Cape Town is one of the most popular cities on the African continent. With an urban national park, a long, glorious coastline and vineyards on the doorstep, the “Mother City” (known by this moniker because it was the site of the first European settlement in South Africa) has as much access to nature and beautiful scenery as it does to world-class restaurants, bars, shops and excellent museums. There are many noteworthy historic sites in and around Cape Town.
Table Mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town, forming part of the Table Mountain National Park. It rises approximately 3,281 feet above the city and is characterized by its distinctive flat summit, which is 1.9 miles wide. It is laced with trails for all kinds of abilities and fitness levels, or you can catch the cable car and be whisked straight to the top for panoramic city and ocean views. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Located within Table Mountain National Park is Boulders Beach which takes its name from ancient granite rocks that line the area providing shelter for the endangered penguins living there. The latest annual African penguin census at Boulders Beach has recorded 790 breeding pairs, an increase of 92 pairs from the 698 counted in 2025. The tuxedo-clad locals are famous attractions. You will love the little “African Penguins.”
Spend a day touring the Cape Peninsula along one of South Africa’s most scenic routes. Explore Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope’s dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
Standing at the Cape of Good Hope is an absolute bucket-list moment — the dramatic coastal views and the raw energy of the ocean are something you will always remember. Taking the vernacular to the lighthouse purchased 814 feet above sea level is another sight to behold!
Journey along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, and enjoy a visit to the historic wine country. Include time to explore charming artisan shops, bakeries, cafes and local produce in a peaceful countryside setting.
Continue into the renowned Constantia Wine Valley, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region, and visit exceptional wine estates where you will enjoy the award-winning wines at Constantia Glen. Try some of South Africa’s top wines paired with cheeses, olives and chocolate on a fun tour to the Cape Winelands. Savor an a-la-carte lunch at one of the vineyards.
If you are sensitive to history and human rights, a visit to Robben Island is an important part of Cape Town and South Africa’s history. It is best known for its prison, which held many anti-American activists for decades, including Nelson Mandela. Former prisoners lead the tours.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers great hotels with mountain and piazza views and awesome restaurants for dining.
Being South Africa’s second largest city and popular arrival and departure point for tourists, Cape Town is well linked to the country’s safari destinations. There are safari reserves within driving distance in the Western Cape, but most people will head to more famous Big Five destinations, such as Kruger National Park.
I was fortunate to have visited Cape Town on three occasions, 2004, 2013 and 2016. I loved all three visits. South Africa is one of my favorite destinations if not my very favorite, especially combined with safaris in Kruger National Park and visits to other destinations. It is most definitely a bucket list trip!
Contact your local travel advisor and plan your South African Safari adventure to include Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana. It is the trip of a lifetime!
