Essential Cape Town
There are lots of trips and activities nearby. Listing them all would take too much time, but here is a selection of things you will not want to miss.
The Wine Tour
A tour to the heart of the South African winelands make for an excellent day trip. Not only are the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas beautiful, but they are quite accessible, being less than an hour's drive from Cape Town. The farms offer world-class wine tasting, and you can also find some other things to do there: while some farms also offer cheese tasting, there are even some where you can pet a cheetah or hold a black eagle.
Penguins, Baboons, Whales, and the tip of Africa
One-day trips are easily accommodated to Cape Point starting along the Atlantic seaboard through Hout Bay and along to Cape Point Nature Reserve where lunch can be taken overlooking False Bay across to Hermanus. On the return journey via Simons Town, headquarters for the South African Navy look out for the whales and dolphins (during the months July-November). Boulders Beach just outside Simons Town is home to the small yet delightful South African Penguins and from where you come into close contact with these amusing and adorable creatures. Pay a worthwhile visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and then onto Groot Constantia, one of South Africa's oldest wine farms.
Table Mountain
A 20-minute drive through the City will take you to the base of the famous landmark, Table Mountain. From here, the fitter and adventurous visitor can walk/climb up Table Mountain. Those wanting a more relaxing way to ascend/descend can take the new Swiss Cable Car which will give you ample time to take in the breathtaking views of Cape Town and beyond. From the base of the Mountain, you can continue to Signal Hill, the ideal spot to sit and quietly take in the setting sun and watch the City slowly light up under the Cape sky.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Lovely gardens with every kind of vegetation you can imagine. This is also the site for various concerts on weekends. Find out what kinds of special events are happening there now at their site.
Robben Island
Robben Island is the site of the famous prison that once held Nelson Mandela. Now converted into a park, the island is reachable by everyone. Tours to the island are given by former Robben Island inmates.
Downtown Cape Town
An open bus trip is highly recommended for a better view of the City. These trips start from the Waterfront and last about 2 hours. The flower market offers a colourful view of Malay flower sellers. So make sure you take your camera with you. The City Botanical Gardens, Museums and Parliament along with St George's Cathedral are all at close hand. Don't miss the lively and eccentric Longstreet, which is very active by day, but only really wakes up late at night.
West Coast National Park
A drive of just over an hour up the West Coast will take you to the West Coast National Park at Langebaan, the site where the oldest female footprint was found in 1997 - it is thought to be the footprint of Eve! The reserve is definitely a bird watcher's paradise along with many other animals. The reserve looks particularly stunning and radiant during the Spring (August-October) when flowers carpet huge areas. The turquoise blue lagoon and the resident flamingos and pelicans at the same time add to the radiant colour. The Postberg section is open only in August und September. There are many antelopes around there.
Hillcrest Farm
This delightful farm is where we get all the jams that we serve for breakfast. Though only a 30 minute drive away, the farm seems remote and is an excellent place for walks, bird-watching, and especially picnics.