Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town gets its unique character from the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Khoisan (bushman & hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.

Table Mountain - Copyright: South African Tourism

Cape Town’s most memorable landmark, the majestic Table Mountain towers 1086m above sea level providing a magnificent backdrop to Cape Town’s city centre and, weather, permitting visitors can reach the summit by cableway, which provides 360 degree vistas over some of the most awe inspiring scenery in the world. Another climable landmark is the adjacent Lion’s Head which offers equally rewarding views. In fact nature trails are found abundantly within easy rach of central Cape Town. For the less energetic, the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, near the University is a world class collection of thousands of species unique to Southern Africa.



Modern Cape Town, with its extended seafront, underground malls and soaring skyscrapers, reflects its origins with the many fascinating museums and historical buildings. Cape Dutch architecture mingles with classic colonial government buildings, interspersed with gardens throughout the center. A stroll down long street reveals the city as it might have been a century ago, although it becomes far more hip and entertaining by night.

Two memorable museums which display the city’s potpourrie cultural past is the Bo Kaap museum, featuring the Cape’s unique Malay community, and the District Six museum which gives insights into the tragedies of apartheid. For more history, the fortified Castle is a bastion that dates back three centuries and is within walking distance of the grand colonial city hall. The city also boasts a wide range of shopping styles from casual haggling at craft markets, the best known being Green Market Square; to sophisticated malls such as the one at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Robben Island is one of the most significant historical sites in South Africa. This famous island in Table Bay gained fame as a jail for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. Today tours of the island and visits to Robben Island Museum occur daily.

Clifton Beach - Copyright: South African Tourism

Cape Town has magnificent beaches, all of which exhibit the clean white sand particular to the Cape. The fashionable beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llundudno are found on the Atlantic coast, with icy, crystal clear blue water, and most conveniently placed from the city centre. Further down the coast is the magnificently wide Noordhoek beach with its shipwreck, the Kakapo, stranded way above the high water mark. The warmer waters are found in False Bay, the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula. The well-known beaches here are Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and St James, and there are plenty of other smaller ones to explore.


Many of the world’s scenic wonders are within a day’s drive of the city centre. The Cape Peninsula National Park encompasses the scenic Peninsula Mountain chain, which stretches from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. This dramatic promontory is said (erroneously) to divide the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. There are many drives, walks, picnic spots, and secret surf spots in the reserve, one of the world's great tourist destinations.

Cape Point Reserve - Copyright: South African Tourism

A short distance from the city, the winelands region is one of the most picturesque areas of the Western Cape. The three major wine routes, most passing through the quaint and historical towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek offer an opportunity to appreciate the Cape's history and traditions while being surrounded by spectacular landscapes of vineyards hugging hills and valleys.













Tamba Africa recommends

Wineland tours: let us arrange a driver as you follow the wine trail of the lovely Stellenbosch region sampling exceptional wines at the many beautiful estates. The tours take in historical venyards such as Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting, which date back several centuries and boast outstanding Cape Dutch architecture.

Cultural tours: experience the indigenous culture of the region with a range of tours that include cultural villages, craft markets and workshops and townships – unique way to gain insight into the lives of the people of South Africa.

Fishing safaris: the waters off the Western Cape are renowned for big game fishing and deep sea angling for yellow fin and long fin tuna, as well as the much prized broadbill swordfish.

Shark viewing: see the magnificent great white shark by boat or get up close in underwater cages!

Boat and yacht charters: several Cape Town boat companies offer sunset or day cruises from Simons Town, Table Bay and Hout Bay Harbours.

Hang gliding: in Cape Town, you can launch off Lion's Head in the evening, literally flying into the sunset to land at one of the most popular beachfront pubs.

Skydiving: tandem or single jumps are available with drop zones in picturesque locations.

Hiking and rock climbing: the Table Mountain chain, a world heritage site, stretches to Cape Point and is criss-crossed by hiking trails and rock climbing routes.

Diving/ snorkelling: in Cape Town, you can dive in chilly but beautiful kelp forests.

Kayaking: around Cape Town, paddle out to the seal or penguin colonies, and perhaps encounter a dolphin or two.

Surfing: Cape Town is one of the best spots as the shape of the peninsula and the different prevailing winds and swells ensure that there are almost always great waves.

Accommodation in Cape Town

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