Visiting a safari and adding on Cape Town either before or after is a great way to maximize your time in South Africa! It can be overwhelming because there is so much to see but it IS possible!! We spent about 3 full days in Cape Town after our safari in Sabi Sands (read about our safari here) & as much as we would have loved to spend much more time. We made the MOST of those 3 days!
How to get around
In our opinion one of the best ways to maximize your time in Cape Town is by renting a car. Driving in Cape Town is not difficult like maybe it is in other parts of Africa. You can find all the big rental car companies in Cape Town that you can find in the states, so it’s up to you if you want to stick to one you know (or have loyalty in our case) or venture to a local less expensive option.
Having a car allows you to spend a day in Stellenbosch, visiting different wineries and enjoying the views. Although the region is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll find so many different wines here. In just one day we visited Villiera, Beyerskloof, Kleinezalze and even did some shopping in downtown Stellenbosch. So if you have the time make it to Stellenbosch, if not, scroll down and see what you absolutely can’t miss!
Here’s our top must see 6 items in Cape Town:
Lion’s Head
Hike Lion’s Head. You can take a taxi or drive here and hike up to the top or as close to it as you can. The views are amazing! But if you’re afraid of heights stop just before you reach the summit as there is a lot of climbing involved with your hands and knees. (Kristine quit and Nate kept going!) Don’t worry if you can’t make it all the way up, the views are still amazing!
TIP wear shoes with traction here.
Table Mountain
After hiking Lion’s head take the cable car up to Table Mountain. You can also take it down if you’re short on time instead of making the hike downhill. This is a great way to get up to Table Mountain without spending the time making the hike or energy! The cost is about ~$20USD for a return ticket.
Bo-Kaap
Explore Bo-Kaap. This neighborhood dates back to the 1700s when it was developed by a Dutch colonist. Rental properties were used to house slaves and they were required to keep their walls painted white. When slavery was abolished the former slaves could purchase their homes, they painted them in colorful colors to celebrate. The colorful homes are not to be missed.
You can easily walk around this residential neighborhood during the day and see the brightly colored homes and buildings (wouldn’t recommend this at night) as well as try the local cuisine here. Be mindful of taking pictures in front of someone’s home so please be respectful!
V&A Waterfront
Visit the V&A Waterfront. This much newer tourist area of Cape Town has a lot of great places to shop, walk around or relax. With more than 12 hotels available, this may be where you choose to stay while in Cape Town. (tip: airbnbs tend to be much nicer & less expensive than hotels in Cape Town)
The waterfront is also a great place to catch the sunset & unwind with a drink and some oysters.
Boulder’s Penguin Colony
Boulder’s Penguin Colony– There’s nothing like seeing penguins in their natural habitat instead of in an aquarium. By visiting Boulder’s Penguin colony, you’ll be up close and personal with the penguins! But make sure to leave them be and not disturb them. There are large boardwalks to see them from as well as the beach. The entry fee is about $6USD. Parking gets crowded here so it’s best to go early!
Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope– Is the most South-Western Point of the African continent and the views are incredible. Just watch out for wild monkeys here. We had to wait for one to get off our car so we could leave!!
The entry fees for this national park are around ~$20 USD. Plan to spend almost a full day here if you can as the drive from the city center is about an hour and a half. You’ll find various different hiking trails and beaches to see here that you’ll share with the wild monkeys, so try not to have food out.
