One hour from: Cape Town

There's a lot to discover when you break away from the apron strings of South Africa's mother city.

There's a lot to discover when you break away from the apron strings of South Africa's mother city.

Robben Island

The Alcatraz of Cape Town, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, dates from the 17th century. Now preserved as a museum, the island's prison housed many ANC activists and became their unofficial university. Former prisoners and warders are employed as guides, so be prepared for a moving experience. Tours take in the cells ­ including Mandela's ­ the lepers' graveyard, church and lime quarry. Tickets for tours should be booked at least one week in advance (00 27 21 419 1300).

By boat: hourly from jetty 1 on the Waterfront; journey time about 30 minutes.

Muizenberg to Simon's Town

On the south-east side of the city, the False Bay coastline has considerably warmer waters than the Atlantic seaboard, making it possible to swim here. In its 1920s heyday, the seaside resort of Muizenberg attracted famous visitors such as Agatha Christie. Today, the faded grandeur is slightly cheesy but the town is still well worth a visit. Along the coast are signs indicating the best whale-watching spots. South Africa's third-oldest European settlement and main naval base, Simon's Town, is given a certain edge by the presence of sailors in crisp white uniforms. It also has a beautifully preserved main street.

By car: take the M3, then the M4 south; journey time about 50 minutes. By train: hourly from Central Railway Station; journey time about 45 minutes.

Sandy Bay/Chapman's Peak

Cape Town's only nudist beach, Sandy Bay has no direct road access; those wanting to get back to nature must walk from the car park at Sunset Rocks. The beach is sublime but very exposed, so not recommended when windy. Further south, Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most beautiful in the world, cutting through mountain walls with superb vistas of the ocean below.

By car: follow the M6 south; journey time about
40 minutes.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Created by Cecil Rhodes in 1895 on the eastern side of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is home to more than 22,000 indigenous plants and is at its best from mid-August to mid-October. Open-air concerts are held on Sunday evenings in summer and there are three excellent cafés. Visitors can follow several themed routes, including a Braille Trail, which is a scented sensation. Kirstenbosch is also an excellent starting point from which to climb Table Mountain. Look for the Skeleton Gorge signs leading to the Contour Path.

By car: take the M3, then the M63 south; journey time about 15 minutes.

Cape Point

Mistakenly thought to be where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet (which is 300km further east at Cape Agulhas), the Cape of Good Hope is now part of a wild and wonderful nature reserve. From the cheeky baboons who greet you at the car park to the windswept walk to the old lighthouse, you could spend a day here. Look out for rare animals, such as the Cape mountain zebra.

By car: take the M3 south, followed by the M4; journey time about one hour plus.

Hout Bay

The fishing village of Hout Bay is synonymous with the crayfish industry and a great place to buy a fresh catch. Despite sprawling suburbs it still offers long beach walks, as well as being home to the World of Birds, which has more than 450 species.

By car: follow the M6 south; journey time about 50 minutes.

Abercrombie & Kent (0845 070 0611; www.abercrombie kent.co.uk) offers seven nights at the Constantia Uitsig winery in Cape Town from £1,240 per person, including return flights and transfers.

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