Things to do in Somerset West in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Somerset West. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 53—68°F (12—20°C).

Somerset West has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Somerset West. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Somerset West in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Somerset West in May

Top experiences in May
We couldn't find any experiences in May
Holidays in Somerset West in May
May
  • Workers' Day (May 1)
  • Mother's Day (May 10)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Somerset West in May

Temperatures on an average day in Somerset West in May

The average temperature in Somerset West in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 53°F (12°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Somerset West, January, has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 62°F (17°C). The coldest month, August has days with highs of 61°F (16°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Somerset West in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
68°F
highs
53°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, breezy
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.061 in
Amount
13.7 mph
Wind speed
70%
Humidity
10.4 hrs
Daylight length
7:29 AM
Sunrise
5:52 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 53°F (12°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Somerset West in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Somerset West has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Somerset West that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Somerset West for May.
Vergelegen Wine Estate
1. Vergelegen Wine Estate
4.7
(1748)
Winery
Food & Drink
Renowned wine estate with sunset vineyard or cellar tours, themed gardens and upscale restaurant.
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Vergelegen Wine Estate is absolutely beautiful! The gardens are massive and so well kept – honestly worth every bit of the R20 entry fee just to walk around and enjoy the scenery. On top of that, the wines are incredible. You can buy bottles to take home, and I picked up two reds that taste amazing. Such a stunning place to spend a day, I’d definitely recommend it.
We had the wine tasting and the pic nic at Vergelegen. The pic nic is in a beautiful setting in the camphor tree forest. The food was good and I especially liked the malay chicken salad. The vichyssoise was also delicious. The diversity of food is almost too much that we thought they could reduce it a bit and focus more on the quality. All of the food was cold and not just freshly made, for example the spanakopita were out of the fridge along with everything else. It was very cold on that day and it took a while to get a blanket, they were small and not warm. The selection if wines by the glass was very disappointing for a wine farm, they aim to sell mostly bottles. The tables are also a bit close together so I think it’s good to specify if you want to be further apart. For the wine tasting, the vergelegen V was nice but for the price it’s possible to find better ones. The cap classique was nice
Went there with the intention of having breakfast at the Rose Terrace but couldn’t find it - signage is a bit vague. Landed up having a beautiful breakfast at Stables instead. Landed up spending hours wandering around the gardens and visited the library and homestead. The ladies who oversee these two areas have a wealth of knowledge and imparted so much information. It was also explained to us that the entrance fee at the gate goes toward leopard conservation - perhaps this should have been made a bit clearer at the gate. We felt it was worth every penny. Reading the reviews of people who complain about the entrance fee I am gobsmacked by the tight fistedness of people especially those who are clearly from Europe where you pay more to use a public toilet. For those who complain about certain items not being on the menu, do your homework and actually go to a restaurant that serves the items you crave. I would happily go back and pay the entrance fee knowing it is going to a good cause.
Vergelegen Wine Farm offers an unforgettable harmony between natural beauty and refined hospitality. The sweeping vineyards framed by ancient trees and Helderberg peaks evoke a timeless serenity that enhances every sip of their exceptional wines. The picnic experience, masterfully arranged and served by Moses, reflects an artful balance of elegance and warmth—every detail thoughtfully anticipated. It is a destination where landscape, flavor, and service unite to form a lasting impression of understated luxury.
Always a magical experience - went for a picnic with the family this year and truly felt like we were in our own little world in the forest. My glass was never empty, plate never lacking and heart never not full of joy. We make an effort to visit every year and could not recommend more!!
One of the best experiences i’ve ever had! The picnic was delicious, the staff were so knowledgeable and attentive, and the site was beyond beautiful. Thanks Vergelegen, I would recommend to absolutely everyone!
Cannot describe/express fully in words, how absolutely heavenly and picturesque Vergelegen gardens and views are! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💚💚💚💚💚 💙💙💙💙💙 Every season's visit gives more beauty and surprised. And discovery of something else not seen at previous visits! 🌸🌿🍁🌻🌳
Vergelegen Wine Estate is honestly one of my favourite spots to escape to. The estate is absolutely beautiful – from the tree-lined drive to the stunning gardens, it feels like a peaceful retreat. I loved how rich in history it is, but still feels modern with its tasting room and restaurant. The wine? Top tier – especially their reds. It’s the kind of place you go for a wine tasting and end up staying way longer than planned. If you’re ever in Somerset West, it’s 100% worth the visit.
Cheetah Outreach
2. Cheetah Outreach
4.3
(2726)
Zoo
Nature & Parks
Preservation center for cheetahs & other predators, with education programs & animal encounters.
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We had a good time here. We missed the tour start but we joined half way and the guides were really nice and informative. Learned a lot about the individual cheetahs.
🌟 **Cheetah Outreach – A Wildly Amazing Experience!** 🌟 Visiting the Cheetah Outreach, in Somerset West was hands-down one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I signed up for the animal encounter and the feeding tour, and every moment was packed with awe, education, and pure joy. The highlight was getting to interact with Zorro, the 9-month-old cheetah cub. Though he was almost the same size as a fully grown cheetah, Zorro has the most soulful eyes and gentle demeanor. Getting to stroke him was surreal—his sleek fur and calm presence made the moment feel magical. What made it even more special was leerning about his surrogate dog brother, who stood loyally by his side. Hearing about their bond was an eye opener to the dedication, compassion and care that goes into conservation work. The feeding tour added a whole new layer of insight. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, walking us through the animals diets, behaviors, and the challenges they face in the wild. It wasn’t just cheetahs there were servals, jackals and meerkats as well. A big thank you to the team of volunteers and conservation experts. I left the cheetah outreach with amazing photos and memories, but also with a deeper appreciation for earths majestic creatures and the people working tirelessly to ensure their survival. 🧡 Highly recommend for animal lovers, conservation enthusiasts, or anyone looking to connect with animals in a deep meaningful way.
Cheetah Outreach is an unforgettable experience with a powerful mission behind it. Their goal is to protect cheetahs through education, awareness, and conservation partnerships and you can feel how much the staff truly cares about these animals. They work closely with farmers and communities to reduce conflict and help save cheetahs from extinction, which gave so much meaning to the visit. Being able to get up close to a cheetah was one of the coolest moments of my life. These animals are absolutely beautiful and surprisingly calm when you’re near them. The staff made safety the top priority and treated the cheetahs with so much love and respect it never felt like a “tourist attraction,” but more like being welcomed into a conservation project that matters. I learned so much, and getting to gently touch a cheetah while hearing it purr is something I’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to support responsible wildlife conservation, I highly recommend stopping here. It’s educational, inspiring, and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. # Safari
What a wonderful facility and the staff couldn’t be kinder. We were able to meet Zorro today. Their one year old cub on his birthday and are very thankful that we had this experience up so close with such a powerful animal. Many thanks to Donna for spending time with us and giving Insights on the life of a cheetah and how they are different than many other cats of South Africa. Highly recommend you book a few days in advance at least.
Quick Takeaways 🅿️ Free off-road parking 🐆 Small to medium-sized facility with various animals (not just cheetahs) 💬 Reception staff unfriendly and disengaged 🌐 Website unclear and slightly misleading 📸 A-typical fencing makes photography difficult Hot weather = animals hiding in the shade Cheetah encounters (R100–R200) must be pre-booked 🤷‍♂️ Okay for a quick visit, but plan ahead for a better experience Full Review The Cheetah Outreach Experience is a medium-sized setup that’s easy to find, with off-road parking and a very affordable entrance fee of just 10 rand — though, in my case, that price felt about right for what was on offer. I arrived with a group of six others without pre-booking, and while that was our mistake, the reception experience was poor. The man running the front desk (a medium-sized wooden structure called The Cat Shack) was clearly having a bad day — he came across as flustered, short-tempered, and generally disengaged. He told us they were short-staffed and unable to run any tours, which we acknowledged given we hadn’t planned ahead, but the lack of warmth or professionalism and confusion of the website didn’t help. We were left to wander the site ourselves. There are actually quite a few animals beyond the cheetahs — foxes, shepherd dogs, a tortoise, and meerkats — but photography is almost impossible thanks to the tight mesh fencing used for most enclosures. Not something I’ve seen before in other similar setups. If you visit on a hot sunny day, don’t expect to see much activity — most animals were hiding in the shade when I went. You can pay between 100–200 rand for a cheetah encounter, which allows you to gently stroke a ‘tame’ cheetah under supervision. The volunteers seemed attentive and safety-conscious, and the cheetahs behaved much like domestic cats — affectionate if they felt like it, aloof if not. The Cat Shack doubles as the gift shop, selling some decent merchandise. However, the website is misleading, implying you can simply turn up for tours throughout the day, with only enrichment sessions being timed — in reality, that’s not the case. It also only advises pre-booking for groups of 10+, which doesn’t reflect what actually happens. Because of the unclear information, unwelcoming reception staff, and limited experience, I can only give this place 3 stars. Plan ahead if you go — and set expectations accordingly.
What a memorable, pleasant experience! Friendly staff, knowledgable tour guide and very interesting information on every animal. I visited the timeslot when they got fed - very informative and we could take close-up photos. Staff offered to take videos from inside the Cheetah enclosures. Excellent visit!
Cheetah Outreach is a conservation facility offering educational encounters with cheetahs in a safe environment. Its most vital work is the successful Livestock Guarding Dog Program, which places guardian dogs with farmers to protect livestock and prevent the retaliatory killing of wild cheetahs.
Hats off to Dawn and the rest of the team! And, naturally, to all the cats in the establishment. Well cared for with spacious enclosures and attention to their habits and moods. As a person that have had close encounters with cheetahs I would have loved a bit more freedom in petting and stroking, but I totally understand the reason for the rules in place and was happy to abide. Do yourself a favour and visit the place, ose encounters with these majestic cats is something that will leave you mesmerised and (a very affordable) entrance fee keeps them going.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
3. Helderberg Nature Reserve
4.7
(1302)
Nature preserve
Outdoor Activities
The area around Helderberg Mountain is protected & houses picnic spots, trails & a visitor center.
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This is a beautiful place. Breath taking views. The grounds are well maintained. I think you can have celebrations on the property. We saw a party setupI would love to go again for a hike. Did a 5k hike early morning. It has it steep moments especially for someone that doesn't hike often.
What amazing and beautiful Nature Trails. Everytime I go I discover something new. Walking here is peaceful with absolute bliss, liberating and good for the Soul. The song that comes to mind ... "The road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where" not the entire song is applicable though 😉 I just love this place and so fortunate and lucky to be able to walk here often. Love ~ Love ~ Life 💜🩵❤️🧡 Enjoy the photos of Nature at its best. 🪷
Helderberg Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to visit in Somerset West. The walking trails are well-maintained, offering stunning mountain and garden views. It’s peaceful, safe, and perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature. The picnic areas are clean and family-friendly, and the staff are welcoming. A must-visit spot if you’re in the Helderberg area.
What a great Nature reserve we love it, will definitely go again it’s a pity that the gates only open at 07:30.The kids love the adventure and the wildlife is amazing. There something about nature that can change your perspective on life.
We come here almost every Friday for Eco-rangers and we love it here. We have now become annual members and it's beautiful. The bathrooms, information centre, the coffee wagon and gardens are all neat, clean and well kept. A hidden gem in the suburbs of Somerset west
Absolutely beautiful. The kids had a total blast. We had a lovely picnic there a girls and kiddos day. It was wonderful to be in nature.
Great views. The paths are kept in a good condition and you can enter early when you apply for an early access card
An amazing place to hike! Whatever way you go up the mountain it’s steep but the views and glorious. The newer Waboom trail is an amazing addition. The staff at the gate are always lovely and friend. An absolute bargain as well. Recommend buying the annual pass if you’re a local. Gets busy! Go as early as you can at weekends.
Lourensford Wine Estate
4. Lourensford Wine Estate
4.4
(392)
Winery
Food & Drink
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👥 WHO IS THIS FOR? Wine lovers, adventure seekers, and foodies looking for a full experience beyond just wine tasting. 🔍 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER: 1️⃣ Activities Galore – Wine tasting, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, coffee roastery, and more! 2️⃣ Parking Fee – R20 unless you leave within 45 minutes. 3️⃣ Food & Drink – Restaurant offers great options (chicken & avo pizza was a winner!). 🍷 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: This estate offers so much more than just wine. The wine tasting itself was fantastic, and the coffee roastery was buzzing with activity. The restaurant provided a solid meal experience, making it easy to spend hours here. ✅ FINAL NOTES: ✔️ Plenty to do beyond just wine. ✔️ Parking fee waived if under 45 minutes. ✔️ Check out my individual reviews for detailed insights! 👉 Like this review? Follow for more travel and food tips! 👈
A very modern winery and estate even though it has roots back to 1700. The tasting room is adjacent to the actual wine holdings so we can see the activities of the wine makers. Overall a good experience.
Don’t dare leave Capetown without visiting Lourensford ,highly highly recommend coming for their Sunday market ,what an amazing experience it was for me. Must say Lourensford is a beautiful wine farm ,just from beginning to end . They have a very unique setup ,amazing ,have not enough words to describe how beautiful it is. Art rooms ,bar with classic cars ,if you’re a big fan of classic cars ,make your way there NOW .They have a live band during the Sunday market ,a lot of small shops that sell very beautiful and unique pieces ,and a loooot of food options .
Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West, South Africa is not just a very modern Wine Estate, with beautiful Spa-service, local markets with specialist food stalls, hand made baskets, art-work and lots of amazing stalls... We also enjoyed an afternoon of live music, their local restaurant and gin tasting... Just past the Airport on the N2, it's really worth the trip for the whole family... If you use drive your own vehicle, they have a very safe secure paid parking and they even have pickle balls courts... Enjoy, Kurt
Lovely garden setting enriched with birdlife & art. Great to stroll around, restaurants and experiences to pick from. The setting is very special. I'd love to visit again, with my camera & more time.
There are a couple of restaurants, a gin bar, wine cellar, clay pigeon shooting, archery, crafts and more. Overall great facilities and service wherever I went. It’s a nice social atmosphere and it can get quit busy over the weekends. You can also just sit under a tree, next to a water feature and have a glass of wine.
We had a wonderful day at Lourensford Wine Estate! The atmosphere was vibrant, with a fantastic selection of food stalls offering delicious options for every taste. The live music added such a lively touch, perfectly complementing the stunning surroundings. And, of course, the wine was exceptional—rich, flavorful, and a true highlight of the visit. Highly recommend spending a day here for a perfect blend of great food, music, and wine!
Great winery, well worth a visit Bargain wine tasting
Monkey Town Venue (no animal viewing available since April 2024)
5. Monkey Town Venue (no animal viewing available since April 2024)
4.3
(1589)
Event venue
Nature & Parks
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Monkey Town was full with sights and noises. The primates' antics had me hooked from the moment I stepped inside. Some highlights of my visit include: The alpha male was a true character, constantly keeping an eye on his flock. He was like a small king, and his followers appeared to follow his every action. I had an amusing experience with a very mischievous monkey. While I was trying to snap a selfie with him, he took my water bottle. I couldn't help but giggle as he neatly unscrewed the top and sipped long, pleasant drinks. The story of the orphaned chimp sisters was both moving and distressing. It was a reminder of the difficulties these sophisticated animals confront in the wild. Aside from the monkeys, there were lots of other intriguing critters to find, making for a very memorable day.
Good place and very friendly staff, accommodates household families and even big groups, caters for all age groups, just off the N2 by by Strand situated on yiur left direction Gordon's Bay. Unfortunately, the monkey park is not open however its still a great place to enjoy, especially for the kids, Bonus is for those who love to make a fire and braai. There are over enough braai spots.
Very nice venue for the hole family and kids with the slides and pools perfect a nice braai and splashing in the sun kindof day .
Lovely place for the kids to swim and explore the world of different monkey types and snakes. Kiddies' activities such as pool slides of 3 different age groups and also taking a memorable picture with a snake around your neck or a family picture by the monkeys. Different a place not only for the kids but also relaxing safe environment for a relaxing time for families. You guys rock.
What a lovely morning. We decided to do the guided tour and what a awesome experience. Our guide was well spoken and kept our attention the whole time although it was a huge group. we recommend this to anyone who loves to learn more about animals.
This was so enjoyable... So much care and love goes into Monkey Town... The best time to visit is the afternoon, then the little monkeys are very active and playful. Our personal Encounter with the monkeys was a great joy... All in all, a very rewarding experience! Will definitely visit again... (beautiful collection of snakes as well, lovely display!)
Really cool experience! We really enjoyed watching the chimpanzees being fed as well as the experience to personally feed a few Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys. There are quite a few caged areas that do not have any sign posts of what breed/type of monkey it is. Cool guided tours. Great experience for adults and kids.
A very nice half-day trip with kids. Over 200 monkeys to see & other small animals. They also do guided tours at specific times for large groups and there is a water park and reptile room too.
Morgenster Estate
6. Morgenster Estate
4.6
(524)
Winery
Food & Drink
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This is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit! We thoroughly enjoyed the olive oil tasting and did not even need lunch afterwards. We would definitely recommend a bottle of the lemon infused olive oil to have on ice cream - it is a delicious combination.
Pretty enjoyable experience. We went for the olive oil tasting and had lunch. The olive oil tasting was awesome and pretty affordable, too! R85 per person, and you're given 4 olive oils to try and balsamic vinegar with a board with bread, crackers, olives, and some olive paste. Someone will explain the various types to you and the history of olive oil in SA. The only negative with this was that they were out of stock with the one olive oil, so instead of 4 olive oils we got 3 olive oils to try. The lunch was pretty good. Caprse salad with pesto was amazing! Pricing is pretty expensive, so be prepared to spend a solid amount of your hard earned money.
My favourite place to hang out in the Helderberg. Weather makes no difference but I prefer winter. Super friendly staff. Olive oil tastings is great, whine tasting is great but we often just go for a bottle of our favourite wine. Love the simple snack they supply with it. They can do no wrong in my opinion. I would book on weekends and busy summer days
One of the nicest wine tastings we have done. The surroundings and ambience, the staff are lovely, the platter was well presented and the wine selection truly worth the experience. We will definitely be going back
We visited Morgenster Estate on a sunny winter’s day and were warmly welcomed as we entered the tasting area. Seated outside with a view of the beautiful dam, and we enjoyed both wine and olive oil tastings. It was a real treat to discover and taste the Italian wine varieties. A big thanks to Sisipho for sharing her knowledge.
excellent, honest, delicious food. not pretentious, and big portions. good value for money, actually i think the prices are too low. very very friendly personel. we have been coming for more than 15 years and never been disappointed. their rating should be towards 4.5 !
Super morning exploring Somerset West Wine Country. No visit could be complete without popping in to MORGENSTER! Delicious olive tasting and well presented! Stunning setting!
Cuisine and service are top notch! We went there for a business lunch with an international visitor, what a hit !Beautiful setting with a view of the lake and mountains. Very swanky tasting area, fully air-conditioned. My only gripe is the chairs: ergonomically great, but plastic? Not great for summer in the Winelands.
Waterkloof Wine Estate
7. Waterkloof Wine Estate
4.5
(283)
Winery
Food & Drink
Biodynamic winery with views of fields & peaks from a sleek, upscale restaurant & tasting lounge.
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Mindblowing view! It’s worth to come up here just for that. Great food, nice wine tastings (several options available) and very friendly service. Highly recommend this place. They also sell wine from the restaurant and take their time to explain the wines in detail.
What an awesome place for wine tasting and cheese platter. Our server, Tim, was wonderful and knowledgeable. We truly enjoyed it. Will definitely go back for more.
Fabulous biodynamic wine in authentic French style in one of the most beautiful places in the world. What else do you need?
Wine tasting - The scenery is stunning, no question at all. Cheeseboard with guava and quince jam was super delicious (especially guava was amazing, it is a must try, believe me!). We love the idea of organic farming and not using culture yeast at all, however the MCCs were not to my taste. We’ll be back and are planing to try the restaurant as well next time (the menu looks pretty good).
Beautiful spot with incredible views. We did their premium wine tasting which is great value for money and gives you a tasting of six wines. Their white wines are their strongest and very good because of the site. The reds a bit young for us. We did not do the lunch or cheese platter option but they really looked awesome 😎
Very professional wine tasting assistance, with top quality (Tim Atkin 90+) ratings for most of the wines. The setting is what puts this place over the top. In the same space as a fine dining restaurant with an open kitchen so you can see magic being created. Nice fireplace with premium blankets provided and the tastings are served in Riedel glasses. Very hard to fault anything. The view is exquisite.
The beautiful views and architecture does not make up for the horrible service. We constantly had to ask for our next wine, the platter was incomplete and had to ask for the missing items. Also, the restaurant is closed and it would be nice if they mention that on the website. There was 2 waiters, one serving the guests and the other guy just focused on one table, flirting with the girls, so unprofessional.
We had such a lovely wine tasting experience today 07/08/22. The lady (sorry couldn't remember her name) had such a vast knowledge of all the wines, she was amazing. Our platter was perfect for the two us and so delicious! Purchased about 8 bottles of wine, because they are amazing! Will return for sure!
Lourensford Market
8. Lourensford Market
4.5
(3417)
Market
Food & Drink
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Great outdoors market with a huge variety for everyone. Art and crafts, Persian carpets, tractor rides etc. Wine and gin tasting and sales. Grass play area with water fountains for the kids. Highly recommend
You don’t need to dress up for this outing; just come as you are. The Lourensford Night Market has a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to unwind after a hard week’s work. There are plenty of food options available, so you can mix and match to create your own menu. Unfortunately, our visit coincided with the first signs of winter, which resulted in many empty tables. This might not be the case on a hot summer night. The market is open until 10 PM, and entrance is free, although there is a charge for parking. the market is Fridays open from 17h00 until 22h00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 11h00 till 16h00.
Went to Adene's flower farm to pick some flowers. Really fun. And afterwards had something to drink and eat at the market. Very nice and great vibes. Food was amazing
It’s a must add Friday night experience to any trip to the Cape. Easy food easy relaxed vibe and loads of fun if you want to. Get there early if you want to secure a table but if you go with the flow and are happy to share tables with other families then you’ll get a table spot as the night moves on. There are a few random vendors but it’s mostly about the food and family style entertainment.
Absolutely stunning, nice vibe live music, pet friendly and delicious food. Wide variety of shops and eateries. A water play ground for the kids. U may set up your umbrellas as well and watch the kids play in the water. Vast variety of things to do.
A great market to visit indeed with live music that creates a fun & relaxing vibe for all ages. There's a wide variety of food stalls with something for everyone. From tasty ribs & burgers & chips to pastries & wraps & sushi & noodles & a variety of cakes & sweet things & drinks galore to mention but a few. There a lots of vendors with awesome goods on display. I definitely recommend it.
So much to do and see one day is not enough loved the visit. Wedgewood store amazing.
such a beautiful market! especially with kids - there is a amazing garden with waterelements, toys and lots more. for the adults there is of course the motorhome with the brewery inside. the beer is delicious and the atmosphere in between those cars and petrol-sent - perfect. the restaurants are super delicious. we were there for about 2.5h and recommend this absolutely! there is also enough parking space (not for free but no expensive, we paid about 10R)
Blue Rock Waterski Resort
9. Blue Rock Waterski Resort
4.2
(865)
Water skiing service
Water & Amusement Parks
International dishes, including pizza, Asian-fusion dishes, burgers and cakes, at a lake resort.
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Absolutely loved our time at Blue Rock! From the moment you step in, you feel the good vibes. The staff is super friendly, and the whole place has a chilled, welcoming atmosphere. From top notch instructors, to ample activities for the whole family, Blue Rock has it all. Overall, BlueRock is a perfect spot to ride, relax, and have a great time. Highly recommend checking it out!
Skiing can be quite pricey for the amount of time you spend above the water. Accounting for all the time spent falling and travelling back to the start you don't get much use of the hour session. Requires a good degree of fitness also to make full use of the session. Operator is very helpful with advice and so are the other staff. But the resort does charge you for every move you make within it.
Incredibly professional performance from the entire team! Highly recommend booking a full weekend of activities including their accommodation. Outstanding service from Dominik/Effa and everyone else!
This place was so much fun, we enjoyed it so much. We struggled a bit to get the hang of it, its much different then going on the dam with a boat. But it was great.
Absolutely awesome place, worth every penny. Friendly and helpful staff - they'll help you all day long as you try and learn how to ski/wakeboard/kneeboard. Great place to swim & relax with friends & family. Volleyball area available. Great pizzas.
Location is nice but restaurant and activities can be a bit pricey. The service was incredibly slow on the day we were there, we had to order ahead to make sure we weren't left with empty glasses or no food.
First time I have visited the resort after years of driving past. What a absolute gem. Kids and adults that enjoy water will play themselves to exhaustion with massive smiles.
The scenic beauty and welcoming staff at Blue Rock Skiing Resort are undeniable highlights. However, the entrance fee, at R110 per adult, might deter visitors, especially considering additional charges for skiing, which feels unjustified given the steep entrance fee. While the restaurant boasts a charming ambiance, the food quality and portion sizes need enhancement. Pricing seems to be a persistent issue, with exorbitantly priced drinks like the R28 330ml Coke Zero. The rising costs over the years have led to a sentiment of diminishing value for loyal patrons. While the transformation from shabbiness to a beautiful setting is acknowledged, the increasing costs seem to outweigh the overall experience, prompting hesitation about returning in the near future.
Cavalli Estate
10. Cavalli Estate
4.6
(1753)
Winery
Art gallery
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Cavalli service and food is excellent. The views of the mountains are stunning. I suggest if you are on a budget do their wine tasting. You have still the same beautiful views for the mountains and their prices are good.
We finally got to visit the wine farm and were welcomed by Lusindiso who was very lovely and gave us an amazing experience. I made it four stars because the head of the wine tasting (the lady), I forgot her name but was very horrible with us. She needs to learn to treat clients in a much better way. She does not know how to speak to people respectfully and when she is serving others, she speaks so loudly that you can't even hear the person who is standing in front of you and explaining the different wines. Nonetheless, Cavalli is very beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Thank you once again, Lusindiso!
Lovely experience close to fine dining, but very Inexpensive (like 2 courses would be around 500-600). The terrace is beautiful, the restaurant is modern and lacks charm a bit. The dishes are complicated enough and well balanced, thought out.
We celebrated my husband's 40th at Cavali and it was the best celebration ever! The hospitality was world class from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. We were fotunate to get a special wine tasting with and explination of the wines before going uo to the resturant for our 2 course dinner. The bubbles helped to set the tone. We took amazing oics of ouraelves with the most gorgeous panoramic views of Stellenbosch before going inside for our dinner. The food and wine were delicious while the and service was exceptional. Thank you for making the celebration one to remember!
The five stars for the view 👌🏻Good menu and wine. The timing of the courses was weaker, and the mushroom crème brûlée was a bit of a miss… :)
Stopped in for a quick wine tasting. View is beautiful, wine was good although the seasonal cheese board very average.
Cavalli is truly a gem in the Helderberg region. You are met with breathtaking views that set the tone for a delightful dining experience. The service was exceptional and the food delicious. Rowan and the team ensured the service was seamless throughout. Overall, Cavalli delivers on every level: ambiance, service, and culinary excellence. I’ll definitely be returning for more cheesecake!
Lovely wine tasting paired with the cheeseboard which was very tasty! Highly recommend
Vergelegen Wine Estate
11. Vergelegen Wine Estate
4.7
(1748)
Winery
Food & Drink
Renowned wine estate with sunset vineyard or cellar tours, themed gardens and upscale restaurant.
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Vergelegen Wine Estate is absolutely beautiful! The gardens are massive and so well kept – honestly worth every bit of the R20 entry fee just to walk around and enjoy the scenery. On top of that, the wines are incredible. You can buy bottles to take home, and I picked up two reds that taste amazing. Such a stunning place to spend a day, I’d definitely recommend it.
We had the wine tasting and the pic nic at Vergelegen. The pic nic is in a beautiful setting in the camphor tree forest. The food was good and I especially liked the malay chicken salad. The vichyssoise was also delicious. The diversity of food is almost too much that we thought they could reduce it a bit and focus more on the quality. All of the food was cold and not just freshly made, for example the spanakopita were out of the fridge along with everything else. It was very cold on that day and it took a while to get a blanket, they were small and not warm. The selection if wines by the glass was very disappointing for a wine farm, they aim to sell mostly bottles. The tables are also a bit close together so I think it’s good to specify if you want to be further apart. For the wine tasting, the vergelegen V was nice but for the price it’s possible to find better ones. The cap classique was nice
Went there with the intention of having breakfast at the Rose Terrace but couldn’t find it - signage is a bit vague. Landed up having a beautiful breakfast at Stables instead. Landed up spending hours wandering around the gardens and visited the library and homestead. The ladies who oversee these two areas have a wealth of knowledge and imparted so much information. It was also explained to us that the entrance fee at the gate goes toward leopard conservation - perhaps this should have been made a bit clearer at the gate. We felt it was worth every penny. Reading the reviews of people who complain about the entrance fee I am gobsmacked by the tight fistedness of people especially those who are clearly from Europe where you pay more to use a public toilet. For those who complain about certain items not being on the menu, do your homework and actually go to a restaurant that serves the items you crave. I would happily go back and pay the entrance fee knowing it is going to a good cause.
Vergelegen Wine Farm offers an unforgettable harmony between natural beauty and refined hospitality. The sweeping vineyards framed by ancient trees and Helderberg peaks evoke a timeless serenity that enhances every sip of their exceptional wines. The picnic experience, masterfully arranged and served by Moses, reflects an artful balance of elegance and warmth—every detail thoughtfully anticipated. It is a destination where landscape, flavor, and service unite to form a lasting impression of understated luxury.
Always a magical experience - went for a picnic with the family this year and truly felt like we were in our own little world in the forest. My glass was never empty, plate never lacking and heart never not full of joy. We make an effort to visit every year and could not recommend more!!
One of the best experiences i’ve ever had! The picnic was delicious, the staff were so knowledgeable and attentive, and the site was beyond beautiful. Thanks Vergelegen, I would recommend to absolutely everyone!
Cannot describe/express fully in words, how absolutely heavenly and picturesque Vergelegen gardens and views are! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💚💚💚💚💚 💙💙💙💙💙 Every season's visit gives more beauty and surprised. And discovery of something else not seen at previous visits! 🌸🌿🍁🌻🌳
Vergelegen Wine Estate is honestly one of my favourite spots to escape to. The estate is absolutely beautiful – from the tree-lined drive to the stunning gardens, it feels like a peaceful retreat. I loved how rich in history it is, but still feels modern with its tasting room and restaurant. The wine? Top tier – especially their reds. It’s the kind of place you go for a wine tasting and end up staying way longer than planned. If you’re ever in Somerset West, it’s 100% worth the visit.
Flagstone Wines
12. Flagstone Wines
4.6
(80)
Winery
Food & Drink
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Love the new tasting room. Wines and service were great. Allways a great experience with excellent wines. That is why we go back on a regular basis just to remind ourselves how blessed we are to be so close to good times.
It’s a relatively small and intimate wine cellar where you can drink, taste and buy bottles of wine. There is a restaurant as well. It’s not a wine farm with vineyards. They have an excellent selection of wine, I really enjoyed their Pinotage and Shiraz.
Not necessarily situated in the best spot of the South African wine trail, this winery is still quite popular with those who know it. It offers the usual wine tasting formulas, which become totally free if you end up buying a couple of bottles. If you're in the area, don't miss it.
Lovely experience. Great wine range … well worth it!
Wonderful experience tasting good quality and variety of wine here. The highlight was the excellent service and graciousness of the wine ambassador, Robyn. Because of her we were very happy to buy numerous wines like the free run Sauvignon blanc and the Pinot Noir. Thank you Robyn for treating us so well.
I love the old rustic feel of the winery. Good vibe with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. They also have good wine. Take the time, sit down, relax and enjoy a good red!
Fantastic experience. Very unusual venue, with very interesting story behind. Excellent hosting and description of venue and wines. Great wines. Would highly recommend.
Definately worth a visit. Small and cosy. Not as commercial as other wine cellars. Good wine and with an available food pairing from the local restaurant it is even more reason to go and tast the wine. Fun fact, the cellar is in an old ammunitions factory. From end 2022 they have finished rebuilding their tasting room and cellar. They have moved back from their temporary tasting room.
Journey's End Winery & Vineyard
13. Journey's End Winery & Vineyard
4.3
(35)
Winery
Food & Drink
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Had the pleasure of actually staying at the vineyard, and what an amazing place. Just beautiful. Beautiful views and beautiful people. The people working on this vineyard are so passionate about what they do. Had a tour around the vines and a private tasting. Would recommend Journeys End to anyone.
The Journey can't End soon enough for these horrible people! Have you ever made an appointment for a wine tasting well in advance, driven an hour to arrive at the winery right on time, only to be told by one of the owners upon arriving at the "tasting room" that, while they recalled making our appointment, no tasting was possible? Hard to believe, right? Well, that's exactly what happened to our party at Journey's End Vineyards. There was no apology, no excuse given, but we were told that "we can sell you some wines if you want," as if anyone travels to a winery to buy wines they are unable to taste. Why go to the winery at all? The wine business is tough enough without treating visitors in this fashion. Oh, and if you aren't discouraged enough to avoid visiting this sorry place, be aware that unless you have an all terrain vehicle. your car will surely be damaged driving three kilometers over impossibly pot-holed unpaved dirt roads to arrive there. So one can only hope the despicable Gabb family that own this awful excuse for a winery exits the wine business promptly, that someone with an ounce of judgment and humanity takes over, paves the road leading to the winery, and then treats visitors as if they are actually happy to receive them. Wouldn't that be a welcome development?
Journey's End wines are out of this world! Mike Dawson is making some exceptional wines and I expect to see a lot more accolades headed their way soon!
Very good selection of wines and great friendly team on site
The website doesn't work when trying to order online, no one answers the phone if you call. Do you actually want to sell your wines?
Hi, I have been trying to contact you guys via phone for the past two days. After numerous attempts, trying each of your 9 extensions, I have failed to get hold of ANYONE... Not the best first impression.
It's so much fun, there is horse riding, wine estates and beautiful villas. My fav is horse riding though.
Awesome wine, great people and amazing views.
Somerset Mall Farmers Market
14. Somerset Mall Farmers Market
3.2
(34)
Permanently Closed
Farmers' market
Food & Drink
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We love this market and go there regularly. It is as close as can be to a real farmer market with lots of fresh produce.
Photos posted on their Facebook page and photos of actual food at the market completely different. Market rough around the edges, with lots of traffic. Don't let your kids run freely.
Nice variety of locally made food. The fresh produce is a pleasure to buy. Access into Paardevlei becoming restrictive though.
Wide variety of freshly prepared food here. Not as big as the Biscuit Mill market,but if you are close by it is worth going at least once
This is not a market worth your time or visit. This market only had a few food vendours and 1 plant stall. Dont waste your time
Cute little market in the barn, could do with a few more stalls. Overall enjoyable
A wonderful farmers market. Recently re-opened. Lots of local farm fresh fruit and veggies.
For me, this was not worth the fuel I used to get there from my home. I will only go again if I am in the area.
The Drama Factory
15. The Drama Factory
4.7
(345)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
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It was our first visit to this small intimate theatre. Very friendly and helpful staff. It was a great setting and a great night out. Recommend without a doubt.
Small little theatre with a stunning personality 😀 I ❤️ the whole vibe of the place! The ladies at reception were super friendly and quick with our orders. They offer some snacks 🍫🍬🍭, coffee ☕, hot chocolate and WINE 🍷 These are what I recall seeing, there were more options available on the menu. The theatre has a small stage that is visible to everyone in the audience. No need to worry that you will not be able to see over someone's head. Sound and lighting was great! Plan on attending shows here often! Really impressed with this little gem. 👌👍 Doors open 15 minutes before a show and as far as I know you cannot reserve a spesific seat so be sure to be there on time. Wheelchair parking available and the theatre is wheelchair accessable.
Beautiful, great theatre with a feel-good atmosphere and super events. We love coming back again and again 🥰
Lovely and intimate theatre with everything you need for a great performance and experience, whether on the stage or in the audience.
Great show for the little one. I will definitely be going to the next one for sure. I can highly recommend the baba go wild show
Incredible and immersive theatre experience!
Super relaxed theater venue. Cosy and comfortable, and performances have always been very enjoyable.
Excellent Acoustics , comfort and lighting . Venue easily accessible pleasant staff. Excellent facility.
Gallery 91
16. Gallery 91
4.3
(74)
Permanently Closed
Art gallery
Shopping
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A great shop in Somerset West to enjoy art, have work/painting framed, grab a great coffee and slice of cake/ light meal and pick up a gift. They have a wide selection of interesting and classy items for sale along with some lovely art. A framing section and good coffee shop are located within the store.
We love this place, we visit every time we're in Somerset West from East London on our holiday. We enjoy coffee and cake under the gazebo with the olive trees. We've watched the trees mature and create a lovely canopy over the last couple of years.
A quaint coffee shop with really good food and service. Garden lovely to sit and inside coffee area cozy when it cold. Menu reasonably priced. Art shop has lovely selection but is very pricey
A friend and I had something warm to drink. I don't know whether it was the owner 😕 or just the manageres but she really threw a fit when I paid cash. She very loudly and extremely rudely screamed at the server for not informing me about the fact that they are a cashless establishment. Nothing outstanding as the place is packed with bric-a-brac and feels artificial. They will not see me again 😒
Loveliest garden dining setting in Somerset West, with good coffee and delicious light bites served from the kitchen. The Halloumi salad is the best in town! The inside dining area is surrounded by walls full of local art, and the fireplaces and curry on the menu make it an inviting spot for our cold winter months. Lovely selection of gifts, picture framing and art on display too.
It's a tucked away cafe in an art gallery. We had carrot cake and a flourless chocolate cake that was delicious. Was nice and quiet, no loud music. There are quite a lot of interesting things in the gallery and beautiful paintings
Walked in , greeted reluctantly by an older lady at the desk. Totally unfriendly, and quite rude , when I asked permission to take a few photos. Did not stay long as the layout was too busy for a Fine Art or even a Contemporary Art Gallery. The choice of art for sale was mostly mediocre and over priced. A bricabrac shop basically. Not worth the drive to Somerset, carry on straight to Stellenbosch for art.
Pleasant and quiet location. Good service, good food and good coffee. One of the best cortados I have had. Secluded courtyard for when the weather is good.
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