Thanks to its incredible natural beauty and endless list of activities on offer, Cape Town is South Africa’s number one destination for tourists.
Cape Town is complimented by great weather, as it gets hot but not humid in summer, and remains mild throughout winter without too much rain.
Here is a list of some of the best sights and activities within the city and its surrounding area.
Cape Town is home to the Parliament of South Africa, and parliamentary sessions can be watched by anyone provided they collect a free ticket beforehand. Sessions are particularly interesting to experience, as the universal right to vote suffrage was only introduced to the country in 1994. As such, Parliament as it is today is still relatively young. It’s possible to attend parliamentary sittings between January and June. Tickets are collected from the Public Relations Office, and you’ll also need your passport to get in. More information, including directions can be found here .
The Cape Town Tunnel Tour allows you to explore the city from underneath, thanks to an elaborate network of underground tunnels. These have served a variety of purposes since 1652, from being tree lined walkways to sewage pipes. The trail starts at the impressive Castle of Good Hope, and takes explorers through the winding tunnels with the help of knowledgeable guides, who give a history not just of the tunnels but the city in general.
The Pan-African Market is a vibrant three story market within a grand Victorian style building in the city centre. Inside vendors from all over Africa sell many handcrafted goods and trinkets, as well as tailored clothing. There’s also a great terrace to chill out and enjoy some food and drinks after the tiring pursuit of bargains. It’s open everyday except Sunday and is located at number 76, Long Street.
Boulders Beach is found 40km away from the centre of Cape Town, and about 3km from the nearest large settlement of Simon’s Town. Lovely white sands and interesting boulder formations make for a great day out at the beach. More importantly, it’s also home to over 3,000 penguins which visitors can watch and even swim with. The penguins are present here all year round, however the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere is when the water is warmest, and swimming with penguins is best enjoyed. Entrance to the beach costs about 45 rand (under US$5) with discount for children under 11. The amount of visitors allowed per day is limited. During peak season, the beach may well be full by 10 or 11am, so it is recommended to arrive early if you can.
For the adrenalin junkies, nothing provides a greater rush than cage diving with one of the planets most feared predators - the Great White Shark. At Gansbaii Beach, a number of companies offer this opportunity. The following have been endorsed by the local tourist board thanks to factors such as their standards in safety, quality, and commitment to conservation:
Most companies do not require previous diving experience, and the few that do only ask for a PADI Open Water Diver qualification.
Along with a population of 1000 Great Whites, Gansbaii Beach is also a great spot for whale watching, which can be done from the shore or from a boat. Although the sharks stay all year round, the best time for whale watching is between July and December.
Ever looming in the background of Cape Town is the striking Table Mountain. However what’s even more impressive is seeing both the city and the mountain in an entirely new light by ascending to the plateau. The best way to do this is by cable car, which is both quick and provides remarkable views. A return trip costs 145 Rand, with reductions available for children and families. When you arrive at the top, the plateau is criss crossed by paths which inevitably lead to breathtaking views.
For the most adventurous, an adrenalin packed way to get back down is by abseiling off the 1000m sheer drop. More information on this can be found here .
A beautiful boat ride across Table Bay takes you to the Alcatraz-esque disused prison on Robben Island, which held many important political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. In 1997, it was turned into a museum detailing its dark yet fascinating history. The island can be reached from Cape Town via a short ferry ride. More information on access and exhibitions can be found on the Robben Island site .
South Africa is world renowned for its fine wines, and many of its greatest vineyards are clustered around Cape Town. One of the best areas to visit is Constantia, just to the south of Cape Town. It’s here that the first vineyards were planted in the country. Also nearby is Stellenbosch, widely regarded as the best wine producing area of the nation. There are many tours available, however one of the most highly recommended is Luhambo Tours. More information can be found on their website .