On the southwest coast of South Africa is a port city called Cape Town. It is situated on the peninsula directly underneath Table Mountain. You’ll get a full view of the city and its harbour from the mountain top which you can go to on cable cars. It’s not for nothing that it’s called the Mother City by admirers.
A guided tour of the Cape Peninsula
There are many tours and activities that you can enjoy while in Cape Town. One of the first things you should do is go on a guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, starting from Cape Town. You will not fail to be impressed by the breathtaking natural beauty of Cable Mountain National Park. It is a natural wonder and is home to the African Penguin colony.
Visit the bountiful vineyards
Cape Town is famous for its vineyards. Take the Franschhoek Wine Tram to the Cape Winelands or hire a car so you can choose which ones to visit. Franschhoek has many vineyards which are all breathtakingly beautiful. Soak in the atmosphere along with the dazzling landscape and the hospitality. The Franschhoek Winelands are 300 years old and the cuisine and the wines are some of the best in the world. At any rate, your trip will not have been wasted.
Take a trip down the annals of history
Take a guided tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost 20 years. Your tourist guides will be ex-prisoners and get a first-hand account. A lesser known tour is The Revolution Route, also in Cape Town.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
The rotating cable cabs will take you to the top of Table Mountain. See the sprawling city below you along with its scintillating beach. If you are into outdoor sports, try hiking to the top of the mountain which should take about two hours and rappel back down. It is an adventure in itself.
Rest for a day
Soak in the sun on the soft sands of Camps Bay. The water will probably be too cold to swim in but there couldn’t be a better spot to sunbathe in. The cool bars and cafes are the icing on the cake. Alternately, you could go to one of the Clifton beaches.
Food for the soul
Time spent in Cape Town is an education in the culinary process. Some of the best hotels and restaurants are to be found in this delightful city. Whether it is the classical world cuisine that you like or some local flavor, it’s all here. Grab a reservation at The Test Kitchen, for delectable delicacies. For cakes and pies, Charly’s Bakery comes highly recommended. Bistro Bizerca Signal will delight you with their contemporary local cuisine and a warm ambiance. Last but not least, if you are a connoisseur of wine, The Tasting Room is the restaurant for you.
A walk to remember
Walk around in the greenery of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden which is one of the world’s best botanical gardens. The sheer splendor of the Kirstenbosch overshadows the fact that it is home to a wide variety – over 7000 species – of flora. It is simultaneously a botanical garden and a natural reserve for exotic plant species from all over the world.
On the waterfront
The V&A waterfront is another on the list of must-dos, in Cape Town. It is situated at the centre of the city’s harbour. Its past goes back to the 19th century and its 22 landmarks are steeped in history. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront today is a tourist attraction and a paradise for tourists and shoppers alike. The view of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean make it even more appealing and there are things to see there like the Two Oceans Aquarium, to name only one.
Things to do with the family
If you are looking for some good old entertainment that you can enjoy with your family, be sure to catch the show by Zip Zap. It is an 80-minute show, showcasing some of South Africa’s best talents performing their acrobatic feats. It is a breathtaking show that includes juggling, trapeze art, acrobatic maneuvers and overall comedy.
And finally…
Take a one day trip on the hop on, hop off double-decker bus around the city. The red route will take you on a tour of the city and its surroundings. It is a priceless way of getting to know a city by yourself.
There are many things to do in Cape Town and some have been mentioned here. Make the most of your trip to this beautiful coastal paradise by planning ahead. Start with booking your tickets today.