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Cape Town
South Africa
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Visit Cape Town
Cape Town, nestled between the imposing Table Mountain and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, is a city that boasts an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the Mother City, it is the oldest urban area in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. Visitors to Cape Town are greeted with a variety of experiences, from breathtaking natural scenery and lush vineyards to rich historical sites and bustling markets.
The heart of Cape Town's allure lies in its stunning landscapes. Table Mountain, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, provides a majestic backdrop to the cityscape and offers various hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. For a less strenuous experience, the Cableway takes visitors to the summit, providing panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and nearby peaks. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, another significant attraction, lies on the eastern slopes of the mountain and is home to a diverse array of African plants. The city’s proximity to nature is further highlighted by its stunning beaches, such as Clifton and Camps Bay, where sunbathers and surfers alike enjoy the golden sands and turquoise waters.
Cape Town is also steeped in rich history and culture. The colorful houses and cobbled streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood tell the story of the Cape Malay community, which has influenced the city for centuries. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, offers a poignant look at South Africa’s apartheid past. A ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront takes visitors to the island for guided tours, providing insight into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. The Waterfront itself is a vibrant hub of activity where visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy a range of entertainment against the backdrop of the working harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Moreover, Cape Town’s culinary scene is a delight for food enthusiasts. Influenced by a mixture of cultures, including Dutch, Malay, and indigenous African, the city’s cuisine offers a tantalizing array of flavors. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as bobotie or sample some of the world’s finest wines at nearby vineyards in the Cape Winelands. With its combination of scenic beauty, historical depth, and cultural richness, Cape Town offers a compelling and enriching experience for all who visit. Whether you're seeking adventure, a dive into history, or simply a relaxing time by the sea, Cape Town is a destination that truly caters to every type of traveler.
Cape Town Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
61°F
73°F
5
February
64°F
77°F
5
March
59°F
73°F
5
April
55°F
68°F
8
May
50°F
68°F
5
June
46°F
64°F
5
July
46°F
64°F
5
August
50°F
64°F
2
September
50°F
64°F
5
October
54°F
70°F
5
November
56°F
70°F
9
December
60°F
73°F
5
Need to Know Before You Go To Cape Town
Nickname:
Mother City
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Africa/Johannesburg
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type M
Annual Visitors:
1.6 million
Primary Export:
Gold
Busiest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Quietest Travel Months:
May, June, July
Find your Next Adventure in Cape Town
Explore Cape Town
Iconic Landmarks
Table Mountain
This flat-topped mountain is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Cape Town. It provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding ocean and is accessible via a cable car. Hiking up Table Mountain is also a popular activity for more adventurous visitors.
Robben Island
Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is famous for being the location of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a museum offering insightful tours led by former prisoners.
Cape Point
Part of the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is a spectacular, rocky promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula. It offers dramatic views and is often mistaken as the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
V&A Waterfront
A vibrant area in the heart of Cape Town's harbor, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It also has historical attractions, museums, and provides boat trips to Robben Island.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. The garden is dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous flora of South Africa and is famous for its beauty and the diversity of the Cape flora it displays.
Castle of Good Hope
Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. This pentagonal fortress serves as a museum showcasing historical military artifacts and offers guided tours that delve into its rich history.
Cultural Experiences
Visit Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Robben Island is famously known as the location where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. A tour of the island provides a profound insight into South Africa's apartheid history and the struggle for freedom.
Explore the District Six Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of District Six, an area from which over 60,000 inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970s by the apartheid regime. The museum offers insights into the lives of the community before and after the removals, serving as a poignant reminder of the past and a message of hope for the future.
Experience the Cape Malay Culture in Bo-Kaap
Known for its brightly colored homes and cobble-stoned streets, Bo-Kaap is the historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. You can take a walking tour to learn about the history of the area and the Cape Malay community, and even participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like samosas and bobotie.
Attend the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
Also known as Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), this annual event takes place in January. It features a vibrant parade with participants dressed in bright costumes, singing and dancing to traditional tunes in the streets of Cape Town. It's a celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity and history.
Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
Housed in a converted grain silo, this museum is the largest of its kind in Africa, dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The architecture of the building is as stunning as the art it houses, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
Explore the V&A Waterfront
While it is a modern shopping and entertainment area, the V&A Waterfront also offers a range of cultural experiences. You can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, take a historical walking tour, or enjoy live music and performances by local artists. The area is also great for experiencing South Africa’s culinary diversity, with numerous restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Outdoor Adventures
Table Mountain Hiking and Cable Car
Hike up or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The views of Cape Town, the Atlantic seaboard, and surrounding areas from the summit are breathtaking. Popular hiking routes include Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge.
Paragliding off Lion’s Head or Signal Hill
For a thrilling experience, try paragliding from Lion’s Head or Signal Hill. It offers spectacular aerial views of the city, Table Mountain, and the beautiful coastline. No experience is necessary as tandem flights are conducted by experienced pilots.
Kayaking in Table Bay
Paddle in the waters of Table Bay. This adventure offers a unique perspective of the city and a chance to see marine life such as dolphins, seals, and during the right season, even whales. Sunrise and sunset kayaking are particularly popular.
Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
Just a couple of hours from Cape Town, Gansbaai is one of the best places in the world for shark cage diving. Get up close with the great white sharks in their natural habitat, an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers.
Boulders Beach Penguin Viewing
Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to see the famous colony of African Penguins. This beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers the unique experience of swimming close to penguins.
Cape Point Nature Reserve Exploration
Explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. It offers numerous scenic hikes, beautiful beaches, and the chance to see a variety of wildlife. Don’t miss the iconic view from the Cape Point Lighthouse.
Off the Beaten Path
Explore the Atlantis Dunes
Just about 45 minutes from Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes are a beautiful expanse of white sand dunes that feel worlds away from the bustling city. This area is perfect for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and 4x4 rides. The surreal landscape also makes for stunning photographs, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Visit the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
This nature reserve is a hidden gem where you can enjoy bird watching, windsurfing, and picnicking away from the crowds. Located between Milnerton and Table View, Rietvlei is home to a variety of bird species and offers serene views and a peaceful escape into nature.
Discover the Street Art in Woodstock
While Woodstock is becoming more known, many visitors still pass over this eclectic suburb, which is a hotspot for some of Cape Town’s best street art. Take a guided tour to learn about the artworks and the stories behind them, or simply wander the streets and alleyways to admire the vibrant murals that cover the walls of buildings.
Hike the Pipe Track
Less crowded than the popular Lion's Head or Table Mountain trails, the Pipe Track is a scenic walk that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s an easier hike that follows the old pipeline and is perfect for sunset or early morning hikes.
Explore the Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour
Dive deep into the cultural heritage of Cape Town by taking a cooking class in the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood. This area is known for its brightly colored houses and its Cape Malay culture. Learn how to cook traditional dishes such as samosas, rotis, and Cape Malay curry, and gain insight into the rich history and traditions of the community.
Kayak with Penguins at Boulders Beach
While Boulders Beach is famous for its penguin colony, a unique way to experience it is by kayaking. Paddle in the waters off Simon’s Town to see the African penguins from a different perspective, avoiding the crowds on the beach. This also allows for a more eco-friendly way to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat.
Cape Town Fun Facts
Cape Town, known as the Mother City, is one of the most picturesque and culturally vibrant cities in South Africa. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Cape Town:
- Table Mountain
One of the most iconic landmarks in Cape Town, Table Mountain is over 600 million years old, making it older than the Himalayas. It was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011.
- Cape Floral Kingdom
Cape Town is located within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. It is home to over 9,000 plant species, 69% of which are endemic and not found anywhere else in the world.
- Robben Island
Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
- Penguin Colony
Cape Town is home to a unique colony of African Penguins, which can be seen at Boulders Beach. It's one of the few places in the world where you can get close to African Penguins in their natural habitat.
- Cape Point
Often mistaken as the southernmost point of Africa (which is actually Cape Agulhas), Cape Point offers breathtaking ocean views and is said to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Wine Lands
The Cape Winelands around Cape Town are some of the most renowned in the world, producing award-winning wines. The region is also known for its stunning landscapes and historic estates.
- First Heart Transplant
The world's first successful human heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town on December 3, 1967.
- Cape Town’s Noon Gun
Since 1806, a cannon has been fired from Signal Hill at 12 noon sharp every day except Sundays and public holidays, serving as a time signal for ships in harbor. It's one of the city's oldest traditions.
- Colorful Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap area is famous for its brightly colored homes and cobble-stoned streets. This area is culturally rich, historically significant, and has a strong Cape Malay heritage.
- Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is named for its location between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It showcases the incredible diversity of marine life found in these two distinct yet converging oceans.
Featured Picture Gallery
-Cape Town Beaches
Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Cape Town Aerial View
Cape Town Hillsides
Cape Town Table Mountain
Cape Town Coastline
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