Cape Town

South Africa

Africa

Destinations

There are dozens of terrific destinations in Cape Town, South Africa that every visitor must see. The bustling, seaside city is the Legislative Capital of the African country. Also known as South Africa's "mother city," it has a modified Mediterranean climate that's perfect for vacation getaways.

There are dozens of terrific destinations in Cape Town, South Africa that every visitor must see. The bustling, seaside city is the Legislative Capital of the African country. Also known as South Africa's "mother city," it has a modified Mediterranean climate that's perfect for vacation getaways. The weather stays between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

The coastal location offers travelers a variety of things to do such as visiting the city's botanical gardens, strolling along the boardwalk, and lots of opportunities to take a break on the beach.
<h2>1. Head to Boulders Beach</h2>
One of the more popular oceanside locations to take a dip is Boulders Beach. Not only is it a peaceful area with secluded, private covers, a colony of African penguins also enjoy the warm waters of False Bay. If you don't mind sharing the beach with these well-dressed birds, then this is a great stop to make while visiting Cape Town. You may even get a selfie with one before the day's over.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016147" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_497568757.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="564" />


<h2>2. Stroll Through the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront</h2>
Cape Town is more than mountaintops, penguins, and beaches. For a casual day, take a stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The expansive place is divided into five shopping districts.
<ul>
 	<li>Victoria Wharf</li>
 	<li>The Watershed</li>
 	<li>The Alfred Mall and Pierhead</li>
 	<li>The Clock Tower</li>
 	<li>Breakwater Point</li>
</ul>
You'll also notice it's a working harbor area with incoming container ships and fishing boats.

The draw of the destination is the more than 450 unique shops, several eateries, and plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Enjoy more penguins, a kelp forest exhibit, and a predator exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium or take a spin on the Cape Wheel before heading home.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016149" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_1185827590.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens</h2>
With 7,000 species spread throughout 89 acres on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are a must-see stop on any trip to the South African city. Explore the natural beauty yourself or sign up for a 90-minute guided tour. The gardens also feature several shared bike trails.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1016150" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_663751795-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>4. Go Shopping at Greenmarket Square</h2>
Not far from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a different place to shop. Greenmarket Square is a cobblestone marketplace that was the slave market in Cape Town. In modern times, it's a festive location where local vendors come to sell different types of handcrafted merchandise. Musicians, dancers, and other African entertainers perform freely throughout the area.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1016151" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_1158771541-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>5. Escape to the Cape of Good Hope</h2>
The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky formation with a semi-flat surface that protrudes over the ocean below. The picturesque location has a fantastic view of the ocean and is an excellent location for viewing local wildlife. Here you can also look down at the colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach. Anyone who visits during their breeding season that runs between February and August may get a chance to take a peek at fluffy, baby penguins waddling around. Other animals you may get to see include antelope, baboons, and the occasional Cape mountain zebra.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1016154" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_412851088-1-1024x730.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="730" />


<h2>6. Cruise to See the Seals on Duiker Island</h2>
Visitors looking to see more of seaside wildlife may want to catch one of the several boat rides that pass Duiker Island. The small plot of land off Hout Bay is also referred to as "Seal Island" because it's home to more than 6,000 sunbathing Cape Fur Seals from January to March.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016160" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_521618125-1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Head to the Top of Table Mountain</h2>
On the other side of Cape Town, away from the ocean is another mountain top destination. Table Mountain offers a fantastic view of the whole city to the sea. Don't worry if you're not up to climbing to the top. The Table Mountain Arial Cableway transports visitors up and down the mountain giving them unobstructed, 360-degree views of the entire area.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016165" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_218004820.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="576" />


<h2>8. Spend the Day in the Cape Winelands</h2>
Great wine grapes aren't limited to France and California. Some of the world's finest wines come right from outside of Cape Town. The region is home to hundreds of wine and grape producers that are divided into "wine routes." The oldest and most popular is the Stellenbosch Wine Route with 148 wine grape farms.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016177" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_722230582.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="522" />


<h2>9. Tour the Castle of Good Hope</h2>
The Castle of Good Hope is also one of the oldest structures still standing in South Africa. Built in the late 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, visitors can schedule a guided walking tour of the castle and grounds or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. If you go during the week, you can watch the daily Key Ceremony that includes the firing of the fortress's cannon. The property is also home to three museums.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016178" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_1068510773-1.jpg" alt="" width="1799" height="1200" />


<h2>10. Take a Boat Cruise of the St. Lucia Estuary</h2>
Away from the ocean is another body of water with more wildlife to view. Sign up for a two-hour double-decker boat cruise through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Guests are likely to see hippos, crocodiles, and dozen of bird species including African broadbills, eagles, and vultures. The boat also has a full bar, coffee, and snacks on board.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1016181" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/03/shutterstock_1214810668-2.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />

The Best Places to Visit in Cape Town

South Africa is a vast country, with more than 470,000 square miles of land that encompasses deserts, mountains, and 1,700 miles of beautiful coastline. It's home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous game parks, and culturally diverse cities.

South Africa is a vast country, with more than 470,000 square miles of land that encompasses deserts, mountains, and 1,700 miles of beautiful coastline. It's home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous game parks, and culturally diverse cities. Seeing all the country offers could take years, but most people don't have unlimited vacation time. If you only have one week, it's important to make the best use of your time. Adding too much to your trip could see you spending most of your time traveling. Slowing down a little and planning a smart itinerary allows you to truly experience each place you visit.
<h2>1. Johannesburg</h2>
Most international flights arrive in Johannesburg. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to explore South Africa's largest city. If you want to stretch your legs after a long haul flight, Melville Koppies is 150 hectares of hiking trails and rocky outcroppings found right in the center of the city. For those visitors wanting to jump straight into the culture, Wits Art Museum has a large collection by African artists. At the end of the day, watch the sunset over Johannesburg from Carlton Tower's viewing platform.

[caption id="attachment_33825" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/900786810.jpg" alt="Arrive in Johannesburg" width="1200" height="800" /> THEGIFT777 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Day 1 - Soweto</h2>
If you're interested in the history of South Africa, Soweto is an essential stop. Start at Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners have lived—Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A guided tour can take you through Soweto and ensure you see other sites of importance in South Africa's past. If you want a break from history, visit the FNB Stadium, the largest stadium in the country, or go bungee jumping high above the city.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34193" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_241030405.jpg" alt="Orlando towers are a famous landmark of Soweto, the township of Johannesburg." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Day 2-4 - Kruger National Park</h2>
It would be a shame to visit South Africa and not see the animals, so a trip to Kruger National Park is essential. The park takes around three days to see properly, including driving time to and from Johannesburg. The Kruger is the country's largest game reserve and is one of the best places to see all the animals on your African bucket list, including lions, giraffes, and leopards. Self-drive safaris are possible if you're independently minded, however, guides are experienced at spotting the animals and tours often include transport from Johannesburg.

[caption id="attachment_33827" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/91171406.jpg" alt="Stop for rhinos at Kruger" width="1200" height="800" /> DavidCallan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Day 5 - Table Mountain</h2>
To make the most of your time, fly across to Cape Town late on day four or early on day five. Once you arrive, you won't be able to miss Table Mountain, which stands tall above the city. Cable cars are the quickest way to reach the top, as hiking up the mountain takes two hours or more, depending on your fitness level and the route you take. Once at the top, enjoy a high tea or explore the geography and plant life.

[caption id="attachment_33828" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/157683055.jpg" alt="See the view " width="1200" height="900" /> holgs / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Day 5 - Kirstenbosch Gardens</h2>
Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden is located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain and is considered one of the great botanic gardens of the world. There are 36 hectares of cultivated gardens to explore and almost 500 hectares of protected forest that supports indigenous animals. Make sure to see the conservatory, which houses plants from South Africa's arid regions. If you're visiting in summer, you may want to time your visit to coincide with a sunset concert.

[caption id="attachment_33829" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/134955591.jpg" alt="See the proteas" width="1200" height="800" /> RapidEye / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Day 5 - Robben Island</h2>
Another option for a Cape Town afternoon is a visit to Robben Island. The island is located in the middle of Table Bay, around 30 minutes by ferry from Cape Town. Tours of the island depart from Nelson Mandela Gateway and take visitors through the prison where Mandela spent 18 years of his life. Tour guides are former political prisoners, so you can get a unique insight into this piece of history. You may also catch sight of the penguins who make their home on the island.

[caption id="attachment_33830" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/186992127.jpg" alt="Tour the former prison" width="1200" height="797" /> BassanK / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Day 6 - Winelands</h2>
Cape Town's Winelands region is located east of the city. It's not as famous as other wine regions, which means it's not overcrowded. Driving through the Winelands allows you to stop and taste as you wish, although a tour means you don't need a designated driver. Either way, the scenery is stunning. The region also has art, architecture, and antiques to explore. Many wine farms have first-class food, so plan to stop somewhere for lunch.

[caption id="attachment_33831" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/124613472.jpg" alt="Go wine tasting" width="1200" height="686" /> jaap-willem / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Day 7 - Cape Peninsula</h2>
A drive around the Cape Peninsula is the perfect way to end your visit if you have time before you fly out. At the very end of the peninsula is Cape Point, the south-western tip of the continent, which has spectacular views in all directions. If you'd prefer to see the wildlife, Boulder's Beach Penguin Colony is home to thousands of African penguins ready for you to capture on film.

[caption id="attachment_33832" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/90882188.jpg" alt="See African penguins" width="1200" height="800" /> DavidCallan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Other South Africa Options</h2>
If you have a couple of extra days or aren't interested in something on the itinerary, you may be interested in other things to do in South Africa. The Cradle of Humankind is a great option for people who extend their stay in Johannesburg. This World Heritage Site allows you to see fossils of the earliest humans and is only 45 minutes outside the city. If you have a spare day in Cape Town, consider a trip to Hermanus, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world.

[caption id="attachment_33833" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/460422549.jpg" alt="See the whales" width="1200" height="800" /> aaprophoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Eat Iconic Food</h2>
While you're traveling around South Africa, make sure you grab some iconic South African food. Braai, or shisa nyama, is the quintessential way of eating in South Africa. Food is cooked over coals and friends gather around an open fire to eat. There are excellent restaurants in Johannesburg and Cape Town to experience this delicacy. Other foods to add to your must-try list include bobotie, biltong, and Cape Malay curry. For dessert, you should try some milk tart.

[caption id="attachment_33834" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1132495620.jpg" alt="Enjoy braai" width="1200" height="800" /> Matthew de Lange / Getty Images[/caption]

The Best Itinerary for a Week in South Africa

Known as one of Africa’s best safari destinations, South Africa is the place to go for a real adventure. This year, skip the usual travel destinations, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

Known as one of Africa’s best safari destinations, South Africa is <strong><i>the</i></strong> place to go for a real adventure. Although lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos are reason enough to visit, South Africa has more to offer than an impressive variety of wildlife. With two oceans, breathtaking mountains, and vibrant, culturally diverse cities, there’s a never-ending and forever evolving list of things to do in South Africa. This year, skip the usual travel destinations, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
<h2>1. Cape Town</h2>
The port city of Cape Town is a metropolis full of vibrant art, diverse neighborhoods, and historically important institutions. Cape Town is a real mecca for adventure seekers, and you can easily spend your entire trip exploring the city. Learn about the apartheid and South Africa’s difficult past by visiting the eye-opening District Six Museum, or take a day trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years incarcerated. Other must-see parts of Cape Town include the Malay neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, the colorful streets of Woodstock, and, of course, the many pristine beaches. While you’re in the area, head to the nearby Cape Winelands and sample some of its world-famous wine and cuisine.

[caption id="attachment_25955" align="alignnone" width="2120"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25955" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-620737858.jpg" alt="Cape Town and the 12 Apostels from above in South Africa" width="2120" height="1414" /> Ben1183 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Table Mountain</h2>
Table Mountain watches over Cape Town like an ancient guardian, and no matter where you are in the city, the mountain’s impossible to miss. While you’re visiting Cape Town, spend a few days exploring the iconic mountain and the surrounding national park. You can choose to take a guided hike or hop in the aerial cableway and head straight to the top. There’s also a hop-on-hop-off option if you want to explore some parts of the mountains but want to skip the hours of walking. Apart from the stunning views, the mountain is home to thousands of species of native plants and flowers.

[caption id="attachment_25956" align="alignnone" width="2311"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25956" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-684452228.jpg" alt="View of the cable car going up Table Mountain with a dramatic landscape of Cape Town. " width="2311" height="1297" /> bradleyhebdon / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Johannesburg</h2>
South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, used to have a bad reputation for being a dangerous place to visit. Today, the city is a vibrant tourist destination, but the gritty reality of poverty and the city’s difficult past can still be seen. One unmissable place to visit while in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum. Taking a walking tour of Johannesburg is one of the best ways to see as much of the city as possible. One neighborhood that you should spend an entire day exploring is Soweto, the largest township in the city. Home to over 1.3 million people, many of whom live in serious poverty, the township was at the front line in the fight against the apartheid.

[caption id="attachment_25957" align="alignnone" width="3890"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25957" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-1146233628.jpg" alt="Overview of Soweto (South Western Townships), Johannesburg, South Africa." width="3890" height="1537" /> atosan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Madikwe Game Reserve</h2>
Located near the Botswana border, the Madikwe Game Reserve is the 4th largest wildlife reserve in South Africa. A combination of grasslands, forests, and rocky terrain make it the perfect place to spot a huge variety of wildlife. You can see elephants, leopards, and rhinos plus hundreds of different species of birds, including ostriches and kori bustards. Stay a few nights in one of the reserve’s high-end lodges and spend your days taking guided tours of the area. You can choose to take a driving tour in an open-sided car or go for a walking tour with an armed ranger. It might seem a little intimidating at first, but you can’t miss the chance to see these animals in person.

[caption id="attachment_25958" align="alignnone" width="2231"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25958" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-600083698.jpg" alt="Herd of elephants in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa" width="2231" height="1344" /> brytta / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. St. Lucia</h2>
The coastal town of St. Lucia is an often overlooked tourist destination, but there are plenty of adventures awaiting in the rural town and its surrounding area. St. Lucia is the place to go to explore the. If you’re only in St. Lucia for the day, head straight to the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park and sign up to kayak with hippos and crocodiles. This one-of-a-kind activity will get you up close and personal with some of the most dangerous animals on the planet. If you want something a little less adventurous, take a river cruise and snap pictures of the animals from the safety of your boat.

[caption id="attachment_25959" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25959" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-1058132828.jpg" alt="Very angry male with open mouth of Cape hippopotamus or South African hippopotamus in St Lucia Estuary, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa." width="2121" height="1414" /> bennymarty / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Bungee Jumps and Rope Swings</h2>
Have we mentioned that South Africa is an adventure seeker’s paradise? If coming face to face with deadly animals and climbing impossibly high mountains wasn’t enough for you, then it’s time to check out some higher pursuits. The 709-foot high Bloukrans Bridge is the perfect place for thrill-seekers to come and test their grit. The bridge acts mainly as a platform to bungee-jump off of. Take the elevator to the top, enjoy the beautiful view, and then throw yourself off for an adrenaline-filled experience. After you do a jump or two, head to Durban for a ride on the world’s tallest rope swing. A rope swing might not sound like much of a challenge after a bungee jump, but this swing hangs 288 feet high above the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

[caption id="attachment_25960" align="alignnone" width="2059"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25960" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-821154508.jpg" alt="216 meters high Bloukrans River Bridge at the Eastern Cape of South Africa " width="2059" height="1456" /> Five-Birds Photography / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Kruger National Park</h2>
While you’re in South Africa, a trip to Kruger National Park is a must. A trip to the park will allow you to see a huge variety of species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and zebras. Apart from the animals, the landscape itself is equally stunning and diverse and ranges from granite hills to mountains to savannah grassland. Spend a few days in the area and hire a local guide to explore this breathtaking national park.

[caption id="attachment_25961" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25961" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-847030308.jpg" alt="Mountain Zebra succulent karoo Augrabies plants sunset safari nature wildlife " width="2121" height="1414" /> jacobeukman / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve</h2>
Set amongst dramatic scenery, the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is worth the drive from Johannesburg. Huge rock formations set the scene for the 100 square mile park, and the forested region is home to a number of native flora and fauna. Explore this nature reserve by foot and walk along the canyon’s edge. Make sure your phone’s charged for this trip and get ready to take about a million pictures.

[caption id="attachment_25962" align="alignnone" width="2124"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25962" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-164144300.jpg" alt="Mpumalanga, Blyde River Canyon" width="2124" height="1411" /> <br />demerzel21 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Three Rondavels View Point</h2>
While you’re exploring Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, make a quick trip to Three Rondavels View Point. It's named after the three rock formations that look similar to traditional African dwellings known as rondavels. Climb to the viewpoint to enjoy one of the best views in South Africa. Although it might not seem as exciting as other South African experiences, this totally Instagrammable destination is well worth the hike!

[caption id="attachment_25963" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25963" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-697671458.jpg" alt="The Three Rondavels view from Blyde River Canyon, South Africa. " width="2121" height="1414" /> elleon / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park</h2>
Before you leave South Africa, make sure you visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest nature reserve in Africa. The park is home to the largest population of the endangered black and white rhinos, as well as a huge variety of other native animals and plants. Book a full day safari tour or choose a bush and boat combo that allows you to spend the morning on a safari tour and the afternoon observing hippos in the iSimangliso Wetland Park.

[caption id="attachment_25964" align="alignnone" width="3107"]<img class="size-full wp-image-25964" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/GettyImages-153572305.jpg" alt="Rhinoceros in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, South Africa" width="3107" height="2071" /> <br />Palenque / Getty Images[/caption]

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