Activities in South Africa

Safari

There is a small game reserve about 1 hr 45 mins drive from Franschhoek called Aquila (www.aquilasafari.com). It has most of the African animals like elephants, lions, hippos etc. It’s somewhere in between a regular game reserve and a large zoo. Very convenient and close. Another small game reserve close by is Inverdoorn (https://inverdoorn.com).

For something a bit more adventurous and authentic, with the 'big five’ animals roaming around freely in the wild, you need to travel a bit further to Addo National Park (https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo-elephant), which is a 8 hr 30 mins scenic drive from Franschhoek, or 1 hr flight from Cape Town to Gqeberha.

Beyond this, if you have time, a trip to Kruger National Park is very much worth it. A minimum of 4-5 days is recommended and it's an experience of a lifetime. There are flights from Cape Town to Skukuza (2 hr), the main town inside the park, with Airlink (www.flyairlink.com). You can rent a 4x4 there and roam around as you like, with a WhatsApp group for animal sightings, or go on a more structured game drive with a park ranger through the hotel/tour operator.

Local wildlife

There is a Cheetah sanctuary (https://cheetah.co.za) 55 mins drive from Franschhoek. If you go, the Triggerfish brewery (https://www.triggerfishbrewing.co.za) close by is recommended, where you can taste some of the local beer and have lunch. There is also a beach that you can walk along and sometimes see seals and dolphins in the water. You could even have a surf lesson (https://surfschools.co.za).

Another option is to go horse riding around a small game reserve close to Franschhoek (https://horseridesatpetes.co.za), about 35 mins away. They have zebra, giraffe, springbok, and a wide variety of birdlife. 

We also have a reptiles zoo (https://lebonheuradventures.co.za), about 25 mins away from Franschhoek. They have crocodiles, snakes and many other adventure activities.

If you’re into birds, there’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch). They have sunbirds, canaries, spotted eagle-owls etc. Also worth a visit is Rondevlei Nature Reserve (https://www.capebirdclub.org.za/rondevlei-site-guide), which has lots of birds and hippos. If you’re in the area then a trip up Table mountain in the cable car is a must - the view is spectacular.

Nearby Table mountain is the penguin colony in Simon’s Town (https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table-mountain/what-to-do/attractions/boulders-penguin-colony). It's home to the African Penguin, which is critically endangered. A lot of work is being done to stop them from going extinct in the next 10 years.

Other activities in and around Franschhoek

Hiking trails at Mont Rochelle nature reserve.

Biking around Franschhoek with Franschhoek Cycles and Louer un Velo (available at the hotel entrance).

Bowling at the Franschhoek Country Club.

History of the French Huguenots at the Huguenot Memorial Museum.

Boschendal winery has a tree house & kids play area, horse riding, bike track and hiking.

Babylonstoren winery has a large fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity. Also a spa, and tours of the garden, wine cellar and olive oil tour.

The Times has an excellent list of top wineries in the Cape winelands to visit. 

Art galleries

Franschhoek has many art galleries to enjoy. With cafes, bars and restaurants close by in the town centre.

Stellenbosch nearby (20 mins drive from Franschhoek) also has many art galleries. The town centre is laid out similar to a small european town, with cafes, bars and restaurants.

If you are arriving before the conference starts there is the festival of light at Spier winery from 6 March to 6 April that is well worth a visit in the evening. They transform their working farm into an immersive space of nocturnal adventure and artwork based on light. Entry is free.

Kids activities

Lots of information about activities for kids around Cape Town can be found at the Cape Town with kids website.

Cafes and restaurants in Franschhoek

For breakfast and coffee, Terbodore cafe and La Cote. For dinner, La Petite Colombe, Let's Frite, Col'cacchio, Tuk Tuk microbrewery and many others.

Shopping in Franschhoek

On Saturday morning from 9am to 3pm there is the weekly Franschhoek market. Here you can pick up gifts, local art and crafts.

Links to further information

Franschhoek information website

Franschhoek things to do

Tripadvisor Cape Town

Traveling in/around South Africa

For getting around the region outside Franschhoek it is recommended to rent a car. This can be done from the airport, or local big towns like Stellenbosch or Paarl. It is recommended to avoid traveling during rush hour around Cape Town airport and the city centre (6-8am and 4-6pm) on weekdays as your travel time may double.

Taking an Uber around is also a good way to travel if you're only going to one or two places close by. Please choose Uber Comfort (minimum) or Uber Black - Uber has been in South Africa for more than 10 years, but unfortunately many of the cars in the lower categories below Comfort have not been updated or checked for road worthiness.

If you are taking an Uber from the airport, proceed to Parkade 1 after exiting the luggage collection area and ignore anyone asking you if you need a taxi or Uber - these are local taxi operators who may charge significantly more than an Uber ride. You may want to order your Uber before you head to Parkade 1 (it's a 2 min walk from the main terminal - exit on the right and follow the signs).

You can also book a shuttle service with EZ Shuttle if you're going to somewhere a bit further away for the day, like Table mountain or Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Another option is the wine tram - which will drop you off and pick you up from the various wineries around Franschhoek.