With Cheap Flights to Cape Town readily available online, South Africa’s favourite city is more accessible than ever. Make the most of your trip with these useful suggestions.
You’ll never run out of things to do during your holiday in Cape Town, but it’s only natural to feel like a break from the bustling city scene though. If you think there’s more to a holiday in Cape Town than fine dining, inspiring historic sites and amazing beaches, you’re in luck.
The Mother City is an excellent hub for exploring the rest of the Western Cape. Here are some of the best places to spend the day.
1. Head up the West Coast
The West Coast has a charm all of its own. The area is alive with wildflowers during the spring, it’s a winter wonderland of wildlife, and a year-round destination for the best seafood and sea views.
Explore the mountains and quaint towns of the Cedarberg, go fishing in Langebaan, surf the dunes at Atlantis, or try everything artisan in Darling. The Greek-themed west coast hub of Club Mykonos offers a whirlwind of watery adventures, children’s activities and even a casino.
Whether you love laid-back lounging or long for an action-packed experience, the West Coast has it in spades.
2. Explore the Karoo
The semi-arid environment of the Karoo is closer to Cape Town than you think. You’ll notice the change in scenery just an hour away from the lush environment of the city.
The Karoo is a unique place to visit, filled with charismatic little towns, long straight roads and scrubland.Swartberg Pass is one of the steepest in South Africa, offering dramatic views over your surroundings, Prince Albert is an art-lover’s delight and Aquila Private Game Reserve offers amazing Big Five safaris.
Stop off at Africa’s oddest pub, Ronnie’s Sex Shop, to read the graffiti from international visitors or enjoy an afternoon braai with the local farmers. For more refined tastes, the wine farms along Route 62 have no shortage of fine dining and excellent wines on offer.
3. See Cape Point
This promontory jutting out into the Atlantic is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Frothing waves spend their energy against the tall cliffs, fynbos is prolific on the mountainside and the views over it all are spectacular.
Wander among these lovely scenes or take a trip to the top of the lighthouse for a stunning outlook over your surroundings. After your exertions you can relax with a glass of wine and a meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant overlooking False Bay.
Cape Point is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, but you’ll find plenty to distract you along the way. Kalk Bay tempts with antique shops, art galleries, seaside eateries and pubs, while the Simon’s Town penguins at Boulder Bay are an irresistible attraction.
4. Don’t Miss Out on the Winelands
If you don’t visit the winelands during your trip to Cape Town, you’re missing out. Wine routes from the Mother City reach out in every direction. You can choose from the Stellenbosch, Helderberg, Durbanville or Constantia routes or take a tram-tour of Franschhoek.
The options are endless when you spend time in this cornucopia of attractions. You’ll find fine examples of almost every imaginable delicacy in the winelands. Outdoor activities are in no short supply either. Explore these gorgeous scenes on mountain bikes and horses, on foot, or in a hot-air balloon.
5. Spend a Day in Hout Bay
Fortunately, Hout Bay is only half an hour’s drive from the city centre because it’s packed with all-day attractions for visitors. Visit World of Birds for an introduction to some of the planet’s most interesting avians, take a boat trip to view the seals and sharks of Seal Island, try the famous seafood at Mariner’s Wharf, or lap up the scenes on Chapman’s Peak Drive on the way to Noordhoek.
A walking tour of the town’s quaint shops or a trip to the Harbour Market complete the experience.
6. Watch the Whales In Hermanus
You can spot whales off the coast of Hermanus from June to December most years, although September is the official whale season in this tiny town. If you’re visiting outside of these months, there are still plenty of fascinations in Hermanus to keep you occupied.
Museums, shops and quaint seaside eateries are dotted all over the waterfront and back streets of this town. A hike in Fernkloof Nature Reserve is another treat when visiting Hermanus.
7. Submit to the Charms of the Cedarberg
Two hours from Cape Town you’ll find bucketloads of charm and serenity when you visit the Cedarberg. Here you can take the Sevilla Rock Art Trails to see the San art, sample some the country’s best rooibos tea, hike to see the historic Stadsaal Caves or indulge in local produce at charming roadside stalls and farmer’s markets.
Are You Ready to take Off?
To get your trip to Cape Town off to a great start, check out our cheap flights available on Kulula and other SA airlines and book your ticket now.