Western Cape, SA – 10 undiscovered experiences…

cape town stadium tour

The Western Cape-known for its many wine farms, pristine beaches, outdoor and adventure offerings.

But there are a few off-the-beaten-track experiences that you may not know about. 

 
underground city centre tours

1 Underground city centre tours

Tunnel exploration is a new urban activity below the City of Cape Town. According to Matt Weisse from Good Hope Adventures, parts of the underground canals and rivers date back to 1652 and used to supply the passing ships with fresh water. During this time Cape Town was known as ‘Little Amsterdam’ as these canals acted as routes of travel. Later, these rivers flowing through the city became walkways shaded by oak trees with bridges crossing them. As the years passed and the city expanded they were eventually covered up and forgotten.

franschhoek wine farm

2 Franschhoek Wine Tram 

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a unique tour that lets tourists hop on and off at various wine farms in the Franschhoek Valley.

Stops include wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or a stroll through the vineyards, before hopping on to continue the tour.

farmer redbeard

3 Farmer Redbeard

Located in Langeberg, 90 minutes from Cape Town in the Cape Robertson wine valley, Farmer Redbeard offers a hands-on farming experience where guests can participate in daily farm work, such as making their own wine, preserves and honey.

rooibos tea experience

4 Rooibos tea experience 

The Rooibos Route in Clanwilliam offers tourists the opportunity to visit a Rooibos farm and factory where they see the process behind cultivating and making this South African tea. Guests can also go hiking, cycling, or go on a 4×4 adventure.

inverroche gin distillery

5 Inverroche Gin Distillery

Inverroche Gin Distillery is near the small fishing town of Stillbay, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and fynbos. Guests can enjoy gin tasting and see the distillery in action where sprits are made in small batches and distilled by a custom made, wood fired, copper pot.

cape town stadium tour

6 Cape Town stadium tours

Green Point Stadium in Cape Town offers an hour-long tour on Tuesdays to Saturdays. It includes information about the construction of the stadium as well as its event hosting capabilities and the opportunity to see the field up close. The Green Point Urban Park provides guests with an experience that the whole family can enjoy, with its children’s facilities and Biodiversity Garden.

rastafarian experience at judah square

7 A Rastafarian experience at Judah Square 

Judah Square is a Rastafari community in a small valley in Khayalethu South in Knysna. Here visitors can meet the friendly people of Judah Square and learn the culture that shaped their way of life. Visitors can also stay at one of the bed and breakfasts for a unique experience and look further into the lives of Rastafarians.

noetzie castles

8 Noetzie Castles

Ten minutes east of Knysna is a secluded cove and a hidden beach. Here you’ll find a large array of indigenous flora and fauna, in the midst of which lie the Noetzie Castles – like something out of a fairy tale.

aphrodisiac shack

9 Aphrodisiac Shack

Set on banks of Theewaterskloof Dam, Aphrodisiac Shack’s main feature is the Charcuterie, which produces hot- and cold-smoked meat products, as well as a variety of cheeses and other gourmet foods.

Tours are held to experience the process of smoking and smoked products can be purchased. The Deli features all the smokehouse’s premium products, where guests can purchase smoked goods. Picnic baskets can be bought and are packed full of snacks from the deli, freshly-baked bread and seasonal organic salad from the garden.

kraalbaai houseboats

10 Kraalbaai Houseboats

Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Kraalbaai Houseboats are permanently moored at Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park.

This is where Eve’s Footprint was discovered on the nearby shore, thought to be from 117 000 years ago, the oldest known footprint of modern mankind.

 
-Caro Malherbe-