The 11 best getaways less than 100kms from Cape Town

Way down in the ‘deep south’ Scarborough is a coastal village escape without the mileage. It’s a designated conservation area, meaning the fynbos is lush, and the vibe is strictly laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you’ll spend your morning at the Foragers Deli, and your afternoon picking mussels off the rocks for dinner. Or grab an artisan pizza at Camel Rock, before watching the sunset from the dunes. Of course, pack your surfboard too, as there’s often great waves at the main beach.

How many kays? 38

Stay at... Scarborough Beach Shack

There is no shortage of fancy places to stay in Scarborough, many with soaring sunset views and all the mod-cons. But we love the low-key charm of this cosy ‘beach shack’ that’s set 50 metres from the beach. It’s protected from the wind, and comes with a delightful garden and pizza oven! Book it online over here.

One of the most vibey little towns in the Swartland, Riebeek Kasteel feels almost Mediterranean, with its olive orchards and vineyards. Wander through the town square to browse local galleries such as RK Contemporary, then head to The Royal Hotel (the oldest in the country) for a gin and tonic on the longest veranda in the Western Cape. Go on an olive oil tasting at Het Vlock Casteel, explore the eccentric boutiques along the main road, or book a table at The Alchemist for a tapas-style dinner that showcases the region's incredible produce.

How many kays? 88

Stay at... Orchard Cottage

Orchard Cottage is a relaxed, luxury stay in a quiet corner of Riebeek Kasteel, just a minute’s walk from those G&Ts at the Royal Hotel. Set behind 16 olive trees, it offers three en suite bedrooms, a long veranda, braai area, veggie garden, plunge pool, free WiFi and solar backup.

This dreamy valley is perhaps most famous for its apple orchards and vineyards, and is widely known as a hub for both cool-climate wines and wild adventures. You can go zip-lining with Cape Canopy Tour or mountain biking at Oak Valley. It’s a landscape of rolling hills and misty morning, where cottages feel further from the city than you’d imagine. Visit the Saturday morning Elgin Railway Market for steampunk vibes and local street food, or swing past Paul Cluver for a taste of the valley’s fine wines. 

How many kays? 69

Stay at... Trail’s End Hotel

Elgin comes top of our list of the best mountain-bike getaways in the Cape, and if you like your adventure on two wheels there’s no better place to stay than Trail’s End. the hotel offers a range of accommodation options, from vibrant pods to luxury en-suite rooms. The facilities for cyclists are superb, with a 20-metre swimming pool for recovery (or chilling out), a specialised wellness centre with physiotherapy, secure bike storage, and a fully equipped bike wash and workshop area. There’s also a dedicated bike-training area with a mini pump track, and the Declan O’Malley flow trail.

Ah, ‘Pringle’. In the shadow of the formidable Hangklip mountain, Pringle Bay is a windy but wonderful sanctuary. It’s so close to Cape Town that you can see it across False Bay, even while you feel a million miles away. It’s part of the Kogelberg Biosphere – close to both the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens – so expect world-class fynbos... and the occasional curious baboon. Keep food out of sight, unless you want them to invite themselves in. The Pringle Bay beach is a delight, whether you’re walking or swimming, and the village itself has a strong foodie focus. Try Lemon+Lime for great coffee and deli treats.

How many kays? 81

Stay at... Bayview

Set high on the slopes above the village, this lovely two-bed cottage does what it says on the tin, pairing sweeping views over False Bay with easy access to the beach and village.

If you’re craving the West Coast but can't justify the drive to Paternoster, Yzerfontein is your 16-mile-long answer. This fishing village is famous for its namesake beach (South Africa’s longest uninterrupted sandy coastline), but is a haven for birdwatchers and nature-lovers alike. Grab some fresh fish and chips, find a spot on the dunes, and watch the Atlantic rollers come in. You can also visit the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre just 10 minutes away, to learn about the history of the First People, or grab a sourdough loaf from the famous Rosemead Artisan bakery. For a sit-down meal you can’t go wrong with The Beach House Restaurant, which was started by acclaimed chefs Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin.

How many kays? 89

Stay at... Rock Cottage

With all the money you’re saving on petrol you can afford to splash out on this glorious sun-soaked cottage that is set right on 16 Mile Beach. Rock Cottage is a laid-back escape  with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a mezzanine sofa-bed for kids, open-plan living and a gorgeous sea-facing deck with braai. Surfboards and bodyboards are available on request.

For a taste of the spring flowers that sticks within our strict 100-kilometre rule, aim your bonnet towards Darling, where you can enjoy small-town charm and seasonal blooms. Head there via Tienie Versfeld Nature Reserve (best in September and October) for wonderful bulbs popping out of grassy hillsides. But Darling isn't just about the flowers. It’s a quirky, charming town that balances old-world vibes with a thriving craft scene. There’s Evita se Perron for Darling Sweet and live shows by Pieter Dirk Uys and his alter ego, or visit the Darling Brew taproom for some of the country’s best beer. At Living Colour you can tuck into a tasty menu of meats smoked low-and-slow by chef Kevin Wood, but on the property you’ll also find guided quad bike tours, sand buggies for kids, and MTB and trail running trails. The tasting room at Darling Olives is also worth a visit.

How many kays? 84 

Stay at... The Old Schoolhouse

Get a group together and fill this three-bedroom double-story on the edge of town. It’s rural enough to hear owls in the garden at night, but close enough to walk in for dinner.

Petrol? Who even needs petrol to plan a sneaky Kalk Bay escape? With the Metrorail Southern Line now better than it’s been in years, you can simply hop the train! Kalk Bay ticks so many boxes for a quick break. You can shop the boho boutiques and galleries on the main road, take a dip in Dalebrook tidal pool (coffee afterwards is all but essential), or take a gastronomic tour from Kalky’s to Olympia Café to The Reef. Certainly don’t miss the vintage charm of books and collectibles at Quagga.

How many kays? 21 (or 0 by train!)

Stay at... Chartfield Guesthouse

There are plenty of great apartments and homes to rent in Kalk Bay, but for a quick stay you can’t go wrong with Chartfield Guesthouse; one of our best affordable hotels in Cape Town. This charming Kalk Bay guesthouse offers 13 individually decorated rooms, warm hospitality and lovely mountain views, with some rooms overlooking the sea. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and breakfast can be added the next morning – or head down to Olympia – along with the indulgent touch of complimentary tea or coffee served in bed.

Bot River is for travellers who find Franschhoek a bit too neat and tidy. It’s funky, authentic, and slightly off the beaten track. The area is home to historic estates such as the family-owned Beaumont, where you can taste wines in a 170-year-old cellar. It’s a place of gravel roads, eccentric winemakers, and wide-open spaces. When you’re done at Beaumont, look for the wild horses at the Bot River lagoon, grab a famous burger at The Shuntin' Shed (set in an old train station), or visit Gabriëlskloof for a sleek wine tasting with a view.

How many kays? 85

Stay at... Berseba Lavender Cottage

This unfussy pet-friendly escape is set on Berseba Farm, an essential oil farm. Suited to couples or small families, it has two cosy bedrooms, a bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area, plus an indoor fireplace. It’s simply furnished indoors, but it’s out on the covered verandah that you’ll spend most of your time. Light the braai and then hop in the wood-fired hot tub for slow evenings with wide farm views. Thoughtful extras include rusks, milk, tea, coffee, olive oil and all the firewood you’ll need.

If you’re dreaming of a Greek island holiday but can’t afford the airfare, Smitswinkel Bay does a good job of mimicking those aquamarine waters and dramatic seaside setting. Tucked away at the foot of a steep hillside, just before the Cape Point entrance, ‘Smits’ is a place that takes a little effort, but that also helps keep the crowds at bay. There are no roads down to the beach, so you have to trek your gear (food, clothing, everything) down a steep footpath. Once you’re down, there’s no electricity, no shops, and often no signal. And that’s the beauty of it. In summer (or anytime if you’re brave), the swimming is fantastic, while winter brings whales offshore. It’s about the closest thing you’ll get to a private island experience without leaving the city. Do bring your mask and fins for a bit of snorkelling; otherwise, simply enjoy the ‘digital detox’ and seaside setting. 

How many kays? 41

Stay at... Smitswinkel Bay Beach Cottage

This off-grid wooden hideaway in Smitswinkel is perched on the rocks and has the ocean as its front yard. With uninterrupted sea views and direct beach access, it offers simple, pet-friendly living with gas appliances, candlelight, a deck, a Weber braai and a wonderfully wild setting alive with marine life.

Make it a weekend of arts and nature in a destination where your fuel gauge will hardly leave the ‘F’ sign! Once you’re settled in, lace up your walking shoes for a wander in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The waterfalls hike is easy and family-friendly, a good one to start with. Later, tap into contemporary art at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, or, if you don’t want to pay the entry fee, take a stroll to the excellent Rupert Museum to admire Pierneef’s famous station panels. You could also grab a coffee (Meraki is my go-to), ride the famous G-Spot trail, or spend an afternoon at Spier for a picnic lunch or more art. here's our pick of the best things to do in Stellenbosch.

How many kays? 49

Stay at… Laanrust Cottage

Apartment or house? In town or in the vineyards? You have to choose carefully when deciding where to stay in Stellies, but we think Laanrust Cottage is the perfect Goldilocks option. This riverside bolthole is close enough to town to walk in for dinner, yet a little set apart for some proper downtime when you need it. The university, Coetzenburg and the town centre are all close by, while mountain trails begin almost at the gate. Expect a one-bedroom retreat with a patio, secure parking, WiFi, streaming, air-conditioning and backup power.

Another West Coast option, and this one even closer to Cape Town! Grotto Bay is a bit of a seaside secret within a private nature reserve. Because it’s a protected area, there are no streetlights and very little noise, just the sound of the ocean and wind, with hiking trails through the fynbos leading to secluded beaches where you’re unlikely to see another soul. Follow the Oosterwal hiking trail for incredible coastal birdwatching, or find a natural rock pool at low tide for a private Atlantic dip. Also think about a visit to the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre

How many kays? 70

Stay at... Sanderling Beach House

There’s no shortage of options in Grotto Bay, but Sanderling Beach House offers great vaue for money. It sleeps six across three bedrooms, and includes a large deck and plunge pool, all sheltered from the coastal winds. It’s 300m from the beach.