Nearly 20 years in the past, I wasn’t a journey blogger then, I got here up with an inventory of the cities I needed to go to. Cape City was in that checklist solely as a result of I used to be blown away by how lovely it was in footage. And true sufficient, this metropolis in South Africa is probably probably the most scenic we’ve ever set foot in.
Cape City is a type of locations the place you’ll really feel like simply exhibiting up already appears like an accomplishment. However you’ve already braved the lengthy flight and adjusted to the time zone, you would possibly as nicely milk each minute you’re right here. Fortunately, Cape City has rather a lot to supply.
From helicopter rides that make you are feeling like a rockstar to sipping wine within the scenic Cape Winelands, let’s dive into the very best excursions and points of interest that Cape City has to supply—as a result of “meh” isn’t an choice in a metropolis this superb!
Observe: This checklist is in no specific order. However I’m numbering this for simpler reference.
1. Cape Peninsula Tour
The Cape Peninsula Tour will take you from Cape City’s metropolis heart via among the most breathtaking landscapes within the area, all the way in which to the rugged, dramatic ideas of the area. The primary spotlight is the Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Listed here are the same old stops:
- Camps Bay, a seaside that has that main-character vitality. It has every thing you may ask for in a coast: white sands, turquoise waves, and palm timber framed by the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles mountains within the background.
- Hout Bay, a quaint little harbor city the place you possibly can board a ship to catch a glimpse of the well-known seal colony on Duiker Island. Most excursions solely make a cease at a viewpoint throughout the city, whereas some can take you to the city itself however the boat tour is often not included.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the crucial scenic roads on the earth, winding alongside towering cliffs and overlooking the ocean.
- Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s southwesternmost tip. (Not southernmost, that honor belongs to Cape Agulhas.) When the Portuguese sailed right here within the fifteenth century, they named it Cape of Storms as a result of, nicely, storms are what often greeted them right here. It grew to become so infamous for temperamental climate that the Portuguese king determined to alter its identify to Cape of Good Hope. There actually isn’t something a lot to do at Cape of Good Hope aside from queuing for a fast picture with the marker and a simple climb up a close-by hill, the place you may watch the Atlantic mingle with the Indian Ocean.
- Cape Level, the place you may take the funicular to a lighthouse. It was not operational throughout our go to, so we needed to take the mini-bus to the lighthouse as an alternative. However this postcard-perfect lighthouse presents probably the most implausible views!
Most Cape Peninsula Excursions additionally embody a go to to the following merchandise on this checklist.
2. Boulders Seaside Penguins
Sure, more often than not, a go to to Boulders Seaside is bundled with Cape Peninsula excursions for 2 causes!
First, Seaforth Restaurant is a favourite lunch cease amongst operators and understandably so. They serve a mouth-watering collection of seafood like fish, squid, mussels, and prawns with rice and greens. And since it’s located on Boulders Seaside, you get a chilled view of the ocean! The workers had been all so heat and pleasant, too!
However maybe the very best purpose why it’s a standard meals cease is its proximity to the Boulders Seaside penguins.
You would possibly assume penguins can solely be present in Antarctica, however the reality is, sure species could be present in different Southern continents. The colony right here at Boulders Seaside is made up of African penguins. A boardwalk will lead you thru the colony, so you possibly can stand up shut and private with these cute little dudes with out disturbing them.
These penguins had been as soon as all around the southern coast of Africa, however their inhabitants was threatened over time. In 1982, a small group of those penguins stumbled upon Boulders Seaside. The sheltered, calm waters surrounded by massive granite boulders (therefore the identify) had been good for nesting and breeding. And it has since turn into a sanctuary for them.
By the early 2010s, their inhabitants had grown to over 2,000. So the native authorities stepped in, organising eco-friendly measures to guard the penguins, whereas letting people gawk at them from a distance.
Most excursions additionally embody a cease at Muizenberg Seaside, recognized for its colourful bathing huts, browsing actions, and whale sightings!
BOULDERS PENGUIN COLONY Entrance Payment
Grownup: ZAR 190
Youngster: ZAR 95
3. Cape Winelands Tour
Situated simply an hour from Cape City, the Winelands area isn’t only one vacation spot; it’s a trilogy of fabulousness, that includes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. All three are blessed with huge vineyards, oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch structure, and a stunning view of the encompassing mountains. We had been capable of go to simply two, although: Stellenbosch and Franschoek.
The most well-liked exercise right here is wine tasting, whereby you get to pattern a flight of wines constituted of homegrown grape varieties. In our case, we booked with Anthonij Rupert Wines. Situated on the L’Ormarins farm, its roots could be traced again to 1694. However it was in 1969 that the Rupert household bought it, remodeling it into one among South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers. As we speak, it’s recognized for its premium wines, together with their flagship Cape of Good Hope and Protea ranges. Whether or not you’re a wine connoisseur, an informal sipper, or simply somebody who enjoys a very good view with a glass in hand, you would possibly this pleasant.
Many estates additionally provide gourmand lunches, chocolate pairings, and even outside picnics. However for lunch, we headed to Boschendal Property, which harbors the Werf Restaurant, a farm-to-table gem that celebrates premium proteins — together with grass-fed black angus beef, pasture-raised lamb, and forest-reared duroc pork — and recent, seasonal produce grown proper by itself meals backyard. The meals is as a lot of an expertise because the wine, with dishes that spotlight native substances in inventive methods.
However don’t depart the area with out dropping by Franschhoek Motor Museum, showcasing virtually the complete automative historical past. With over 220 autos on show, it’s like taking a visit via time, from early Twentieth-century classics to smooth fashionable sports activities vehicles that make you insecure about your checking account.
Whereas I do know the best way to drive, I’ll be trustworthy with you—vehicles aren’t my factor. My experience begins and ends at “4 wheels” and that “you drive them.” However by some means, regardless of my utter indifference and profound ignorance, I nonetheless had the time of my life drooling over these vehicles like I knew what I used to be doing. I took my time gawking at every thing from Mannequin Ts and classic Rolls-Royces to Ferraris, McLarens, and different legendary pace machines. It’s like an auto crash course or my “cultural” training, an indoctrination – Franschhoek-style!
Plus, the setting provides a stage of sophistication and appeal. So for those who’re in Cape City and want a break from the everyday vineyard visits, the Franschhoek Motor Museum is the right pit cease for anybody with a necessity for pace—or at the very least an appreciation for actually shiny issues.
4. Cape City Metropolis Bowl Tour
Any Cape City itinerary features a tour of its downtown space referred to as the Metropolis Bowl. Its map is dotted with a number of points of interest from historic landmarks to hipster cafes, bustling markets to quiet corners. A tour right here is principally a crash course in Cape City’s persona: quirky, vibrant, and sophisticated. Whether or not you’re right here for the structure, the meals, or simply making an attempt to determine what number of Desk Mountain selfies are too many, listed below are some stops to think about:
- Bo-Kaap, famed for its vibrant, pastel-colored homes and sloping cobblestone streets. This historic neighborhood is an Instagram dream, however it’s also the middle of Cape Malay tradition in metropolis.
- The Firm’s Backyard, stated to be Cape City’s oldest backyard. Initially established within the 1600s as a veggie backyard to provide ships, immediately it’s a lush, leafy escape proper in the midst of the town. It’s residence to the Iziko South African Museum and Nationwide Gallery for those who’re up for some artwork and historical past.
- Fortress of Good Hope, the oldest constructing within the metropolis, constructed within the seventeenth century. It’s additionally a full-on fortress. Right here you possibly can discover outdated army rooms, dungeons, and exhibitions that provide you with a peek into colonial South Africa.
- Greenmarket Sq., the go-to spot for selecting up regionally made crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. The distributors are pleasant, and also you’ll discover every thing from colourful African prints to hand-carved fridge magnets. Convey your finest bargaining abilities.
- District Six Museum, a must-visit for a somber however vital glimpse into Cape City’s historical past. It tells the story of the pressured removals in the course of the apartheid period, when whole communities had been displaced from the District Six neighborhood. The museum captures each the heartbreak and the resilience of the individuals who lived there.
- Lengthy Avenue, the town’s hippest road, lined with Victorian buildings, hip cafes, classic outlets, and arguably among the metropolis’s finest bars. Best for these within the temper for reside music, native espresso, or spirited cocktails.
- Zeitz Museum of Modern Artwork Africa (MOCAA), Africa’s largest up to date artwork museum. Situated in a reworked grain silo, this architectural gem homes every thing from huge installations to thought-provoking reveals by African artists.
Whereas strolling across the metropolis, we additionally discovered intriguing institutions together with Heaven Café, a espresso store set inside a functioning church. We additionally noticed THE CRYPT, a jazz membership positioned within the basement of St. George’s Cathedral.
These are only a few of the quirks that make Cape City fascinating, and also you’ll discover extra as you discover.
5. Helicopter Tour
Cape City is a metropolis that’s picture-perfect from any angle, however particularly from above, which is why helicopter excursions are so widespread right here. It’s like taking a scenic drive via a dream, besides as an alternative of a automobile, you’re in a smooth chopper, feeling such as you’re within the opening credit of an motion film. The views from the sky are, to place it mildly, completely subsequent stage.
From right here, you may spot simply recognizable spots like Desk Mountain, Sign Hill, Lion’s Head, Satan’s Peak, the 12 Apostles, and the Cape Peninsula within the distance, protruding to the shimmering blue ocean.
Costs range relying on the route and period, however the least expensive choice will take you above and alongside the Atlantic Seaboard, from the V&A Waterfront all the way in which to Camp’s Bay, for 12 minutes! Costs can go as little as ZAR 2420 or round 140 USD, which is definitely fairly reasonably priced when in comparison with costs of helicopter rides in different locations. Heck, even right here within the Philippines, this prices greater than double, typically triple. So Cape City is definitely an amazing place to expertise a chopper tour!
It’s a distinct perspective that not quite a lot of vacationers get. I imply, how usually do you get to take a helicopter experience? Look, for those who’ve traveled all this approach to Cape City, you would possibly as nicely go all-in and expertise the place from each angle attainable.
CAPE TOWN HELICOPTER TOUR
12-minute experience: ZAR 2420
6. Harley Davidson Experience round Desk Mountain
There are numerous methods to discover Cape City. You are able to do it by driving a automobile or by becoming a member of a gaggle tour or by helicopter. We’ve tried rather a lot throughout our keep there, however by far probably the most epic was by bike. And never simply abnormal bikes. You may experience a Harley-Davidson round Desk Mountain! Now that feels like an epic journey.
This space presents among the most gorgeous and dramatic roads for a motorbike experience, and doing it on a Harley makes it all of the extra exhilarating. However we had been additionally extra snug as a result of we weren’t those driving.
Our experience began at V&A Waterfront, and after a fast briefing, they drove us the scenic mountainside, stopping at numerous jaw-dropping viewpoints alongside the way in which, together with the Chapman’s Peak lookout the place we took within the implausible vistas and snapped quite a lot of selfies. Then we looped across the base of the mountain, taking in the fantastic thing about the town, the ocean, and people towering cliffs.
A experience prices ZAR 1450 for 3 hours inclusive of the rider price, bike price and gas. It’s tremendous value it! It’s an ideal mix of nature, unbelievable views, and a kind of badassery and freedom that solely a Harley experience may give.
Cape City Harley Davidson Tour
3 hours: ZAR 1450
7. Sundown Cruise
Sundown cruises can be found in lots of locations around the globe, however one thing about doing it in Cape City hits completely different. Image this: you’re on a ship, the solar is setting over the Atlantic, and also you’re crusing previous the enduring Desk Mountain.
However it wasn’t simply the sights for us! It was the total sensory expertise. Though we had been sharing the boat with different vacationers, it wasn’t too crowded or loud. The waves weren’t sturdy, simply swaying gently. And the air was crammed with the soothing melodies of Seal’s Love is Divine and the romantic stylings of Kenny Latimore’s For You. And sure, lest I neglect, with a glass of champagne in a single hand. All these whilst you’re surrounded by Cape City’s attractive peaks and the fiery shade gradient of the sky.
SUNSET CRUISE (Waterfront Charters)
Length: 90 minutes
Adults: ZAR 630 (USD 36.50)
Youngsters: ZAR 315 (USD 18.25)
8. Robben Island
Robben Island is one among Cape City’s most iconic and most historic locations. Located about 7 kilometers off the coast of the town, this small island is finest often called the location the place Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years throughout South Africa’s apartheid period.
The identify “Robben” comes from the Dutch phrase robbe, which implies seals, because the island was as soon as residence to a big inhabitants of them. Nevertheless, via its historical past, it has served as a leper colony, a army base, and most notoriously, a maximum-security jail for political prisoners throughout apartheid. Mandela’s tiny cell in Block B is now a globally acknowledged image of the struggle for freedom and equality.
Attending to Robben Island begins with a ferry experience from the V&A Waterfront, and let’s simply say the views of Desk Mountain from the water alone are definitely worth the journey. As soon as on the island, guided excursions will lead you to the cells, the limestone quarry the place prisoners labored below harsh situations, and different key landmarks that inform the story of South Africa’s tumultuous previous.
The tour takes round 3 and a half hours together with boat transfers. You might want to e book these excursions prematurely on this website. https://robbenisland.plankton.mobi/
ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
Entrance Payment: Grownup, ZAR 600; Youngster, ZAR 310
Tour schedule: each 2 hours from 9:00AM-3:00PM
Hours open: 8:00 AM-5:00PM
9. Marine Massive 5 Tour
The Marine Massive 5 Tour is Cape City’s reply to the traditional African safari, however with a salty twist. It swaps the savannah for the ocean, so as an alternative of lions, elephants, and rhinos, you’ll be looking out for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and sure, the apex predator of the ocean: the good white shark. It’s like occurring a safari however with a life jacket and wetter throughout.
There are excursions that begin and finish on the V&A Waterfront, however if you’d like higher possibilities of wildlife encounters, the place to be is Gansbaai, about two hours from Cape City. Gansbaai is called the Nice White Shark capital of the world, however don’t fear—you’re not on the menu. The excursions are run by skilled guides who know the best way to get you shut sufficient to those unbelievable creatures with out turning into their snack.
The lineup of the Marine Massive 5 contains:
- Southern proper whales, however typically humpbacks and Bryde’s whales additionally make an look
- Seals, colonies of Cape fur seals lazing about on rocky outcrops
- African penguins
- Nice white sharks
- Dolphins
The boats are designed for wildlife viewing, with loads of deck house and educated guides. As you cruise alongside, you’ll get a operating commentary on what you’re seeing, from the feeding habits of dolphins to the conservation challenges.
10. Desk Mountain Aerial Cableway
The Desk Mountain cableway is just not your common cable automobile experience. First, it rotates. The ground spins 360 levels as you ascend, so nobody will get caught with the non-existent unhealthy view. As you’re effortlessly lifted to the summit, you’ll get unparalleled panoramas of Cape City, the glowing Atlantic Ocean, and that ridiculously photogenic shoreline that appears prefer it was plucked straight out of a journey journal.
The experience itself is brief and candy—about 4 to five minutes—but it surely’s full of sufficient surroundings. When you’re on the prime, 1,085 meters above sea stage, the actual enjoyable begins. The flat summit is crisscrossed with viewpoints and strolling trails. There’s a café the place you possibly can seize a espresso and a snack, so you possibly can sip your latte whereas taking in a view that screams, “I deserve this.” And for those who’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a dassie, a cute little rock hyrax that appears like a guinea pig however is by some means associated to elephants.
Ebook on-line! The queues can get lengthy, so snag your tickets prematurely. Time your journey for late afternoon for that golden-hour lighting.
11. Climbing
You can too climb the Desk Mountain on foot. Right here in Cape City, climbing is a favourite pastime. You may sort out Platteklip Gorge for those who’re within the temper for a brief, steep problem or attempt Skeleton Gorge for a lush forest vibe with added waterfall drama.
Then there’s Lion’s Head, the path for individuals who like their hikes a bit tougher. You’ll be climbing ladders and scrambling over rocks. However the dawn or sundown views will depart you speechless in the long run. (Or that may simply be what occurs whenever you’re making an attempt to catch your breath—arduous to say.)
In the event you’re extra into beachy vibes, attempt Cape Level Nature Reserve. And for the much less intense days? Newlands Forest presents shady paths and mild trails.
Pack sunscreen, water, and a way of journey—however depart your flip-flops at residence until you take pleasure in struggling. Cape City’s trails are ready, and so they ship views so gorgeous you would possibly simply neglect how a lot your legs damage. (Would possibly.)
12. Cape City’s Seashores
I already talked about a number of seashores on this article, however let’s circle again to them as a result of they deserve a bit extra airtime.
First up, Camps Bay, a stunning seaside lined with palm timber and stylish eating places on the foot of the 12 Apostles vary. It’s one of the crucial picturesque seashores I’ve laid eyes on.
For one thing a bit of extra unique, head to Clifton Seashores. There are 4 of them (creatively named First to Fourth), and every has its personal vibe.
Muizenberg Seaside is the surfer’s paradise, well-known for its colourful seaside huts and beginner-friendly waves. In the event you’ve ever needed to attempt browsing, that is the place.
After which there’s Llandudno Seaside – serene and secluded. So secluded, simply south of it lies Sandy Bay, stated to be Cape City’s solely nudist seaside. Sure I wrote “stated to be” as a result of I didn’t get to go to. Hmm, now that I give it some thought, I’ve by no means been to any seaside in my life the place clothes is non-compulsory.
13. Gold Restaurant
In the event you’ve ever puzzled what it could be prefer to pattern numerous African cuisines and leisure below one roof, Gold Restaurant is the reply.
As you enter the resto, you’ll be greeted by a festive sensory explosion – the sight of colourful conventional decors, the thumping beating of the drums, and the mouthwatering odor of your upcoming feast. And once I say feast, I imply it, as a result of right here you’ll be served a 14-course meal. Sure, 14 dishes, every representing numerous African cuisines, arriving one after one other. Beginning with the wealthy and engaging South African tomato soup, which set the bar actually excessive, to Malawian Kandolo Balls to Namibian Venison Pie to Moroccan Tagine to Congo mango and lime rooster.
It’s 14 extremely various parade of dishes, so it’s inevitable that you simply’ll love a few of them greater than others. I’ve my favorites, too, and some letdowns. And Gold doesn’t do small plates. Each plate is a correct serving, so that you’ll actually be full by the top of it.
However Gold isn’t only a place to eat—it’s the place you come to get smacked within the face (gently, after all) by the wonder and vitality of Africa. The most effective half? As you’re employed your means via the dishes, performers wearing vibrant, glittering costumes pop up across the restaurant, singing, dancing, and bringing tales of Africa to life proper by your desk.
And sure, you possibly can take part, too! So be prepared to point out off some conventional strikes.
By the top of the evening, we had clapped, danced, eaten, and laughed a lot, it was unattainable to neglect. Gold Restaurant is the place Cape City goes to have a good time Africa, one beat and chunk at a time.
GOLD RESTAURANT
14 Dish African feast: R475* pp
Non-obligatory djembe drumming: R130
14. Cape City Meals Journey
Cape City’s meals scene is extremely however unsurprisingly various. Bo Kaap may give you an amazing sampling of Cape Malay delicacies together with numerous curries and samosas. However probably the most iconic is probably the very homy bobotie, a sort of meat pie, often beef or lamb, blended with onions, dried fruit, and a medley of spices like curry, turmeric, and cinnamon. Then, topped with a wealthy, golden, eggy custard topping that’s baked to perfection.
Except for Malay-rooted dishes, you’ll additionally discover meals hubs providing quite a lot of South Asian (Indian) and West Asian (Center Japanese) dishes just like the Japanese Meals Bazaar! We dined right here a few instances and liked it. However beware, servings listed below are humongous!
Biltong can be ubiquitous all through the town. It’s like beef jerky, however tastier. It can be sport and even ostrich. However whatever the meat, it’s cured, marinated in vinegar and spices, and left to air-dry naturally. Its roots could be traced again to the early Dutch settlers who wanted a approach to protect meat for lengthy journeys.
Throughout the town, it’s also possible to stuff your face with two South African pastry specialties.
The primary is mosbolletjies, a uniquely South African bread. Historically made by the Afrikaner group, these buns are flavored with mos (the Afrikaans phrase for “should”), which is the fermented grape juice leftover from winemaking. That fermented juice provides the bread its attribute mild, ethereal texture and a delicate trace of sweetness. These buns had been a bit spiced with aniseed and served with a bit of cup of butter. It dates again to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these in the course of the grape harvest season. So actually, you may say they’re just like the love little one of bread and wine!
Whereas mosbolletjies are sometimes served earlier than a meal, the following native pastry delight is a dessert: malva pudding, a delicate, candy and sticky sponge cake that feels comforting as a heat hug. It’s often served heat however with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of crème anglaise to pour over the cake.
15. The Golden Dish
I might have included this within the Meals Journey part above, however I imagine The Golden Dish deserves its personal spot on this checklist.
The Golden Dish is a beloved native restaurant tucked in part of the town that vacationers don’t usually go to. Actually, once we talked about to our lodge workers we had been going right here, they discouraged us. Fortunately we had a information who instructed us there actually was nothing to be frightened about. So even when it was fairly stormy that day, we dropped by earlier than our flight!
This iconic eatery has been round since 1969 and is understood for its gigantic however reasonably priced gatsbies and salomies.
A gatsby is a South African submarine sandwich with chips or French fries and a selection of fillings like meat and sauces. However right here on the Golden Dish, the bestseller is their masala steak full home gatsby, which is a barely toasted baguette with sliced beef, spicy fries, eggs, cheese, onions, and different trimmings, with masala gravy. It’s so huge that even when it’s wrapped in two layers of paper, it’s unattainable to eat with out making a multitude. However the mess is value it as a result of it’s the only most scrumptious factor I put in my mouth on this Africa journey. It was wildly, insanely tasty.
After which we’ve got the salomie, which was oozing with conventional mutton curry wrapped in thick roti. It was so delicious and completely seasoned, a bit of bit candy and a bit of bit tangy. It was like all of the flavors had been dancing. And whereas it’s smaller and a tad simpler to devour, count on messy bites, too.
The tagline of this restaurant is “Usually eaten, all the time remembered.” And though it feels like your subsequent Tinder or Grindr bio, it’s true. I don’t assume we’d neglect the Golden Dish ever.
Exploring Cape City
Our keep in Cape City was a mixture of DIY and collab with Constellation Travels. And positive, Cape City can completely be explored by yourself. If that’s your journey fashion and/or you have got a restricted price range, that may very well be an amazing choice.
However if you wish to go to South Africa to chill and simply take pleasure in, then reserving a tour package deal is the way in which to go. It has some stable perks!
Constellation Travels, one of many Philippines’ most established journey businesses, has been serving to Filipinos uncover the world since 1970. They provide a variety of South Africa packages, from group excursions to customized itineraries, so you possibly can skip the trouble of planning and concentrate on the very best half: having fun with your trip.
Exploring a brand new nation is usually a bit daunting, particularly in case your schedule is tight. In the event you’d somewhat loosen up than kind via logistics, Constellation has you lined. They’ll deal with your visas, flights, and lodging and provide 24/7 assist, so that you’re all the time taken care of.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels via these contact numbers and e-mail tackle, or go to their official web site at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
