Visiting Cape Town is on the bucket list for most African tourists, after all its been rated the number 1 city in the world to visit.
But what is there to do when you get here, besides drool at the breathtaking scenery?
Cape Town of course is more than just Table Mountain and endless ocean views.
It's the mother city of South Africa, and the yardstick for the best the country has to offer.
Yes it's located at the southern tip of Africa which will always have appeal, and yes it has a history steeped in exploration and culture, but let's dig a little deeper into the activities and attractions Cape Town offers traveler's from all over the world.
Table Mountain
Blue Flag Beaches
Award-winning Wineries
Fauna & Flora
World-class Cuisine
Oceanic Adventures
Cultural Tours
Vibrant Nightlife
Shopping
Adventure Sports
Table Mountain
The majestic Table Mountain forms the iconic background to the mother city.
You can take a short cable car ride to the top, or if you prefer a 2 hour guided hike.
The never-ending views from above stretch along the back of the Table Mountain range and out to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans below, where they meet at Cape Horn.
The powerful currents and rugged coastlines have laid many a ship to wreck on the rocky headlands, also known as The Cape of Storms.
Keep in mind that Table Mountain is only open in good weather conditions and if you're traveling in peak season, we recommend you book in advance - although typically you can get up and down on the day, you may however find yourself in long queues if you leave in the late morning to early afternoon.
Blue Flag Beaches
Cape Town boasts multiple blue flag rates beaches stretched along its coastline.
Familiar favourites include Camps Bay, which is likened to South Beach, Miami, with it's boutique style shops, luxury hotels, restaurants and bars.
Further along the coast you'll find hidden gems like Llandudno (personal favourite), Noordhoek Beach and its never ending stretch of white sands...and then Boulders Beach, most famously known for its local penguin colony.
If you're looking for local hotspots off the tourist path, consider Bakoven and Glen Beach.
Wineries
You can be forgiven for thinking you've left Africa as you enter some of the wine routes of the Western Cape.
Popular regions include Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Constantia Vineyards, boasting world-renowned, award-winning red and white wine varieties.
Guided day trips to the winelands are recommended but self-drive options are popular too...consider a designated driver as the wine estates are generous with their tastings and closely located to one another, resulting in many stops.
On a side note if you happen to be traveling on a South African Honeymoon, you can request an intimate lunch setting in a private vineyard location.
Fauna & Flora
The mountains of the Cape set the perfect scene for hikes in nature, mountain biking and general exploring.
I recommend you stick to designated routes and explore in small groups, as it is Africa at the end of the day and there is no upside walking around with all your electronic equipment and becoming an easy target for the local "Bergies".
It's a reality that crime does exist in Africa, so be aware of your surroundings, you're not hiking in the Rockies after all.
For the most part however, you'll be just fine and can enjoy the tranquil beauty and breathtaking surroundings safely.
World-Class Cuisine
Cape Town boasts multiple World Top 50 rated restaurants and Franschhoek is the culinary capital of Africa.
If you're a food lover then booking ahead at restaurants like The Test Kitchen and La Colombe is highly recommended.
Speak to one of your travel consultants as we have insiders access to the Top 20 Restaurants in Cape Town.
Oceanic Adventures
One of the most popular things to do in Cape Town is enjoy a shark cage diving experience.
Day tours offer scheduled trips to submerge yourself in a cage - or free dive for you nutters - and experience encounters with the oceans predators up close.
The best place for this is in Gaans Baai, a 2 hour drive outside of Cape Town.
You can however opt for a local experience only 25 minutes from the Waterfront where you'll likely be staying.
Adding this to your African safari gives you the best of bush and ocean wildlife experiences.
In addition other adventure tours include kayaking trips, boat excursions and luxury charter rentals when you want to high five the good life :)
Cultural Tours
Steeped in history with no shortage of historic places, buildings and cultural tours, you'll not be short of things to do in Cape Town if you're a history or culture buff.
The most popular of these of course is the tour of Robben Island, famed for housing the late president Nelson Mandela.
Weather permitting, ferry rides depart daily and tickets are readily available year-round, with bookings recommended from December to February, in the busy tourist season.
Vibrant Nightlife
What would a world-class city be without vibrant nightlife and entertainment?
Cape Town offers a wide variety of trendy bars and nightclubs strewn across the city, with Long Street, The Waterfront and Camps Bay the most popular.
Start with Sundowners in Camps Bay at local favourite Cafe Caprice, move onto dinner at one of the many restaurants and dance the night away at The Beach Club, Bungalow or one of Long Streets many hot spots.
Shopping
If it's shopping you're after then the Cape Town's V&A Waterfront is your ideal destination.
You'll find familiar brand name stores, local markets and of course luxury outlets too.
The Waterfront as it's referred to locally also has live music at select bars, street acts and a London-style "Big Wheel or Eye in the sky".
Adventure Sports
If you're into adrenaline hunting or outdoor activities, you may want to take up surf lessons at Muizenberg, or ride the monster at Dungeons in Hout Bay - home of some of Africa's biggest waves.
Cape Town is additionally known for countless mountain bike trails, epic coastline cycling, kayaking, zip lining, helicopter tours, parachuting and more.
Contact our destination specialists for more info.
Summary
As you now know there is no shortage of things to do in Cape Town and we recommend a 3-4 night stay to experience the very best of it.
At African Safari Home our VIP concierge service can schedule and manage all your booking requirements, wether you're traveling as a couple, on honeymoon, as a family or on a seniors safari, we have many options and things for you to do.