Cape Town has a bit of everything: adventure, laid-back beauty and a touch of luxury. People come for the coastline, the history, the food and wine, or simply to spend time somewhere beautiful. And the range of things to do is huge, from mountain hikes in the morning to sundowners on the water in the evening.
A private yacht charter is the most luxurious way to see Cape Town's coastline. Use it to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, or just to get away from it all. You can add extras to make it your own, like a live DJ, gourmet food or water sports such as jet skiing. Cruising past Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Clifton beaches with only your own group on board is a very different experience from a crowded tour. You get the views, the comfort and complete privacy. Prices start at R7,000 an hour on Le Cat Catamaran, and our Cape Town yacht hire prices guide compares every boat in the fleet.
For a more affordable option, book a public sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront. End the day cruising on the Atlantic with a glass of bubbly while the sun sets and Table Mountain and the city glow behind you. Cruises usually run for 90 minutes to 2 hours and are ideal for solo travellers, couples or small groups who want to relax. Our shared Sunset Champagne Cruise costs R720 per adult. It's peaceful and romantic, which is why it's one of the most popular ways to end a day in Cape Town.
If you're after an adrenaline rush, this is it. Shark cage diving happens in Gansbaai, about two hours' drive from Cape Town, a small town known as the "Great White Shark Capital of the World". Local operators such as shark cage diving specialists lower you into the water in a sturdy cage, so you can come face to face with the sharks while staying safe. If you'd rather stay dry, you can watch from the boat and still see these animals up close in their natural habitat. Our shark cage diving trip from Cape Town costs R4,655 per person, including return transfers. Sightings vary with the season and the conditions, as with any wildlife trip.
Table Mountain is Cape Town's best-known landmark, with sweeping views over the city, the ocean and the surrounding peaks. If you're feeling active, there are hiking trails up to the top for every fitness level. If not, the cableway gets you there in a few relaxed minutes. Table Mountain National Park is full of unique plants and wildlife, so nature lovers shouldn't miss it. For something completely different, you can even abseil off Table Mountain.
A Robben Island tour takes you back to the apartheid era, one of the most important chapters in South African history. The island is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Guided tours are often led by former political prisoners, whose personal stories give you a moving insight into South Africa's path to democracy. The ferry ride to the island also gives you great views of Cape Town's coastline.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lies at the foot of Table Mountain and is the perfect place to find some quiet away from the city. It's rated as one of the best botanical gardens in the world, known for growing and showing off plants found only in South Africa. The scenery is superb wherever you look. Take a relaxed walk along the Tree Canopy Walkway, nicknamed the "Boomslang", or have a leisurely picnic on the lawns. In summer, Kirstenbosch hosts sunset concerts where you can relax with friends or family and listen to live music in a beautiful, peaceful setting. It's one of the best ways to spend a summer evening.
The Cape Winelands, just outside Cape Town, are a paradise for wine lovers. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the best-known areas, with beautiful vineyards, historic estates and award-winning wines. Vineyard tours, wine tastings and fine dining make it a perfect day out from Cape Town. Take in the views of rolling hills and mountains while you sip some of the best wines in the world.
Drive the Cape Peninsula from Cape Town, past pretty seaside villages, to some of its most famous sights: Chapman's Peak, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Stop at Boulders Beach to see its colony of African penguins. A tour of the whole peninsula gives you spectacular coastal views, beautiful beaches and rugged scenery, and it's a highlight of any trip to Cape Town. For a stylish way to do it, try a Porsche convertible with a chauffeur-guide.
Camps Bay Beach is one of the trendiest beaches in Cape Town.
It has white sand, clear blue (and famously cold) water and a palm-lined promenade, which makes it the best place for sunbathing and people-watching. Cafés, restaurants and bars line the strip, so there are plenty of places for a meal or a drink, which adds to the buzz. It looks just as good from the water, and Camps Bay is one of the highlights of an Atlantic Seaboard cruise.
For panoramic views of Cape Town, a hike up Lion's Head is not to be missed.
It's a moderately challenging hike, with a few chains and ladders near the top, and takes around 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on your fitness. The views over the city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular. It's very popular with locals and visitors, and the best times to go are sunrise or sunset. The view from the top is one of the best in Cape Town. Take a headlamp if you're coming down after sunset.
Cape Town has something for everyone, from adventure seekers to people looking for peace and quiet. Private yacht charters, Table Mountain and cage diving with great white sharks are just the start. The city brings together beautiful nature, rich culture and fascinating history, and it draws travellers from all over the world. If a day on the water is top of your list, see our guide to hiring a yacht in South Africa.
Yes, when you go with a reputable operator. Trips are run by experienced crews, and the cages are built so that the sharks stay outside while you watch them up close. The crew gives you a full safety briefing before anyone gets in the water.
It depends on the size of the yacht, how long you cruise and any extras, such as catering or water sports. Prices start at R7,000 an hour on Le Cat Catamaran for up to 12 guests. Most motor yachts and larger catamarans cost from about R12,000 to R33,000 an hour.
Summer, from November to March, is the most popular time, with long, warm days. Spring (September to November) and autumn (April to May) are also lovely times to see the Cape Peninsula, with fewer crowds.
Pack sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, your camera and a light jacket, because the weather can change quickly. If you plan to swim at Boulders Beach, bring your swimming costume too.
If you're reasonably fit and stop now and then to enjoy the views, expect around 1 to 2 hours from the bottom to the top.
