Average read time: 8 minutes.
ASA loves a gorgeous backdrop for a family pic, and has rounded up a few favourite Insta-worthy day-trip destinations near Cape Town. From wine farms to sculpture gardens and pretty eateries amongst tall trees, each venue has something unique (and outrageously lovely) to offer.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of these venues may be affected by varying levels of lockdown restrictions from time to time. As such, it’s best to call ahead to see whether a given spot is open to the public before you hit the road.
Adene’s Farm Flowers
Adene’s Farm Flowers near Wolseley is the ideal destination if you love amaranthus, anemones, cosmos, dahlias, delphiniums and all manner of lovely flowers. This working flower farm is renowned for producing high-quality fresh-cut flowers and foliage using eco-friendly growing techniques.
Open days run from December 19th to April 4th, from 8am-12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can walk through the farm, purchase flowers and other merchandise, and enjoy something to eat and drink from the coffee shop under the oak trees.
In the high summer it gets very hot so it is best to go early. It is also recommended that guests take a hat and comfortable walking shoes, as well as a bucket to carry their flowers. Entrance for adults is R70 and R40 for children. Alongside that, you will receive a packet of flower seeds worth R65. There’s no need to book, just purchase your ticket at the entrance.
The must-take picture: A selfie (or series of selfies) with your favourite flower!
BOSJES
Architecture lovers and design enthusiasts assemble! BOSJES Farm is about to blow your mind! This awe-inspiring destination has graced the pages of publications like Conde Nast House & Garden, Getaway Magazine, Visi and more, and with good reason.
In fact, BOSJES has won a plethora of design awards as well. This includes the South African Institute for Architects Merit Award, the Arcaid Award for Architectural Exteriors and more.
There are a few ways to enjoy this lovely space on a day trip. You can push out the boat and book accommodation (majorly luxe, much amaze) or just visit for a meal. There are two on-site restaurants, BOSJES Kombuis which serves Bistro-style food, and BOSJES Spens in the indigenous gardens, which is more casual and features a marvellous play-area for children.
The must-take picture: Start by getting a shot of your road trip crew against the amazing hand-painted, Delft-inspired mural by Cape Town-based artists Lucie de Moyencourt and Michael Chandler. Then get an iconic snap on the walkway en route to the mind-blowing BOSJES Kapel. Take it from there and pace yourself, there are SO many amazing images waiting to taken here.
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
If you like to enjoy your art with a side of breathtaking natural beauty, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden near Stellenbosch is going to tick all of your boxes. It’s the ideal way to view the amazing works of local artist Dylan Lewis, who is widely recognised as Africa’s most internationally renowned living figurative sculptor.
The garden contains about 60 sculptures that serve as a record of this talented maker’s artistic development and can be viewed by walking along 4km of purpose-built pathways on Mulberry Farm along Paradyskloof Road.
VERY IMPORTANT: Visits to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden are by appointment only. To schedule a visit (021) 880 0094, or email [email protected].
The must-take picture: Just point and shoot in any direction. The garden itself, as well as the sculptures it contains, are just too beautiful to adequately describe in words. You’ve got to experience it in person.
www.dylanlewis.com/garden/visit-the-garden
Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate
Gabriëlskloof is an award-winning wine and olive estate in the Overberg near Caledon. Their convivial on-site restaurant offers a variety of tasty dishes, and it’s pet-friendly. Naturally, the wine is also amazing, and the space is just a treat on all visual fronts.
The must-take picture: A snap of you and your companions framed by the ‘negative space’ of the cellar building that overlooks the vineyards and canola fields beyond. You’ll see what we mean when you get there.
TOP TIP: August is canola season in the Overberg. This is when the fields of canola around Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate turn a vibrant yellow, which makes your pictures pop even more. If you really want to take memorable shots, this is a great time to go.
Kringe Inni Bos
Kringe Inni Bos is the lovely new open-air restaurant on the beautiful Kloovenburg estate in Riebeek Kasteel. Situated amidst a towering pine forest on the farm, it’s the ideal place to grab a family-friendly fare from a top-notch self-service eatery in a stunning space.
The must-take picture: A lovely shot of your co-adventurers enjoying their meal in the sun-dappled light under the trees. If you visit on a winter’s morning, try to get a shot of your coffee sending tendrils of warmth into the air.
TOP TIP: Pressed for time? Pop in at the 8 Feet Village on top of the overpass en route to Kloovenburg and Kringe Inni Bos. This newly-established destination is a great place to grab a quick cup of coffee while you overlook the valley below. Naturally, this is also an amazing place to take some snaps.
www.kloovenburg.com/kringe-inni-bos
Montpellier
Montpellier is one of those picture-perfect wine farms that seem a little too gorgeous to be real. The estate is renowned for its award-winning wines, and also regularly plays host to weddings and events. There is a lovely selection of accommodation on offer, and private tastings can also be booked in advance. Visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizzas under the trees or in the glass house.
The must-take picture: A classic ‘I’m at a wine farm’ picture at the icon entrance to the farm, and at least one or two shots against the backdrop of the lovely chapel.
TOP TIP: Once you arrive on the farm, follow the music to find the wine…
There you have it – six totally Insta-worthy destinations near Cape Town that offer amazing backdrops for all sorts of inspiring adventures. Check back for more insider insights on pretty things to see, do and experience.
CONTRIBUTORS
Words | Anna-Bet Stemmet @skryfyster
Editor | Nikki Temkin @NikkiTemkin
Images | Courtesy of the venues