The Ultimate Day Trip from Cape Town

Leave the city behind for a high-mountain zipline adventure in the Elgin Valley — here's why it's the perfect day trip from Cape Town, and how to plan it.

Cape Town has no shortage of things to do, but the best days often start by leaving the city behind. An hour east, over Sir Lowry's Pass and into the green Elgin Valley, is one of the Cape's most rewarding day trips: a high-mountain zipline canopy tour through a protected wilderness. Here's why it makes the perfect day out — and how to plan it.

The drive is part of the adventure

The route along the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass is one of the prettiest in the Western Cape, opening onto orchards, vineyards and mountains. It's roughly an hour from the city centre. Prefer not to drive? We offer transfers from a central Cape Town pickup (minimum two guests), so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

What the day looks like

Once you arrive, a safari-style 4x4 carries you high into the Hottentots Holland mountains. From there you'll zip across 13 platforms, cross a suspension bridge over a double waterfall, and glide along slides up to 320 metres — the longest lasting over 30 seconds. Two guides handle all the technical gear and safety, so you simply enjoy the ride. The full experience runs about 4½ hours, including a short hike out of the gorge at the end.

Who it's for

It's suitable from age 5 (younger children ride tandem with a guide), with no upper age limit — our oldest flyer so far was 93. A moderate level of fitness helps, as does a head for heights, but no experience is needed. It's a brilliant family outing, a memorable couples' day, and a favourite for school groups and team building.

Make a full day of it in Elgin

Elgin is one of the Cape's cool-climate wine regions, so it's easy to pair your tour with a tasting, a long lunch, or a stop on the way to Hermanus for whale watching in season. Many guests build the canopy tour into a wider day trip from Cape Town.

Good to know before you book

• Bring warm layers (mountain weather changes fast) and comfortable shoes for the short hike out.
• Book in advance — guides are assigned per tour time and slots fill up.
• Direct bookings get a 100% refund up to 24 hours before your tour.
• See full details on our FAQs.

It's the kind of day that turns a Cape Town holiday into a story — mountains, adrenaline and a view you'll never forget, all an hour from the city.