Dreamy escapes for city dwellers

One of the seven wonders of the world, sandy white beaches, spectacular sunsets and some of the finest winelands in the world, coupled with rich history and heritage… The Western Cape offers unique getaways, all within a few hundred kilometres of the Mother City.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 43 seconds.

 Even in a city as breathtaking as Cape Town, the urge to escape and explore something new can strike. Fortunately, there are some incredible weekend getaways just a few hours away. We decided to venture off the beaten path to discover lesser-known small towns. With the funky Suzuki S-Presso as our companion, we set out to find unique spots perfect for an off-the-grid experience, where welcoming locals, great food, and refreshing drinks await.

Only 140km east of Cape Town, you will find Greyton in the Overberg district. Established in 1854, this small town at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains offers a mix of old-world charm and small-town sophistication with some interesting shops and superb food. Pop in at the tourism office and ask for a historical village walk pamphlet to get some insights into the buildings found in town – almost every building has a fascinating history and most have been transformed into restaurants, lodges or guest houses. A highlight is a visit to Genadendal, the oldest Moravian mission village in South Africa, dating back to 1728 and the St Andrew’s Anglican Church built in 1904. The physically taxing but breathtakingly beautiful Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail to another small-town favourite, McGregor (about 14km away), is ideal for the fitter explorers. There are also shorter walking trails ranging from 3 – 7 km in the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve around the Ghobo River.

Speaking of art, the picturesque Kleinmond (110km south-east of Cape Town), which forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, will enthral you with breathtaking views. Widely considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, this special biosphere reserve is a World Heritage Site and boasts a wide range of different types of fynbos and plenty of fun activities such as canoeing, whale watching and mountain hiking. One of our favourite things in the area is trying to spot the wild horses or tick some new bird species off our list in the Rooisand Nature Reserve. Only a stone’s throw from Kleinmond, you will find the Stony Point penguin colony, one of only two shore-based breeding colonies of the African penguin in the country (the other being Boulder’s beach in Simonstown – another small town worth visiting). 

If scenic drives are your thing, head out to Franschhoek, a destination celebrated for its gourmet food and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, you can explore the area in comfort with the Wine Tram, a double-decker tram and open-air bus that offers a scenic tour, stopping at many of the popular estates. It's also a great way to enjoy the surroundings responsibly, so you can leave the driving to someone else and focus on the experience. To truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this region, we took the S-Presso up the long, steep, and dramatic Franschhoek Pass – and this little one handled the 15km of twisty turns with ease.

Another must-see destination is Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town, famous for its distinct Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined streets. With towering mountains as a backdrop, this area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering numerous hiking and mountain biking trails to discover.

Darling and Paternoster are two favourite weekend getaway spots of ours on the West Coast. The former may not look like much when simply passing through, but get off the main road, and you will discover a charming town with beautifully restored Victorian buildings. During spring, this area is transformed with hundreds of wildflower species, and no visit to Darling is complete without popping in for dinner at the old station, Evita se Perron. Further along the R27, the quaint fishing village of Paternoster will force you to slow down and relax. The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and lighthouse is a favourite flower-watching destination during the Namaqua flower season.

A tad further away (but totally worth the drive), is Barrydale in the semi-arid Klein Karoo. It forms part of the scenic Route 62, and while small in size, it oozes personality and boasts one of our favourite road trip stops: the Diesel & Crème Vintage Diner & Motel. The interesting décor will have you clicking away to capture an era gone by while enjoying homemade local cuisine or some interesting milkshake combinations (think lemon meringue, zoo cookie or red velvet). If you feel like sleeping over, the oldest building in town, the Karoo Moon Motel, is right next door (offering three bedrooms).

Sometimes, all you need to clear your head and recharge your spirit is a scenic drive (and it’s even better in a Suzuki!). One of our favorite routes is the 150km-long Cape Peninsula Drive, which hits all the iconic spots: Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Kommetjie, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Muizenberg, Constantia, and Kirstenbosch. Even after driving this road many times, there’s always something new to discover. Some highlights include stopping by the Twelve Apostles near Camps Bay, feeding the seals in Hout Bay Harbour, or spending a few hours exploring Cape Point National Park. For a perfect ending, consider visiting one of the beautiful estates in Constantia to pick up something special for a picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Gosh, we live in a stunning country, filled with interesting people and places. Did we miss your favourite on our list? Why not head out to visit and tell us all about it?

To make your road trip unforgettable, don’t forget to download our tricks and tips to make the most of your time on the road: The ultimate guide to planning a holiday road trip | Suzuki

Life is an adventure – book a test drive in one of the Suzuki family members and head out to explore!