Top things to do in Cape Town

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:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Cape Peninsula is home to some of the world’s greatest floral diversity. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is host to numerous examples and provides a great venue for walking, picnicking, and playing.

Description:

Settled along the eastern slope of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hosts over 22,000 indigenous plants. Just 15 minutes away from Cape Town city centre, the Botanical Gardens are extraordinarily natural in design and blend straight in to the mountain. There is a tea shop and picnic sites for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely visit and paths from the Garden leading straight onto Table Mountain for the more active. In summer, there are Sunday Summer concerts on the lawn; arrive early, enjoy the Garden, set up a picnic spot and enjoy the music.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Description:

Temporary "home" to many of South Africa's most famous anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela, Robben Island served as prison, place of learning, and international symbol of apartheid governance. Today, the island is an UN World Heritage Site and has taken on the role of museum with tours led by former prisoners. Access is available by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V and A Waterfront. Book ahead to ensure availability and allocate half a day to the full trip.