Whether you are looking for a short city break or keen to go backpacking in South Africa, Cape Town really is somewhere you should consider for your next trip.
Cape Town is one of the best places to visit in South Africa and one of the most stunning cities in the world.
With breathtaking scenery, friendly people and so many activities visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Cape Town and its the surrounding area.
This list of fun things to do in Cape Town and the Western Cape is by no means exhaustive, but offers some quick tips and ideas for sightseeing in the Cape of South Africa or visit one of the many luxurious South Africa safari lodges to experience the continent’s incredible wildlife
1. Table Mountain
Rise above the city of Cape Town and up the famous Table Mountain for amazing views by night (stars and city lights), or by day, (ocean meets city and mountains). You can climb Table Mountain on foot or take the cable bar. At the top you can take in the stunning scenery to feel on top of the world.
2. Sightseeing Tours
Feel the spirit of the people of South Africa as you explore the city and interact with local people. There are lots of sightseeing bus tours available including hop-on hop-off showing you the highlights of the city like the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kapp or the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay. You could take a Township tour you can experience the diverse cultures and lives of the South African people.
3. Robben Island
Ferry off Cape Town’s shores to Robben Island, the place where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years as a political prisoner under the apartheid regime. For an interesting cultural experience and a guided tour through the maximum security prison museum and back in time. Learn more about Nelson Mandela and how this period came to shape modern day South Africa.
4. Aquila Big Five Safari
See Africa’s Big Five on a safari – from the back of an open 4×4 safari vehicle. See San rock art and photograph the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard and Elephant) on a game viewing drive in Aquila Game Reserve near Cape Town.
5. Bartholomeus Klip
Smell the Cape Floral Kingdom at Bartholomeus Klip natural heritage site a short helicopter ride from Cape Town. Picnic, walk, windsurf and relax as you enjoy the rich flora, fauna and bird life at Bartholomeus Klip.
6. Hermanus Whale Watching
Witness Southern Right Whales in the waters of Walker Bay at Hermanus. After whale watching and sightseeing, visit Fernkloof nature reserve for the botanical splendour of South African’s fynbos.
7. Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve
Travel over the Bainskloof pass, Ceres and the scenic Cedarberg Mountains on the way to the Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve. Drive in an open 4×4 vehicle on a guided game safari in the Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve and experience San culture.
8. Volunteer
Are you looking to give back on your holiday? Ever thought about going to volunteer in Africa? There are lots of ways to help in Cape Town. Short and long term projects are available where you can work with people, communities and animals.
9. Cape Peninsula and Cape Town Winelands
Hear the ocean as you travel along the Cape Peninsula, over Chapman’s Peak along the stunning coastline. Taste the fine wines of the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek. Take a cellar tour and surround yourself with breathtaking mountains. Stellenbosch is famous for wine tasting in the Cape Winelands – this is one of the best winery destinations in the world.
10. Shark Cage Diving
Dive into the waters with Great White Sharks in Shark Alley of Dyer Island off the coast of Gansbaai. Shark cage dive or watch the Great Whites from a shark-viewing deck and see the seal colony at Seal Island.
Plan a trip to discover the highlights of South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town, and experience this magical destination for yourself.
