Cape Town is the legislative capital (one of three capitals) of South Africa. It is the second most populous area of South Africa and the 10th most populous city in all of Africa. In 2014 The New York Times named it the best place in the world to visit, and we’re going to give you 9 reasons why we just crossed it off our bucket list and you should too.
1. Stop and shop at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and even a giant ferris wheel! We walked about 3 miles from our hotel to the waterfront and it was well worth it to be on foot.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Breakwater Blvd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
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2. Get a private tour
There are essentially 3 types of city tours available: bus, group, and private. Our private tour guide was amazing, and we wouldn’t have seen half of what we saw without his help. The tour started around 8am and was supposed to end around 4pm, but our guide kept us in the city an extra 2 hours to see the sunset.
Ilios Travel | Website
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3. Drive through Cape Point National Reserve
Many people believe Cape Point to be the most southerly tip of Africa, but it is actually the south-westerly tip. Either way, driving through the park is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll pass two navigational beacons erected by the Portuguese–Dias Cross and Gama Cross–to commemorate Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias as the first explorers to reach the Cape. Most famously though, are the Chacma Baboons that aren’t afraid to come right up and say hi.
Cape Point National Reserve | Cape Point Rd, Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
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4. Hike to the Cape Point Lighthouse
A quick 20 minute hike to the old lighthouse will give you a gorgeous view of the Cape of Good Hope, which also happens to be the infamous crash site of the Lusitania.
Cape Point National Reserve | Cape Point Rd, Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
Read More > Best Short Walks and Hikes Around Cape Point
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5. Eat an early dinner at Kalk Bay
There are several restaurant’s right on the water of Kalk Bay, we chose to eat at at the Harbour House. The food is great, and if you get there early you can get a table with a gorgeous view of the coast. Plus, it’s a great place to stop on your way back from a morning trip to Cape Point.
Harbour House | Main Road, Silver Mine (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
Read More > 20 Best Kalk Bay Restaurants
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6. Visit the African Penguins at Bolder Beach
The African Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. They can be found in various beaches along the coast, but mainly at Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town. Years ago you were able to walk amongst the penguins, until a tourist decided he would try and steal an egg. Now you have to stay on the boardwalk, but it’s still worth the trip.
Boulder Beach | 1 Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
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7. Take a boat trip to Seal Island
Technically it’s called Duiker Island, but you’ll find out quickly why everyone refers to it as seal island. Take the first boat in the morning, before the crowds and Keep your eyes peeled on the way out because many of the seals have their own little spot in Hout Bay Harbor.
Seal Island | False Bay, South Africa | Website | Map
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8. Drive up to Signal Hill
Bring a sandwich and have a picnic at the top of Signal Hill where signal flags were once used to communicate weather warnings to the harbor. Once you’re done with your sandwich, you can walk a few minutes down the road to see a spectacular view of Cape Town and Cape Town Stadium that was built solely for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Signal Hill | Cape Town Central, South Africa | Website | Map
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9. Hike Table Mountain
The locals will tell you that if it’s clear out head to Table Mountain right away. Clouds will move in and out of Table Mountain obscuring the best view in all of Cape Town. There are hiking trails on top of the mountain, as well as some longer trails up to the mountain if you don’t want to take the aerial cable car.
Table Mountain | Plateau Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Website | Map
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Guest Author
Name: Wesley Banks
Website: http://wesleybanksauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wbauthor
Wesley Banks is the author of Hope In Every Raindrop, and blogs at WesleyBanksAuthor.com when he’s not out exploring the world with his wife and two dogs.
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Cape Town has been my favourite city by far! I have to add another bucket list must: FRESH OYSTERS! Even if you dislike them, or have avoided trying them in the past, this is something that cannot be passed up while in Cape Town. :)
(I also think self-driving is a must, too. What an adventure!)
That is good to know! I typically don’t eat oysters, but I will make an exception while in Cape Town!