Cape Town is not only a city where two oceans meet but a city where both land and ocean meet and thrive together. Table Mountain is the city’s most iconic mountain range and dominates the skyline from almost everywhere you are in Cape Town. With beautiful beaches and the sprawling city on one side of the mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Table Mountain is the city’s picture-perfect backdrop – iconic in every sense.

Naturally, the collection of dramatic mountains, jagged peaks, and scenic coastal paths make Cape Town a very attractive destination for those who are looking to maximize their time outdoors. It’s a city that embraces fitness, health, and the simple things like watching the sunset from the top of Signal Hill. With this, comes a much more relaxed feel compared to other African cities. In fact, Cape Town is often referred to as the ‘Mother City’ because everything takes nine months to get done. As a visitor to Cape Town, this laid-back environment immediately puts you at ease and is often the perfect place to start your vacation.

Cape Town’s natural beauty extends way beyond the city, and following the Cape Peninsula and one of the world’s most spectacular drives – Chapman’s Peak Drive – is a great way to see this. Along this iconic drive, you’ll pass the Cape of Good Hope which is a large headland off the southern tip of South Africa. Drive further north and you’ll reach Boulders Beach. This is home to a resident penguin colony and, with adorable characteristics and behavior, it’s certainly worth a visit.

Inside the city center, there are so many things to do and excursions to be enjoyed. If you are interested in South Africa’s history, a trip to Robben Island will give you a shocking insight into Nelson Mandela’s dedication to fighting apartheid. The former South African president spent 18 of his 27 years imprisonment on Robben Island, so the informative tour is an interesting way to see his ‘home’ and cell for yourselves.

Other things to do in Cape Town include visiting the botanic gardens, exploring the waterfront and enjoying the independent shops and craft markets, or enjoy adrenaline-fueled activities like shark-cage diving, among many others. The great thing about Cape Town is, no matter what your interests or hobbies, there is something for everyone in this stunning city. In addition, Cape Town is home to highly-recommended restaurants and vineyards, so there is no doubt that you will eat like a King or Queen.

Talk to the Expert

Gemma

With a Kenyan father, Indian grandparents, and a Portuguese surname, travel is in my blood. I am enthralled by Africa and would happily talk about this diverse continent’s wildlife, cultures and experiences all day, every day.

Gemma

Africa Specialist

+1 844 879 7838

Our luxury safaris to Cape Town

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Best hotels in Cape Town

There are so many hotel options in Cape Town, so it depends on what sort of accommodation you are looking for. Whether it’s a small, boutique guesthouse in a quieter residential area, or a larger hotel, central to lively nightlife and bars, Cape Town has it all. There are several different areas we would recommend, and your travel specialist can certainly advise which is best for you.

The beachfront area around Camps Bay offers hotels within walking distance of the beach, and popular cafes and bars. The waterfront is also a great central spot to be based, so it’s no wonder hotels like the Victoria & Alfred, and the One and Only are very popular. The ‘watershed’ is definitely worth a visit if you are staying at the waterfront. This is a beautifully inviting space that homes and promotes local South African businesses. Whether it’s locally-made ceramics, fashion, textiles, food, or wine, the Watershed is a wonderful concept that attracts many tourists.

 
Boulders Beach_when to go

When to visit Cape Town

Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere, so has opposite seasons to the northern hemisphere. This means summer, and therefore the hottest months are December, January, and February. This is a very popular time to visit Cape Town, particularly for those in the UK and US, to avoid the local winter months. Like many other destinations, the festive period over December can be very busy so if you are looking to travel during this time, please book well in advance. The ‘shoulder season’ months of March to May, and September to November are great times to visit Cape Town, as they still offer warm temperatures but have fewer crowds. Cape Town is also known for having ‘four seasons in one day’. Table Mountain’s weather conditions change frequently and dramatically, so while the mornings may look clear and sunny, cloud coverage can appear quickly, making it difficult and dangerous to hike if you do not know the mountain well. With this in mind, we always recommend private hikes, as staying prepared for all weather conditions during your time in Cape Town.

 
Gemma NEW Q&A
From

Gemma our African Specialist

How long should I spend in Cape Town?

No matter what your interests are, there is so much to do in Cape Town. I’d recommend a minimum of three nights in Cape Town but there is more than enough to do to easily fill 4-6 nights in the city. If you are interested in walking and keeping fit, there is a wealth of hikes to do – either shorter two-hour hikes or full-day trails. If you are into your food and wine, there are lots of award-winning restaurants that we’d recommend to book and eat at. If you are not spending time in the Cape Winelands, we can organize a day trip to either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. This is a private day tour and you’ll have the chance to visit beautiful vineyards and sample their finest wines.

Which are the best restaurants in Cape Town?

Cape Town, and South Africa in general, is a very attractive place for those into their food and wine. From Cape Malay to fresh seafood, the city’s food scene is a fusion of mouth-watering restaurants and cafes, so knowing the best places to eat is important. We have a recommended restaurant list that we regularly update, which we send our clients when they book their Cape Town trip. We can also help with restaurant reservations and wine tasting if this is of interest.

Can I combine Cape Town with a luxury South Africa safari?

Yes, absolutely, and this is a very popular trip to do. South Africa has several safari destinations like the Eastern Cape reserves, the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Madikwe to name a few. A combination of Cape Town and a safari usually involves a domestic flight, which we can help arrange. There are flights directly into the Kruger from Cape Town which is a great way to make full use of your time in South Africa. We have some examples of combined trips like these, but all of our trips can be curated to suit your interests, requirements, and budget.

 
 

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