One of the benefits of living in one of Africa’s most popular destinations is that every day, we wake up to a fantastic list of opportunities that Cape Town offers. As you might imagine, that means that our team of Rhino Africa Travel Experts have explored every nook and cranny of the Mother City. As such, the recommendations they make to our travellers are based on their very own personal experience! We caught up with a few of the Rhino Crash and discovered their favourite things to do in Cape Town.
Cape Town is a delightful mix of beaches, mountains, city, and more!
Why Cape Town?
Cape Town is our home, so we know we might sound biased when we say it's the best! That's why you don't have to take our word for it. Just ask all the many travellers from across the globe who consistently vote it one of the best places to visit. But where to go and what to do? Step into our Travel Experts' shoes, who'll show you their hometown's best places to visit.
Exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain lies Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. For many, this is the perfect spot to drink in the Cape’s natural beauty and stretch out on a sunny day. The gardens aren’t just home to a variety of bird and plant life, but an impressive history too. We also love taking a stroll along the Boomslang walkway, which gives you a unique vantage point of the gardens.
Plus, if you're visiting in summer, don't miss out on their Summer Sunset Concerts, where you can listen to live music in this open-air arena.
“If you’re a picnic kind of person, it doesn’t get much better than this.” – Helen Kirby, Rhino Africa Travel Expert.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens shows off the sublime natural beauty of Cape Town, Image Credit: Africantraveldesk.com
Wine Tasting in the Cape Winelands
Cape Town and wine tasting go together like, well, wine and cheese! Sip on some of the best wines found anywhere in the world. Local wine routes in Durbanville or Constantia, where you'll find South Africa's oldest winery, offer a variety of settings close to the city centre. Our top tip is to book the City Sightseeing Bus Tour wine tour so you don't have to worry about getting around after a couple of glasses.
For those who want to venture slightly further afield, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are a short drive away. If you're heading out to Franschhoek (highly recommended!), you simply must go on the Wine Tram for an added layer of fun! If you want something more exclusive, we can organise private wine tours for you, such as those offered by our trusted Wine Fairy. The Winelands is also not just about wine. It's giving scenery, art, fine dining, and more!
"Wine tasting is without a doubt the best way to spend a summer's day in the Cape." – Rhino Africa Travel Expert. Courtney Drage.
There are endless options for wine tasting and pairings in the Cape Winelands
Meeting Penguins at Boulders Beach
Our Travel Expert, Anandré Els, is absolutely sold in Boulders Beach and always recommends it to our guests. It's a crowd-pleaser whether you're a couple looking for a day out in the sun or a family looking for some beachy fun!
Feel the sand between your toes and the fresh sea breeze while sharing the beach with the locals. The resident population of endangered African penguins provide ample entertainment with their antics both on the beach and among the waves. This beach will also make you feel like you're on a tropical island, as it's so postcard-perfect and pristine!
"What could be better than sharing a beach with penguins?" – Rhino Africa Travel Expert, Anandré Els.
Cape Town's Boulder's Beach is a favourite among tourists and locals alike
Shopping at V&A Waterfront
Shop til you drop, and then some more! The V&A Waterfront not only houses some of the city's best retail therapy but is a centrepiece for a range of activities.
Splash out at the Aquarium or venture out on a cruise of the harbour. If views are more your thing, hop onto the Cape Wheel to get a birds-eye view of the stunning surroundings. There are also some unique activities here, like HintHunt's Escape Rooms, or you can head out on a real-life "Amazing Race" experience, completing tasks and challenges around the Waterfront. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and pubs all around.
"The V&A Waterfront has something for absolutely everyone and is a great starting point for an adventure in the city" – Mai Conradie, Rhino Africa Travel Expert.
Enjoy panoramic views of Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront
History Lesson at Robben Island
A short boat cruise that departs from the V&A Waterfront takes you to the former prison that famously housed political prisoners. One of the unique aspects of this tour is that former prison inmates become your guide to the island.
Their shared memories and lived experiences truly resonate with visitors. Visiting the cell that once housed Nelson Mandela is a humbling experience that brings the story of his role in South Africa’s history to life in an emphatic fashion.
“If you know anything about South Africa’s history, then Robben Island is a must-see.” – Brad Mitchell, Rhino Africa.
Visit the very place that Nelson Mandela was imprisioned for 18 years
Go up Table Mountain
The star of the show in Cape Town simply cannot be left off this list. It's not just great to look at from below, but the spectacular views from both the aerial cableway and the top of Cape Town's most iconic landmark make it a highlight of any visit.
As locals, we love hiking up to the top of Table Mountain and taking the cable car down, so you get the best of both worlds! There's a restaurant and some shops at the top, so you can enjoy an ice-cold beer and snack while you admire the view.
"Your trip to Cape Town just doesn't count if you don't go up Table Mountain." – Rhino Africa Travel Expert Toast Seagers.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy all of the outdoor activities Cape Town has to offer, Image Credit: Brian Jones
Beach Days in Camps Bay
Catch a tan and sip a cocktail in the trendiest corner of the Cape. Home to a range of restaurants, bars and cafés, this is one of the hottest strips of beach in the city.
In the summer months, Camps Bay comes alive, from morning beach days blending into sunset cocktails and the best clubs to take you right through to the next morning!
"Camps Bay is the ultimate summer spot and my go-to for some time in the sun." – Savannah St Claire, Rhino Africa.
Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, Image Credit: CapsolZA
Helicopter Tour in Cape Town
Take to the skies and admire our Mother City from a bird's-eye view! We can never get enough of Cape Town Helicopters' tours to show off our city from a different perspective. Plus, with unique stop-overs where you can feast your senses, from oysters, bubbly, picnics, and more, we just can't get enough.
They offer various types of tours flying to different Cape Town destinations. Think mountain picnics, whale watching from the sky, wine tours, open-door helicopter experiences, private Robben Island tours, Cape Point tours, and so much more!
"Heli-hopping from the !Khwa ttu Nature Reserve to shucking oysters in Saldanha Bay, a Cape Town Helicopters tour always gives me a new appreciation for my hometown." – Xinay de Vries, Rhino Africa.
Take to the sky and experience Cape Point from the best vantage point, Image Credit: NAC Helicopters
Kayaking with Dolphins in Hout Bay
Imagine paddling out onto the vast Atlantic Ocean just as the sun starts to peek over the horizon, drenching the city and surrounding mountains in a warm glow. Suddenly, there's a splash, and a dolphin emerges! Slickly slicing through the ocean's surface, you let out a giddy laugh! There's just something about visiting dolphins in their ocean habitat that fills you with joy.
A day out on the water with Cape Town Kayaks will, without a doubt, be a highlight on your itinerary and a sunrise to remember!
"Kayaking with dolphins is just the very best way to start anyone's day." – Tania de Kock, Rhino Africa.
Imagine being so close to dolphins
Wildflower Safari in West Coast National Park
For a different kind of safari, make sure to visit West Coast National Park, located about an hour's drive from Cape Town city centre. Although the flower season is seasonal, there are still many other things to enjoy year-round, such as kitesurfing and waterskiing or simply enjoying the beach beauty that is Kraalbaai.
Eager bird-watchers will also love visiting the hides to enjoy some bird-watching; from raptors to waterbirds and songbirds, there are plenty of feathery species to admire. For the more active travellers, you'll find great scenic hiking trails and many picnic spots.
"Seeing the wildflowers during their most spectacular season from August to September is an absolute must. Trust me, this seasonal phenomenon is a sight to behold and a photographer's dream come true." – Michelle Welvering, Rhino Africa.
The flowers in bloom at West Coast National Park are a spectacular sight!
Let's Show You Cape Town!
In a city so full of highlights and options, it’s impossible to run out of things to do, and Cape Town is certainly blessed in that regard. We’re incredibly lucky to live in this city and feel even luckier to be able to share it with you! If you’re eager to experience the best the Mother City has to offer, get in touch with one of our Travel Experts. We’d love to plan and curate the perfect adventure for you!
Very informative. Thanks Brad