Cape Town is the sweetheart of South African destinations and a place that demands a lingering look at her cosmopolitan mix of local culture, diverse offerings, magnificent beaches, and the beautiful Winelands. Iconically marked by Table Mountain, as well as Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 19 years of his incarceration.
- Go up Table Mountain as soon as you can for an orientation of the city. The cable car is weather dependent so take it the first chance you get. If you’d rather want to do something more adventurous, there are numerous marked hiking trails to suit your level of fitness.
- Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve or Cape of Good Hope as it is fondly known. The best way is by driving along the False Bay coastline through St. James, Kalk Bay, and the naval base of Simonstown. Stop at Boulders Beach in Cape Point to visit the African Penguins.
- No visit to the Cape would be complete without a slow-paced exploration of the Winelands; with the towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch holding court with their fine wine, food, and architecture. Grand award-winning Wine Estates with rich histories, perfectly manicured vines, and opulent interiors fit comfortably beside smaller boutique family-run farms. All offer their own interpretation of the grape, many with restaurants, some with olives and cheese making added to their offerings. You will be spoilt for choice when deciding on where to do a tasting, and the truth is you’re unlikely to go wrong wherever you arrive. While exploring the Winelands, don’t overlook Paarl and Wellington, lesser-known regions with an affinity for fine brandy and craft spirits such as gin and vodka, as well as ruby reds. The whole area enfolded by the most impressive mountain range.
- Enjoy internationally renowned restaurants, craft beer, and the abundant fruits of the vine. Markets such as the Biscuit Mill, Hout Bay Market, Oranjezicht City Farm Market, and ROOT44 will feed the appetite for local produce.
- Get to the Sea Point promenade, which offers the idyllic balance between urban high risers and shoreline. There’s space to walk, run, cycle, do yoga on the lawn, public art, and inspired benches to pause on as well as a guaranteed place to chat with locals.
- The Company Gardens also offers a reprieve to nature within the heart of the city. There is even free wifi if you feel the need to connect with the world.
- Take to the beaches to simply soak up the sun with the beautiful people at Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno, with Muizenberg and surfers corner the best place to get on a board.
This is an amazing 4K drone video, created by Luke Maximo Bell, showing off how wonderful Cape Town really is. No wonder Cape Town is rated the most beautiful city on earth.
