Families in the Western Cape are spoiled for choice when it comes to quaint and beautiful escapes in the province known for its incredible mountain ranges, pristine beaches and delightful farming towns. While tourists from all over the world flock to visit the city of Cape Town, locals might enjoy a city break where they can unwind and enjoy the best nature has to offer! Read further for a guide to your next family weekend getaway near Cape Town:

There are plenty of great family weekend getaways to choose from in the area. Whether you are looking to embrace the farm lifestyle, engage in water adventures or set off on a hiking adventure at one of the many nature reserves in the province - you are guaranteed to find incredible places to go with the family that are suited just for you!

Popular family weekend getaways near cape town

01. Rietvlei Holiday Farm

Rietvlei Holiday Farm situated in the Klein Karoo offers a dreamy holiday destination with a farm house and swimming pool cottages most suited to families. Enjoy swimming, feeding the resident animals, hikes, tractor trips, wildlife and bird watching, fishing, stargazing and cycling at Rietvlei.

02. Mosaic Private Sanctuary

Mosaic Private Sanctuary is a peaceful family escape in the heart of Overberg nature reserve. Stay at their lodge or in one of their number of cottages. Fun family activities include 4x4 beach excursions, guided nature walks, stand-up paddle boarding on the Hermanus Lagoon, boat cruises and also an archeological cave tour at the beach.

03. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Spoil the family with the getaways of their dreams at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, near Gansbaai. The pristine 2500 hectare private nature reserve is home to 800 plant species, 20 mammal species, three milkwood forests and some of the finest accommodation in the Western Cape! Their Garden Lodge suites are suitable for families where you can all indulge in countless exciting activities such as shark cage diving, horse riding, whale watching, coastal safaris to walks and hikes, marine safaris, beauty treatments and many more. There are also phenomenal food and wine experiences to be had!

04. Old Mac Daddy

A popular family weekend getaway near Cape Town is the retro part-caravan park, part-designer farm lodge, Old Mac Daddy located in Elgin. At this destination your family can choose between self-catering villas, glamping tented camps or funky airstream trailers! The campsite also has The Barn Restaurants offering delicious meals during your getaway. Unique and exciting activities include archery, zorbing, tractor rides, FatCat MTB, nature walks, fishing and more.

Where is the best family getaway in the western cape?

While the above getaways are all wonderful options, nothing quite beats the awe-inspiring Hemel en Aarde region for a 3-day family getaway, guaranteed to please everyone in the family.

Only a 1.5 hour drive outside Cape Town, Stonehaven Farm offers a unique farm stay and eco-cabin experience in the Hemel en Aarde. Stonehaven marries the spontaneity of nature with the calamity of a luxury vacation filled with everything you need. Enjoy activities such as mountain-biking, wine-farm hopping, Protea nature walks, kayaking, scenic picnicking, board games, horseback riding, beach adventures, and many more!

“Blown away by this place. ‘Hemel en Aarde’ means heaven and earth, and that couldn’t describe this place better. The owners have truly created a one of a kind stay that is not only impeccably designed, but also eco-consciousness and homely. Great base to explore the magical valley from, go wine tasting, or even just staying put. Some truly special memories remain in Stonehaven. A must visit in Hermanus/West Coast.”

- Stonehaven Guest

Nearby places to visit with family

What makes Hemel en Aarde the family weekend getaway near cape town is the fact that there are always children-friendly options and entertainment. Restaurants welcome all families and Creation Wine Farm even has a kid-friendly tasting menu. The Cave Mini-golf is a firm favorite with younger children and teens alike. Also, no one can deny the awesome spectacle of witnessing a whale during Hermanus’s whale-watching season. If you are looking to have some fun in the sun, the beach is only a 20min drive away.

Where to stay at Stonehaven

The Heaven Eco Cabin is Stonehaven Farm’s best accommodation for families to enjoy. This double-story luxury home has has three bedrooms which sleep up to 6 persons and offers plenty of room to braai, dine and play with the view of the stunning valley in the background. Heaven is fully stocked with everything you’ll need from cooking appliances to a dishwasher, a private Kol Kol hot tub and a cosy lounge area with board games and a fireplace for the cooler months.

You deserve a vacation with your loved ones, so book a weekend getaway in the Western Cape for an experience everyone in the family will enjoy. Stonehaven can’t wait to welcome you!