South Africa

Kaapstad

Table Mountain above the city. The Atlantic beside it. Cape Town is the start or finish of many self-drive journeys, but it deserves a few days of its own.

Discover everything about this location.

The mountain stays in view.

Cape Town is known as the Mother City. Set between mountains and sea, it gives you plenty of reasons to leave the 4x4 parked for a few days.

Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope are familiar stops. Stellenbosch is also within reach.

For a walk with a view, Lion’s Head looks out over the city, the sea and Table Mountain.

From Lion’s Head down to the water.

Later in the day, V&A Waterfront fits easily into the city rhythm. Terraces sit beside the water with Table Mountain behind them.

During the South African summer, Camps Bay is lively along the coast. Restaurants line the beachfront for lunch with a sea view.

Bo-Kaap is another well-known part of the city.

Your route can start here. Or finish here.

Several self-drive 4x4 journeys through South Africa and Namibia begin or end in Cape Town. That makes the city a natural place to arrive slowly or spend the final days of a trip.

Accommodation listed on the current page includes Cape Standard and Chapmans Peak Cottages, as well as an option at Cape Town Airport.

What you can do in and around Cape Town:

  • Visit Table Mountain
  • Climb Lion’s Head
  • Spend time at Camps Bay
  • Visit V&A Waterfront
  • Visit Bo-Kaap

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
This self-drive journey crosses three countries and combines camping with fixed accommodation. Walking, game drives, diving and snorkelling are all part of the possibilities along the way. You travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, continue into Mozambique, then return to Johannesburg via eSwatini.
South Africa
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
This 14-day route starts and finishes in Cape Town, combining rugged landscapes, the Atlantic coast, active days and 4x4 tracks. The first days are based in Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town. From here, hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route then runs north to the Cederberg, where Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch, Maalgat and Maltese Cross are all listed as walking options. Tankwa Karoo National Park changes the setting completely.
South Africa
Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Addo gives the journey a safari opening. Then the road changes. Baviaanskloof calls for a 4x4, and the pace drops to match the tracks and the terrain. On the other side lies the coast. Storms River Mouth, Harkerville and Wilderness bring together ocean, forest and river. George and Swellendam then lead into Stellenbosch and Cape Town.