Virtually 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 maybe 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 looks 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 rather a lot 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 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 wonderful!
Observe: This checklist is in no explicit 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 by way of a number of the most breathtaking landscapes within the area, all the best way to the rugged, dramatic ideas of the area. The primary spotlight is the Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Listed below are the same old stops:
- Camps Bay, a seaside that has that main-character vitality. It has the whole lot you possibly 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 may 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, some of the 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 alter 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 photograph with the marker and a straightforward climb up a close-by hill, the place you possibly can watch the Atlantic mingle with the Indian Ocean.
- Cape Level, the place you possibly 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 a substitute. However this postcard-perfect lighthouse provides probably the most incredible 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 choice 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 employees have been all so heat and pleasant, too!
However maybe the very best cause 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 may stand up shut and private with these cute little dudes with out disturbing them.
These penguins have 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 giant granite boulders (therefore the title) have been good 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 Price
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 encompassing mountains. We have 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. However it was in 1969 that the Rupert household bought it, remodeling it into considered one of South Africa’s most recognizable wine producers. Right this moment, 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 off-the-cuff sipper, or simply somebody who enjoys a great view with a glass in hand, you may 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 elements in inventive methods.
However don’t go away the area with out dropping by Franschhoek Motor Museum, showcasing virtually the whole automative historical past. With over 220 automobiles on show, it’s like taking a visit by way of time, from early Twentieth-century classics to smooth fashionable sports activities automobiles that make you insecure about your checking account.
Whereas I do know the right way 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 the whole lot 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” schooling, an indoctrination – Franschhoek-style!
Plus, the setting provides a stage of sophistication and allure. So in the event you’re in Cape City and wish 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 least an appreciation for actually shiny issues.
4. Cape City Metropolis Bowl Tour
Any Cape City itinerary features a tour of its downtown space known 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 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 it is usually 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 produce ships, at the moment it’s a lush, leafy escape proper in the midst of the town. It’s house 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 may 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 domestically made crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. The distributors are pleasant, and also you’ll discover the whole lot from colourful African prints to hand-carved fridge magnets. Carry your finest bargaining expertise.
- 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 through the apartheid period, when complete communities have 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 avenue, lined with Victorian buildings, hip cafes, classic retailers, and arguably a number of the metropolis’s finest bars. Superb 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 remodeled grain silo, this architectural gem homes the whole lot 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 just some 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 by way of a dream, besides as a substitute of a automotive, 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 possibly 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 differ relying on the route and length, however the least expensive choice will take you above and alongside the Atlantic Seaboard, from the V&A Waterfront all the best way 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 number of vacationers get. I imply, how usually do you get to take a helicopter trip? 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 trip: ZAR 2420
6. Harley Davidson Experience round Desk Mountain
There are lots of methods to discover Cape City. You are able to do it by driving a automotive or by becoming a member of a bunch 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 bizarre bikes. You’ll be able to trip a Harley-Davidson round Desk Mountain! Now that seems like an epic journey.
This space provides a number of the most beautiful and dramatic roads for a motorbike trip, and doing it on a Harley makes it all of the extra exhilarating. However we have been additionally extra snug as a result of we weren’t those driving.
Our trip began at V&A Waterfront, and after a fast briefing, they drove us the scenic mountainside, stopping at numerous jaw-dropping viewpoints alongside the best way, together with the Chapman’s Peak lookout the place we took within the incredible vistas and snapped a number 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 trip prices ZAR 1450 for 3 hours inclusive of the rider payment, bike payment and gasoline. It’s tremendous price it! It’s an ideal mix of nature, unbelievable views, and a type of badassery and freedom that solely a Harley trip can provide.
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.
However it wasn’t simply the sights for us! It was the total sensory expertise. Though we have 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 full of 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 shade gradient of the sky.
SUNSET CRUISE (Waterfront Charters)
Period: 90 minutes
Adults: ZAR 630 (USD 36.50)
Youngsters: ZAR 315 (USD 18.25)
8. Robben Island
Robben Island is considered one of Cape City’s most iconic and most historic locations. Located about 7 kilometers off the coast of the town, this small island is finest referred to 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 implies seals, because the island was as soon as house to a big inhabitants of them. Nevertheless, by way of 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 battle for freedom and equality.
Attending to Robben Island begins with a ferry trip from the V&A Waterfront, and let’s simply say the views of Desk Mountain from the water alone are well 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 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. It’s good to e-book these excursions upfront on this website. https://robbenisland.plankton.mobi/
ROBBEN ISLAND TOUR
Entrance Price: 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 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 a substitute 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 happening 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 need higher probabilities 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 right way to get you shut sufficient to those unbelievable creatures with out changing into their snack.
The lineup of the Marine Massive 5 contains:
- 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 working 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 will not be your standard cable automotive trip. 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 trip itself is brief and candy—about 4 to five minutes—but it surely’s filled with sufficient surroundings. When you’re on the high, 1,085 meters above sea stage, the true enjoyable begins. The flat summit is crisscrossed with viewpoints and strolling trails. There’s a café the place you may seize a espresso and a snack, so you may 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.
Ebook on-line! The queues can get lengthy, so snag your tickets upfront. Time your journey for late afternoon for that golden-hour lighting.
11. 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 sort out 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 tougher. You’ll be climbing ladders and scrambling over rocks. However the dawn or sundown views will go away you speechless in the long run. (Or which may simply be what occurs while you’re attempting to catch your breath—onerous to say.)
In case you’re extra into beachy vibes, attempt Cape Level Nature Reserve. And for the much less intense days? Newlands Forest provides shady paths and delicate trails.
Pack sunscreen, water, and a way of journey—however go away your flip-flops at house except you take pleasure in struggling. Cape City’s trails are ready, they usually 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 just a few 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 bushes and stylish eating places on the foot of the 12 Apostles vary. It’s some of the 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 seaside huts and beginner-friendly waves. In case 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 elective.
13. Gold Restaurant
In case you’ve ever puzzled what it will 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 scent of your upcoming feast. And after 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 attractive 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 numerous 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 sweetness and vitality of Africa. The perfect half? As you’re employed your approach by way of 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 may 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 unimaginable to overlook. Gold Restaurant is the place Cape City goes to have fun Africa, one beat and chew 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 numerous. Bo Kaap can provide you an awesome sampling of Cape Malay delicacies together with numerous curries and samosas. However probably the most iconic is maybe 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 instances and beloved it. However beware, servings listed below are humongous!
Biltong can also be ubiquitous all through the town. It’s like beef jerky, however tastier. It will also 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 may be traced again to the early Dutch settlers who wanted a solution to protect meat for lengthy journeys.
Throughout the town, you may as well 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 provides the bread its attribute mild, ethereal texture and a refined trace of sweetness. These buns have 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 possibly 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 mushy, 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. In reality, after we talked about to our resort employees we have been going right here, they discouraged us. Fortunately we had a information who informed 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 large that even when it’s wrapped in two layers of paper, it’s unimaginable to eat with out making a multitude. However the mess is price 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 have been dancing. And whereas it’s smaller and a tad simpler to devour, anticipate messy bites, too.
The tagline of this restaurant is “Usually eaten, all the time remembered.” And though it seems 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 type and/or you might have a restricted finances, that could possibly be an awesome 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 best way 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 spread of South Africa packages, from group excursions to customized itineraries, so you may skip the effort 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 case you’d relatively calm down than type by way of logistics, Constellation has you coated. 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 by way of these contact numbers and electronic mail handle, or go to their official web site at www.constellationtravels.com.ph.
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