Cape Town, affectionately referred to by locals in South Africa as the Mother City, is an absolute must-visit for any type of traveller. Not only is this country rich with heritage, culture and languages, but it also boasts an array of top, world-class attractions. Stay tuned for Expat Explore’s ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide!
But first, some history. In terms of South Africa’s place on the world travel stage, Cape Town is one of the key reasons for it. Since it’s the most popular trade port city in Africa and quite possibly the most stunning harbour worldwide, it should come as no surprise that these beaches and blue waters drew discoverers from the Netherlands as well as Great Britain, who colonised this resource-rich country. Today, these Dutch and British influences can still be seen in the country. But most importantly, you’ll see an emancipated country truly full of life and colour. Read on for the ultimate Cape Town travel guide.
Related: Learn some interesting facts about South Africa before visiting one of its three capitals.
Take a look at our ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide:
Simon’s Town Says Hello
Best time to visit: November to March for warm, sunny weather.
Just a short drive from the bustling city centre of Cape Town lies the quaint seaside town of Simon’s Town – a hub of local crafts, restaurants and the world-famous Boulders Beach, which is home to the renowned African penguins.
A visit to this coastal paradise should be on your itinerary when you visit Cape Town! Not only is it a seaside delight, but it also holds many South African historical attractions, such as the naval base that was taken over by the British in 1795.
Take A Trip Up Table Mountain
Best time to visit: Early mornings in summer (June-August) to avoid crowds and heat.
Table Mountain is not only one of the most anticipated attractions in Cape Town but also one of the world’s seven wonders of nature! This flat-topped mountain encapsulating the city centre, referred to as the city bowl, is an impressive landmark you simply must see at least once in your life.
Visitors can head up this historic and striking mountain the easy way by cable car or the adventurous way by hiking up Skeleton’s Gorge, which takes up to 3 hours one way. Good luck!
See Stunning Views from Lion’s Head
Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset year-round for spectacular views.
Right next to Table Mountain lies another iconic Capetonian landmark – Lion’s Head – so named for the silhouette matching that of a lion’s head with an impressive mane. The hike up Lion’s Head is a lot less challenging than Skeleton’s Gorge, but be warned, it still takes quite a bit of athleticism to reach the top. Unfortunately, there is no road access to the summit, so hiking is the only way to enjoy the panoramic views.
Peruse and Picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Best time to visit: Spring (September-October) and summer for blooming flowers and outdoor concerts.
Located near the city centre is a botanical garden and one of Cape Town’s nature reserves called Kirstenbosch Gardens. This gigantic paradise of fauna and flora is accessible for a small fee and holds some of Africa and South Africa’s most renowned and interesting plant species. Take note that a visit will consist of quite a bit of walking, plus you might spend quite some time there as you stroll, picnic, and cross the snake bridge it’s known for, so best to plan ahead.
Robben Island’s Seals & Sordid History
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March-May) for calmer seas during the ferry ride.
Robben Island is named after the seals found in Cape Town, called a ‘Robben’ in Dutch, which influenced one of the country’s official languages and one of the Western Cape’s most popular – Afrikaans. The island is called “Robbeneiland” in Dutch and Afrikaans, which translates to “Seal Island.”
However, this island also has a sordid past as it is home to the prison where Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27 years before the end of apartheid and his term as the country’s first democratic president. Visitors can access the island via boat and ferry rides exclusively departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Plus, the prison is now a museum which is open for guided tours.
Related: See South Africa’s historical sites, including a statue of Nelson Mandela.
Capture Wildlife at Cape of Good Hope
Best time to visit: Early mornings in spring or autumn for cooler weather and wildlife activity.
A visit to the Cape of Good Hope reservation area is an absolute must on your trip to Cape Town! Often mistaken with Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope is a flatter area slightly away from the cliffs and splashing waves of Cape Point with a lot more wildlife and accessible beaches. You could spend an entire day just driving around, admiring the scenery and spotting animals like baboons, ostriches, and antelope.
Related: See even more wildlife on our Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route tour.
See the Southernmost Point of the Cape Peninsula
Best time to visit: Late afternoon in summer for breathtaking sunsets.
Cape Point is the southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula and a must-visit if dramatic natural scenery is your scene! This iconic area is also home to one of the country’s oldest remaining lighthouses, which visitors can climb up and use as an incredible vantage point to see both the cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans.
Head to Hermanus for Whale Watching
Best time to visit: July to November during the whale migration season.
Hermanus is a holiday heaven located a short drive out of Cape Town. This small town is the perfect place to spot whales in season (between July and November with September being peak season) and soak up the beach sun while enjoying fresh seafood and the quaint local vibe.
Behold the Bold and Vibrant Bo Kaap
Best time to visit: Daytime year-round for the best photography opportunities.
Back in the City Bowl of Cape Town, be sure to head to the bright and historic Bo-Kaap (Upper Cape). This area is known for its brightly coloured houses that were once part of a Cape Malay community, with its roots pre-dating apartheid. Today, the rainbow rows of houses, the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum as well as a 19th-century mosque are just some of the area’s must-see attractions.
Related: Visit the picturesque Bo-Kaap on our Cape Town and the Garden Route tour.
Kick Back in Kalk Bay
Best time to visit: Late afternoon year-round for the golden hour and fresh seafood dinners.
Another small harbour town located just outside of Cape Town is the strikingly beautiful railway town of Kalk Bay. Here, the deep blue waters crash right next to you as you walk the long promenade lined with local craft stalls, restaurants, bars and various souvenir shops. This is the perfect spot to grab a sundowner and watch the African sun set over the ocean. Just keep an eye out for the seagulls who are just as hungry for fresh seafood as you might be. Also, consider taking a scenic train ride along the coastline to add to your experience.
These are only a few of the many things to do in Cape Town. From wine farms to beaches and huge shopping malls, this world city has a lot to offer! We hope our Cape Town Travel Guide comes in handy when you visit.
Related: Be sure to pack for a South African safari and meet us on tour.
If you’d like to visit Cape Town, simply book our South Africa Escape tour, sit back, and let us take care of all the details. See you at the beach?