Get away! Cape Town
Near the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Town enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any seaside city
Shop by the harbour 1
Focal point for visitors and locals alike is the V&A Waterfront, named after Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, who launched the construction of the new harbour in the then-british colony back in 1860. Today, it’s a vibrant collection of restaurants, boutiques and shopping malls.
Rise above 2
The highlight of any visit is a trip up Table Mountain, which offers stunning views not just over the city, but along the coast of the Cape Peninsula too. But don’t delay. If the weather is clear and calm, head straight there. You can hike up the steep slope, but most people opt for the five-minute ascent by funicular and if the wind gets up, the service stops. Feeling adventurous? Try abseiling down the side!
Take the tour 3
Cape Town’s tourist areas are perfectly safe to walk around. Just be street aware as you would in any large city. Make the most of the hop-on, hop-off service offered by City Sightseeing tour buses. There are various ticket options but take the red route for the Table Mountain funicular and the blue to go behind the mountain via the National Botanical Garden at Kirstenbosch and the Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Both return along the coast road through the holiday resort of Camps Bay.
Get out of town 4
Self-drive or take a guided tour of Cape Peninsula with its rugged mountain chain that stretches from Table Mountain to Cape Point and Africa’s most south-westerly headland, the Cape of Good Hope. The surrounding area is a National Park with resident zebra, baboon and antelope.
Head to wine country 5
With their Cape Dutch manor houses, rich green landscape and mountain backdrop, the Cape Winelands are an idyllic spot for a day trip or overnight stay. Many of the beautiful wine estates offer tastings, restaurants and accommodation. If you’re on a self-drive holiday, think about hiring a taxi for a tasting day or taking the wine tram so the driver doesn’t miss out.
Go on a mini safari 6
It’s a three-day drive from Cape Town to South Africa’s largest and best-known game reserve, the Kruger, but you can still get an authentic taste of the wild on a day trip or overnight stay at Aquila Private Game Reserve (aquilasafari.com), which is just two hours east of Cape Town and has optional pick-up from city hotels.