There is nothing quite like Cape Town. Filled with creatives, foodies and adventurers, this city has a reason for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The only problem many visitors experience is picking what activities to do while being surrounded by possibilities. Take a deep breath, take in the view of Table Mountain, and read on to discover a list of essential experiences you have to try in and around the Mother City.
Penguin Colony Visit
Possibly one of the best things to do in the Western Cape is visit the charming and critically endangered African Penguin colonies. With their clumsy land waddling and grace in the ocean, watching these birds go about their day is a special treat. Boardwalks curve along the shoreline and can bring you feet away from them and allow you to see into their private lives, including during the breeding season.
There are two colonies, one at Stony Point and another at Boulders Beach. Both are fantastic, but Stony Point is less busy than Boulders and has a lower entry price, offering a less hurried experience where you can enjoy the sea, sunshine and penguins at your own pace.
Wine Tram or Tasting
One of the iconic regions of Cape Town is the winelands. Covered in kilometers of green vines, it can be overwhelming to choose where to taste South African grown wines. Unless you have a preference already picked out or prefer to only have a sip, another option is the fun outing of a wine tram. A top pick of activities for visitors, a wine tram takes you to multiple, handpicked wine farms to try out a variety of grapes without needing to worry about a designated driver.
Table Mountain Cable Car
The flat top of this magnificent mountain has been featured in many postcards, photos and cultural stories over the years. As the backdrop to the city basin, the Table Mountain cable car is the easiest and one of the best ways to enjoy the view from the summit. This experience can be even more breathtaking if you get the chance to use the cable car when the mountain has its iconic, thick mist.
If you are a South African, you can get a free ride on the tram through out your birthday month.
Visiting Kirstenbosch
If you’re more of the walking type and prefer to smell the flowers, Kirstenbosch is a beautiful and insightful look into the Western Cape’s indigenous history and flora. As a popular day trip in Cape Town, there are plenty of different walkways and sections to go visit, with each providing different views and camera shots as you explore. Alongside this, the bird life is fantastic in the area, including seasonal sunbirds and raptors. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Crested Sunbird when the proteas are blooming. There’s always plenty to do here, from seasonal outdoor concerts to hiking, you cannot miss stopping by in the springtime.
Clifton Beach Hopping
Surrounded by the towering cliffs of Table Mountain, there is a section of Cape Town known for its luxury status. Clifton is home to upmarket homes, restaurants and beachstays for those known to travel and live in style. However, their public beaches make for a perfect outing during the summer months.
Under the African sun, the cold water is a wonderful contrast and inviting blue – though you may not stay in the water long. While it gets popular and parking can be hard to come by, it is worth the effort to enjoy the soft sand and its signature boulders along the seaside. The 1st beach is a popular surfing destination while the 4th is popular for sun-tanners and families. Try to arrive earlier in the morning if you want to secure parking – especially after the early surfer turnover.
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Afraid of heights or not interested in going all the way to the top of Table Mountain? Then the Cape of Good Hope is for you. As scenic (if not more so) than the famous mountain, the crescent shape of this vista is astonishing to view in person. From the waves crashing on the beach to the cliffs diving into the ocean, the Cape of Good Hope has one of the best views of this region’s distinctive coastline. The nearby Cape Point also has a lighthouse to climb and get a higher view of the land around you.
