone.
  • Safety – Let’s address the elephant in the room. We found Cape Town to be a reasonably safe city for tourists, but as with any major destination, it’s important to stay aware. We exercised basic caution and common sense: avoiding poorly lit areas at night, keeping valuables out of sight, and trusting our instincts. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel or Uber driver for local advice—they’re usually happy to help.

Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely. This itinerary gave us a perfect mix of city, safari, and vineyard life. South Africa is a destination that offers luxury, adventure, and cultural depth—all at an incredible value. If you’re planning your own trip and want to balance excitement with relaxation, we’d highly recommend following a similar route.

 

Copyright © 2025 Inspiro Theme by WPZOOM