What to do in Cape Town?
| March 26, 2021 | Cape Town, also called the Rainbow Nation, is an absolutely amazing city. Located between ocean and mountains, there is so much to do and see in Cape Town. And when you only have a few days to explore the city, the important thing is not to miss the essentials. Let me put together a little program of activities for you that will make you fall in love with this city. In bright sun or rainy weather, I have more than one trick in my bag to make you dream. Do you follow us?
Day 1: Camps Bay and Clifton Beach
Tired of your long trip in plane ? Today it will be lazing on the beach.
Once you set foot in Camps Bay, you can only be captivated by the perfect alliance between the majestic mountains and turquoise ocean water. This fusion between earth and sea offers you a breathtaking landscape. This beach is still animated by Beach Volleyball matches and street performers that will blow your mind with their talent as a musician or acrobat. All you have to do is unfold your towel, dip your toes in the fine sand and enjoy a good Sun.
Regarding Clifton, first know that it is divided into 4 parts (Clifton 1,2,3 and 4), but they are all equally beautiful. The atmosphere is much more calm and remote. For a peaceful afternoon nap without being disturbed, Clifton is the beach for you!
Recall : in Cape Town it is the South Atlantic Ocean, so don’t be surprised if the water seems a little cool to you even during the hot weather.
Our tip : Camps Bay and Clifton are very close to each other, so if you want a change of scene during the day, you will only have to walk a few minutes.
Day 2: I climb Lion’s Head
You don’t have to be a big athletic to climb Lion’s Head, one of the most emblematic peaks of Cape Town. This hike is famous and offers stunning views of the coast South African. Allow about an hour to climb, at a cruising speed quiet, then a good thirty minutes to come back down.
The best times to go touch the sky from the top of the “lion’s head” are at sunrise and at his bedtime. Not only because the colors and movements of the clouds are sublime, but also because these are the two moments when the sun is the least powerful. This will prevent you from getting sunburned or to get sunstroke. However, put on good walking sneakers and take at least 1L of water per person.
I guess it is useless to remind you that your smartphone and camera are essential, this view that you will keep in mind all your life deserves to be immortalized and shared with those around you.
Day 3: Getaway to the Cape of Good Hope
Today, we set off to explore the Cape of Good Hope. Literally, it’s the end of the world. After an hour and a half on the road, you arrive at your destination. Surprise, baboons are waiting for you as you line up to enter the park.
After having provided yourself with a site map, you are free to explore the various viewpoints of Cape Point, whether on foot or by car.
Do not hesitate to take the little train which will take you to the lighthouse, the highest point of view of the “Cape of Good Hope”.
You will quickly be seduced by the sandy beaches and the breathtaking color of the ocean.
Day 4: Kayaking at sunrise to meet dolphins
This morning, we wake up early. Meet at Sea Point for an exceptional experience. Climb aboard a kayak to admire the sunrise, but also the dolphins playing in the water and snap their tails on the surface of the ocean. With a bit of luck, you can also see penguins, and even sea lions! So there, come in the landscape and the fauna, we no longer know where to look, and we already have forgot the alarm clock that stung us an hour earlier.
At the end of this activity invigorating, enjoy a stroll along the sea point promenade, seaside, and breathe deeply the sea air that will fill you with energy for the whole day.
Day 5: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Nature atmosphere on the side of Kirstenbosch. Go deep into the forest of hundred-year-old trees and take the time to stop to listen and observe the overflowing flora and fauna of this sumptuous garden.
Our tip : don’t forget to ask reception for a map so as not to miss any corner of the garden.
My favorite spot : the Tree Canopy Walkway, which is a suspension bridge over the forest and offers a breathtaking view of the mountains bordered by greenery.
Good plan : every summer, outdoor concerts are held in part of the garden, every Sunday. To stay informed of the program, you can watch the events organized on the Facebook page “Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts”
Day 6: Climb to the top of Table Mountain by cable car
Another South African gem that will leave you speechless! Table Mountain is accessible by cable car and will offer you an absolutely sublime view of Cape Town. I hope you do not feel dizzy because the top of the mountain reaches 1085m altitude.
For the bravest, you can walk all the way up there, but be aware that this hike is all about even more difficult than that of Lion’s Head. Be wise and careful before go on a crazy getaway.
Our tip : if you didn’t know, Cape Town is a very windy city. Before planning your climb, be sure to take a look at the Table Mountain website to make sure the weather conditions are optimal.
Day 7: Take a surf lesson in Muizenberg and admire the penguins at Boulders Beach
As you will have noticed later have spent the day in Camps Bay or Clifton, here the waves are at the Appointment ! So put on a jumpsuit and let yourself be carried away by the “Swell” from Muizenberg to take a surf lesson. Thanks to the sand white, with clear water, and good waves, it’s a day of pure pleasure waiting for you. Once the lesson is over and the waves have been tamed, you can go and change in the emblematic colored boxes that are arranged on the beach. Admit that this day has style all the same!
I know you don’t wanna go home right away. So drive a few more miles and stop at Boulders Beach to admire the penguin colonies. Open your eyes wide because they can be anywhere. These little beings live as well on earth as in the ocean. And if you meet a whole family, you will melt …
Day 8: Sunset at Signal Hill
Tonight we take the car direction Signal Hill. After getting to the top of the hill, walk through a few more steps on foot and find the best spot to admire the sublime sunset. We advise you to go there a good hour before, to have time to quietly unfold your tablecloth and savor your picnic in front of this breathtaking view. After a little wait, it’s the moment. With a background of music and your loved ones around you, enjoy the magnificent descent of the sun which gently caresses the surface of the Wed. From orange to pink, your eyes will remain fixed on the sky until beginning of a starry night.
Our tip : do not forget to take a small jacket, when night falls the wind picks up.
What to do in Cape Town if it rains?
All of these activities sound really awesome, don’t they? But, you might be wondering what to do in Cape Town when it rains? I haven’t played all my cards yet, so let’s continue!
Day 9: visit of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
Today, we bring out our artistic soul! MOCAA is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Located at Waterfront, it was built from a grain silo over 57m high and has an exhibition area of 6000m². You can admire works by Chris Ofili, Marlene Dumas, Wangechi Mutu or Julie Mehretu. Do these names mean nothing to you? All the more reason to go and learn more. At the end of your visit, you can take the opportunity to go shopping in the Waterfront Mall and sip a cold drink on a covered terrace by the sea.
Day 10: I taste good wines in the “Winelands”
It’s no secret that South Africa is widely recognized for its delicious and fine wines. In case of rain, take your car and go to Stellenbosch or Constancia to attend vineyard tours but above all, above all, tastings. Whether guided or blind, they will leave a taste in the mouth that you will not soon forget. To know exactly where to go among all these vineyards, I let you read the article dedicated to them just here .
Day 11: The Labia Theater
When it rains in Cape Town, what could be better than going to a good movie? The Labia Theater is a must-see in the city, as it is South Africa’s oldest independent cinema. It broadcasts foreign films as well as independent films, including historical cinema. Ditch Netflix, and let yourself be charmed by the retro style of this cinema. Sit comfortably in one of the red seats and quietly enjoy your popcorn.
There you go… You have just spent 11 crazy days! You’ll never wonder what to do in Cape Town again. From art, rest, sport, discovery, Cape Town absolutely has to be the next destination on your list. Even on a rainy day, you didn’t let yourself down. Does it make you envious ? We can organize everything for you.
Explore Cape Town, contact us!
See you soon,
Anaëlle.
SATravellers, an agency based in Cape Town which, for more than 12 years, has specialized in tailor-made destinations in Southern Africa. Our Rangers will be happy to advise you.
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