Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled between dramatic mountain ranges and pristine beaches, Cape Town is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty with rich history and culture. Take in panoramic views from the iconic Table Mountain, explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, or immerse yourself in history at Robben Island. For wine lovers, the nearby Cape Winelands offer world-class vineyards and picturesque scenery. Cape Town’s unique energy makes it a destination that captivates travelers of all tastes.
What to do
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Safari and Breede River Valley Day Tour
Spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—is a priority for many visitors to South Africa and this tour is ideal for those with limited time. Travel from Cape Town by upmarket air-conditioned vehicle, enjoying views of the Breede River, Hex River Wine Valley, and Table Mountain along the way, then join a group safari drive at a private game reserve and enjoy some incredible wildlife-watching opportunities.
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Cape Town Wine Tour
Save hours reading reviews and researching local wineries, and opt for this hassle-free guided wine tour instead. Spend a full day traveling between some of the area’s best wine estates, with stops at Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Along the way, enjoy cellar tours and exclusive tastings with sommeliers. As well as wine, the experience also includes special pairings with cheese and chocolate.
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Cape Town Private Tour
If you’ve only got limited time to explore the highlights of Cape Town, then this guided tour is a perfect choice. Rather than being stuck on a sightseeing bus with large tourist crowds, you can benefit from the luxury of a private tour for just your personal group. Check off Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and plenty more sights, with transport included along the way.
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Coastal Catamaran Cruise from Cape Town
Cruise along Cape Town's Atlantic coastline and get great views of the city and Table Mountain with this express cruise tour. You will head out from the V&A Waterfront, making your way up to the Green Point lighthouse before turning around and heading back, all in around just one hour.
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Cape of Good Hope & Penguins Small Group Tour
Discover the wild scenery, unique culture, and rugged coastline of the Cape Peninsula during this full-day small-group sightseeing tour. Drive along the roads of this incredible peninsula, stopping to explore pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and local wildlife. Observe a community of penguins on Boulders Beach, visit two oceans, and journey to the edge of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope. A guide and round-trip hotel transport are also included.
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Cape Town Quad Bike and Sandboarding
Get more out of your time at the Atlantis sand dunes by combining two experiences in a day—an all-terrain vehicle ride and a bumper ball activity. First, jump on an ATV and enjoy the thrill of riding over sand dunes. Later, have the unusual experience of using a bumper ball—a large ball filled with air that you climb inside and roll around in—the perfect laughter-filled activity to enjoy with friends.
Frequently asked questions
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The ideal time to visit Cape Town is during the summer months (November to March) when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities like hiking and beach visits are most enjoyable. For fewer crowds and lower rates, consider visiting in the spring (September to October) or autumn (April to May).
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Popular attractions include Table Mountain for breathtaking views, Robben Island for historical insights, the Cape Winelands for wine tastings, and the V&A Waterfront for shopping and dining. Don’t miss a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak or a visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
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Yes! Cape Town is a top tourist destination with many safe public spaces, resorts, and guided tours. Like any travel destination, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, tourist-friendly areas, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure. Guided tours are a great way to explore safely.
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Cape Town offers a mix of global and local cuisines. Don’t miss trying Cape Malay dishes like bobotie or curry, fresh seafood such as kingklip or snoek, and local wines from nearby vineyards. Food markets like Oranjezicht and The Old Biscuit Mill are great for sampling a variety of flavors.
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Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Cape Town and its surroundings. Alternatively, you can use rideshare services like Uber within the city or join organized tours for sightseeing. Public transportation is limited and not always tourist-friendly.
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Cape Town offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Visit the Bo-Kaap neighborhood to learn about its Cape Malay heritage and colorful history, or tour District Six Museum for insights into South Africa's apartheid era. Attend a live jazz performance or enjoy local art galleries like Zeitz MOCAA, Africa's largest contemporary art museum. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like samosas or visiting a township with a local guide to explore community projects and meet artisans.