Lion’s Head
The majestic Lion’s Head is sandwiched between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. The peak offers a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park. Surrounded by the suburbs, the Peak and Signal Hill on almost all sides, explore remnants of the Cape Malay community, who lived in the Bo-Kaap quarter close to Lion’s Head. One can still spot a number of historic graves and shrines of Malay leaders on the lower slopes and Signal Hill. The upper part of the peak consists of flathead Table Mountain Sandstone and the lower gradients are shaped by the Malmesbury formation and Cape Granite. This is a popular trekking and hiking point that cannot be reached by cable car. Right on the summit of Lion’s Head, a tiny patch of endangered Sandstone Fynbos can be seen, a different ecosystem also found on top of the Table Mountain.
Cape Of Good Hope
Breath-taking vistas, steep cliffs and a calmness that is only interrupted by crashing waves against the rocks. The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky promontory at the southern tip of Cape Peninsula, Western Cape province, South Africa. Named by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Diaz, the first European to sail by here, it is quite obvious why Cape of Good Hope was originally called ‘Storm Cape’. It is here that Cape Town’s history begins. The vast, beautiful Cape of Good Hope is part of the Table Mountain National Park that boasts a heady mix of interesting history, rich bio-diversity, immense natural beauty and picturesque hiking routes. Cape of Good Hope is home to over 250 bird species including a colony of African penguins. If you don’t feel like walking, take an aerial ride from Cape Point to the upper lighthouse to get a bird’s eye view of the entire surrounding, said to resemble the end of the world.
Table Mountain
Enjoy the spectacular South African skyline from the top of one of the world’s most fascinating natural marvels- the Table Mountain! South Africa’s best-known landmark, the Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is a popular tourist destination which is more than just a pile of rock in the bay. The natural wonder stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point covering a massive natural terrain including Granite and Sandstone Mountains, beaches. and dense forests. The park provides a host of adrenalin-pumping activities ranging from abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, bird and wildlife watching to snorkelling and diving.
Signal Hill
As the name suggests, Signal Hill was the point of the practice of flying signal flags to communicate with nearby ships. Also, known as ‘The Lion’s Flank,’ in unison with Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, the hill looks like a lion sphinx. Trek up to the hilltop to catch the spectacular views of the Cape Town city center, Atlantic Seaboard, and the surrounding area. This vantage point is at its most magical in the early hours of the morning, and during Sundowner, you won’t find a better sun-grazing spot in all of Cape Town.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
Away from the urban hubbub, Silvermine Nature Reserve brings you close to nature and is mind-blowing in its own right. Not just natural beauty, the nature reserve offers exciting activities ranging from trekking, hiking, bird-watching to picnicking and mountain biking. Expansive views, towering trees, and dramatic biodiversity are just some of the astounding features that this place offers.
Boulders Beach
A beautiful summer’s day spent at the Boulders Beach is tough to beat because no other beach is more interesting or exciting than this one. Located in Simon’s Town, the Boulders Beach is home to a breeding colony of over 2,000 endangered African Penguins that are kept in refuge in the sheltered wind bays with white sandy shores. The fascinating beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is a marine protected area. The beach is seldom crowded but is a real hit among the little ones who come here to enjoy the sight of the little playful tuxedoed birds and also to enjoy the warm ocean swimming experience. Foxy Beach lies just a short stroll away from the Boulders Beach which is the best location for penguin viewing.
Clifton Beaches
The official playground of the rich and famous, Clifton Beach is the heartthrob of Cape Town’s beach scene, pulsating with never-seen-before energy. The beach is located in Clifton, an affluent suburb of Cape Town; it is an exclusive residential area that exhibits some of the most expensive real estates in South Africa. The exhilarating chilly water plays host to many water sports, mostly surfing, both board, and body. Just offshore, a few yachts lying at anchor in the clear blue waters add to the exotic flavor. Clifton Beach is best enjoyed late in the afternoon when you will get to experience the buzzing atmosphere of the favorite beach of the elites. Enjoy balmy summer evenings here watching locals playing sports or leisurely walking along the coastline or round off the day with a sunset picnic on a Clifton beach.
Groot Constantia
Plan an offbeat outing to South Africa’s first vineyard, Groot Constantia Estate and have some fun while grape stomping like a pro! Established by Simon van der Stel’s, the manor house is a superb example of Cape Dutch architecture which is now maintained as a museum. Over the years, Groot Constantia’s exquisitely produced wines have tickled the palates of the royals and notables and had the poets revel in the essence of their ambrosial eminence. The wine estate houses an orientation center, the Cloete Cellar wine museum and an impressive manor house that demonstrates the legacy of Groot Constantia’s winemaking journey along with an overview on slavery practiced within the estate. Carriages are on display in the historic wine cellar and in the Coach House, while the Wine Museum exhibits antique wine storage and drinking vessels. The Manor House showcases an imposing collection of furniture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, brass, and copperware that provides enriching insight into the life of a successful 18th to late 19th century Cape farmer.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a bustling lifestyle and entertainment arena located in Cape Town neighbouring the Table Bay Harbour. V&A Waterfront is the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor. Explore this busy commercial precinct set against the dramatic backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, plush entertainment venues intermingled with pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, craft markets, world-class hotels and luxury apartments- all in the residential marina. With history, industry, food and activities galore, a trip to is flush with fun! Shopping isn’t the only activity that can be enjoyed at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Watch Seals shows at the Clock Tower point; catch the fascinating underwater world in action at the Two Oceans Aquarium; enjoy an enriching session at the Maritime Museum knowing more about the history of shipping from prehistoric times to the present day; take a boat ride around the harbor relishing the cool coastal breeze or avail Helicopter flips to get a broader perspective of the region.
Rhodes Memorial
Partly modelled on the arch of London’s Hyde Park Corner; this colossal memorial sits at the foot of Devil’s Peak in the Table Mountain National Park area. Built in the memory of Rhodes for his immense contribution to Cape Town and the colony, the monument is built using Cape granite quarried on Table Mountain. The edifice has 49 steps that are flanked by pairs of majestic lions, one for each year of Rhodes’ life. The main feature of the monument is the Doric columns that are inspired by Rhodes fondness for classical architecture, and the eight lions were modeled on the same style. A bronze bust of Rhodes rests on a pedestal featuring a poem written by Rudyard Kipling. At the base of the steps is commissioned the statue of Physical Energy that was specially made as a tribute to Rhode determination and relentless efforts. A good way to end your Rhode’s Memorial tour is by enjoying the sweeping vistas of the Cape Flats and the mountain ranges from the summit of this memorial.\
Two Oceans Aquarium
With more than three thousand marine creatures on the view that include turtles, sharks, and penguins, the Two Oceans Aquarium is truly one of the finest aquariums in the world. Located in the bustling square of V&A Waterfront, the aquarium is most popular among kids and marine lovers. A window to the spectacular oceanic life, the aquarium showcases the unique marine life of the Atlantic and Indian oceans which lie on either side of the Cape of Good Hope. Immerse yourself in this oceanic marvel and come face-to-face with the vivacious aquatic life, watching closely the translucent jellyfishes, rare Knysna seahorse for the first time and introducing yourself to the giant spider crabs that house the aquarium. Go for a boat ride learning all about the rich biodiversity of Cape Town’s waters, looking out for dolphins, seals, sunfish, and whales. Get acquainted with the adorable rockhopper penguins, bring out your adventurous streak by taking a dive underwater to get meet and greet the ragged-tooth sharks and shoals of large predators such as yellowtail, dusky kob, and black- and white mussel cracker, experience the thrill and much more at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
George’s Cathedral
Even if you are not religious, the gorgeous Victorian style edifice of St. Gorge’s Cathedral will ignite a sense of contemplation in your mind about the human condition. Nestled cozily in the heart of Cape Town, St. George’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in South Africa. A classic example of Gothic architecture with magnificent stained glass windows, this Anglican Cathedral was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and once led by the legendary Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The cathedral is a major testament to democracy in South Africa which provided refuge to the downtrodden and politically oppressed during the apartheid. The elaborate artwork on the stained-glass windows illustrating a lily-white Jesus or a black Christ is something to watch out for. There’s also a separate panel dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The church not only has a fine music and bell-ringing traditions, but it also features an inspiring bulwark against the forces of apartheid. If you would like to see the bell-ringers in action, pop into one of the regular practice sessions held every Tuesday. Visit the church on a Sunday night, and you will hear the excellent St George’s Choir in full swing at Evensong, a tradition that has been going here since 1857.
Robben Island
Robben Island exemplifies the power of democracy over dictatorship. For centuries, this was a place of isolation, exile, and imprisonment. During the apartheid years, Robben Island was South Africa’s institution of brutality. It was here at Robben Island that rulers sent those regarded as social outlaws, political troublemakers and the unwanted of society. Many prominent people including African leaders, Dutch and British soldiers, Nelson Mandela- South Africa’s first democratic President, the founding leader of Pan Africanist Congress, Robert Mangaliso were imprisoned here. On the one hand, the prisons present n this island demonstrates the torture survived by millions and on the other, it celebrates the victory over Apartheid by fighting against unimaginable human oppression. The main attractions near this UNESCO World Heritage Site include a ferry ride that starts from the island approaches V&A Waterfront across Table Bay, the rarely visited Robben Island Penguin Colony and a lighthouse where you can soak in the luscious charm of the island.
Castle Of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope, often touted as the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa, was initially built by Commander Zacharias Wagenaer of the Dutch East India Company to ward off possible attacks from the British. This moated, stone-walled pentagonal castle has now been declared a historical monument, and it still serves as the headquarters for the Western Cape military command. If in luck, you can catch the key ceremony performed by the Castle Guard. The military museum that is partly housed in the Castle of Good Hope, and partly in Rust en Vreugd exhibits several impressive pieces of antiquity. The pastel-hued building built of stone is now home to the Castle Military Museum and the William Fehr Collection. The Fehr collection features exquisite work of art, antique Cape furniture, metal objects, ceramics and glassware collected by a Cape businessman. The once bustling and vivacious workshops, the cellars, the buildings, the living quarters, the Kat Balcony (where important announcements were made for residents, soldiers, and slaves) as well as the dungeons, can be toured.
Tokai Forest
A peaceful oasis fringed with exotic vegetation, Tokai Forest nestles in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. The area is a favorite spot for hiking, horse riding, dog walking, cycling, braais, and picnics. Enter the woods and you will be welcomed by a contingent of oak trees, cypresses, pines, and giant Californian redwoods, all of which are labeled for your interest. Visit the lovely tea garden called Lister’s Place to enjoy some aromatic tea and great refreshments. The Saturday organic market held near the Porter Estate is also something to watch out for a while visiting the Tokai forest. Towards the south of Constantia right on the Tokai road is sheltered the Tokai Arboretum; which forms the base of most hikes. The trails vary from easy to arduous, but that’s worth a try as you get to experience amazing tranquility during the walk. Azure blue sky, lashings of lush vegetation, trickling streams, chirping birdlife, and there is nothing but peace and quiet surrounding you. Take the mountain biking trails, the circular route in the arboretum, or hike up to Elephants Eye. For tourist’s convenience, all of the walks are clearly marked at the entrance to the Arboretum.
Peers Cave
This is a story of a hobby that led to a historical find. Peers Cave is more than just a cave, which lies along the False Bay Coast Road, in the small town of Fish Hoek. Peers Cave is actually an overhang. Founded by the father-son duo Victor Peers along with his son Bertie, Peers Cave was spotted by chance during an excavation in 1927 while collecting evidence Khoe-San’s habitation dating as old as 10,000 years. An eleven-thousand-year-old skull was also discovered at this archaic spot. Peers Cave was thought of an ancient burial site. The cave was declared a National Monument, which is part of the Silvermine Nature Reserve that provides a dramatic viewpoint out across Noordhoek towards the sea. Historical Context: The Peers Cave of Fish Hoek has its roots established in the Stone Age.
Cape Town Stadium
Delicately perched between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean; Cape Town Stadium is an architectural marvel with a capacity of 68,000 on three tiers. The stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere during football and rugby matches, as well as big international music concerts. The architecture of this mammoth size edifice is something to admire. The structure features a curved laminated glass roof with clear glass in the middle and an enamelled ring on the exterior to reduce light intensity and heat. The facades and roof base are covered in translucent glass fabric coated in silver. It is connected to the waterfront by a new road connection, Granger Bay Boulevard, and is surrounded by a 60-hectare urban park that makes it all the appealing to tourists across the world. The arena is now the official home ground of the Ajax Cape Town football team and is expected to host many international football and rugby events in the future.
Casa Labia Cultural Centre
Be a witness to Cape Town’s upmarket living at the Casa Labia Cultural Centre. A palatial edifice, idyllically positioned between the cerulean ocean and the fynbos covered mountain, Casa Labia is the former residence of Count and Countess Natale Labia. Built in 1929 to reflect the spirit for 18th century Venice, Casa Labia has now been transformed into an elegant cultural center. This uber-swanky Africanova structure is home to a contemporary South African art gallery, a plush boutique as well as a celebrated Italian Cafe.
Cecilia Forest
A long stretch of land lying on the eastern slopes of the Table Mountain rests the serene and picturesque forest of Cecilia. The forest is located just to the south of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and offers leisurely walks that pass through dense forests, up and along towards Constantia Nek. The forest terrain consists of granite, and the undulating hilly slopes were naturally covered in Peninsula Granite Fynbos, with patches of Silvertree forest. The valleys that cut across the park are naturally filled with indigenous afro-temperate forest which is a critically endangered vegetation type. Suitable for hiking, Cecilia Forest features a classic trail up to the De Villiers Reservoir. The walk is a bit grueling but well worth the effort when you will be finally greeted by the breathtaking views of False Bay and the Peninsula. The path is not well marked so you may end up on a plantation road. A number of streams along the way allow you to take a welcoming sip of cool mountain water.
Sandy Beach
Just a short drive away from the Cape Town city center – on top of the Suikerbossie Hill from the Hout Bay side or along Victoria Road from Camps Bay, lies one of the uniquely secluded locations in Cape Town, Llandudno. Situated south of Llandudno is Sandy Beach which is known for its pristine sandy shores, naked sunbathing and surf. From high above this quaint little piece of paradise, get a bird’s-eye view of the ocean below as the pale aquamarine hues mingle with darker blue waters that veil many a shipwreck. The jagged peaks of the Twelve Apostles act as the backdrop and The Sandy Bay Beach has a number of beaches inter-spaced with large granite slabs. These large boulders characterize this part of the coast that has many vantage points from where one can enjoy spectacular views of the mountain behind and the ocean in front.
