Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, and the sector’s significant contribution to the country’s economy.
Explore these Cape Town offerings, showcasing this year's Affordability theme for Tourism Month
DAY 1 | Elgin Valley
Elgin Grabouw Quad Biking Trails
Come and experience one of the most amazing adventures on four wheels with our tailor-made Quad Biking trails in Grabouw, departing from Trails End Bike Hotel. You start your activity with a thorough safety briefing and quick test lap where you will then make your way through a section of forest leading to the open mountain track. The track borders a Natural Heritage Site through the fynbos region of the Cape Floral Kingdom where you are enveloped with the natural scents of the indigenous fynbos and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Join us today for an unforgettable and unbeatable Quad Biking experience.
Website: https://capeadventurezone.com/elgin-grabouw-quad-biking-trails
Elgin Railway Market
The Elgin Railway Market is within an old apple warehouse converted into a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco market boasting local food and craft vendors, live music and is the gateway to the beautiful Elgin Valley. Once in the venue, market visitors can choose from food vendors purveying everything from fragrant curries, Mediterranean cuisine, healthy Vegan salads, spicy chicken, Neapolitan pizza's, ribs and burgers, exotic Dim Sum, Mexican Nachos, delicious fresh juices, tasty biltong, fall off the bone lamb, fresh Thai, and a lot more.
Website: www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Wine tasting at Lothian Vineyards
Lothian Vineyards shines in a class all of its own. Years of searching for the perfect location finally revealed Elgin’s cool-climate terroir as an elegant setting for growing grapes. Lothian produces exceptional Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Rose varietals. The Wilson family's non-interventionist artisanal wine-making technique flows into the feel of Lothian House: a feat of modern architecture, designed with sensitivity towards the environment. Lothian estate is distinguished by nature, positioned in the UNESCO declared Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
Website: www.lothianvineyards.com
Stayover at Trail’s End
Trails End Bike Hotel, Mountain Bike and Trail Running Accommodation is situated in Grabouw and not just Africa’s first bike hotel, it’s also the perfect base to relax, have fun and explore all the delights the Overberg has to offer. Whether you’re hungry to catch some air on our scenic trails, find your next adventure, sample some of the country’s finest beverages or unwind after a week wrapped up in the city life – you’ve come to the right destination.
Website: www.trailsend.bike
DAY 2 | Greyton
Old Potters Inn & Brewhouse
Nestled amongst the oaks, this charming heritage house that was once a pottery, is thought to be the oldest building in Greyton, dating back to the 1830's. Pop in for an ale.
Website: www.oldpottersinn.co.za
Eat at Vanilla Café
Pull in, drop your bag, kick your feet up and enjoy our freshly made, mouth-watering meals, prepared to culinary perfection.
Website: https://vanillacafe.co.za
Odyssey Ebikes
Whether you are young or old, fit or unfit, anyone can ride, making your next bike ride effortless and convenient. Now is your chance to explore Greyton with a lot less effort. This is undoubtedly a great way to access places of beauty sharing some wonderful experiences with friends and family, on your very own ebike.
Website: https://odyssey-ebikes.com
Stayover at Greyton Lodge
With an emphasis on personalised service and attention to detail, Greyton Lodge offers guests a selection of 16 luxurious rooms, a breakfast restaurant, wine lounge, library and an historic pool, all set amongst the lush manicured gardens of the property.
Website: http://greytonlodge.co.za
DAY 3 | Hermanus
Treetop Zipline Tour
The Tree Top Zipline tour Hermanus extends from a mountain and zip lining over a small waterfall between the Poplar Trees and Canyon. This a memorable experience for any one from the age of 6 years and older. High above the ground (8 to 50 Meters) the 2 guides will allow you to glide from platform to platform with only the local eagles and bird life noise echoing in the forest. The zipline platforms are high up in the tree canopy with amazing views of the forest.
Come and experience something different but forever memorable. The whole zipline tour in hermanus experience takes under 2 hours and the location is only a few kilometers from Hermanus and based on the Hemel & Aarde road.
Website: www.saforestadventures.co.za/tree-top-zipline-tour-hermanus
Eat at Ficks Restaurant
An awesome addition to the local restaurant scene in Hermanus. Ficks is an outdoor eatery right on the sea, with wrap-around decks overlooking the sparkling tidal pool of the same name. The eatery and wine bar has brought new life to the 1930s tidal pool, inviting guests to unwind and soak up the serene ocean scenery.
Website: www.ficks.co.za
Heart of Abalone
Drive through New Harbour and stop at Heart of Abalone. Here you will learn more about the South African abalone and why Abalone Farms are necessary. Tastings can be arranged on request.
Website: www.heartofabalone.co.za
Stayover at Quainton Self Catering Cottages
Quainton Cottages are located in the heart of Eastcliff, an easy 5 minute walk to the village of Hermanus. Close by you can walk the famous cliff paths, a plethora of great Hermanus restaurants and pubs, visit the popular Eastcliff convenience centre, the golf course and the sport fields to name but a few. The cottages are fully equipped for a luxury self-catering vacation in the pristine whale coast town of Hermanus where you can simply relax and enjoy everything the Overberg has to offer in this wonderful stress free environment.
Website: www.quaintoncottages.co.za
DAY 4 | Swellendam
Marloth Nature Reserve
Marloth Nature Reserve is one of the most unspoilt reserves in the country. It is also arguably one of the most unheralded. Hidden away in the imposing Swellendam Mountains, Marloth is a gem of a reserve with some of the best hikes in the country, including the six-day Swellendam Trail, which is a must for serious hikers.
Website: www.capenature.co.za/marloth-nature-reserve
Eat at Nach-Tisch Café
Nach-Tisch is a little café located on the outskirts of Swellendam. Preparing good food from locally-sourced ingredients, as organic as possible, with good coffee, and an all-round good-vibe experience.
Website: https://nach-tisch.business.site
Railton Township Tour
Going on a township tour with Meisie Bokwana is one of the most inspiring short trips in Swellendam. This unique experience will take you away from the Drostdy and the mountain to the other side of the national road in Railton.
Website: www.visitswellendam.co.za/township-tour
Stayover at Hermitage Huisies Self-Catering Farm Cottages
Nestled in the picturesque Hermitage Valley, and situated just 2km’s outside of Swellendam at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, the area is well known for its spectacular views, tranquillity, abundant outdoor activities, and pretty berry farms.
Website: www.hermitage-huisies.co.za
