How to Incorporate the Mother City into Your Overlanding Adventure
When most people think of southern Africa the mind jumps to the bush, the deserts, and the big five safaris. But for us at Drive Africa, one of the most rewarding starting points for any overlanding journey is Cape Town. The dramatic coastal roads, local wildlife, stunning nature alongside a cosmopolitan vibe and proximity to wildlife reserves and national parks make it the perfect launch pad for adventure travel in southern Africa.
Whether you’re arriving in the city before heading into the bush or planning a loop that starts and ends in Cape Town, there are ways to make the city part of your expedition rather than a diversion. Here’s how you can approach Cape Town with an overlanding mindset.
Why Cape Town Works for Self Drive & Overlanding
- Airport: Cape Town International offers many routes from Europe and the Middle East.
- Road access: With good rental options and well maintained roads, you can pick up your 4×4 in the city and hit the tracks. The city also gives you a chance to get familiar with your vehicle before going off the beaten path.
- Landscapes and contrast: From the iconic flat topped summit of Table Mountain to ocean drives, wine country, and then into rugged bush or coastlines, you get a primer of southern Africa’s variety.
- Logistics hub: Stock up on food, gear, maps, and local advice in Cape Town before you head into those less travelled regions where services are mosparse.
- Balanced pace: For overlanders, adding a couple of days in the city lets you recharge, adjust to the time-zone, check your gear and vehicle, and enter the wild with confidence.
What to See & Do While Based in Cape Town
Here are some of our personal favourites that fit this style of travel:
Table Mountain & Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is lesser known than Table Mountain but the 360 views are equally stunning and actually allows your to gaze upon Table mountain itself, rising above you. Looking out over the city, Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, you get a first taste of the adventure you’re about to embark on.
The iconic Table Mountain can be scaled by many routes, our favourite being the Platteklip Gorge. The route is easy enough to navigate, over we would definitely recommend waiting for sunrise to start this one, I once made the mistake of attempting it to reach the top for sunrise and the cold, dark, slippery climb up was a little sketchy. There is also a rotating cable car that will get you up or down the mountain, my preference has always been to hike up and cable car back down!
Chapman’s Peak
One of southern Africa’s most scenic drives, Chapmans Peak hugs dramatic cliffs with breathtaking ocean views, while the route to Cape Point offers wildlife sightings, rugged landscapes, and panoramic vistas. Perfect for your first drive as you make your way out of the city or a breathtaking cruise back to cap off your adventure if finishing in Cape Town. The beauty of starting an overlanding trip in Cape Town means that you have your own car to enjoy the stunning roads of the Western Cape at your own pace, rather than admiring them form the window of a tour bus.
Cape Winelands
The beauty of this region is the diversity of landscapes and excursions that are just a stones throw from the city. Driving through Franschhoek and Stellenbosch you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Tuscany. The rolling vineyards, mountain backdrops, and historic towns offer something different to what most overlanders will experience in Africa. World class wines and vineyards really add to any self drive trip in the area, just remember to leave the car at your hotel to enjoy some taster experiences paired with a cheeseboard.
City & Waterfront
We always love spending a day wandering through Cape Town. We might start in the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, a vibrant neighbourhood full of local culture, delicious cuisines, and endless photo opportunities. From there, we often head to the V&A Waterfront, taking in the bustling harbour, craft stalls, food markets, and lively restaurants. For first-time visitors, the Waterfront is often a pleasant surprise; a modern, vibrant social hub that offers a very different experience from the wilderness most people associate with Africa. Later, a quick coffee in Woodstock or a stroll along the Sea Point boardwalk, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins cruising offshore, sets the perfect scene while heading to one our favourite spots, Camps Bay.
Camps Bay
Tucked away from the main city, just around the other side of Lions Head, Camps Bay is a prime spot for some sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the beachfront bars and restaurants. The white sands are overlooked by the towering peak of Lions Head to one side and the stunning Twelve Apostles to the other. The mix of nature, bars and restaurants really epitomising what makes Cape Town so special.
Bloubergstrand and Table View
A lesser-known part of the city, but one of our favourite spots, is Table View and Bloubergstrand. This long stretch of beach is perfect for watersports enthusiasts, offering some of the best conditions anywhere for kite surfing and windsurfing. Whether you’re stopping for a refreshing drink and a great burger after a session on the water, or simply to take in the incredible sunset views across the bay toward Table Mountain, this underrated Cape Town suburb remains one of our favourite stops.
Kalk Bay, Simons Town and Other Suburbs
One of our favourite escapes from the city is the drive down to Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. We usually start in Kalk Bay, a charming fishing village full of colourful harbour buildings, quirky shops, and the smell of fresh seafood in the air. Strolling along the harbour, stopping for a coffee at a local café, and just watching the boats bob in the water showcases yet another side of this diverse area.
From there, we usually continue along the coast to Simon’s Town, with its historic streets, seaside restaurants, and of course, the famous African penguins at Boulders Beach. We’ve spent hours just sitting on the sand, watching them waddle around, completely unbothered by passersby.
There’s so much more to explore in this region. Surfing at Muizenberg, famously fresh fish and chips in Fish Hoek, whale watching trips in False Bay, or dive into South African history with a boat tour to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It may sound like a cliché, but Cape Town truly has something for everyone.
How to Extend into Overlanding Trips from Cape Town
Once you’ve enjoyed the city, your self drive safari continues:
- Pick your overlanding route: Start your vehicle in Cape Town, then head northwards towards Namaqualand and Namibia or head east along the coast to explore the Garden Route. Drive Africa specialises in helping you plan trips that flow from city to bush all the way to desert or delta landscapes.
- Transition from comfort to rugged: Use your nights in Cape Town or the Winelands to rest. Then the true overlanding begins. Fewer services, rougher tracks, the heart of your African adventure.
- Tailor the adventure: Whether you’re aiming at the Kalahari, Namibia’s dunes, Botswana’s pans or Zimbabwe’s river horizons Cape Town offers the perfect launchpad or finish line.
Best Time to Visit Cape Town for Overlanders
For an adventure travel self drive to or from Cape Town:
- Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November): Often good weather and fewer crowds make these months are great option for exploring locally.
- Summer (December-February): Warm and dry, perfect if you’re sticking to Cape Town and the coastal areas.
- Winter (June-August): Cooler and wetter meaning Cape Town and the Garden Route won’t be at their warmest coastal best. However, this is one of the best times if you’re then heading north to explore Namibia or Botswana.
Where to Stay When You’re Based in the City
- Choose a neighbourhood like Green Point, Sea Point or Camps Bay for beach access, good restaurants and easy access to your outbound route.
- Having the luxury of your own vehicle to explore and move around, we also highly recommend spending a night in the winelands area and one of the smaller coastal suburbs such as Kalk Bay, if you have the time.
Integrating the Mother City into your Drive Africa Trip
As we’ve said above Cape Town makes the perfect starting point for many great Overlanding routes. At Drive Africa we help you plan the full journey. From vehicle hire and camping gear to route planning, accommodation bookings, and logistical support. Whether you wish to spend a few nights in the city or head straight into the wild, we handle every detail to craft your perfect, tailor-made adventure.
If you’re ready to roll off the beaten path, set up your wheels in Cape Town and let your self drive safari unfold across wild cities, coastlines and wilderness, we’ll make sure you’re ready from the moment you land to last campfire under the stars.
