With amazing scenery and numerous attractions, Cape Town is often a dream trip for many travelers. The city’s coastal location makes it famous for its harbor, and there is a wealth of history inside its city limits. Find out what amazing things await you during your trip to Cape Town.
1. Tour the Cape Point Nature Reserve
If you are hoping to get a glimpse of some African animals during your trip to Cape Town, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is a good place to start. There are over 250 bird species here along with larger animals like the ostrich, Cape mountain zebra, and the Eland, which is the largest antelope in the world.
2. Visit the District Six Museum
This community museum examines South African history in which District Six was declared a “whites only” area. This resulted in the forced removal of over 60,000 residents, who were shipped away to Cape Flats before their homes were reduced to rubble. The museum includes interactive exhibits and a memorial hall.
3. Go cage diving
South Africa is known for its diverse shark population, including enormous Great Whites. Shark cage diving off the shores of Cape Town is a big business, and there are eight companies from which you can choose. This is an awesome opportunity for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s greatest predators.
4. Experience local cuisine
A trip to Africa won’t be complete without a chance to experience the local cuisine. Marco’s African Place features kudu fillets, ostrich, and pan-fried springbok on its menu. More adventurous foodies may like to try the chicken feet at Nyoni’s Kraal or Ethiopian lamb at the Africa Café. Whatever you choose, you will definitely like it!
5. Relax on the beach
There are a variety of beaches in Cape Town, but if you are looking for undisturbed relaxation and rest, there are a few secluded options that you should consider. Beta Beach is a quick ten minute drive from the city center, and it is a great destination for sun bathing and swimming. Smitswinkelbaai is a little further out, but the calm water makes this beach a great place for snorkeling.
More: 11 Most Beautiful Beaches Worth Visiting
6. Listen to some jazz
The jazz scene in Cape Town is a big part of the city’s heritage, and it stems back to the apartheid years. Since then, this style of music has developed its own genre of Cape Jazz, which features a distinct African sound. There are a variety of jazz festivals in this city, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and the Jazzathon.
7. Ride a cable car up Table Mountain
Get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town by traveling up Table Mountain by cable car. You will be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular view anywhere in Cape Town or throughout the rest of Africa. The garden also regularly shows stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, and outdoor concerts are held throughout the summer.
8. Learn about Langa Township
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of South Africa, a tour of Langa, the Cape Town suburb, is something you won’t want to miss. This neighborhood was designated and established for Black Africans prior to the apartheid, so it is historically and culturally important for the city.
9. Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Situated at the base of Table Mountain, this garden was founded in 1913 as a way of preserving the unique flora in the country. It includes a large conservatory that features plants like karoo, fynbos, and savanna. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most breathtaking
botanical gardens I’ve ever visited.
10. Enjoy the night life on Long Street
Yes, Cape Town boasts a vibrant night life too. Long Street is a popular Cape Town hotspot, and visitors and residents alike enjoy nightlife at its variety of bars and clubs. Julep is one of the best-kept secrets in Cape Town, and it features comfortable couches, bare brick walls, and a fantastic cocktail selection.
More: 10 Most Beautiful Places in the World
Cape Town is a beautiful and historic city that is full of shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions. By visiting some of this South African city’s most popular attractions, you can enjoy the full Cape Town experience. If some of you have ever visited Cape Town, feel free to share your favorite attractions and tips. This summer, I’m going to visit Cape Town again, so I’d love to learn more about the most hidden places of the city!
