only one day in cape town!!

Our Local Expert Says:

There are numerous short (or long) walks you can take on Table Mountain from the top of the station. Just remember that the weather can change quickly and that, despite its proximity to the city, the Mountain should be treated with respect- take the same precautions you would in any mountain range.

Description:

The first Table Mountain cableway was opened on 4 October 1929. Since that date over eleven million people have used the service, and it's still extremely popular today. The circulating cableway provides spectacular views, offering a leisurely panorama of the city and surrounds. It's well worth the trip, but not for the nervous or vertigo-sufferers. If you're feeling adventurous, you could take the cable car to the summit and then hike down Table Mountain using one of the 550 established routes. The cableway's hours of operation are seasonal. Please check the website or call before planning your trip.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the most popular route up Table Mountain is Platteklip Gorge, there are numerous trails to enjoy. Of course there are also a number of ways down- hiking, the cable car, or an abseil off the mountain!

Description:

Standing guard over Cape Town, Table Mountain defines the city. For early seafarers, the Mountain signified arrival at this port of call. For the original inhabitants of the area, the Mountain was the source of myth and intrigue. For modern day Cape Tonians, Table Mountain is the heart of daily life. At 1086 meters and home to 1400 species of flora, Table Mountain is a spectacular nature reserve surrounded by a city. With hundreds of routes to ascend, the Mountain can keep an avid hiker and climber busy for years.

Description:

Constantia Uitsig, known until 1940 as Constantia View, was the home of the Lategan family for five generations. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa in 1735. Constantia Uitsig had been a portion of Simon van der Stel's original grant of Groot Constantia. In 1894 Willem Lategan married Antoinette Bredell of Schoemanshoek, and with her inheritance he built the present homestead of Constantia Uitsig. In 1988 the farm was purchased by David and Marlene McCay. Together they have restored the farm to its former glory, and Constantia Uitsig now boasts award winning wines, three world-renowned restaurants, a private cricket oval, spa and a 16-roomed luxury hotel. In 2006 fifty percent of the wine estate was bought by a consortium. Just 20 minutes from the heart of the city, Constantia Uitsig is truly Cape Town's own vineyard. The breathtaking rural beauty of a valley, where vineyard rows stretch up the mountainside, is just one of many compelling reasons to visit.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kalk Bay is one of those places that you stop over at for a quick bite, then discover a great café, the interesting shop next to it, the fishermen selling fresh fish at the harbour, the cute ice cream shop and before you know it its time decide which of the restaurants with views you should do dinner at. Perfect for any leisurely vacation types.

Description:

Quaint little towns along the False Bay coast, Kalk Bay and St James surround an operating fishing harbour that lends the antique and coffee shops a tranquil view. In spring, Southern Right whales abound, often brushing against the harbour walls. Kalk Bay makes a great stop for lunch on a tour of the Cape Peninsula or a nice leisurely walking day.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hands down the best fish and chips in the entire peninsula. Far more than your basic fried hake and chips- expect large servings, a variety of seafood, and good ol' harbor atmosphere.

Description:

Across from the fancy restaurants in the Kalk Bay Harbour, this fish and chips shop has a menu larger than many restaurants and serves only the freshest of seafood. Huge portion sizes are served to locals who value good seafood at great prices to cutlery and tablecloths. Indoor and outdoor seating right in the harbour.

Our Local Expert Says:

Its hard to resist miniature animals, especially knee high penguins that waddle around and make funny noises. The penguins at Boulders Beach are sure to amuse visitors and locals of all ages.

Description:

Standing at just below a foot tall, the diminutive African penguins waddling onto shore, jumping into the sea or just sunbathing are quite a sight to see. Along the southern Cape Peninsula, just past Simonstown, there are several turnoffs for the Boulders Beach area. The second turnoff has the fewest tour buses and leads to a walkway above penguin nesting areas, to a beach where one can swim with penguins, or to another more secluded beach with fewer penguins but nice sheltered swimming areas and boulders.

Description:

The southern tip of the Cape Peninsula is allocated to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The most famous feature within the reserve is the actual point itself along with the lighthouses that mark its location for sailors. However, at 78 square kilometers and stretching along 40 kilometers of coastline, the rest of the Cape Point Nature Reserve definitely deserves more thorough exploration by visitors. In addition to unique flora, the Reserve is home to numerous species of antelope, ostriches, tortoises, and baboons.

Description:

The charming character of this small village of white cottages set amongst large oak trees makes it an ideal venue for a relaxing afternoon. Soak up the sun while enjoying a leisurely lunch at the Enchanting Wood restaurant, housed in the historical Welteverden Cottage, or have a drink at the fully licensed Nag's Head Stable pub.

The farm stall also serves light meals and has a delicious range of fresh farm produce and organically grown vegetables for sale. There is a gallery displaying the work of many local artists, a jeweller and a range of quality craft shops selling African handicrafts, wooden furniture, beautiful handmade glassware and ethnic clothing. The garden has a play area for children.

Description:

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, Cape Town's Chapmans Peak Drive is a spectacular 10 km coastal drive linking Noordhoek to Hout Bay. In spring (Sept-November) Southern Right Whales can be spotted in Hout Bay. Year round there are stunning views from numerous viewpoints and picnic spots. A trail to Chapman's Peak itself starts just before the highest viewpoint on Chapman's Peak Drive. If the road is closed or if one only wants to access the portion of the road closer to Hout Bay, a complimentary day pass can be acquired from the toll booth.

Our Local Expert Says:

An idyllic, hidden beach off the beaten tourist track, Llandudno is a great place to marvel at the unending beauty of Cape Town.

Description:

A small, beautiful, boulder bordered beach along the Atlantic Seaboard, Llandudno beach is a local favorite among the surfers and nature lovers. Its secluded location tends to keep Cape Town's wind away and its lack of cafes and bars keeps the Camps Bay beach scene away. The boulders on the northern side of Llandudno beach offer a fun scenic walk. Llandudno is a great place to watch the sunset over the ocean with the mountain backdrop glowing red.

Our Local Expert Says:

In summer, Camps Bay is covered in tourists and models, if this is your scene, get yourself some Sinnful ice cream (shop above Pick n Pay across Main Rd) and enjoy. Otherwise, pack some wine and enjoy a Cape Tonian "sundowner" sunset drink- though alcohol on beaches is technically illegal, sundowners on the various Atlantic beaches are popular. If its windy, head to Clifton 4th just down the road instead, this little beach rarely gets the Southeaster wind.

Description:

Camps Bay Beach is a broad stretch of palm tree-lined white sand bordering the bracing waters of the Atlantic ocean. Set at the foot of a spectacular series of mountain peaks, the Twelve Apostles, yet only 10 minutes from the city center by car, it is one of Cape Town's most popular beaches. It is not a sheltered beach, so if the wind is blowing it is advisable to head for Clifton, another breath-taking and more secluded beach just around the corner. The beachside road has a festive atmosphere with a good variety of cafes and restaurants offering great sea views.