Travel and Safety Tips:
•Crime Prevention: South Africa has a high crime rate, especially at night. It is advised to avoid going out after dark and to hire local guides when exploring.
•Food and Water Safety: Pay special attention to food and water safety. Use bottled water and dine at busy restaurants to ensure quality and safety.
•Security Measures: Avoid displaying wealth and using public transportation. Opt for secure accommodations.
•Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and prepare a list of emergency contacts.
•Mosquito Protection: Take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent malaria.
•Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, and respect cultural practices.
•Purchase of insurance: In order to cope with possible unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend that you take out insurance in advance that can be used outside the country, taking into account your own circumstances.
Enjoy your stay in Cape Town while keeping these tips in mind to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
Cape Town is a vibrant metropolitan city known for its rich history, spectacular natural landscapes, and cultural diversity. Famous for its iconic Table Mountain, beautiful waterfronts, and the renowned Robben Island, the city offers a myriad of attractions accessible via a well-connected public transport system.
For first-time visitors to Cape Town, Table Mountain is undoubtedly a must-see. Not only does it offer a panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, but it is also a celebrated natural wonder with World Heritage status. Visitors can reach the summit via the Table Mountain Cableway, which operates year-round.
Cape Town's historical sites are equally compelling, including the esteemed Robben Island, once the prison for Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. Robben Island is open daily for tours, allowing visitors to explore this significant historical site with guided tours.
Additionally, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is another popular destination, offering a wealth of shopping, dining, and scenic views along with street performances. It's open 365 days a year, providing endless entertainment options for visitors. Between these famous landmarks, Cape Town’s art galleries, museums, and cultural events also offer a deep dive into the city’s rich multicultural tapestry.
Cape Town’s iconic landmarks and attractions
★Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Table Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa, and it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Town. The Table Mountain Cable Way takes visitors to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city bowl, Robben Island and Table Bay.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is another must-see attraction on the south east slopes of Table Mountain. Should you seek a little more adventure than a cable way, there are also numerous hikes that lead to the top of Table Mountain, and many of them start from Kirstenbosch.
Table Mountain is also home to a restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Whether you take the cable way or hike to the top, Table Mountain is sure to leave you with lasting memories of one of the new seven wonders of the natural world.
★ Cape Point
Situated at the south western tip of Africa, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of the most pristine and unspoiled places on earth. With its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and breathtaking views, the reserve is truly a sight to behold.
Cape Point is more than just a pretty place; it is also home to a unique variety of fauna and flora. From the rare Cape mountain zebra and Bontebok, to the beautiful orange-breasted sunbird and pelagic birds that drift in the air currents just off shore, there is an abundance of wildlife to be found in this special place.
There are miles of hiking trails winding their way through the reserve, so hikers and joggers will have plenty to explore. Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply a place to relax and soak up the beauty of nature, Cape Point Nature Reserve is sure to exceed your expectations.
Cape Point Nature Reserve is also home to a lighthouse that has been in operation since 1857. The lighthouse is situated on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. One can reach the lighthouse be tram or by foot once you have reached the public area in the reserve.
★Robben Island
Robben Island is best known as the site of a maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated during apartheid. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Robben Island is a must-see for any tourists visiting South Africa. The island has a long and fascinating history, and it is now home to a variety of attractions.
Visitors can tour the island by boat, see the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, or visit the museum dedicated to his life. There are also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, including penguins, seals, and endemic bird.
From Robben Island, you can get unparalleled views of Cape Town’s skyline and Table Mountain. Whether you’re admiring the view from the ferry ride over or soaking up the scenery. In addition, the views from the island are simply breathtaking.
Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or just want to enjoy some stunning scenery, Robben Island is sure to please.
★Groot Constantia Wine Estate
Groot Constantia is a historical wine estate located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the oldest working winery in the country, and today it operates as a museum and tourist destination. Visitors can take tours of the grounds, learn about the estate’s history, and enjoy tastings of the wines produced here.
Groot Constantia has a long and storied history, dating back to 1685 when it was founded by Dutch governor Simon van der Stel. For many years, the estate was one of the most productive and successful wine farms in the Cape Colony. However, it fell into decline in the early 20th century and was eventually abandoned. It wasn’t until 1969 that Groot Constantia was revived as a historical site and working winery.
Today, it is once again a popular destination for tourists and wine lovers alike. Visitors can take a educational tour of the estate to learn about the wine-making process, and sample some of the Estate’s wines. The estate also has a restaurant and a museum, which are both worth a visit.
★Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is considered the most visited tourist destination in South Africa. Steeped in history and home to the oldest working harbour in the Southern hemisphere – this mixed-use destination is ideal to live, work and play and is guaranteed to fill a few of your days when visiting Cape Town.
The 123-hectare neighbourhood celebrates heritage and diversity which is clear in the variety of activities and experiences visitors have access to. Visitors can look forward to beautiful hotels, museums, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, the Two Oceans Aquarium, food markets, a shopper’s paradise at the Victoria and Alfred mall and other retail spaces.
A local foodie haven can be found at Makers Landing at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal while the young ones can keep busy at Battery Park skate and scooter park which also contains public walking paths and benches. The Silo District’s focal attraction is the exquisite Zeitz MOCCA (Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Modern Art) – the building itself is an old grain silo innovatively recreated into this stunning museum. The Silo District has a couple of hotels and fine dining restaurants as well as high end boutiques. The Clocktower precinct is where you will find the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island. The Clocktower itself is an icon of Table Bay Harbour and was the original Port Captain’s office built in 1882. It was declared a national monument in 1978. You can also hop on a City Sightseeing bus from this point, do a harbour cruise with one of the many charter options or a helicopter flip over the city.