Nearly 20 years in the past, I wasn’t a journey blogger then, I got here up with a listing 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 stunning 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 kind of locations the place you’ll really feel like simply displaying up already seems like an accomplishment. However you’ve already braved the lengthy flight and adjusted to the time zone, you may as nicely milk each minute you’re right here. Fortunately, Cape City has so much to supply.
From helicopter rides that make you’re feeling like a rockstar to sipping wine within the scenic Cape Winelands, let’s dive into one of the best excursions and sights that Cape City has to supply—as a result of “meh” isn’t an choice in a metropolis this superb!
Notice: 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 middle 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 standard stops:
- Camps Bay, a seashore that has that main-character power. It has every thing you can ask for in a coast: white sands, turquoise waves, and palm bushes framed by the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles mountains within the background.
- Hout Bay, a quaint little harbor city the place you’ll be able to 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 vital scenic roads on the planet, 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 vary its title 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 straightforward climb up a close-by hill, the place you can watch the Atlantic mingle with the Indian Ocean.
- Cape Level, the place you can 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 number of seafood like fish, squid, mussels, and prawns with rice and greens. And since it’s located on Boulders Seaside, you get a relaxing view of the ocean! The workers had been all so heat and pleasant, too!
However maybe one of the best motive why it’s a standard meals cease is its proximity to the Boulders Seaside penguins.
You may suppose penguins can solely be present in Antarctica, however the reality is, sure species may 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’ll be able to 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 title) had been excellent for nesting and breeding. And it has since grow to be 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 Charge
Grownup: ZAR 190
Little one: 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 encircling mountains. We had been capable of go to simply two, although: Stellenbosch and Franschoek.
The preferred exercise right here is wine tasting, whereby you get to pattern a flight of wines comprised of homegrown grape varieties. In our case, we booked with Anthonij Rupert Wines. Situated on the L’Ormarins farm, its roots may be traced again to 1694. But it surely was in 1969 that the Rupert household bought it, reworking it into one among South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers. In the present day, 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 superb view with a glass in hand, you may this pleasant.
Many estates additionally provide connoisseur 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 elements in artistic methods.
However don’t depart the area with out dropping by Franschhoek Motor Museum, showcasing virtually your complete automative historical past. With over 220 automobiles on show, it’s like taking a visit via time, from early Twentieth-century classics to glossy fashionable sports activities automobiles that make you insecure about your checking account.
Whereas I do know methods to drive, I’ll be trustworthy with you—automobiles aren’t my factor. My experience begins and ends at “4 wheels” and that “you drive them.” However someway, regardless of my utter indifference and profound ignorance, I nonetheless had the time of my life drooling over these automobiles 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 velocity 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 in the event you’re in Cape City and wish a break from the standard vineyard visits, the Franschhoek Motor Museum is the right pit cease for anybody with a necessity for velocity—or a minimum of 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 sights from historic landmarks to hipster cafes, bustling markets to quiet corners. A tour right here is mainly a crash course in Cape City’s character: quirky, vibrant, and complex. Whether or not you’re right here for the structure, the meals, or simply attempting to determine what number of Desk Mountain selfies are too many, listed below are some stops to contemplate:
- Bo-Kaap, famed for its vibrant, pastel-colored homes and sloping cobblestone streets. This historic neighborhood is an Instagram dream, however additionally it is the middle of Cape Malay tradition in metropolis.
- The Firm’s Backyard, mentioned to be Cape City’s oldest backyard. Initially established within the 1600s as a veggie backyard to provide ships, right now it’s a lush, leafy escape proper in the midst of town. It’s dwelling to the Iziko South African Museum and Nationwide Gallery in the event you’re up for some artwork and historical past.
- Fort of Good Hope, the oldest constructing within the metropolis, constructed within the seventeenth century. It’s additionally a full-on fortress. Right here you’ll be able to discover outdated army rooms, dungeons, and exhibitions that offer you 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 compelled removals through the apartheid period, when complete 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 Road, town’s hippest road, lined with Victorian buildings, hip cafes, classic outlets, and arguably among the metropolis’s finest bars. Ultimate 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 large installations to thought-provoking displays 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 situated within the basement of St. George’s Cathedral.
These are only a few of the quirks that make Cape City attention-grabbing, 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 common right here. It’s like taking a scenic drive via a dream, besides as an alternative of a automobile, you’re in a glossy 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 can 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 fluctuate 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, generally triple. So Cape City is definitely an awesome place to expertise a chopper tour!
It’s a special perspective that not a whole lot of vacationers get. I imply, how usually do you get to take a helicopter experience? Look, in the event you’ve traveled all this solution to Cape City, you may as nicely go all-in and expertise the place from each angle potential.
CAPE TOWN HELICOPTER TOUR
12-minute experience: ZAR 2420
6. Harley Davidson Experience round Desk Mountain
There are a lot of methods to discover Cape City. You are able to do it by driving a automobile or by becoming a member of a bunch tour or by helicopter. We’ve tried so much throughout our keep there, however by far probably the most epic was by motorbike. And never simply odd bikes. You’ll be able to experience a Harley-Davidson round Desk Mountain! Now that feels like an epic journey.
This space presents among the most beautiful 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 comfy 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 a whole lot of selfies. Then we looped across the base of the mountain, taking in the fantastic thing about town, the ocean, and people towering cliffs.
A experience prices ZAR 1450 for 3 hours inclusive of the rider price, motorbike price and gasoline. It’s tremendous value it! It’s an ideal mix of nature, unimaginable views, and a form 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 totally 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.
But it surely wasn’t simply the sights for us! It was the complete sensory expertise. Though we had been sharing the boat with different vacationers, it wasn’t too crowded or loud. The waves weren’t robust, 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 overlook, with a glass of champagne in a single hand. All these when you’re surrounded by Cape City’s attractive peaks and the fiery coloration 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 town, this small island is finest generally known as the positioning the place Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years throughout South Africa’s apartheid period.
The title “Robben” comes from the Dutch phrase robbe, which suggests seals, because the island was as soon as dwelling to a big inhabitants of them. Nonetheless, 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 combat 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 underneath harsh circumstances, 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 could ebook these excursions upfront on this web site. https://robbenisland.plankton.mobi/
ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
Entrance Charge: Grownup, ZAR 600; Little one, ZAR 310
Tour schedule: each 2 hours from 9:00AM-3:00PM
Hours open: 8:00 AM-5:00PM
9. Marine Huge 5 Tour
The Marine Huge 5 Tour is Cape City’s reply to the basic 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 nice 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 in order for you 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 methods to get you shut sufficient to those unimaginable creatures with out turning into their snack.
The lineup of the Marine Huge 5 consists of:
- Southern proper whales, however generally 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 just isn’t 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 dangerous 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—nevertheless it’s filled with sufficient surroundings. When you’re on the high, 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’ll be able to seize a espresso and a snack, so you’ll be able to sip your latte whereas taking in a view that screams, “I deserve this.” And in the event you’re fortunate, you may spot a dassie, a cute little rock hyrax that appears like a guinea pig however is someway associated to elephants.
Guide on-line! The queues can get lengthy, so snag your tickets upfront. Time your journey for late afternoon for that golden-hour lighting.
11. Mountain climbing
You may also climb the Desk Mountain on foot. Right here in Cape City, mountaineering is a favourite pastime. You’ll be able to deal with Platteklip Gorge in the event you’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 more difficult. You’ll be climbing ladders and scrambling over rocks. However the dawn or sundown views will depart you speechless ultimately. (Or that may simply be what occurs whenever you’re attempting to catch your breath—exhausting to say.)
When 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 dwelling except you get pleasure from struggling. Cape City’s trails are ready, and so they ship views so beautiful you may simply overlook how a lot your legs damage. (Would possibly.)
12. Cape City’s Seashores
I already talked about a couple 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 seashore lined with palm bushes and stylish eating places on the foot of the 12 Apostles vary. It’s one of the vital picturesque seashores I’ve laid eyes on.
For one thing a bit 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 seashore huts and beginner-friendly waves. When 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, mentioned to be Cape City’s solely nudist seashore. Sure I wrote “mentioned 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 seashore in my life the place clothes is non-obligatory.
13. Gold Restaurant
When you’ve ever puzzled what it will be prefer to pattern numerous African cuisines and leisure underneath 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 hen.
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 tip of it.
However Gold isn’t only a place to eat—it’s the place you come to get smacked within the face (gently, in fact) by the sweetness and power of Africa. The most effective half? As you’re employed your method 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’ll be able to take part, too! So be prepared to indicate off some conventional strikes.
By the tip of the evening, we had clapped, danced, eaten, and laughed a lot, it was inconceivable to overlook. 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 awesome 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, combined 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.
Apart from Malay-rooted dishes, you’ll additionally discover meals hubs providing a wide range of South Asian (Indian) and West Asian (Center Jap) dishes just like the Jap Meals Bazaar! We dined right here a few occasions and cherished it. However beware, servings listed below are humongous!
Biltong can also be ubiquitous all through town. It’s like beef jerky, however tastier. It will also be recreation and even ostrich. However whatever the meat, it’s cured, marinated in vinegar and spices, and left to air-dry naturally. Its roots may be traced again to the early Dutch settlers who wanted a solution to protect meat for lengthy journeys.
Throughout town, you too can stuff your face with two South African pastry specialties.
The primary is mosbolletjies, a uniquely South African bread. Historically made by the Afrikaner neighborhood, these buns are flavored with mos (the Afrikaans phrase for “should”), which is the fermented grape juice leftover from winemaking. That fermented juice offers the bread its attribute mild, ethereal texture and a refined trace of sweetness. These buns had been a bit spiced with aniseed and served with a bit cup of butter. It dates again to early Cape settlers, who’d bake these through the grape harvest season. So actually, you can say they’re just like the love youngster of bread and wine!
Whereas mosbolletjies are sometimes served earlier than a meal, the following native pastry delight is a dessert: malva pudding, a tender, 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 may have included this within the Meals Journey part above, however I consider The Golden Dish deserves its personal spot on this checklist.
The Golden Dish is a beloved native restaurant tucked in part of town that vacationers don’t usually go to. In reality, after we talked about to our resort workers we had been going right here, they discouraged us. Fortunately we had a information who advised 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 thought 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 inconceivable to eat with out making a multitude. However the mess is value it as a result of it’s the one most scrumptious factor I put in my mouth on this Africa journey. It was wildly, insanely tasty.
After which we’ve the salomie, which was oozing with conventional mutton curry wrapped in thick roti. It was so delicious and completely seasoned, a bit bit candy and a bit bit tangy. It was like all of the flavors had been dancing. And whereas it’s smaller and a tad simpler to devour, anticipate messy bites, too.
The tagline of this restaurant is “Typically eaten, all the time remembered.” And though it feels like your subsequent Tinder or Grindr bio, it’s true. I don’t suppose we’d overlook 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’ve a restricted price range, that might be an awesome choice.
However if you wish to go to South Africa to sit back and simply get pleasure from, then reserving a tour bundle is the way in which to go. It has some strong 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’ll be able to skip the effort of planning and give attention to one of the best half: having fun with your trip.
Exploring a brand new nation is usually a bit daunting, particularly in case your schedule is tight. When you’d somewhat loosen up than type via logistics, Constellation has you lined. They’ll deal with your visas, flights, and lodging and provide 24/7 help, so that you’re all the time taken care of.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels via these contact numbers and e mail handle, or go to their official web site at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
