The Ultimate Travel Guide
A modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Centered around Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, and known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, award-winning food and wine, and verity of experiences. Watch the below video for The ULTIMATE Cape Town, South Africa Travel Guide:
Signal Hill
Getting to the top of Signal Hill is a quick drive, but the route that takes you to the top shows off some of the city’s most breathtaking views. As you ascend, the cityscape unfolds, revealing iconic landmarks against the backdrop of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Every stop along the route offers a selfie opportunity.
Table Mountain
Easily the city’s most recognizable landmark, Table Mountain towers earned its name from its unique, flat-topped shape, and this mountain is the most popular attraction found within Table Mountain National Park. Plateau at the top of Table Mountain, not a specific peak, offering stunning 360-degree views of Cape Town and the surrounding area.
There are numerous ways to experience Table Mountain. Travelers can hike to the summit along one of the mountains numerous trails, or using the Table Mountain Cableway instead. These suspended cable cars rotate 360 degrees, offering passengers spectacular views of the city and the ocean. Once on the relatively flat ‘tabletop’ there are well maintained footpaths to explore, plenty of viewing platforms, a restaurant and bar, and a scattering of conveniently flat rocks that are perfect for picnics. Watching the sunset from the top of Table Mountain is a must-see experience, you get to take in all of Cape Town in the golden and pink light. Reward yourself with the magnificent views of the beautiful city below as you watch the sun slip below the horizon. After watching the sunset on your way down on the cable cars will give you stunning 360-degree night light views of Cape Town and the surrounding area.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Along the way there are numerous stops to take in the spectacular views of the Atlantic Coast, and the surrounding mountains. Driving along Chapman’s Peak is one of the very best things to do in Cape Town.
The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range
The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range forms the back of Table Mountain, where you’ll find one of the most scenic stretches of coast in the world. Victoria Road runs along the entire length of the series of mountains, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the one side, and the magnificent crags, ridges, ravines, and gorges of the Twelve Apostles on the other.
The Cape Floral Kingdom
To reach the Cape of Good Hope from Cape Town, we will be driving through the Cape Floral Kingdom via the scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula, as the Cape of Good Hope is located within the geographical area considered part of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The Cape Floral Kingdom, located at the southernmost tip of South Africa, is the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, has greater plant diversity than some of the richest parts of tropical Amazonia and is completely contained in one country. It has eight protected areas, including Table Mountain National Park. It’s also one of only two hotspots that encompass an entire floral kingdom. Driving through this flower kingdom was amazing. You probably noticed that there are not many flowers seen in this video, that because we visited off season. The best time to see flowers in the Cape Floral Kingdom is from late winter through spring, from July to October.
The Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope the most south-western point of the African Continent. It is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula. A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern tip of Africa, based on the misbelief that the Cape was the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In fact, the southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas about 150 kilometres (90 mi) to the east-southeast. The currents of the two oceans meet at the point where the warm-water Agulhas current meets the cold-water Benguela current and turns back on itself.
Cape Point
Cape Point is more than just a pretty place; it is also home to a unique variety of fauna and flora. From the rare Cape mountain zebra and Bontebok, to the beautiful orange-breasted sunbird and pelagic birds that drift in the air currents just off shore, there is an abundance of wildlife to be found in this special place. There are miles of hiking trails winding their way through the reserve, so hikers and joggers will have plenty to explore. Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply a place to relax and soak up the beauty of nature, Cape Point Nature Reserve is sure to exceed your expectations. Cape Point Nature Reserve is also home to a lighthouse that has been in operation since 1857. The lighthouse is situated on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. One can reach the lighthouse be tram or by foot once you have reached the public area in the reserve.
Lighthouses at Cape Point
The 200-meter-high cliffs at Cape Point in South Africa offer an awesome panoramic view over False Bay – the Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eyes can see. The old lighthouse is situated on the summit of Cape Point. This old lighthouse was built 238 meters above sea level. Summit with Panoramic View and Signposts that shows the distance to several cities all over the world.
The summit of Cape Point is also the starting point of a short hiking trail that leads towards the new lighthouse, which is situated right at the tip of Cape Point. This “Lighthouse Keeper‘s Trail” runs along sharp cliffs and offers breathtaking views of False Bay.
Beyond the City
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town is the famous Winelands region of the Western Cape. Any traveller looking to experience the best of South African wine country must plan to visit the area beyond the city. Visitors can tour the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of the region’s finest wines.
At Cellar Door Wine Tasting, sample their award-winning wines and enjoy chocolate, cheese, and cold cuts pairings with their wine-tasting experiences.
Eikehof Wine Estate, a family owned Winery nestled in the shade of lush green old oak trees. Enjoy the Eikehof wines from under the oak trees overlooking the Mountain. Eikehof wineries have two friendly Ostriches, and meet Joey the friendly Ostrich.
The Winelands region is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal after a day of wine tasting.
The king protea
The king protea .The national flower of South Africa. It has been the national flower since 1976. The king protea is the largest species of protea and has artichoke-like flower heads. It comes in many colors and leaf shapes, with pink being considered the most beautiful. It has a thick underground stem that contains dormant buds that produce new growth after wildfires. It’s a popular centerpiece in wedding bouquets.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek also known as the valley of dreams is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns in South Africa. its known for it’s spectacular beauty, superb Cape wines and world class restaurants, and is known as the country’s food and wine capital. This beautiful village of Franschhoek is a definite must-visit destination on any trip to the Western Cape of South Africa.
Franschhoek has many churches as well. Similar to this Dutch Reformed Church belongs to a Reformed Christian denomination in South Africa.
The Huguenot Monument
The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek with its simplicity and elegance of line, the monument displays a historic French character. The female figure, with the Bible in her right hand and a broken chain in her left hand, personifies the spirit of religious freedom. The French lily on her robe represents a noble spirit and character.
The Company’s Garden
In the heart of Cape Town lies the Company’s Garden, which boasts a large number of beautifully designed historic buildings, including the Houses of Parliament. The Company’s Garden in Cape Town is a historic and lush green space in the heart of the city. It’s the oldest garden in South Africa, It’s home to ancient trees, including the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa, a rose garden, and various other gardens. The garden houses the South African Museum, Cape Town Holocaust Centre, South African National Gallery, and other historical landmarks.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a must-see for any tourists visiting South Africa. The island has a long and fascinating history, and it is now home to a variety of attractions. Visitors can tour the island by boat, see the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, or visit the museum dedicated to his life. There are also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, including penguins, seals, and endemic bird. All tours of Island are conducted by ex-prisoners. From 1846 to 1931, Robben Island housed a leper colony and a mental hospital.
Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison. He was sent to Robben Island where he was imprisoned for 18 years,1964-1982. Mandela was kept with many other, mostly political prisoners in Section B, each in their own cell to avoid conversation.
In the mid-1960s, Robben Island was converted into a maximum-security prison for political prisoners. Nelson Mandela, along with thousands of others, was imprisoned here. In 1997 it was turned into a museum and declared a national monument,
Boulders Beach
Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins.
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the best-known for its stunning scenery, diverse flora and themed gardens.
Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town is home to rich maritime heritage, scenic beaches, and mouthwatering seafood dining. It is located on the shores of Simon’s Bay in False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula.
Just Nuisance Grave
The grave of this very famous dog is at the top of Red Hill in Simon’s Town. An impressive bronze statue of the dog on Jubilee Square. A memorial to the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is an iconic mixed-use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, it sits within the beautiful city of Cape Town, welcoming millions of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world. The V&A is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while immersed in the vibrant spirit and authentic local culture that exists in this bustling ecosystem.
