Cape Town Travel Guide | South Africa’s Top Destination

Cape Town Destination Guide

Cape Town rewards curious travelers with dramatic landscapes, easy access to nature, and a vibrant food and design scene. Base yourself between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, explore the V&A Waterfront and city neighborhoods, and allow time for Cape Point and the Cape Winelands. With smart planning, a four-night stay fits the highlights comfortably.

Getting to Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport welcomes flights from across the world daily. Domestically, flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town operate almost hourly, with less frequent services to the Garden Route and once-daily options to airports serving the Kruger area. We recommend flying rather than driving from Johannesburg to maximize time on the ground.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Cape Town can feel like four seasons in a day, yet conditions are generally pleasant with activities for any weather. Summer (Dec–Feb) is drier, averaging about 26°C/79°F by day and 16°C/61°F at night. The South-Easter (“Cape Doctor”) is strongest then, clearing the air but sometimes interrupting beach time.

Winter (Jun–Aug) brings most of the rain. Temperatures rarely fall below 7°C/45°F, with average highs near 18°C/64°F. Spring and autumn are brief, mild transitions. The cold Benguela Current keeps the Atlantic near 12–16°C/54–61°F, while False Bay is typically a few degrees warmer. Best time to visit: for warm, calmer weather with fewer crowds choose Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr; beaches are best in Dec–Feb; whale watching on the Whale Coast often peaks in Aug–Oct.

Medical Considerations

Cape Town is not in a malaria area. Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is of a high standard in metro areas, but use bottled water in rural areas. If you have pollen allergies, note that late August to early October is flower season—pack appropriate medication.

Safety

As in most major cities, petty crime can occur. Be alert when exploring, avoid unfamiliar areas after dark, and don’t walk alone late at night. With African Sky, you won’t be taken into areas that pose obvious risks; our guides are vigilant and safety-focused.

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Top Attractions in Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape Point & More

The city and its surrounding region offer a variety of attractions, from natural wonders and historic sites to lively dining and entertainment districts.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic natural features on the continent. The massif also comprises Lion's Head and Devil's Peak.

Kirstenbosch

The garden spreads across the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and conserves South Africa’s extraordinary plant diversity.

Cape Point

Near the Cape of Good Hope—the south-western tip of Africa—Cape Point lies within Table Mountain National Park’s Cape of Good Hope section.

V&A Waterfront

The historic V&A Waterfront in Table Bay Harbor offers a multitude of entertainment options.

Cape Winelands

The most significant towns in the Boland region include Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach in False Bay is home to a large colony of the endangered African penguin.

Cape Town Vacation Options & Travel Tips

Cape Town is an all-in-one dream vacation city with world-renowned attractions, scenic nature, diverse culture, rich history, and activities of every kind.

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Travel Tips & Advice

Important information about visiting Southern Africa.

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Cape Town Travel Video and Facts

Its iconic setting, the mix of cultures, diverse attractions, and activities make Cape Town a desirable vacation destination.

Cape Town is South Africa's oldest city. It is a cosmopolitan hub with something to complement every visitor's interests.

Country

South Africa

Province

Western Cape

Size of the Metro Area

2,455–2,461 km

Population

4,772,846 (Census 2022)

Languages

English, Afrikaans, Xhosa

Year founded

1652

Popular Activities

The city of Cape Town and its surrounding areas offer a multitude of different activities.

Shark Cage Diving

Table Bay Sunset Cruise

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden tour in Cape Town

Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

Robben Island & Cape Town City

Whale watching on the Whale Coast near Cape Town

Whale Route

Stellenbosch Wine Route

Paarl Wine Route

Franschhoek Wine Route

Foods to try in Cape Town

Cape Town is known as South Africa’s culinary jewel, with a mix of local, international, and innovative dishes.

Snoek Braai

The Cape snoek is a long, thin species of mackerel sourced from the icy Atlantic. During a West Coast snoek braai, this fish is grilled over open coals in a festive celebration of seafood. It’s traditionally served with korrelkonfyt (grape jam) for a sweet contrast.

Cape Malay

Cape Malay cooking blends fragrant, mildly curried dishes with Dutch-influenced staples. Bobotie (sweet-spiced ground beef with rice), bredie (stew), and chicken curries are South African classics.

Kreef

Also known as Cape rock lobster or sea crayfish, kreef is a much-loved staple. The tail’s sweet, white meat shines when cooked on an open fire with lemon butter.

Spirits

Beyond world-famous wines, Western Cape spirits like Inverroche’s fynbos-infused gin and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky have earned acclaim as distinctive local specialties.

Cape Town Travel FAQ

Is Cape Town safe for tourists?

Cape Town’s tourist hotspots like the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay are generally well-policed. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, so stay alert in crowds, avoid deserted areas after dark, and follow your guide’s advice for a smooth trip.

What happens if the weather’s bad in Cape Town?

Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable, but tour operators pivot quickly. If rain hits, expect indoor gems like Zeitz MOCAA or the Two Oceans Aquarium. Staying at least four nights gives flexibility for Table Mountain, Cape Point, and other highlights.

Can I swim in Cape Town’s ocean?

Yes—choose patrolled beaches and follow lifeguard guidance. The Atlantic side (Camps Bay, Clifton) is colder due to the Benguela Current, while False Bay (Muizenberg) is typically a few degrees warmer. Check rip current warnings and swim between the flags.

Do I need restaurant reservations in Cape Town?

For top spots like La Colombe or The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, book ahead—especially December to January. Casual eateries are flexible, but call for waterfront venues or holidays. We’re happy to secure bookings for you.

Are there safaris near Cape Town?

Yes—Aquila Private Game Reserve (about 2.5 hours) offers day trips; Sanbona (about 3.5 hours) feels wilder. For a broader Big Five experience, consider the Eastern Cape or Kruger National Park.

Can I fly directly to Cape Town?

Absolutely. Nonstop options typically include United (Newark), Delta (Atlanta, seasonal), British Airways and Virgin Atlantic (London Heathrow), KLM (Amsterdam) and Lufthansa (Frankfurt; seasonal). Always verify current schedules when booking.

What are the must-visit attractions in and around Cape Town?

Don’t miss Table Mountain for epic views (take the cableway or hike), the V&A Waterfront for shopping and dining, and Cape Point for rugged beauty. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden dazzles with native flora, while Boulders Beach offers African penguin encounters. The Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are perfect for wine lovers.

Is shopping in Cape Town worth it?

Cape Town’s shopping scene ranges from high-end boutiques at the V&A Waterfront to markets like Greenmarket Square. Ask guides for off-the-beaten-path finds in Woodstock. Long Street is great for vintage browsing.

When’s the best time for shark cage diving?

Trips operate year-round (Gansbaai is popular). Bronze whaler sharks are frequent; great white sightings vary and are not guaranteed. Choose an operator with strong safety and conservation credentials.

Where’s the best area to stay in Cape Town?

Camps Bay for beach vibes, the City Bowl (Gardens/Tamboerskloof) for trendy cafés, or the V&A Waterfront for easy access to attractions and family-friendly convenience.

A Brief History
City Life
The Great Outdoors

A Brief History

First European Seafarer

The earliest mention of the Cape is in the accounts of Bartolomeu Diaz. In 1488, Diaz became the first European seafarer to circumnavigate the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Proceeding along the coast, he encountered a treacherous bay he christened Cabo das Tormentas (Cape of Storms). King John II renamed it Cabo da Boa Esperança—the Cape of Good Hope.

Dutch East India Company

The Dutch East India Company commissioned the first settlers in the Cape Colony to operate a supply depot to restock and repair ships. On 6 April 1652, a group of 90 Calvinists, headed by Jan van Riebeeck, arrived at the Cape aboard the Reijger, the Goede Hoop, and the Drommedaris. After erecting a clay and timber fort and purchasing arable land from the Khoi-Khoi, Cape Town began to take form.

British Rule

After years of intermittent British occupation during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, the Cape was relinquished to Britain in the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814. Cape Town became capital of the British Cape Colony and expanded through the 1800s. Today, Cape Town is the seat of the National Parliament and an international destination.

The Apartheid Years (1948–1994)

From 1948 the National Party enforced apartheid, using the Group Areas Act and Pass Laws. In Cape Town, District Six was declared whites-only and its residents were forcibly removed; nearby Robben Island held political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years. Learn more at Robben Island Museum. Growing resistance and sanctions led to the 1990 unbannings and prisoner releases, opening negotiations.

Modern Democratic South Africa (1994–Present)

On 27 April 1994 South Africa held its first democratic elections, ushering in a new constitutional order. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission held hearings in Cape Town. The city remains the seat of Parliament and a major cultural and innovation hub, while the country works to address inequality and apartheid’s spatial legacy; museums like District Six and Robben Island preserve this history.

City Life

Cape Town has an activity (or inactivity) to suit every vacationer. The city hosts local and international designer stores, esteemed restaurants, and great drinking holes. The historic V&A Waterfront is a hub that entertains everything from a German-style Brauhaus that brews its own beer and revered seafood institutions to the Two Oceans Aquarium and harbor cruises.

For history buffs or travelers seeking a cultural experience, the city is rich in museums and preserved sites. A pentagonal fortress built in the 17th century, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest standing structure in colonial South Africa. Attractions include cannon demonstrations, tours of old cells and living quarters, and exhibitions of artwork and artifacts.

One of the most famous historical attractions is Robben Island, where several political prisoners were confined, including Nelson Mandela. Guided by former prisoners, the tour offers insight into their experiences and the island’s time as a leper colony. Ferries depart to this UNESCO World Heritage Site several times a day from the V&A Waterfront.

The Great Outdoors

For thrill-seekers, cage diving offers close-up views of sharks; species seen vary by season and location. Overland, ride horseback on Noordhoek’s wild beach or hike the rugged trails of Cape Point among ostrich, Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest, and baboon.

If ascending to the top of Table Mountain via foot and rope or the cableway (a five-minute trip in a 65-passenger rotating car) doesn’t satisfy your inner adventurer, take to the skies in a paraglider or hang glider. Table Mountain National Park also suits abseiling, mountain biking, caving, and rock climbing.

The South-Easter makes Cape Town a prime kite-surfing destination; on windy days, hundreds of kites dot the swells off Bloubergstrand. Muizenberg, on the False Bay side, is a surfing hotspot, while the best swimming beaches include Llandudno and (clothing-optional) Sandy Bay on the Atlantic. St James, Kalk Bay, and Fish Hoek offer slightly warmer tidal pools. Boulders Beach, scattered with granite boulders, shelters a colony of the African penguin.

Cape Town Travel and Vacations