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Cape Town is the historical and cultural capital of South Africa. It is a cosmopolitan city, both modern and steeped in history. A tour of the city's various neighbourhoods will set you in the footsteps of Mandela, while at the same time offering a glimpse of a lively and forward-looking metropolis.
Discover the must-sees of this extraordinary city, built in the lap of a stunning natural environment.
Don't miss Bo-Kaap, the city's Malay quarter, characterised by beautiful, colourful houses. This residential area is inhabited by descendants of freed Muslim slaves, imported by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. These slaves were called 'Cape Malays', as many came from Malaysia, but some also came from India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and several African countries.
Just an hour and a half's drive (120 kilometres) along the Atlantic coast from Cape Town, you can experience the thrill of whale watching. Ideal for a family day out, Hermanus is considered the premier whale watching area in South Africa. The ideal month to see these gigantic mammals is November, but you may be lucky enough to see them at any time of the year.
Hermanus has a coastal walkway from which you can spot the whales, but you can always hire a boat or kayak to get a closer look.
If you can't make the trip to Hermanus, you can still see whales directly from Cape Town. We recommend that you climb up to Lion's Head, where you can get a good view..
To find out more about the country's icon, head to Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years due to his militant activity against apartheid. The island has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the past 20 years. The tour includes a boat trip to the island, visits to the museum, the quarry where the prisoners worked, and the prison, including a visit to Mandela's former cell. The guide is usually a former prisoner, who can answer any questions you may have about life there.
A former grain silo completely refurbished by a London design firm, the museum houses several hundred works by African artists. A large part of the collection is owned by the former CEO of Puma, Jochen Zeitz, who wanted to make the museum a space to exhibit the diversity of contemporary African art.
Make your way to Table Mountain and Signal Hill for a truly breathtaking view. To get to the top of Table Mountain, you can take the cable car to a height of over 1000m, where you will be treated to a panoramic view of the entire Cape Coast. Take a taxi or city bus to reach the bottom of the funicular.
Signal Hill is the perfect spot for a wonderful, romantic picnic... owing to the magnificent view of the sunset from the top. It is well-known for being a favourite with couples!
Shark Explorers International Dive Centre will provide you with an unforgettable experience by organising tailor-made expeditions to swim alongside great white sharks.
You can choose to dive with white sharks in a cage, or dive alone or in a group among blue sharks.
Your dive will cost you a minimum of €130, but the experience is truly unforgettable.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the beach at Camps Bay, South Africa's 'Saint Tropez'.
- Visit the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of the African continent
- Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Go shopping at the Neighbourhoods Market
- Have a walk along the vibrant Waterfront, lined with colourful stalls
- Watch penguins at Simon's Town beach
