Why visit Cape Town
Natural Sites
From its soaring, mountainous peaks, to its golden-sand beaches where penguins are known to roam, Cape Town has a variety of impressive terrain to explore. Nature enthusiasts, sun worshippers, and animal lovers are continually enamored by the treasures endemic to the Mother City. Discover these fascinating sites on your journey through Cape Town.
Table Mountain
One of Cape Town’s crowning natural gems, the flat-topped Table Mountain, is a marvel of sandstone and slate. If weather permits, you and your fellow travelers will enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop this grand mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Stitched into the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is this world-renowned botanical garden, dedicated to preserving the country’s unique flora. More than just a garden, the green space is actually part of a nature reserve dedicated to protecting the plants, animals and birds who make it their home. We suggest taking a stroll through the enchanting Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for your chance to discover over 7,000 species of plants native to South Africa.
Boulders Beach
Featuring gleaming white sand and crystal-clear waters, Boulders Beach provides a fun-filled day for travelers. Don’t be surprised to see some fuzzy natives waddling along the shore – the sheltered beach is home to a colony of African penguins. Say hello to these loveable creatures from the boardwalk and admire their feathery tuxedo coats during your travels through South Africa.
Signal Hill
For even more spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town, head to Signal Hill. From its flat top, you can look out over the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean and see the nearby harbor and iconic Robben Island. If you have some extra time while on tour, we recommend visiting this natural site.
Attractions
In addition to its access to some of the most stunning natural wonders, Cape Town satiates travelers’ needs for exploration and enrichment. The city’s story and its people are worth learning more about - their revolutionary spirit helped make it what it is today. Here are some sites we suggest you visit while in Cape Town.
Milnerton Lighthouse
Serving as an illuminating beacon to help guide ships navigating into Table Bay, the bright, white Milnerton Lighthouse is a landmark of beauty and function. The lighthouse was built in 1960 after the stretch of coastline saw some major shipwrecks. While returning to Cape Town by way of Table Bay, you’ll make a special stop at this nautical site.
Robben Island
Enrich your understanding of South Africa’s past and discover Robben Island. This small landmass off of Table Bay contains the prison where the late President Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27-year incarceration for his fight against apartheid. Today, you can tour the prison to see Mandela’s small cell and reflect on his inspiring work as a political activist who helped change the course of South Africa’s history.
Wine Tasting
Cape Town’s mild, moderately wet winters and arid, warm summers make it a hospitable climate for growing wine. You’ll find that there are a bevy of sprawling estates and vine-covered landscapes for wine lovers to tour. In nearby Stellenbosch – one of the oldest European settlements in the region and the epicenter of the Winelands – you’ll enjoy a wine tasting complemented by some local savories.
Music Lesson
Since its invention during the Mali Empire of the 12th century, the djembe drum has been an important musical tool used to preserve the heritage of Western Africa. Typically, the djembe is only played by griots, or distinguished musicians, who use it for story-telling and passing on significant historical, religious and cultural information to future generations. Your trip to Africa will conclude with a lesson on the djembe drums where you’ll learn how the instrument has been intrinsic to carrying on African traditions.
Neighborhoods & Nearby Areas
Cape Town’s neighborhoods represent a melting pot of fascinating cultures. While some of the city is still in need of repair, the local people have worked to make it a beautiful place that travelers enjoy discovering. Explore these neighborhoods and get a better sense of the spirit of South Africa.
City Bowl
Known to be the heartbeat of Cape Town, the City Bowl is the starting point for many travelers looking to begin to immerse themselves in the city’s culture. Lying within the natural amphitheater created by Table Bay, the City Bowl offers a mix of residential properties, boutique hotels, and interesting eateries. If you have some extra time, we suggest stopping in to a restaurant or bar on Bree Street.
Winelands
Known for its colorful mountains and multitude of vineyards, the winelands region of South Africa is a spectacular place to visit. Even if you aren’t a fan of wine, the architecture of Cape Dutch homesteads and blankets of verdant landscapes are a sight to behold. Embark on a scenic walk through the winelands along the Franschhoek River or take a tour of a wine cellar and discover what makes South African wine so delicious.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (called the V&A Waterfront by natives) is a hub for locals and visitors seeking water view dining, excellent shopping, and spectacular vistas. The V&A Waterfront still contains a working harbor, where you’ll see fishermen going about their daily routine. We recommend taking an afternoon stroll through this seaside waterfront area if you have time.
Bo-Kaap
One of the most colorful neighborhoods in Cape Town found stretched along the slopes of Signal Hill is Bo-Kaap. Better known as the Islamic quarter, Bo-Kaap is dotted with houses painted in swatches of vibrant hues alongside historic mosques and minarets. After exploring Table Bay, you’ll pass through this photogenic area of the Mother City as you learn about the “Cape Malay” people who call this place home.