South Africa
Day trips in Cape Town
Full-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for. Cape Town sits between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, with the Cape Peninsula, its penguin colony and Cape Point to the south and the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands under an hour inland.
Best day trips in Cape Town
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to expect
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
Popular day trips from Cape Town: Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Hermanus.
How to choose
- What is included: entries, lunch, guide on site
- Time actually spent at destination vs on the road
- Group size on the bus
- Free cancellation in case of weather
Local tips
- Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost.
- The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status on the morning and go up on the first clear day rather than waiting.
- Robben Island tours often sell out days ahead in summer and are cancelled in rough seas, so book early in your stay.
Combine it with: Table Mountain cableway, Robben Island tour from the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguins.
Frequently asked questions
How long do day trips in Cape Town last?
Day trips usually run 8 to 12 hours with transport and guide, sometimes lunch and entries. Departure points are central; hotel pickup costs more.
What is the best way to book day trips in Cape Town?
Compare what is included before comparing prices: entries and lunch change the real cost. The Table Mountain cableway closes in strong wind or cloud, so check its status on the morning and go up on the first clear day rather than waiting.
Can I cancel day trips in Cape Town?
Most experiences listed here offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Check the conditions on the booking page before paying.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
November to March is warm and dry, but often windy; February and March tend to be calmer and less busy than December and January. June to August is the wet winter, while whales gather off Hermanus from about June to November.