Yes I was born in Cape Town and yes I guess that makes me biased but I have also lived in Pretoria, am currently living in London while travelling and am certain that anyone who visits Cape Town will fall in love instantly! All it takes is one trip to the mother city of South Africa and you will never want to leave!
1. It has been voted the most beautiful city in the world multiple times
Buzzfeed, The Telegraph and various travel enthusiasts have all named Cape Town as the best or most beautiful city on EARTH! An infusion of rich history, culture, beautiful landscapes, wine routes, beaches and world class restaurants there is a natural charm to Cape Town and you won’t find anywhere in the world quite like it! To compliment the natural beauty of this city are the people! Cape Townions are known to be laid-back, friendly and eccentric, simply put Cape Town is a magical attraction that you can’t get enough of!
2. It’s the mother city of South Africa, a country with one of the most profound and moving histories
Cape Town is the heart of a country with one of the most prolific histories. A country described by the infamous Madiba as a “rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world” when he finally became president in 1994 after the apartheid regime ended. Cape Town was home to district 6, one of the most iconic areas of the apartheid era. This once oppressed city has now evolved into one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world and as Cape Town’s creative expression flourishes, its cultural diversity is mixed into an array of food, music, fashion, dance, theatre and history. In a country that is embracing “The rainbow nation” concept you will fit in no matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what your beliefs are.
3. Robben island
This is where Nelson Mandela, civil rights activist, former president and one of the greatest men to ever live was imprisoned during the apartheid years. You can take a tour here and visit the exact cell that Madiba spent 18 years of his 27 year prison sentence during his long walk to freedom! Described as “the unique symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice”, Robben island gives you a deep understanding into the important aspects of South Africa’s history and the man who fought for the freedom of the country and helped bring an end to apartheid!
4. Table Mountain
As of 2011 Table mountain is now one of the new 7 wonders of the world! If your reason for visiting is to see this iconic mountain of the world, it will be worth it. Table mountain is to Cape Town what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Surrounded by Lions head, signal hill and devils peak, the site from atop table mountain is spectacular. You will have an incredible view of the city centre, Robben island, Table Bay and the Atlantic seaboard.
5. Wild life – The famous big 5 are never far away
There are many private game reserves only a few hours drive from Cape Town. It’s true, safari destinations in Cape Town can’t compete with the well-known game reserves of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. But the good news is that there are a variety of game parks in the Western Cape for those whose time is limited and cannot travel to the bigger reserves in other provinces.
Having said that the best game viewing safari experience in South Africa is at the Kruger National Park. Perhaps if time and money allow for it you could combine your Cape Town trip with Kruger Park. Bare in mind that the Kruger Park is on the other side of the country. Therefore you would need to fly into Johannesburg and drive +/- 5 hours to reach it. You can find accommodation in the Kruger Park and the private game parks in the Greater Kruger Park area.
6. Boulders beach
Boulders beach is home to African penguins and this is the only place in the world where you can get close to these endangered species. You can take a stroll along the wooden boardwalks over the dunes to get some great sites of these gorgeous creatures. This is also one of the best beaches that Cape Town has to offer. The water is warm and calm in comparison to many of the cities other beaches. The sandy cove is also sheltered from the wind thanks to the surrounding big round granite boulders. In addition this is the perfect spot for a beach picnic.
7. WINE
Cape town is one of the most popular wine destinations in the world and no denying one of the best. The Cape’s winelands began in Constantia in the 1650’s and have since spread across the city to Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and beyond, covering over 60 different wine regions. In addition to the amazing high-quality wine, the Cape winelands boast some of the most majestic scenery that cannot be found anywhere else in the world with mountains, rivers, vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture as a backdrop to your wine tasting experience.
8. Cape Town has it ALL! beaches, wine routes, wildlife
From surfing the waves off the peninsula, to hiking the mountains, sipping on cocktails in the cosmopolitan areas of the Atlantic seaboard, relaxing beach days, wine tasting, bar hopping, fine dining or taking a safari, Cape Town has everything you could want for a holiday all packaged into one beautiful city. Seriously there is nothing that Cape Town does not offer!
9. Truth Coffee
As an avid coffee lover, I must include this one! This is the best coffee spot in the world as voted by the Daily telegraph for two years running, also referred to as the world’s most luxurious coffee. But it’s not just about the world class coffee, at this steampunk themed cafe it’s also about the experience. Expect the extraordinary! Truth coffee epitomizes the Cape Town culture with a fascinating setting where old industrial warehouse meets elegance. Did I mention that the coffee is AMAZING?? Truth offers five blends from its vintage roaster and you are sure to be blown away by this authentic coffee.
10. Llandudno Beach
This is one of my favourite spots in Cape Town. The sea here is very icy and rough so it’s not the best swimming spot but this is the perfect sunset location and beach setting for evening picnics! This is one of the most picturesque beaches that you will ever come across and a true hidden gem. There are no restaurants or shops in the vicinity. This means it’s a lot quieter and secluded in comparison to the surrounding camps bay and Clifton beaches ! This serene beach has views of table mountain on the one side and the Hout Bay hills on the other. The natural setting is truly magnificent!
Hey Travel Babes. I’m Hayley a.k.a Ms Blissness – Adventurous dreamer and free spirit. I’m on a quest around the world with my husband, Peter. Join us on our journey for some travel inspiration and a lot of Love and Light xx. More about me…