CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE
The list of sights, activities and things to do in cape town is endless. Here is a list of all the things you need to do and see when visiting Cape Town.
1. TABLE MOUNTAIN
When visiting Cape Town you have to spend at least one of your days hiking Table Mountain. The iconic mountain of Cape Town can be hiked from several different routes or if you are short on time then take the cable car. The views from the top are worth it!
We love the Platteklip Gorge hike to the top. It is the most popular route to the top of Table Mountain and phone signal is available along the whole route, this means it is also safe. The route takes roughly 3 hours to hike. Parking is also available along the road up the mountain leading to the Platteklip Gorge entrance. Get there early though as these spots will fill up fast during the day.
2. ROBBIN ISLAND
The Robben Island tour takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. The boat crossing is 20 mins, when you arrive at the island you will get on a bus and meet your tour guide. The island is made famous because it is where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. You will be able to see his cell and also the lime quarry where he laboured during his time on the island.
The is land has also seen many other uses throughout its history and is a great tour to understand more about the overall history of Cape Town.
The prices for foreign visitors are 550 Rand for adults and 300 Rand for children. You will need to book your time slot in advance. A warning that the ocean can get pretty rough during the crossing and the tours are dependant on the weather.
3. SEAL ISLAND
Located 8 miles from Simons Town is Seal Island, home to some 75,000 Cape Fur Seals. Get ready to hold your nose though as when the wind blows your direction you can smell all 75,000! They are pretty stinky.
Each tour is around 1.5-2 hours and is an incredible sight to see so many seals. This is also the hunting ground for Great White sharks and in the winter months they can be very active.
We were lucky to see hundreds of Dolphins during our trip which was an amazing sight. The tour costs 450 Rand per adult.
4. BOULDERS BEACH
The best place to see African penguins is at Boulders Beach. You can watch them surf the waves and chill out with each other. There are wooden board walks and we suggest you stick to these. These are wild animals and too many people venture off onto the beach to have a selfie with these penguins. They can bite, but really its just not cool to disturb wild animals and their natural habitat for a quick selfie. We spent hours just watching these little guys and girls running around amongst the giant boulders of boulders beach. It is such an awesome day out and Simons town is not that far from central Cape Town.
The entry price to the beach is 160 Rand and you can find all the updated prices via the link.
5. BO-KAAP
The oldest surviving residential area of Cape Town and formally a township. Almost 60% of the residents of Bo-Kaap identify as muslim and the area is well known for is pastel coloured buildings. The historic architecture and mountain views make this a fun place to explore for the afternoon. You will often bump into photography tours when exploring Bo-Kaap.
6. BEACHES
7. CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Feel like you are standing at the edge of the world and explore the Cape of Good Hope. Although it is often mistaken for the most southernly point of Africa, it is still an incredible place to explore. Strong winds smash waves into the rocks below the lighthouse. The hike to the lighthouse is great and when you’ve finished that enjoy the rest of the national park. We found tortoises crossing the roads and helped them move along before being peed on.
8. KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
One of the most beautiful botanical gardens you will ever see. Nestled at the foot of Table mountain, Kirstenbosch was the first botanical garden in the world to place an emphasis on protecting indigenous flora species. The gardens are full of beautiful plants and showcase the wide variety of flora that South Africa and especially Cape Town are blessed with. The views of the mountains make these gardens even more unique.
9. V&A WATERFRONT
10. CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE
11. BAY HARBOUR MARKET IN HOUT BAY MARKET
12 . LIONS HEAD
13. SIGNAL HILL
14. CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE
15. CONSTANTIA WINE ROUTE AND TRAILS
16. CHEETAH OUTREACH
17. TOBOGGAN FAMILY PARK
