Claire & Brendan
Things To Do
Table Mountain (Nature Reserve)
South Africa's most iconic landmark is a must, the flat top can be reached either via cable car or via one of the hiking trails - our favourite of which is the Skeleton Gorge trail starting at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - not for the faint hearted. Enjoy a well deserved pint when you reach the top!
Lion's Head
The distinct slope between Table Mountain and Signal Hill provides great views of the city, Table mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. There are a number of hidden caves with spectacular views of Table Mountain, Wally's Cave being the most famous. The hike takes between 2-3 hours in total for those looking for a shorter hike. There is no charge or conservation fee and the hiking trail can be busy so an early start is advised.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the gardens including the canopy walk or a picnic on the lawns while enjoying magnificent views. It is also worth noting that the gardens host live outdoors Sunday summer music concerts, the artists for 2020 are yet to be announced.
Cape Point
Mistakenly cited as the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, Cape Point is, nonetheless, well worth a visit with breath taking views where the mountain and ocean meet in a thunderous clash producing a dramatic landscape. There are many things to do and see to keep you busy from soaking up some history with a walk along the Shipwreck trail or soaking up some sun in the tidal pools.
Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island’s allure lies in its rich and wretched history. Many famous South African political prisoners spent time as inmates here, the most famous of whom was Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island.
V&A Waterfront
Where the city meets the sea. Once redundant docklands have been developed into a leisure mecca of entertainers, shops and countless restaurants and bars to choose from. We highly recommend the V&A Food Market for a quick bite or a trip to the Silo Roof Top bar for some cocktails with spectacular views (see Silo recommendation) alternatively enjoy the views from the 50m high Cape Wheel.
Zeitz MOCAA
Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) houses Africa's largest contemporary art collection under one remarkable roof. It is a contemporary art museum similar to the likes of the Tate Modern in London, MoMA in New York and Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. Established in 2013 Zeitz MOCAA is a not-for-profit partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz. It is located in the Silo Hotel and we recommend a cocktail or two to follow in the Hotel's Roof Top Bar (advance booking required).
Cape Town Free Walking Tours
Three tour options available 365 days a year. The tours are offered free of charge (you just need to tip) and there is no need to book in advance. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon. 1. Historic City Tour – 1.5 hours, 2. Apartheid to Freedom Tour – 1.5 hours 3. Bo Kaap Tour – 1.5 hours
Hop On Hop Off
Official City tour on the Double Decker Hop on, Hop off Bus. Hop On Hop Off at any of the stops along the route. A great way to see the sites of Cape Town.
Boulders Beach
The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches not only for it's beautiful white sand and clear waters but because of the local residents the African Penguins. Get close to these magnificent birds in all their waddling glory! To get really close to the penguins stroll along the wooden boardwalks that thread through the dense vegetation, over the dunes and round Foxy Beach before settling down on Boulders Beach to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the unique experience of sharing a stretch of sand with the penguins. This is a protected beach and conservation fees do apply but they are reasonable R152 per adult per day, R76 per child, per day.
Chapman's Peak Drive
On the Atlantic Coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. First constructed during the First World War, this 9km route with its 114 curves, skirts Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg, and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breathtaking views in both directions. Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll road R 47.00 motor vehicles/minibus
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The wine tram is the perfect way to sample the amazing wineries around Franschhoek without having to worry about driving! There are six hop-on hop-off lines to choose from; each visiting eight wine estates and showcasing a separate part of the Franschhoek Valley.
White Shark Cage Diving
Get your adrenalin pumping with a shark cage diving trip where you come face to face with one of nature’s most astonishing creatures. Please note that there has been a decline in the great white shark population in recent months which is thought to be due to the arrival of killer whales and therefore you are not guaranteed to see any great white sharks.
Cape Town Tandem Paragliding
Why not see the mother city from a birds eye view while floating over the city in a tandem paraglide?! Most companies leave from either Lion’s Head or Signal Hill.
Skydive Cape Town
How about a tandem skydive? Experience the thrill of free falling from 9,000 ft while experiencing fantastic views of the city and finishing off with a peaceful 5 minute parachute ride to the ground.
Bloukrans Bridge Bungee
The bungee jump takes place from the top of the arch of Africa's biggest bridge and is the third highest bungee jump in the world and highest commercial bungee bridge some 216 meters. Costs R150.00 pp
The Garden Route
The Garden Route provides a coastline of some 300 km and is one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations, a must-see! The route passes through a wide range of topography, vegetation, wildlife and outdoors activities. Known as much for its outdoor activities as its natural beauty.
Game Reserve
Within South Africa you are spoilt for choice when it comes to game reserves however prices vary quite significantly between them depending on the level of luxury and the individual park. Gondwana Private Game Reserve provides Safari Lodge Accommodation and an authentic African Safari Experience close to Cape Town. and is less than a four-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. For those with more time Kruger National Park being the biggest of the game reserves is always on our itinerary when visiting South Africa and flights are available from Cape Town to Skukuza Airport (within the park) or a short drive from the park to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Different levels of accommodation from basic to luxury are available within the park, we recommend self-drive however guided tours are available as well.