Given that Cape Town is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. It is a city like no other in the world! In fact, there is no reason why you shouldn’t visit the city.
With a wide variety of stunning attractions and exciting activities, there is something for everyone. No wonder it is one of the most visited cities in South Africa. I spent almost 4 months in Cape Town and I explored the city in and out. In fact, the most difficult part of a vacation in the Mother City is deciding where to go and what to see.
If you’re not sure about visiting the Mother City, here are some amazing reasons why everyone should visit Cape Town at least once in their lifetime:
Hike up Table Mountain
Even though the cable car ride is an exciting adventure, you should hike up the mountain. The Table Mountain is one of the major attractions in Cape Town. The mountain got its name from its peculiar flat peak and it is well-known for its dramatic scenery and it’s just one of the best reasons to visit Cape Town You can hike up the mountain through its different trails. The exciting walk takes about 6 hours but when you get there, you will get your reward. The stunning view of the city, the False Bay, the Cape Peninsula and Robben Island. It is magical!
Explore Bo Kaap
Bo Kaap is one of the most colourful places I have ever been to. The neighbourhood is historically unique and was formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It still holds its cultural history, which is rooted in the African, Indian, Sri Lankan and Malaysian culture as a result of the slave descendants brought over by the Dutch Colonists in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, it’s a popular area in the centre of Cape Town with fascinating and memorable experiences. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum for a look into the history and culture of the neighbourhood. Enjoy some delicious Malay cuisine at the Bo-Kaap Kombui, a Malay restaurant in the neigbourhood.
Go wine-tasting
Wine tasting in Cape Town is one of the most popular activities to enjoy. The Mother City features a wide range of vineyards in beautiful locations. Indulge in an organised wine tour or explore the vineyards on your own. Visit Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, which are the most productive wine vineyards in the Cape Winelands. You can taste and buy a variety of South African wines here. Skilled winemakers and artisan food producers have made these regions a desirable destination for wine lovers. Constantia Winery is also a great place to sample tasty wines as well as delicious nibbles. You can combine your wine tours with a visit to some of the popular attractions in the wine regions such as Jonkershoek Valley, Devonvale Golf Course, Stellenbosch Museums, Jan Marais Nature Reserve, Burgerhuis Museum, Delvera Farm, Huguenot Memorial Museum and many others.
Get up close and personal with Penguins at Boulders Beach
After exploring Simon’s Town on a beautiful Saturday morning, we visited Boulder’s Beach and it was an amazing experience for me. The picturesque beach is a sanctuary for a variety of the rare African penguins. If you have never gotten up close and personal with penguins, this is one of the reasons to visit Cape Town. The beach is a beauty itself, featuring granite boulders and rock pools. My most memorable activity was climbing over the rocks and conversing alone with the penguins that cared to listen. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming. The beach is also a great place for camping with your family.
Visit the District Six Museum
Photo Source: Mountainmanor.co.za
District Six was a bohemian multicultural neighbourhood, which was destroyed under apartheid in 1966. It used to be home for a wide range of ethnic groups, freed slaves, and regions. The District Six Museum was established in 1994 and it educates visitors about the history of District Six and its people. It features a collection of exhibitions which tell stories about social justice, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit Cape Town. Take a guided tour of the district and learn more about the history of the Mother City and South Africa.
Go Shark Cage Diving
Shark Cage Diving is not an activity for the faint of heart. If you love adrenaline-pumping activities, shark cage diving will be a great experience for you. I couldn’t find the heart for this but my friends did. According to my friend Daniel, “Shark cage diving is one of the most adrenaline-charged but amazing experiences of my life.” But he came out with white knuckles and wobbling knees. However, there is nothing as amazing as seeing the sharks in their natural environment. Get locked up in a large cage which is lowered into the deep waters along with some fish remains. Don’t forget to take your camera along so that you can capture the experience. As for me, I will be waiting for you on the mainland.
Take a look into the South Africa’s apartheid history
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Cape, which served as a prison for more than two hundred years. It’s one of the popular places to learn about the history of apartheid in South Africa. The president, Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in this infamous prison along with other political prisoners during their struggle to end Apartheid.
The Northbound journey experience on the Blue Train
Photo Source: Luxurytrains.co.za
The Blue Train Northbound Journey should be on your bucket list. The Northbound trip, you will leave Cape Town for Pretoria. Enjoy an off-the-train tour such as a stop at the Lord Milner Hotel in Matijesfontein, the Victorian buildings and the 19th century London lampposts. The famous Blue Train journey offers some of the spectacular experiences in South Africa such as seeing the stunning hillsides and amazing vistas from the luxurious seat of the train.
These are some of my favourite places to visit and things to do in the Mother CIty. If you’re looking for more reasons why you should visit Cape Town, Check out Cape Town Tourism.
One Response