If someone should ask you where your next travel destination should be, tell them Cape Town, even without blinking. Why? I went there a few years back and it was one place which had everything I could ask for; the beaches, the mountains, the wineries, fancy restaurants, a lovely nightlife, history, wildlife, food, art and so on and so forth. The list is unending, in short, it has all that you look for in a holiday. I stayed there for six nights and there is still so much I did not manage to do. To read the details of my visit which is mentioned under several blogs, you can head here.
However, in a gist these are my top recommendations for things to do in Cape Town;
#1 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: The Table mountain
Company Gardens with the Table Mountain in the backdrop
On top of the mountain is the preserved Mountain National Park, which is home to over 1500 species of fynbos( rock rabbits). It’s been a protected area for over 100 years. Interestingly, the table mountain was formed about 600 million years ago under the sea. Yes, this entire area was under the sea! The movement of glaciers produced the flat table top. In fact, the whole city of Cape town is reclaimed land.
Once on top of the table mountain, you can do self or guided walks, click pictures or just soak in the breathtaking views. There is also a small open restobar for people to grab a quick beer and soak in the atmosphere if they so please to do. We were lucky to get a beautiful, clear day at the mountain, otherwise, if it’s cloudy the whole trip can go for a toss.
#2 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope
Get a picture clicked at Cape Point. Drive from camps bay through misty cliffs via Chapman’s peak, probably one of the best drive you can take. The Cape Of Good Hope is an iconic point but I loved the whole experience of walking up to the lighthouse at cape point, climbing 126 steps up in the last stretch to the highest point to get the view and then coming back in the tram.
From here we headed to Simon’s Town which is a small settlement nestled on False Bay within easy distance of Cape Town International Airport. The high point of this place is that it is the home of seals and penguins and has it’s own penguin colonies where you can do activities like kayaking around them in water, clicking pictures with them or just gazing at them.
#3 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: Head to High Tea at Mount Nelson Hotel
The Hotel was popularly known as the ‘Pink Nelly’ and was the hotspot for all the sailors when they stopped in town for a break. Having high tea here is one of the oldest traditions. It’s beautifully designed vintage interiors, the huge lay of savouries make it one of the best places to hang out. I would recommend dressing up in smart casuals for the high tea or else you will find yourself standing out in the so-perfect environment :). Read more about my experience here.
Tour Robben Island With An Ex-Prisoner
One of the most famous jails of its times, the Robben Island imprisoned Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is reached by ferry from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The most interesting part is that you are led by guides who were formerly prisoners here. The prisons are preserved and they have recreated some furnishings to give you the feel of what their life was like. You can enter the prisons and get pictures clicked. It needs half a day and is an interesting insight into the history of Cape Town and Africa.
#4 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: Feel Like Being In The Wild
But when we found out about Aquila Safari which is just two hours away from Cape Town, we couldn’t resist and headed there. Now I must clarify, this safari is only good or people who have or are not planning to visit the bigger safaris of the world like Kruger and the one in Tanzania.
The number of animals in the safari are few but it makes for a good day activity while in Cape Town. To me, it felt like a glorified zoo, with animals placed for you to get some beautiful pictures.
#5 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: Do Wine Tasting In Stellenbosch
This unique area with its incredible scenery of valleys, picturesque mountains and vineyards scattered make for some incredible outings. With over 150 wineries and many wine tours, this is not to be missed. Moreover, they taste great and are very reasonable wines if you want to buy.
#6 Top Things To Do In Cape Town: Gape At Some Rare Plant Species At Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Kirstenbosch botanical garden is massive with over 7000 species of plants. They also home cycads which are at least 340 million years old and have outlived even the dinosaurs. There are a number of different styled gardens within the Botanical park; including the Fragrance garden, The Dell, and the Water-Wise Garden.
Beach, wildlife, wineries! You name it and Cape Town has it! Can’t give reasons enough to visit this place.
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