10 Reasons To Put Cape Town On Your Travel Bucket List

A rich heritage, outstanding landscape and dramatic coastline, Cape Town is full of many travel experiences. The second most populous urban area in South Africa, it is also one of the most entertaining, captivating and diverse. Just take a look at the many things that it has to offer.

1. Wild African Penguins

The surrounding coastline of Cape Town is home to much wildlife, including 2,000 endangered African Penguins. The breeding colony found shelter on Boulder’s Beach in Table Mountain National Park due to the enclosed bays and safe sands. While tourism is controlled, there are amazing additions to help you view the tuxedoed birds and have a relaxing time on the beach, including a walkway, toilets, beach showers and few crowds.

2. Robben Island

Capture a piece of history on Robben Island. Where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years imprisoned, the island has become a museum, with tours starting at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the mainland, a visit to the maximum security prison including Mandela’s former cell, a bus trip to the lime quarry where prisoners did hard labour, and a stop at the Lepers’ Graveyard. A World Heritage Site, this island is bittersweet, with natural beauty but a bleak history.

3. Mountain Biking

With its spectacular peaks, forest terrain and fabulous views, mountain biking is popular amongst thrill-seekers in Cape Town. A must-do route is through the tracks of Tokai Forest, where you can be met with baboons, horses and fellow explorers either on bike or on foot.

4. Eating

With the mountains, ocean, vineyards and city, Cape Town is bursting with dining experiences in waterfront restaurants, CBD bars, trendy eateries and traditional buffets. Go local at Africa Café, opt for Indian cuisine at Bombay Brasserie, or get your fix of the Mediterranean at L’Apero.

5. Vineyards

The surrounding vineyards of Cape Town mean that every wine drinker will be satisfied. Take a tour of the estates in the Cape Winelands region, and then sit and taste the offerings while looking out at the spectacular rolling hills before you. With so many local wines, you’re spoilt for choice at the city’s restaurants and bars, including Bascule Whisky Wine and Cocktail Bar in the marina, selling the finest grape Cape Town has to offer as well as over 500 whiskies from around the world.

6. Street Art

Whether giving a nod to the city’s cultural icons, telling a political message or simply covering an unsightly building, it’s hard to deny that Cape Town is an outdoor gallery. District Six, Woodstock and Mitchell’s Plain are just some of the locations you can see the expression of the city and its people.

7. Dancing

There’s nothing better than feeling the rhythm of music and dancing the night away in Cape Town. For a traditional style, head to Club Africa for African dance music and the occasional live music performance. Not just in venues, dancing in the street is an important expression during festivals and events, both traditional and modern.

8. Shopping

From pottery and crafts to fresh fruit and vegetables at local markets, there are plenty of opportunities to shop ‘til you drop, whatever you’re looking for. There are street vendors selling flowers and artworks, as well as the Cape Quarter shopping centre with everything you could possibly want under one roof.

9. Abseiling Down Table Mountain

We can’t miss Table Mountain off of the list, but one of the most memorable ways to experience Cape Town’s wonder of nature is to abseil 100m down it while overlooking the Mother City. Like your favourite action hero, you can take to the heights of Table Mountain – just make sure you go with a trusted operator that knows what they’re doing.

10. Snorkelling With Seals

Off the coast of Hout Bay on Duiker Island, you can swim and snorkel with up to 7,000 Cape Fur Seals that call the island home. Prepare for the icy water and powerful waves as you hang around with these playful creatures.

By Charlotte Mellor

Images courtesy of Cape Town Tourism