Cape Town and it's surrounds
Cape Town (known as The Mother City) is consistently voted as one of the best cities in the world to visit. As well as stunning scenery and spectacular beaches, it also has a fabulous cosmopolitan mix of culture and a great many things to see and do within easy reach.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant City and the Western Cape province it lies within.
What to do in South Africa recommends all visitors to South Africa spend a few days in and around Cape Town and The Cape Province.
From the moment you fly into Cape Town, you will already have a smile on your face and feel that your holiday has begun.
Looking through the airplane window you will see Table Mountain (with or without its table cloth – a blanket of clouds) and an ocean made up of all shades blue. From the air, Cape Town looks vast, but you will see that once landed, this beautiful place can be negotiated by car with ease. Once you’re in the heart of Cape Town, you can also catch the City Sightseeing bus which is a fun way to get to know this great city and you can hop on and off at all the main attractions!
One of the top attractions in Cape Town is Table Mountain. This iconic mountain is famous for its flat top. There is a cable car that regularly takes visitors up and down, but, if you like a challenge, then it is also possible to hike up this spectacular mountain. The views from the top are absolutely stunning so don’t forget to bring your camera!
If you love nature, then Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a great place to visit too. This botanical garden is the biggest (and probably the most beautiful) in South Africa and is found against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. During the summer months, many open air concerts are held, so make sure you bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day out.
The Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is one not to miss when visiting Cape Town. You can have a leisurely stroll near the harbour, enjoy dinner and drink a cocktail in one of the many modern restaurants and cafes. The V&A Waterfront is situated by the harbour of Table Bay and offers gorgeous views of both the Atlantic Ocean as well as Table Mountain. If you love shopping, then you are most definitely at the right place as here you can find over 450 retail outlets which sell something for everyone. On a cloudy day, you can also go here to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium.
If you enjoy boat trips, then Cape Town offers you a number of cruises that promise to be worthwhile. The different providers organise fun trips throughout the day (provided it’s not too windy) that range from trips for the entire family to romantic sunset champagne cruises for couples. A few hours on the water is the perfect way to explore the beautiful coastal line of Cape Town together with its sea-life and birds whilst enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and seeing the city from a different view point.
Once you have explored Cape Town’s main hotspots, and you want to learn more about its varied culture, then Bo-Kaap is also a must see. This area is famous for its unique and colourful architecture, narrow cobbled streets and is home to the Cape Malay community. The community’s earliest members were enslaved Javanese who were transported from Southeast-Asia to Cape Town back in the 18th century. Bo-Kaap museum is an excellent way to understand a lot more about the history of the Cape Malays but if you want to learn even more about their heritage, then let us book a cookery class for you with a local chef in their home. This is a great way to get to know the culture and enjoy a delicious meal created by your own hand. A memory that will be with you for years to come.
We’ve discussed Table Mountain in detail, but if you simply cannot get enough of stunning views and you don’t mind a nice hike, then you must visit Lion’s Head or Signal Hill on a clear day. The panoramic views from the top of these mountain are awesome and access is free of charge.