What to do and see in Somerset West, South Africa: The Best Places and Tips

Vergelegen - no ordinary Estate. Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen (meaning "situated far away"), has been under the ownership of some of the world's great explorers and visionaries, each of whom, in their own way, have helped shape Vergelegen to what it is today: a world-class Estate. With its world renowned handcrafted wines, history spanning over 300 years, heritage, exquisite Gardens and refined cuisine, it comes as no surprise that Vergelegen continues to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience. For this reason, the Estate has borne witness to many visits of heads of state and celebrities from all over the world. Think of Vergelegen to spend quality time on your own, with your family and friends or business associates - wine tasting centre and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and the Picnic, are only a few of a myriad of enjoyable activities at Vergelegen. We invite you to experience the world of Vergelegen first-hand.

Hiking, camping and bird watching are the top attractions in this majestic wildlife sanctuary nestled on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain. O

Turn off the Sir Lowry's Pass Village Road and enter the Waterkloof gates, and a lane of trees beckon towards the hills, where a total sensory experience awaits. The road meanders through an Amphitheatre flanked by reclaimed fynbos and immaculately kept vineyards, before arriving at our state-of-the-art cellar. A sign welcomes you to our tasting lounge. Stop for awhile outside and breathe deeply. Fill your soul with the views over the surrounding Schaapenberg Hills and the waters of False Bay down below. Now enter the main area, designed to hold you in awe, showcasing the sincere, clean essence of our Old World-style wines. Tall glass walls allow views of both the working cellar and the farm below, while raw concrete columns frame artworks from well-known South African artists.

Cheetah Outreach is an education and community-based programme created to raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and to campaign for its survival.Cheetah Outreach is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year to the public. We are open from 9h30 to 17h00. You do not need to make a booking to visit the facility. We charge an entry fee of R10 on weekdays and R5 on weekends and public and school holidays. Adult cheetah encounters take place from 10h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 17h00.

Situated on the stunningly scenic and historic Lourensford Wine Estate, we didn’t have to add much to appeal to all the senses. When visiting, you are spoiled with sprawling lawns, majestic trees and newly landscaped, award-winning Gardens with an interactive Fountain. A rare and special space to soak up all of nature’s beauty! Add to that our vibrant market, boasting with more than 70 permanent stalls, as well as a number of Pop-ups to ensure an interesting mix. Housed in a permanent u-shaped structure with both a modern and rustic feel – it is unlike any other market space around. Quality products are our first priority and when strolling from vendor to vendor, you will find everything from delectable food, uniquely handmade wares and original art, to organic, locally sourced, artisanal produce. The Estate’s superb wine collection alongside ABRU craft beer, complement the inevitable festive atmosphere.

The gallery at Cavalli (Winner of the regional 2015 Best of Wine Tourism Award for Art and Culture) aims to encourage the local arts through its platforms of public sculpture spaces and a public art gallery. Themed contemporary Exhibitions are presented at regular intervals in the 600sq/​m main gallery space allocated on the below ground level. An innovative stretched translucent ceiling backlit with LEDs illuminate the impressive space to simulate daylight. All art is available to purchase.​ The Cavalli Private Collection of South African Masters is frequently rotated in the portico situated within the main gallery and two memorabilia rooms allocated in close proximity showcase a remarkable collection of rugby and sports Memorabilia. The gallery is open 5 days a week​, Wednesday to Sunday ​10am to 6pm​.​