The vibrant city of Cape Town, Mother City of South Africa, invites you to come and explore the bespoke lifestyle of the Cape. Backed by iconic Table Mountain and looking onto sparkling blue oceans, your luxury vacation here will be filled with unique experiences and activities.
Stay in luxury guest lodges, upmarket boutique hotels, camp out along the beach or book into internationally renowned 5-Star hotels. You will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to do with your days, roaming the inner city streets of Cape Town with its sidewalk cafés, eclectic shopping destinations and heritage buildings or leisurely scoping out the beach action at the city’s world-renowned beaches. Cape Town is the perfect destination for those seeking romance or adventure.
Cape Town is one of the few cities in the world to host a wine route within its borders and the city bends around the Table Mountain National Park ensuring that you never have far to go if you are looking to immerse yourself in nature. The Cape region of South Africa is known for its wine and there are over 18 wine routes that stretch out in the surrounding area, beginning in the city itself in the Constantia Valley.
It is not only on Cape Town wine farms that you will discover the wealth of great food available in Cape Town. The rich mix of cultural influences from the European settlers, Asian slaves and African immigrants to the city means that you can eat whatever your heart desires. Try our Cape Malay bobotis or roties, superlative Indian restaurants, fine continental dining, South African fusion meals and local African delicacies. Take a culinary and wine tour to get the best out of your dining experience here.
Spend your days on Cape Town’s white sand beaches or leisurely driving around the dramatic peninsula over Chapman’s Peak and Ou Kaapse Weg, life is slightly slower on this side of the mountain so relax and go with the flow of the locals. In Cape Town city itself, there are museums to suit every taste, art galleries showcase old oils to conceptual works and some of the finest examples of contemporary African craft in the country are available to purchase.
Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Nature Reserves are only a short drive away from your luxury accommodation and provide a tranquil respite from shopping! Cape Town’s locals like to party and there is no lack of nightlife options from clubs, bars, cabaret venues and even seasonal circus performances. For the more cultured, there are many theatres staging both local and international productions and bookshops and art galleries host regular launching events.
Cape Town makes the best possible base from which to explore the region; it is within easy driving distance of the Cape Winelands towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek and there are many tour options available. There are numerous activities on offer in and around Cape Town from the world-class golf courses to adventure options such as coastal cruises, horseback riding to helicopter flips, kayaking, kloofing and kite surfing or just relax on the white sand beaches or at a sidewalk café and ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cape Town. Contact the Southern Africa Travel team today.
Cape Town is best known for:
Table Mountain
Climb Cape Town’s most iconic attraction, Table Mountain for a panoramic view of the city beneath. If you are feeling fit, take one of the many walking trails up the mountain or whip up to the top in the revolving cable cars. There is a restaurant on top but you are welcome to pack your own picnic, find the best views and feast on both the views and the contents of your basket!
Cape Point
Breathe in the pure air that flows straight from the Antarctic at Cape Point. Set in the Good Hope Nature Reserve, this is a fantastic spot to picnic, walk the well-laid trails, fish, swim and admire the outstanding views. The funicular will take you to the Point and you are welcome to walk to the old lighthouse site from there.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Shop up a storm at the V&A Waterfront, a recreational hub located adjacent to a working harbour. This shopping Mecca is home to more than 400 shops, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. The experience is one of the highlights of a trip to Cape Town. Trips to Robben Island and Seal Island leave from here or book on for a sunset cruise around the harbour.
Off the beaten track:
Stroll through the Company’s Gardens
Pack a picnic lunch and head to the very heart of Cape Town, the Company’s Gardens. This is where it all began in the mid-1650s when Jan van Riebeeck was sent by the Dutch East Indies Company to set up a way station for passing ships. A favourite with locals for its tranquil escape from city life; it is also home to hundreds of inquisitive squirrels.
Visit the Bo-Kaap
Head into one of the oldest areas of Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap, with its cobbled stones and colourful flat-roofed houses and immerse yourself in this heritage destination. Originally the area was set aside for the slaves from Java in the 17th and 18th centuries; step back in time by visiting the museum and mosque and round off the experience with a delicious Cape Malay lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Take a Township Tour
Gain an intimate perspective on South African life by taking a ‘township’ tour. Visit the local schools and craft centres before having your fortune told by a sangoma (traditional healer) and finish off the day by stopping in at the colourful informal pubs, the shebeens to mix with the locals. An experience you will never forget.
