The Mother City offers a myriad of new experiences and this might be the very reason some people spend a few extra Rand on petrol to get to the city with the natural amphitheatre. Other than going up the mountain by cable car, this city is bursting with unforgettable things to do to make those at home super jealous.
Your itinerary is packed with great things to do in Cape Town
Here are some highlights you may not have on your bucket list yet but you simply cannot miss out on:
1. Visit the only Diamond museum in the country
The Cape Town Diamond museum at the V&A Waterfront, showcases the rich history of all that glitters in South Africa. The Two Oceans Aquarium, also at the V&A Waterfront, is a must if you have time afterwards. Get to know the underwater world of both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
2. Visit Tokai Forest
Think trees that reach the heavens, think blue skies, think the fresh smell of pine needles... Tokai forest is a nature reserve where you can go for a picnic and let loose your inner child. On Saturdays the Tokai Forest Market attracts hundreds of Cape Town's hippies and foodies. Here you can get organic food at unbelievably low prices. Buy a tin can of the best moerkoffie made with love and a generous helping of condensed milk... yum!
3. Just you and your kayak
Nothing matches the perspective from a two person kayak in the wide ocean, the river rapids or the waters of a peaceful lagoon. Cape Town summers bring warm sun and challenging waters on windy days whilst the winter brings cooler days and the perfect opportunity to spot whales. Don't let the fact that you've never held a paddle before put you off as expert guides and training centres are there to help.
4. Take the train to Kalk Bay
All aboard! Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, Simon's Town. If you take the train at R10 per person you can explore these unique coastal towns in a day. With its quaint restaurants, colourful delis, boutique shops, friendly locals and fine cocktails, Kalk Bay is a favourite amongst most Capetonians. Enjoy a tapas platter at Cape to Cuba and watch the train pass by through the ceiling high windows. Let your eyes meet the vast blue ocean once again.
5. Enjoy true Africa cuisine
Mama Africa in Long Street is the place where you go when the craving for African cuisine is taking over. Mama's game kebabs, Hunters game potjie and the kudu steak are some of the highlights on the menu. Booking is essential.
6. Abseil off Table Mountain
Before you skip this point altogether, I strongly suggest that you consider abseiling off Table Mountain. If petite and fragile Australian girls can do it, so can you. The guides, who refer to themselves as 'height therapists' guide you through every step. Walking along side a vertical strip of African rock is a liberating experience, leaving you with a “I really did something great today” feeling.
7. Visit Robben Island
Situated just a few kilometres from the V&A Waterfront, it was “home” to Nelson Mandela for almost 20 years. This island is a focal point for international resistance to the apartheid regime. Today it has become a symbol of freedom, the transformative power of forgiveness and a place of political pilgrimage.
8. Shark cage diving
Stare into the eyes of a Great White. Gansbaai's picturesque Kleinbaai Harbour which is about a two hour scenic drive from Cape Town and about a forty-five minute drive from Hermanus is where you can enjoy a shark cage experience of a life time.
All dive equipment, towels and snacks are stocked, safety equipment is checked and the boat is fuelled prior to the passengers' arrival. Not to be missed!
9. High tea
Whether you opt for Mount Nelson, Table Bay Hotel of The Twelve Apostles, a 'high tea' is one of thetrendiest and most luxurious things to do in Cape Town. This brings us to the last and most fabulous point of the top 10 things to do in Cape Town.
10. Take a stroll through the Company's Gardens
Established in 1652, the Company's Garden was layed out with the goal of turning it into a station to service spice-trading sailing ships on the long sea route to the east. People flock to the gardens for its beauty of its flora and the allure of its historic setting since it was proclaimed for public use in 1848. Important landmarks can be found in the garden, such as the lodge house for the slaves who built large parts of the historic city, the present day Houses of Parliament, the Iziko SA Museum and Planetarium, St George's Cathedral, the National Library of SA, the SA National Gallery, the Great Synagogue and Holocaust Centre and Tuynhuys, which is used by the President on State occasions.
With plenty to see and do, you're now geared to enjoy one of those unforgettable Cape Town holidays. Book your Cape Town car hire and Cape Town accommodation. Memorable experiences ahead! - Discover Africa