The Western Cape packs South Africa’s most enriching tour experiences into one spectacular region. Standing out among the offerings: Highgate Ostrich Farm delivers hands-on encounters with these fascinating birds. The Winelands tours showcase world-class vintages in historic cellars, while the adrenaline-pumping shark cage experiences in Gansbaai bring you face-to-face with great whites. For pure natural beauty, the Swartberg Mountain tours – both day-trip and full-day options – wind through stunning UNESCO landscapes with endless photo opportunities.
Let’s explore our favorite Western Cape tours.
Key Points
- Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour offers an immersive experience with hands-on interactions with ostriches, as well as craft demonstrations and a restaurant.
- Winelands Tasting and Cellar Tour provides a guided exploration of renowned wineries in the Western Cape, allowing visitors to sample diverse vintages.
- Shark Cage Diving & Viewing Tours in Gansbaai offer the thrilling opportunity to observe great white sharks up close.
- Swartberg Mountain Circular Day Tour showcases the region’s stunning natural scenery, including a visit to the Swartberg Mountain pass.
- Full-Day Swartberg Mountain Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the UNESCO-listed Swartberg Mountain landscape.
Skip the Line: Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour Ticket
What better way to experience the wonders of South Africa’s Western Cape than a visit to the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in Oudtshoorn?
With a 4.7/5 rating from 101 reviews and 94% of travelers recommending the tour, the Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour Ticket offers a unique and engaging look into the world of these fascinating creatures.
For just $10.87 per person, guests can gain insight into ostrich biology and behavior, feed the birds by hand, and watch demonstrations of crafts made from ostrich plumage, eggs, and leather.
The tour also includes the thrilling ostrich derby, as well as access to a restaurant and gift shop post-tour.
The departure point is conveniently located, with clear pickup instructions from Cape Town, George/Knysna/Port Elizabeth, and Oudtshoorn.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Travelers recommend wearing comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunblock to make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Skip the Line: Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour Ticket Review
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Western Cape: Winelands Tasting and Cellar Tour With Guide
Explore the enchanting Winelands of South Africa’s Western Cape on this guided tasting and cellar tour. Discover the region’s renowned vintages and gain insider knowledge about the winemaking process.
You’ll visit multiple prestigious estates, sampling a variety of cultivars as you learn about the unique terroir. Stroll through picturesque vineyards and tour historic cellars, observing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
The expert guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s winemaking heritage and point out architectural highlights along the way. Between tastings, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase your favorite wines directly from the source.
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the Winelands’ natural beauty and rich viticultural traditions.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy the finer things in life, this excursion promises an unforgettable taste of South African hospitality.
Read our full review: Western Cape: Winelands Tasting and Cellar Tour With Guide Review
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Shark Cage Diving & Viewing Tours in Gansbaai
While Gansbaai is renowned for its thrilling shark cage diving experiences, visitors can also opt for shark viewing tours that offer a glimpse of these magnificent creatures without the need for diving.
The 2-hour tour from Cape Town to the Kleinbaai Harbour in Gansbaai allows travelers to encounter great white sharks in the famous Shark Alley. The tour includes breakfast, wetsuit, diving mask, light lunch, snacks, and drinks, catering to a maximum of 25 travelers per outing.
For added convenience, pickup from Cape Town accommodations or the airport is available for an additional fee. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
With a 4.7 overall rating and 93% of travelers recommending the tour, the shark viewing experience in Gansbaai is a must-try for visitors to the Western Cape.
Read our full review: Shark Cage Diving & Viewing Tours in Gansbaai Review
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Swartberg Mountain Circular ALL Inclusive PRIVATE Day Tour
Travelers seeking to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the Western Cape can embark on the Swartberg Mountain Circular ALL Inclusive PRIVATE Day Tour.
This small-group guided tour from Oudtshoorn promises to uncover the region’s stunning landscapes, from the majestic Swartberg Mountain to the captivating Cango Caves.
The tour includes a visit to the Swartberg Mountain pass, the charming town of Prince Albert, and the Meiringspoort pass, where travelers can enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfall.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary on the area’s flora, fauna, geology, and history.
Comfort is ensured with an air-conditioned vehicle and a light lunch with water, tea, or coffee.
The tour also includes the Cango Caves entrance fee and the Cape Nature Conservation Fee, making it an all-inclusive experience.
With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and intimate exploration of the Western Cape’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Swartberg Mountain Circular ALL Inclusive PRIVATE Day Tour Review
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Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch & Transfer – Oudtshoorn)
Although the Swartberg Mountain range dominates the landscape, the Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch & Transfer – Oudtshourn) offers travelers a carefully curated experience that showcases the region’s UNESCO-listed natural wonders.
The tour features a guided journey along the steep gravel road leading up to the Swartberg Pass, where guests can enjoy engaging commentary on the area’s cultural, geological, and historical significance.
Travelers will have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk on the Swartberg Mountain Trail, capturing stunning vistas of the Klein and Great Karoo regions.
The tour also includes national park fees and a provided lunch, allowing guests to savor seasonal restaurant options.
With a small group size for personalized attention, the tour is well-suited for those seeking an immersive and memorable experience in this remarkable part of Western Cape.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the chance to interact with local communities, making this tour a standout option for visitors to the area.
Read our full review: Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch & Transfer – Oudtshoorn) Review
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Full-Day Swartberg Mountain PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch and Transfers)
As an immersive and captivating exploration of the Swartberg Mountains, the Full-Day Swartberg Mountain PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch and Transfers) takes visitors on a remarkable journey through UNESCO-listed landscapes.
Departing from Oudtshoorn accommodations, the tour ascends 2,900 feet (880 meters) to the renowned Swartberg Pass, reaching a height of 5,100 feet (1,500 meters). Along the way, guests can marvel at the 300 million-year-old sandstone formations and spot diverse wildlife, including Verreaux’s eagles, buzzards, jackals, and klipspringer antelopes.
The tour also includes a scenic hike to observe the region’s rich flora, such as protea plants and fynbos species. Visitors can learn about local conservation efforts at the H.O.P.E. Foundation and engage in a second leisurely hike to further explore the area’s natural wonders.
With private transportation, nature reserve entrance fees, and a delicious lunch included, this full-day tour provides an immersive and well-rounded experience in the stunning Swartberg Mountains.
Read our full review: Full-Day Swartberg Mountain PRIVATE Tour (Including Lunch and Transfers) Review
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The Sum Up
The Western Cape offers a diverse range of tours, from Highgate Ostrich Farm to Swartberg Mountain. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, shark cage diving, and scenic mountain drives. These tours provide a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural wonders and cultural attractions. With various options available, travelers can tailor their itinerary to suit their interests and make the most of their time in the Western Cape.