South Africa Travel Guide: 11 Days Exploring Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay & Franschhoek

From mountains to vineyards to the coast - a truly unforgettable trip to South Africa

Feb 18, 2025

Before we dive in.. This is a comprehensive guide that covers three amazing destinations: Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay, and Franschhoek. While it's lengthy, I've kept everything together to make it a one-stop resource you can easily bookmark and reference. Feel free to jump to the sections that interest you most! Your thoughts and suggestions for future guides are always welcome in the comments.

South Africa Trip Recap

As our flight descended into Cape Town after nearly 12 hours in the air, I caught my first glimpse of the iconic skyline, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain rising dramatically against the deep blue, glittering ocean. A rush of excitement coursed through me as I imagined everything that lay ahead over the next 11 days.

Being in South Africa, my first time on the African continent, reawakened my senses and reminded me of the thrill of the unfamiliar. While I love returning to places I know well and deepening my connection with them, there’s something invigorating about seeing a destination through a completely fresh lens. South Africa reignited my curiosity and appetite for travel, reminding me why I fell in love with it in the first place. It was one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen - equally breathtaking and perspective-shifting.

Throughout the trip, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There were moments where I was moved to near tears - not out of sadness, but sheer joy. Joy for experiencing a new country on a continent I had never been to. Joy for the warm and welcoming people we encountered. Joy in realizing how unnecessary my preconceived fears were. And joy in feeling my perspective expand in ways I hadn’t expected.

Travel has a way of reminding us how big the world is, how easy it is to get wrapped up in our own lives, and how, elsewhere, people are living vastly different realities. While there, by happenstance, I saw someone share the word sonder, and it perfectly captured what I was feeling:

[ son-der ] noun: profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passed in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own

This trip left me with a renewed sense of wonder, a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the world, and a lasting imprint of the people and moments that made it so special. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t already looked into return flights.

Cape Town: The Perfect Mix of Nature & City Energy

Cape Town is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant culture and food scene. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, it offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and world-class dining. Whether you're exploring the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, enjoying time on the beach, exploring the vibrant markets, or indulging in fresh seafood by the water, there’s something for everyone.

Beyond its stunning scenery, Cape Town’s energy is what makes it truly special - a dynamic mix of African, European, and Asian influences, reflected in its food, music, and neighborhoods. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, take it all in, and savor every moment.

Must-Do Experiences

Our trip began with five days in Cape Town. Below, you’ll find our favorite spots, must-do experiences, and insider tips to make the most of your time in Cape Town!

Have a beach day

We went in peak summer so I would actually suggest a late-afternoon beach day when the sun isn’t quite so intense as it gets extremely hot and there is no shade. The water is very cold and refreshing, though! We enjoyed the Clifton beaches and while we didn’t get to others, we also had Camps Bay, Bakoven, and Beta beaches on our list.

Take a cool dip in the rock pools

Saunders’ Rock Beach was a fun experience that offered both easy access into the ocean as well as a tidal pool. There are a couple of other rock pools around Cape Town that we’d researched such as Maidens Cove, Camps Bay Rock Pools, and St James Beach Rock Pools.

Go on a hike

We hiked Lion’s Head, which is often described as "easy" online, but full disclaimer: it’s not. Even as active people, we found it quite challenging. The trail is fully exposed to the sun, with steep inclines, ladders, uneven terrain, and even chains to help you scale rock faces. If you go, bring a small pack with sunscreen, a snack, and plenty of water. A hat is essential, and I’d highly recommend hiking boots over sneakers.

*Wanderlust Movement is an excellent resource for hikes in and around Cape Town.

Visit the Bo-Kaap neighborhood

Dutch colonists built and leased the homes in Bo-Kaap to slaves (mostly from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Africa) in the 1760’s. At that time, the houses were white and once the enslaved people were freed, they painted them in bright colors as an expression of their freedom. You can learn more here, where I pulled these facts from.

Go to a market

One thing about me - if there is a market, I am going! They’re my favorite way to discover local artisans, try new flavors, and soak up a city’s culture. Oranjezicht was our favorite in Cape Town with a well-curated mix of produce and food vendors. Other great ones:

Mojo Market: Great for casual bites and live music - the night we were there, they offered free salsa lessons
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill: Trendy with a mix of food and shopping
The Watershed: A beautiful indoor market with local crafts and design

Coffee & Matcha!

Yes, I am listing this as a must-do experience because Cape Town abounds with great cafes and the coffee is GOOD. We, of course, could not even make a dent but below are some of the places that we visited and loved for both coffee and matcha.

Honorable mentions go to the Iced Mango Matcha at Norfolk Deli, the African Ginger Matcha Lemonade at Nice to Matcha, and the Iced Latte at Ollie’s.

Watch the sunset

The sunsets are beautiful in Cape Town. There are many places that you can watch but we enjoyed walking to the Sea Point promenade every evening and watching the sun dip below the horizon with the deep blue glittering sea in the foreground.

Day trip to Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope

Leave early on this day so you have ample time to explore the Cape Peninsula. We chose to rent a car and drive ourselves so we could go at our own pace, though you could also hire a driver or take a tour departing from Cape Town.

There are two areas to explore at Boulders Penguin Colony, one is a viewing area and another is a beach where you could potentially swim with penguins. Both have a small entrance fee. We chose the viewing point and it did not disappoint!

Our second stop was the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. The area is completely protected and there is an entrance fee but I guarantee you that is well worth the cost. While we were there, we drove up the lighthouse, visited the most South Western point on the African continent, saw the Bordjiesrif tidal pool with its stunning backdrop, and watched the windsurfers at Maclear and Platboom beaches. We also saw some incredible wildlife including a herd of Elands, an ostrich casually strolling across the beach, a baboon, and a red locust (that was way too big for comfort).

Where to Eat in Cape Town

This is not a nearly exhaustive list as we stayed mostly in our vibrant neighborhood of Sea Point for cafes and dining or ate while we were at the markets mentioned above. We had multiple bookings in other parts of the city but when it came to it, we really just wanted to absorb the energy immediately around us and keep it casual as Sea Point is full of fantastic dining options.

I have an extensive list of places that were heavily vetted and came recommended to us, but here is where we actually went and would send our friends:

Cafes & Casual All-Day Dining

Arthur’s Mini Super | New-School Diner & Mini Bar | Sea Point
Brash | Smashburgers | Sea Point
Honest Chocolate Cafe | Coffee & Desserts | City Center
Juno | Bakery, Deli & Restaurant | Sea Point
Kanéla Café | Coffee & Health Food | Sea Point
Maggy Lou’s | All Day Dining | Sea Point
Norfolk Deli | Deli & Cafe | Sea Point
Ollie’s | Specialty Coffee | Sea Point

Restaurants

Pizza Shed Bree | Pizzeria | City Center
Three Wise Monkeys | Asian-fusion | Sea Point
Una Más Mezcaleria | Mexican | Sea Point

Plettenberg Bay: A Coastal Escape Surrounded by Nature

Plettenberg Bay is an absolutely stunning part of South Africa, offering a slower, more peaceful contrast to Cape Town. It’s the perfect place to experience nature up close, with endless outdoor adventures and incredible restaurants featuring fresh seafood and local produce.

That said, if it’s your first time visiting and you only have 10–11 days for your trip like we did, I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize it. The 6.5-hour drive from Cape Town (though breathtaking) made this leg feel a bit rushed with only two full days and three nights. While we don’t regret going and truly enjoyed our time, we would have loved a full week to explore more of the Garden Route.

This portion of our trip unexpectedly turned from an outdoor adventure into a nature retreat when we fell ill at the end of our time in Cape Town (likely culprits are food poisoning or a stomach virus). Thankfully, our cabin rental was the perfect place to rest and recharge, so much so that we didn’t even feel guilty about spending so much time there.

Mornings were slow and peaceful, with the glass doors slid open, fresh air flowing in as we sipped tea in bed or on the porch. Afternoons were spent soaking in the summer landscape, listening to the symphony of birds and insects. Every evening, we watched the sun set from the porch, then marveled at the sky filled with more stars than we’d seen in ages.

Despite our illness, this part of the trip left us feeling deeply restored in both body and mind. That said, the activity and food recommendations here are a bit light. Quality-over-quantity couldn’t be a more apt way of describing our time in Plett!

Things To See & Do in Plettenberg Bay

Though we regrettably didn’t get to do nearly as much as we’d planned activity-wise, I would highly recommend these spots.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Situated on a peninsula near Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve is a must-do hike when in the area. We did the 5.5km Witsand Circuit, which led us along cliffs overlooking a seal colony, through wooded trails, over dunes, and across a secluded beach. The landscape felt otherworldly!

Harkerville Saturday Market

We almost drove past this on our way out of Plett but made a last-minute stop at this weekend market and we’re so glad we did. We left with some beautiful South African-made souvenirs: serpentine stone animal figurines, a hand-carved wooden mask symbolizing happiness, and a gorgeous piece of stoneware to add to our ever-growing collection of travel ceramics.

Where to Eat In & Near Plett

Ristorante Enrico | Italian | Keurboomstrand
The Fat Fish | Seafood & Sushi | Plettenberg Bay

Some other spots that were on our list but we didn’t make it to:

Barrington’s | Restaurant, Craft Brewery & More | Plettenberg Bay
Bitou Vineyards | Wine & Fine Dining | Plettenberg Bay
The Lookout Deck | Casual Seaside Dining | Plettenberg Bay
The Pie Shop | Savory & Sweet Pies | Plettenberg Bay

The Cape Winelands: Wine, Mountains & Laid-Back Luxury in Franschhoek

Nestled in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a dream for food and wine lovers alike. It has the best of all worlds with breathtaking mountain views and nature, world-class wineries and restaurants, a creative scene, and a charming village atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor every moment - and that we did.

Whether you're hopping on the iconic wine tram, exploring lush vineyards, or indulging in some of the country's best cuisine, Franschhoek feels both luxurious and laid-back. Here is everything we got up to in our three days there.

Things to See & Do In Franschhoek

Wine Tasting Day on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Let’s cut to the chase - the wine tram is absolutely worth it. We spent the day on the Red Line, starting at Rickety Bridge for a tasting of their reserve wines, followed by a nougat & wine pairing at Grande Provence, and lunch at Haute Cabrière. The Red Line has seven stops, but with a sit-down lunch, I’d recommend sticking to three wineries, four at most. There is no point in rushing.

Visit a Wine Farm like Babylonstoren or Boschendal

We spent an afternoon at Babylonstoren, and if you’re in Franschhoek, I can’t recommend it enough. Boschendal was also on our list. While both are part of the Orange Line on the wine tram, they’re best visited separately at your own pace. There’s so much more to do beyond wine tasting and I can’t imagine rushing through in only 1-2 hours.

At Babylonstoren, we wandered through the gardens, including the succulent house and the rose-adorned Puff Adder Walkway, had lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant, grabbed an iced latte at the farm shop, said hello to the donkeys, strolled past the grape vines, and browsed the home & garden store, where we watched soaps and essential oils being made. Our visit exceeded expectations! I could write an entire post about Babylonstoren alone… and I think I just might.

Explore art galleries & local boutiques

Cottonier: Cotton clothing in beautiful prints and vibrant colors
EBONY/CURATED: Home/furniture store and art gallery
Franschhoek Village Saturday Market: We didn’t have a chance to check it out but looks great
Hand Made Life: Lifestyle products, gifts and wood furniture
Vineyard Gallery: Showcases exclusively South African artists

Take a scenic drive on the Franschhoek Pass (R45)

We arrived via the Franschhoek Pass, and I was in a constant state of jaw-on-the-floor. My husband probably got tired of hearing me repeatedly proclaim how beautiful it was but I couldn’t help myself. For some reason, I hadn’t envisioned South Africa with such dramatic mountain landscapes, but this drive proved me very wrong. There is a particularly beautiful view over the Franschhoek Valley from the Franschhoek Pass Lookout Point.

Where to Eat in Franschhoek

Franschhoek isn’t just known for wine, it has a vibrant culinary scene as well so it’s worth it to book some nice spots in advance!

Cafes

Get Lost Coffee | Cafe | Franschhoek
Motherdough | Bakery | Franschhoek
Terbadore | Cafe | Franschhoek
The Hoek Espresso Bar | Cafe | Franschhoek

Restaurants We Loved:

Ōku | Southeast Asian-inspired | Franschhoek
Reuben’s | European and African-inspired | Franschhoek
Dinner at Ōku

Some other spots that we considered but didn’t make it to:

Orangerie Restaurant at Le Lude | French | Franschhoek
Tuk Tuk Microbrewery | Globally-inspired Cuisine | Franschhoek
There are so many amazing places to eat and this resource has more great recommendations!

Where to Stay in Franschhoek

I can’t recommend Maison Cabrière enough. This tranquil hideaway is just a short walk from the village and the wine tram, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day out. With only six suite-style rooms, each featuring outdoor space, Scandinavian-meets-African design, and thoughtful touches including fresh greenery, bath salts, big folding glass doors, and a welcome bottle of wine, it felt like the perfect mix of luxury and comfort. They even provided bottled water since the tap water isn’t drinkable and were flexible with checkout, which was great since our flight wasn’t until late.

Final Thoughts on My Trip to South Africa

South Africa is one of those rare places that offers it all; breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, incredible food and wine, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're sipping wine in the Cape Winelands, exploring the wildly beautiful coastline of the Garden Route, spotting elephants on safari (which we hope to do on our next trip to Africa), or taking in the vibrant culture of Cape Town, South Africa has a way of leaving a lasting mark on you.

If you're planning a trip, I hope this guide helps you navigate the details and inspires you to experience South Africa in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply fulfilling. If you've already been, I'd love to hear what your favorite moments were. What surprised you most? Let me know in the comments - I always love swapping travel stories!