Destinations
Cape Town in South Africa
Cape Town, or “The Mother City” as it is affectionately referred to, is the largest city in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and has consistently been voted one the best cities in the world.
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Everything you need to know about Cape Town in South Africa
Cape Town, or “The Mother City” as it is affectionately referred to, is the largest city in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and has consistently been voted one the best cities in the world. With the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop, vineyards in the vistas, rugged coastlines and sheltered bays surrounding the city, it is a city where cultures, cuisines and magnificent landscapes come together to create a truly unforgettable all-round experience.
Where is Cape Town located?
Cape Town is a city and seaport, and the capital of the Western Cape Province. Located on a peninsula that lies southwest of South Africa’s coastline, the city rests at the base of the formidable Table Mountain.
When to visit Cape Town in South Africa
Peak season in Cape Town is during the summer between December and March, where visitors can expect hot, dry weather and long days, with the sun only setting at around 8 – 9pm. Though it can get windy, it seldom rains during this time.
June to August is winter, with cold and often rainy weather. It is a great time to come if you want to avoid crowds and experience Cape Town’s food and wine scene.
From September to November, spring brings warmer, sunny days, spectacular seasonal wildflowers along the West Coast, and extraordinary whale watching.
Top experiences to enjoy in Cape Town in South Africa
Table Mountain
As the iconic backdrop of Cape Town, no trip is complete without reaching the summit of the mighty Table Mountain. Nothing encompasses the Mother City more than the view from the top, overlooking both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans as well as the city and surrounding region. There really is nothing better than sitting at the top of the world with a bird’s eye view of one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.
Boulders Beach
Located in South Africa’s quaint naval base town of Simonstown, Boulder’s Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and derives its name from the inlets of giant granite boulders sheltering the landscape. Boulder’s Beach is home to a famous colony of African penguins, and requires a conservation fee upon entering, making it one of Cape Town’s less frequented beaches and great for a summer swim in the clear False Bay waters.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Named the ‘Cape of Storms’ 1488, the ‘Point’ was treated with respect by sailors for centuries. By day, it was a navigational landmark and by night, in the fog, it was a menace beset by violent storms and dangerous rocks that littered shipwrecks around the coastline. The famous Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, forming part of the Cape Floral Region which is a World Heritage Site. It includes the majestic Table Mountain chain, which stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point, and the coastlines of the Cape Peninsula. This narrow stretch of land, dotted with beautiful valleys, bays and beaches, contains a mix of extraordinarily diverse and unique fauna and flora.
Robben Island
During the apartheid years in South Africa, Robben Island was used as a base to isolate freedom fighters and those opposed to the apartheid regime. The island’s most famous resident was Nelson Mandela, who spent most of his 27 year prison sentence there. Robben Island is now an important museum, as well as a conservation reserve – home to the world’s second largest colony of breeding pairs of vulnerable African penguins. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 and today has become one of Cape Town’s top attractions.
V&A Waterfront
Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront offers visitors an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Indoor shopping and entertainment venues seamlessly merge with ocean vistas and mountain views and the fresh sea breeze and warm African sun add zest to a cosmopolitan, vibrant atmosphere. More than 80 restaurants bring a fusion of international food, from rustic al fresco fish and chips to the ultimate in fine dining cuisine.
Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful garden in Africa and one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Located against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of indigenous plants, being the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos. The garden includes a large conservatory (The Botanical Society Conservatory) exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus is on plants native to the Cape region, such as our national flower, the Protea.
Cape Winelands
Situated towards the northeast of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are a haven of rich history, elegant heritage, and some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. Nestled within lush, fertile valleys, rolling hills of vineyards and rugged mountain ranges, this famed region plays host to some of the finest wines and cuisine on Earth. Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Tulbagh form the backbone of the Winelands, with famous wine routes showcasing hundreds of wine producers, and grape cultivation that dates back to the 1600s – making it one of the largest, and oldest winemaking regions in the world.
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