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The South African
24-06-2025
- The South African
6 places to go on a rainy Western Cape weekend (and still love it)
Rain in the Western Cape doesn't mean game over – it just means you need a better plan. This isn't the kind of place that folds when the sun disappears. The province packs enough indoor gems, moody landscapes, and warm escapes to turn a wet weekend into a win! Here's where to go when the skies won't cooperate – and you still want a weekend worth remembering… Rain? Good. That's your cue to head to Franschhoek. This town was built for bad weather. Cosy wine farms like Haute Cabrière, La Motte, and Le Lude serve up tastings in stone-walled cellars with roaring fires. If wine's not your thing, try the Franschhoek Motor Museum – vintage cars under dry roofs, with mountain views peeking through the mist. Pro move: Book a fireside table at Le Coin Français or Protégé and settle in for a long, slow lunch. Franschhoek, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons Rain turns Cape Town into a different city – and it's worth meeting her. Start at Zeitz MOCAA for contemporary African art in a mind-bending space. Then duck into Truth Coffee, where the coffee's strong and the steampunk vibes run deep. Got energy to burn? Clay Café in the City lets you paint your own ceramics while the weather does its thing outside. Or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium – more hypnotic than you'd think. Wrap the day with a movie at Labia Theatre, a glass of wine in hand. Cape Town's grit and creativity shine brightest when the streets glisten. For those who crave silence with their rain, head north to the Cederberg. The crowds disappear when the sun does, but the wilderness doesn't. Book into a stone cottage at Kagga Kamma or Cederberg Ridge and spend the days hiking short trails to San rock art shelters, or just staring out into stormy valleys with a glass of red in hand. You'll feel like the only person on Earth – and you'll like it that way. Cederberg Wilderness Area. Image: canva Riebeek-Kasteel is perfect for a no-rush weekend. There's wine (obviously), but also olive oil tastings, art galleries, and a bakery that'll ruin store-bought bread for you forever. Stay at The Royal Hotel for colonial-era vibes and killer gin cocktails. Or go self-catering and make your own fireside feast with local ingredients from the town square. When it rains here, nobody's in a hurry. That's the point. Montagu's hot springs are non-negotiable when the temperature drops. Book into Avalon Springs or a self-catering stay nearby, and alternate between soaking in steaming water and sipping wine under shelter. In town, The Rambling Rose serves comfort food that's anything but basic. The Montagu Museum tells the story of a town that's been around since ox wagons ruled the roads. It's peaceful, slow, and proud of it. Cloud-covered mountains in Montagu. Image: canva Only an hour from Cape Town, Elgin is the kind of place that actually looks better in the rain. The mist rolls in over the orchards, and you settle into a cabin or eco-pod like you've escaped to another world. Everson's Cider does tastings in a rustic barn, while Peregrine Farm Stall covers the baked goods side of your soul. Go for a forest walk in Cape Nature's Hottentots Holland Reserve – just don't forget your rain jacket. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
14-05-2025
- The South African
Six things to do in Franschhoek
Tucked into the heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek earns its nickname – 'the France of South Africa' – with good reason. Settled by French Huguenots in the late 1600s, this small valley town fuses European flair with South African soul. Think vineyard-covered hills, fine food, and quiet streets lined with galleries, cafés, and Cape Dutch architecture. Here's what to do in Franschhoek if you want to experience it right… Franschhoek is wine country at its finest. Dozens of estates produce award-winning wines – especially Cap Classique, South Africa's sparkling answer to Champagne. The best way to sample them? Hop aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. It loops through the valley with stops at top wineries like La Motte, Haute Cabrière, and Boschendal. No need to drive, no need to rush – just ride, taste, and repeat. This town punches far above its weight when it comes to food. Franschhoek is a culinary powerhouse, home to some of South Africa's top restaurants. For fine dining, book a table at Le Coin Français, Epice, or Protégé. For something more relaxed, grab a shaded spot at the Village Market or sip rosé with a farm-to-table lunch at Babylonstoren. Either way, the food is fresh, the wine is flowing, and the views are stunning. 3. Dive into the Huguenot history The French roots of Franschhoek aren't just a vibe – they're real! Visit the Huguenot Memorial and Museum to get the backstory on how these Protestant refugees helped shape the area. The gardens surrounding the monument are peaceful and worth a stroll. Franschhoek isn't just for wining and dining. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers hiking trails with sweeping views of the valley below. If you're feeling more active, rent a bike and pedal your way from one vineyard to the next. The landscape is generous, green, and never flat for long. On the edge of town, tucked inside the L'Ormarins estate, you'll find a gearhead's dream: the Franschhoek Motor Museum. It's packed with over 200 classic cars, from vintage Rolls Royces to iconic Ferraris. Even if you're not into cars, the collection is impressive enough to convert you. Franschhoek's creative streak runs deep. Small galleries are scattered across the village, showcasing everything from fine art to handmade ceramics. The annual Art Franschhoek festival is a great time to visit, but even on a quiet weekday, you'll find inspiration around every corner. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
