Things to Do

Table Mountain (Nature Reserve)

On a clear day the views from the top of Table Mountain are spectacular. Accessible by cable car, or for the more adventurous there are a few hiking routes (of varying difficulty). No technical skills necessary -- but it is steep, and the way down can be tough on knees and ankles. One-way cable-car tickets are available (hike up, ride down, or vice versa). No need to book your cable car trip too far in advance – wait for clear skies in the morning, and then go. (Booking online helps but isn't necessary). Take a taxi or Uber to the base of the mountain; the base is also a stop on hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city. The weather can change quickly up there, so be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater with you, and a bottle of water if you’re hiking. There is a cafeteria-style restaurant on top of the mountain.

Robben Island

Often called a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit, Robben Island is a poignant and eminently interesting place to visit. You'll be guided through the natural history of the island, as well as its place in human history as a testament to some of the worst -- and best -- of humanity, holding a crucial place in South Africa's complicated and checkered political past (and present). Nelson Mandela spent a part of his 27-year incarceration here, and many of the guides are former political prisoners -- some of the older tour guides were imprisoned at the same time as Mandela. Former prisoners, especially those who knew Madiba, won't be around forever, so now is a great time to visit!

V&A Waterfront

Cape of Good Hope

Stellenbosch and Franschoek

Wine Country!

Lion's Head

Lions Head mountain stands between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, forming part of the city bowl’s dramatic skyline and stands 2000 feet above the city’s coastline. Over 200,000 people climb Lion’s Head every year.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Norval Foundation

Scenic Helicopter Ride

See Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, the city, and the Atlantic shoreline from the air! Cape Town can get quite windy, so we wouldn't advise booking your trip too far in advance -- wait for a good weather forecast and then contact the company to make a reservation. We've listed the top-rated company here, but there are several operators too.

Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

The best white shark encounters are not in Cape Town itself, but a couple of hours' drive down the (very beautiful) coast. Single-day tours are available from Cape Town, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel, but as there is travel to and from the shark spots, this is a full day experience (about 10 hours), but for those who want a chance to see the apex predator of the ocean in its natural habitat, this is a great experience, and no diving experience is necessary! Tour companies will provide (an unsophisticated) breakfast, lunch, and snacks -- and some tours include a quick stop to look at a penguin colony on the way back. (Yes, we have penguins in Africa!). Hotel pickups are usually around 5am-6am. Note: the water can get very choppy and the boat ride can get rough - so take precaution if you're prone to seasickness.

Swim with Penguins

Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, a colony of African penguins has made its home on one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. You can walk among the penguins, get close enough to take some unforgettable pictures, and for those willing to brave the normally chilly water, you can even swim with them! We have to point out, however, that these are *wild* animals -- Boulders Beach is not a petting zoo. African penguins are an endangered species and are federally protected, so no touching! Although they're likely to be among the cutest animals you've ever seen up close in the wild, they aren't as cuddly as they look, and those bills are designed to slice through a fish like a hot knife through butter. Don't hassle or abuse the birds, leave those selfie sticks at home, and you'll have one of the most memorable days of your life. Pro tip: combine your visit to Boulders Beach with a trip to Cape Point (aka Cape of Good Hope) -- both are easily doable in a single day.