Cape Town: Journey to the bottom of Africa

From Table Mountain to Lion’s Head summit, see why Capetown is one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa.

By Matt Cheok

Having recently returned from an amazing three-month visit to Cape Town, we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your own adventure. 

With its imposing flat top rising above the skyline, Table Mountain is an iconic landmark of Cape Town and perhaps the first image you’ll see when ‘Googleing’ this city. When you arrive in town, the initial views are absolutely arresting, displaying grandeur in every sense of the word. 

But Cape Town offers so much more than its majestic mountains; it’s an outdoor explorer’s paradise with incredible beaches and a culturally significant history in the fight against apartheid. With increasingly accessible safari experiences, this coastal city has become even more enticing as a travel destination.

Curious about visiting South Africa? Start here

Head to the summit of Table Mountain

Ascending Table Mountain is the perfect introduction to the city while simultaneously experiencing the coast's beauty from above. For those who prefer to save their energy for exploring the summit, an aerial cableway runs frequently, transporting you to the top in about 5 minutes. Be sure to check the website for the latest schedule and any closures, as the cable car can be affected by bad weather. 

Alternatively, if you’d like to conquer the summit on foot, both Platteklip Gorge and India Venster trails are worth exploring. 

Walking holidays for any fitness level

While there are many hiking trails to enjoy in Cape Town, our favourite is the Pipe Track, which traverses along the foothills of Table Mountain. 

This relatively flat and easy trail is an excellent choice for those seeking a gentler way to experience Table Mountain's beauty. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, Camps Bay, and Lion's Head without the challenge of a steep climb or overcrowding. Better yet, the hike is flexible – you can easily turn back at any point or connect to other trails for a more extended adventure. And for extra convenience, you can even take an Uber directly to the start of the trailhead.

Experience Cape Town’s magnificent beaches

Cape Town is heralded for its superb coastline, and spending time on the sand is a staple of any visit. Our personal favourites include Clifton 1, Llandudno, Muizenberg and Bakoven Beach. Just be prepared for the icy cold Atlantic waters, which may be a surprising contrast for Aussies who are used to our warmer seas! 

Journeying further south on the Cape Peninsula, you'll find Boulders Beach. However, its main attraction isn’t the opportunity to plop yourself on the sand but to witness a cute colony of African Penguins. The beach gets its name from the huge granite boulders that provide a natural shelter for these birds. You'll likely hear their distinctive braying calls when exploring the well-maintained boardwalks and viewing platforms. 

Find more birdlife to explore

Learn about the Apartheid era at Robben Island

If there’s one experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Cape Town, it’s a visit to Robben Island. This half-day trip allows you to step back in time and grasp the reality of South Africa's struggle for freedom and equality. 

During the apartheid era, the island was a maximum-security prison, holding political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and even our tour guide, who shared his personal experiences of imprisonment and the harsh conditions he and others collectively endured. His firsthand account transformed the historical tour into a profoundly moving experience, offering a unique insight into South Africa's past as we toured through the prisons and the island itself.

Robben Island can only be accessed by guided tour, with ferries departing from the V&A Waterfront. As this is a highly sought-after experience, we recommend booking online in advance. 

Cape Town and beyond

Cape Town is a fantastic launching pad for single and multi-day trips. If you’re interested in wine and viticulture, you’ll want to visit the beautiful Cape Wineland regions of Stellenbosh and Franschhoek, just an hour’s drive from the city. There’s also the picturesque drive to the Cape of Good Hope for easy walking, fantastic peninsula views, and dramatic cliff faces. 

Aussie winery hotspots to try next

Anecdotally, my partner and I enjoyed a weekend adventure in Hermanus, conveniently timed to coincide with the whale-watching season. We were even fortunate enough to see a southern right whale in the distance. This easy-going coastal town is great for leisurely strolls and boasts a delightful culinary scene. For fantastic waterfront views and delicious food, be sure to visit Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar or Fick's Pool Restaurant.

Where to eat and drink in Cape Town

South Africans are obsessed with a braai (barbeque/grill), a national pastime similar to our Aussie barbies. It’s all about feasting on delicious foods cooked over coals and getting together with friends and family, you'll witness braais happening everywhere, especially by the beach with a few sundowners in hand.

Cape Town boasts a fantastic food scene, particularly at the lively V&A Waterfront, where we highly recommend indulging in the delicious oysters at Den Anker. The cafe culture is also great; our favourites including Stellski Café and Coffee on Bree Street, the leafy garden cafe, Our Local @ 117 Kloof, and The Charles Café in the historic Bo-Kaap area. 

If you're in town on a Wednesday evening between October and April, don’t miss the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. You’ll find some of the city’s best produce here, with excellent live music and casual dining options too. 

Looking for unique foodie experiences?

Getting around Cape Town

You'll be hard-pressed to find a better hop-on, hop-off bus experience than the one in Cape Town. Its incredibly scenic route winds along the coastline, cruising past the beautiful beaches in Clifton and Seapoint, and even drops you at the doorstep of Table Mountain’s cable car. 

While exploring Cape Town's compact city centre and coastline on foot is enjoyable, we strongly recommend using ride-sharing services for venturing further afield, especially at night. It's both the safest and most affordable option.

Best time of year to visit Cape Town

Cape Town's location at the southern tip of Africa makes it a year-round holiday destination. December to February brings warm, sun-drenched days, but don't overlook the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November), which offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. While winter (June to August) is typically cooler (temperature-wise) and quieter, with occasional rain, it's an ideal time for those hoping to see whales along the coast.

Whether you’re seeking a dedicated city break or combining it with an African safari adventure, Cape Town’s well-rounded offerings and easy access to nearby adventures make it the perfect next holiday destination. Happy planning! 

^{Feature image: Matt Cheok}

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