Cape Town
Table Mountain alone makes Capetown a must for anyone visiting South Africa. But even if you’re not one taken to standing awestruck by impressive natural surrounds, South Africa’s oldest city has a list as long as its history to keep you busy, and then some.
Sandy white and stunning
Capetown’s beaches are world famous and for good reason. The Indian Ocean and Atlantic Seaboard make for an impressive mix of the raw, rugged and dramatic for the adventure seeker or surfer, as well as sheltered spots perfect for swimming or lazing about for the day. If you’re looking for Capetown’s trendy beach spots try Clifton beaches or Camps Bay, visited by big crowds with spots to grab a meal and meet people. Or for an easy swim and taste of Capetown’s Victorian seaside past, head to False Bay and Boulders Beach.
Surfer spots, adrenalin shots and more
Surfing and Capetown are synonymous. If you’re planning on getting out the board, the popular hang-outs for surfers are Noordhoek Beach, Kommetjie Beach and Muizenberg. But be careful not to spend so much time surfing that you miss out on Capetown’s long list of adventure sports and attractions. Wind-surfing, kite-surfing, mountain climbing, cycling trails, abseiling and paragliding are all on offer so whether you’re a water-fan or looking for something on dry land (or air), Capetown has it. And if you want something active but a bit more sedate, the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch, fishing, sailing or whale watching might be the ticket.
Big screen scenes and attractions
Hollywood agrees: Capetown is like the set of a big screen drama. The mountains, historic buildings and the coastline make for scenes that you’ll be grabbing the camera for constantly. The view from the Table Mountains can’t be missed; neither can the Two Oceans Aquarium or Cape Point Promontory lighthouse, where numerous ships have fallen foul of Capetown’s hazardous coastline.
Capetown also offers a feast of activities for the history buff. A boat ride to Robben Island will give you personal insight into where Nelson Mandela spent many years while imprisoned; one of the first buildings of the Dutch Settlers, the Castle of Good Hope is a window into what Capetown was like during early settlement, and head to the historic homestead and winelands of Constantia, home of sweet wines believed to have once sooth exiled emperors and the hearts of heroines, for a bit of intrigue and hospitality.
Internationally renowned hospitality
Capetown’s own distinctive Malay-inspired cuisine, seafood and award winning wines are just three of the reasons the city is internationally renowned for its restaurants and hospitality. Whether you’re after a quick bite after a day at the beach or the full fare, you’re in good hands. In fact, Capetown is collecting a number of awards for its ability to put on a good show for travellers - awards like top city in Africa/Middle East and fourth in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers Choice and Best Luxury Hotel in Africa by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, and more.
Best Cape Town trips
Acacia Africa Kruger to Cape Town
This small group safari has classic game drives in Kruger, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi and Addo National Park. Visit remote beaches and see Hermanus whale/dolphin watching.
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Essential Cape Town
Table Mountain alone makes Capetown a must for anyone visiting South Africa. But even if you’re not one taken to standing awestruck by impressive natural surrounds, South Africa’s oldest city has a list as long as its history to keep you busy, and then some.
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Travel Blog
Table Mountain is impossible to ignore. Towering over the City Bowl of Cape Town, like a protective mother, the mountain is the pride and joy of Capetonians. And rightly so. With the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens nestled in the foothills, the breathtaking views over Table Bay and Robben Island from the top, and the revolving cars of the Cableway, Table Mountain is a must for anyone who is lucky enough to find themselves in South Africa’s Mother City.
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Africa is all about the wildlife and of course spotting the famous big 5 (Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino & Lion) but I was after an up-close and personal experience with one of Africa’s greatest predators the Great White Shark!
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We woke up in Cape Town to blue skies, perfect as we were heading to Table Mountain and knew it meant we were in for some great views from the top. Tickets in hand we headed to the cable car which can carry 65 people at a time, and you stand the whole way up as the car rotates 180°C. A very smooth ride, you didn’t even feel like you were moving.
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