Your First Time in Cape Town

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

This cultural tour showcases some of the oldest monuments and historical sights in Cape Town. See Langa, the oldest formal township and the Gugulethu township. Visit the largest informal settlement - Khayelitsha, before popping in to a shebeen where you will meet and interact with the local community.

On this Cultural Tour you will visit Bo Kaap, also known as the Malay Quarter of Cape Town. Many of the inhabitants are decendants of people from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia who were enslaved by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area is well known for the colorfully painted houses which line the steep and narrow streets.

Continue to Langa, the oldest formal township, before continuing to the Gugulethu township to view local crafters at work. Next you will visit Khayelitsha, South Africa's largest and fastest growing township, with it's vibrant culture and people. Visit a shebeen (tavern) and meet and interact with the local community.

Tours on a Sunday will include a visit to a church service in Langa.

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.

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.

Description:

With its historic Cape Dutch homestead and superb views across the valley and False Bay, Klein Constantia, some 15 minutes by car from Cape Town, has frequently been described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyard locations. The estate forms part of the land granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685. This early Dutch Governor of the Cape planted the first vineyards in Constantia, which later produced the legendary Constantia dessert wine. Requested by Napoleon and praised in the writings of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, this wine was sought after by the European élite of the 18th and 19th centuries. Continuing the standards of a glorious bygone era, all Klein Constantia's wines are grown, made and bottled on the estate.

Description:

Buitenverwachting originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. This beautiful piece of land changed hands often, yet flourished as a wine farm thanks to the 90,000 vines planted in 1825 by Ryk Arnoldus Cloete. The farm has been lovingly restored to its former glory, while extensive planting of the most selected cultivars was initiated. The result was a maiden grape harvest in 1985 for the 'new' Buitenverwachting, the first harvest in 30 years. It was an historic achievement that lived up to the estate's name - 'Beyond Expectation'. Consistently rated among the top ten restaurants in the country, the fare at the estate's eatery ranges from noble continental to traditional South African dishes, in an exclusive venue overlooking the vineyards.

Description:

Groot Constantia was established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, then governor of the Cape, who reputedly named it after his daughter Constancia and planted the Cape's first vines. A century later the Cloete family put Constantia on the international map with a dessert wine that became the favored tipple of the likes of Napoleon, Bismarck, King Louis Philippe of France, and Jane Austen. An outbreak of phylloxera in the 1860s bankrupted the family, however, and the land lay fallow until 1975, when substantial replanting began. Today Groot Constantia is known for its reds, particularly the Gouverneurs Reserve. In addition to tasting the wines in the modern cellars here, you can visit a small museum showing the history of the manor, as well as the beautiful Cape Dutch house itself, furnished in beautiful late-18th-century Cape Dutch furniture. Behind the house are the old cellars, originally designed by French architect Louis Thibault; note the celebrated pediment sculpted by Anton Anreith in 1791. The cellars now contain an interesting museum of wine. A cozy, pleasant restaurant, Jonkershuis (tel. 021/794-6255), serves traditional Cape Malay dishes, and Simons (tel. 021/794-1143) -- surrounded by vineyards and lawns -- is where the locals can be found quaffing from the extensive wine list and marveling at the pinkness of the seared tuna or lamb.

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:

Local family owned Cape Malay restaurant. Good food, friendly service, and tacky décor.

Description:

Situated in the heart of the Bo Kaap and family owned and operated, this Cape Malay restaurant has no pretentions, just good food and warm service. Local specialtys are served on plastic covered tables with 80's-style placemats and gold framed pictures on the wall. Remember, this is a real Cape Malay restaurant- no alcohol is to be consumed or bought on premesis.

Description:

Mama Africa's serves up fantastic food from across the African continent in a funky, boisterous atmosphere.  Warm, friendly waiters provide information on the range of dishes brought to the table to be shared 'family style.'  A great place for a relaxed group gathering, a cultural experience, and fun cultural eating. 

Our Local Expert Says:

A setting for everyone- pub style pizza with ocean views, relaxed fish and chips or lunches on another deck, upscale restaurant upstairs. When the surf is big, the water breaks on the restaurant wall.

Description:

Three restaurants in one, this popular local restaurant has an upscale establishmet upstairs with views across the bay, a more low key patio dining area with clear barriers to protect guests from winds and waves, and an even more low key bar/pizza area. Food is good, the setting is stunning, and the locals are friendly. Enjoy whale watching while you have a leisurely lunch or dinner!

Description:

One of the World's top ten restaurants listed by US-based Hotels magazine, its modern African cuisine blends with trendy European and is accompanied by live contemporary jazz playing nightly. In a magnificent 1921 built room and complete with a Cape mural backdrop it has painted pillars and african decor. Cape ingredients and culinary traditions of the world are fused here. Expect spicy, fruity flavours and imaginative mixes. Tea-smoked springbok with paw-paw, apple and chili salad and Natal prawns with beaten rice batter and a sweet, mild chili jam, served on a snoek cake are examples of what is available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fantastic fresh seafood fishmarket style. Grab a table near the windows for views over Camps Bay

Description:

A seafood "market" restaurant- you choose the type of fish, prawns, etc and the amount you want. Everything is perfectly grilled or pan fried with side sauces, vegetables, rice, and fries. Fresh sushi available as well.  Book a table with a view and enjoy the sun setting over the Atlantic. 

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want a hip spot for sundowners, this is the place.

Description:

La Med is best known as a summer sundowner spot, this being a great Capetonian tradition. And what better place than this to sip on something tall and alcoholic. With a beach setting second-to-none and an incredible vibe, this is one of Cape Town's best offerings. Once the sun has gone down, chat to beach starlets and surfer dudes. DJs host theme parties, and there is live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Food here is a cheap, wholesome blend of South African and State-side fair. There's a full bar, with beer and wine also available.

Description:

Situated in Camp Bay, Café Caprice is directly opposite the beach. The snow white sand, crystal clear waters attract not only local crowds but also international visitors. With a really varied food and drink menu Café Caprice is an ideal venue for cocktail parties and product launches. For a wonderful experience of having delicacies by the sea side make sure you get your tables reserved now. Check website for details.

Description:

The city's showpiece theatre (formerly known as the Nico Malan Theatre), Artscape was officially opened in May 1971, and became the home of the Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB). It has staged numerous opera, ballet, drama and music productions since, but has also been the scene for fashion shows, charity balls, art exhibitions and trade fairs. It offers a busy performance schedule with entertainment provided most Tuesday's to Saturday's. For further information please see the website.

Description:

Located in a Victorian house on trendy Kloof Street, Asoka offers a unique, comfortable, and intimate environment for social interaction and relaxing drinks.  An old olive tree enhances the ambiance created by ambient lighting and warm decor.  To top it off, the drinks and food are as delicious as the setting.

Description:

In our modern hurly burly world (although this quite possibly excludes Cape Town), any excuse to beat the hell out of a drum must be accepted with open arms. This popular venue offers regular drumming and drum circles, including a women's drum circle (women only before 10:30p) on Monday evenings. So drop that civil attitude and get your tribal passion going. Catch live bands and other acts over the weekends. The food is simple - cakes, muffins and snacks are served.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views of Cape Town and surrounds come from the trail that winds its way around Lions Head. Beautiful at any time of the day, a walk up Lions Head is an essential part of enjoying Cape Town’s natural beauty.

Description:

Guarding the western edge of Cape Town, Lion's Head offers hiking with views over the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, the Cape Town city bowl, and Table Mountain. For those who prefer having their feet off solid ground, tour companies operate tandem paragliding from Lions Head's slopes to the Atlantic coast. Locals can be found hiking Lions Head daily but full moon evening is often popular for sunset drinks on the summit.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're in town on a summer Sunday, the concerts are not to be missed! Take a walk in the gardens, enjoy the stunning setting, stake out a good place on the lawn for your picnic and enjoy the show!

Description:

Summer in the Kirstenbosch Gardens includes the popular Sunday sunset concert series.  A range of local and international acts highlight this popular event.  Book early to ensure tickets, arrive in time to enjoy the gardens, pack a picnic and grab a good spot on the concert lawn.  See Kirstenbosch website for complete concert schedule.

Our Local Expert Says:

From late August through late October, Southern Right Whales pass through Cape Town to calve. Watch them play all along the coast, often just a few meters from the road.

Description:

From late August through early October, Southern Right whales migrate in large numbers past the Cape Peninsula on their way to mating grounds in the Indian Ocean. You can catch sights of the whales all along the coast, often just off shore. Generally the False Bay seaboard and Hermanus are best for viewing but the whales are often spotted off the Atlantic as well.