The Cape Town Travel Guide
South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation and the start can be seen in Cape Town, where African values meet European design. Cape Town is a city with a rich heritage.
The best gateway into Africa is through Cape Town, the city has unique spots from a traditionally African experience to something completely different and to think this all happens in one city. From the beautiful beaches of Clifton to the vineyards of Franschhoek a few kilometres away.
Here are 5 hotspots for you to capture Cape Town.
1. Clifton Beaches
Want to spend your time relaxing on the beach? Then the beaches at Clifton are the place for you. Clifton is frequented by the rich and famous of South Africa and the world with the surrounding houses being the most expensive in Africa, it's prime real estate.
Nestled just a few kilometres away from Cape Town city centre and accessible via the winding roads, the beach is just a few steps below. There are many beautiful white sand beaches in Clifton with great views of nature and who knows, maybe you get a visit from the local penguin population.
2. Bo-Kaap
At the foot of Signal Hill, just inside the city centre. Bo-Kaap is a popular neighbourhood in Cape Town that dates back hundreds of years known for its colourfully painted houses. The houses have a unique history with the local population being of Malaysian, Indonesia and African descent and this can be seen in the surrounding areas with a heavy Islamic influence in the neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood has many restaurants for you to experience the local cuisines, step into a new world of flavour and smells with traditional food ranging from samoosas to South African Bobotie. The neighbourhood is perfect for a photo shoot or two, as well as a vibrant local committee full of culture and heritage.
3. V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is an exciting cultural meeting point for all South Africans. Take your pick from a wide range of restaurants and eateries guaranteed to satisfy all taste buds. The V&A Waterfront has great views of the ocean and Table Mountain as well as shopping opportunities with African crafts to the fashion labels you know and love.
Who knows maybe your next seafaring adventure awaits? Trips to Robben Island, the prison that imprisoned Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners for many years, leaves from the V&A Waterfront every 4 hours. A trip to Robben Island is especially emotional as you can see how one man who was imprisoned for 27 years had the compassion to let go of his pain and united a country.
4. Franschhoek Wine Tram
Situated 81kms away from Cape Town, Franschhoek is a world-renowned winemaking region with many wine estates. The main attraction of this region and the easiest way to visit all the surrounding wine farms with no fear of drink-driving is the Franschhoek wine tram.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on-hop-off tram service that takes passengers along the tracks through the area stopping at all the major wine estates in the area. Experience South Africa’s wine scene while taking in beautiful views of the Franschhoek Valley. A treat for all wine connoisseurs.
5. Table Mountain
The first thing you think of when you think of Cape Town and a World Heritage Site too, Table Mountain has the best views of Cape Town, accessible by the cable car as well as by foot for the more adventurous among us.
The hike up to the top of the mountain has various routes with the shortest and easiest hike taking 2.5 hours until the summit with the longest and most difficult hike taking upwards of 4 hours. A great challenge. Table Mountain is home to many unique species of plants indigenous to the area. A must-see feature of Cape Town.