We lived in Cape Town for Two weeks
Here is Everything you need to know!
We were luck enough to spend two weeks in Cape Town with my parents last fall, and let me tell you, it knocked our socks off! This incredible city should be number one on your bucket list! It is THE PLACE for every kind of extreme adventure activity, animal encounter, and a food lovers paradise! So many cultures have converged to make this city unlike anywhere else in the world! We are giving Cape Town a 10/10!
In This article we will cover
Know Before You Go
What I wish we had known before visiting Cape Town
Cape Town is a very modern city, not at all what most people picture when they think of Africa. The nature is lush and green. The down town areas at the V&A waterfront are clean, modern, and very walkable! Known as “The Mother City” Cape Town is a place where absolutely anything is possible! There is so much to see and do here, you will never be bored!
The currency is called South African Rand. The exchange rate is always changing, but most recently it was sitting around 17 Rand to 1 USD. We found food and transportation to be very affordable. Most places will accept credit card, so you don’t need to get a lot of cash if you don’t want to.
South Africa is a country of many cultures, and multiple languages! English is the most commonly spoken language, but many people are also fluent in Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa. There are 11 official languages of South Africa in total. Impressively, our guide Thabello was fluent in all 11 of them!
Tipping culture is very much alive here! Anywhere from 10% to 20% is appreciated depending on the quality of service. We had some really incredible experiences here, and enjoyed showing our appreciation in this way!
There are conflicting opinions about drinking the tap water in Cape Town. It is probably safe, but if you have a weak stomach you may not want to risk it. We filled out waterbottles from a filtered drinking water tap at our hotel. If you don’t have one of these available you may want to err on the side of caution and buy bottled water.
There are daily rolling black outs throughout the city. The power grid stuggles to support the population, so power is shared in shifts. This is called “Load Shedding” and it does affect public areas such as stop lights and street signs, so keep an eye out in traffic. Most hotels will have a back up generator, but many Air BnBs will NOT. Either way, make sure to check with your accomodation before hand, so that you are prepared. It is a good idea to bring a small power bank with you just in case your phone, or lap top battery run short. Both our accomodations had back up generators, so this issue did not have a noticable affect on our trip.
In South Africa they drive on the left side of the road, similar to the UK. You will probably want to rent a car at some point so that you can check out Chapman’s Peak, so be prepared for a reversal of lanes if you are coming from The US! Also note that most rental cars will be stick shift, and you may not be able to come by an automatic. Don’t forget your passport when you pick up the rental car!
We felt very safe in Cape Town, which is a beautiful modern city, but South Africa is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Poverty is still a big problem here. Practice caution with your personal belongings, and don’t flash your wealth at people. Be extra cautious after dark, and do not walk around alone at night. Treat people with friendship, and they will usually do the same!
The electrical outlets in Cape town are unique, not like those in Europe or Asia. Our universal converter did not work in Cape Town. You will need a special “type M” adapter to charge your devices here! We recommend at least one per person.
A Checklist Before You Travel
Do you want Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance can help in case anything unexpected comes up, and you need to cancel, or rearrange plans. Many travel providers offer trip insurance, and so do some credit cards.
Do you know the Visa and entry requirements?
Visa and entry requirements will change from country to country, and depend on where you are coming from. You will need to check with your government.
Are there currently any travel advisories?
Travel advisories are changing all the time. Make sure you are up to date on the most recent situation by checking at Travel.state.gov or your coutry's travel advisory.
What are the local emergency numbers?
It is a good idea to know the local emergency numbers before you arrive. In Europe for example you can call 112 instead of 911.
Does someone know where you are going?
Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a trusted friend or family member in case of emergencies.
Inform your credit cards of upcoming travel.
Credit card companies will usually block charges from unexpected locations. let them know you are traveling ahead of time, so that you don't wind up with a locked credit card.
Take copies of your passports and important documents.
Just in case something gets lost or stolen, it is a good idea to have coppies of important doccuments in a second location.
Do you need an international drivers license?
If you plan to rent a car, it is a good idea to get an international drivers license before you travel. It can save you a lot of paperwork and money later.
What are the vaccine recommendations and requirements?
Most countries have certain vaccinations they recommend, and sometimes they will require them for entry. You can look this up at Travel.state.gov or your country's travel advisory.
When to visit Cape Town
Located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in Cape Town are oposite from what North Americans are used to. When we are experiencing Winter, they have summer! Spring in Cape Town falls between September and October. The weather is mild and pleasant, and crowds are less than in Summer. We visited in October and had excellent weather! You should note that even on sunny days it is very windy in Cape Town. Make sure to keep a wind breaker on you just in case!
Summer is November to February. Perfect to escape a cold winter at home! This is high season and may be the perfect season if you want to spend lots of time on the beach! The Ocean water is very cold around Cape Town, so the hot summer days are a must if you want to do much swimming!
Fall is March and May, while Winter falls between June and August. If you are looking to escape a blistering summer in the north, this may be your pefect option! There are a number of winter festivals taking place at this time, and Peak Whale watching season falls between July and September.
Here are a few special things
What To Bring With You To Cape Town
There are a few special things that we think you should bring specifically for Cape Town! One is an electric adapter. South Africa has a unique electric outlet which is not like The US or Europe. Our normal universal adapter did not work here. You will need a “Type M” adapter specific to South Africa.
With Rolling Black outs throughout the city, it is a good idea to carry a power bank just in case. Most hotels will have a back up generator, but if you stay somewhere that does not you will lose power a few times a day. Outages sometimes last for a few hours depending on the part of the city you are in. It is a good idea to have a little power bank charged up to run your electronics during this time.
There are a multitude of amazing beaches and parks in Cape Town, and you want to take a chance to soak them in! We always carry a couple of turkish towels with us, because they are so versatile, doubling as a towel, scarf, or picnic blanket! Lay out your turkish towel and enjoy a picnic in one of Cape Town’s glorious beaches! It might be the highlight of your trip!
Walking Shoes are very important here! The city is very walkable, and there is a lot to see and explore. If you are anything like us, you will find yourself walking for hours at a time, so bring shoes that won’t make your feet hate you! We particularly like barefoot style shoes, which allow our toes to spread naturally to support our knees!
Good hiking boots are so important if you plan to do any hiking here! Lion’s Head, and Table mountain are no joke, so please take them seriously and bring appropriate hiking gear!
Don’t forget your resuable waterbottle! We did a lot of walking, and even hiked Lion’s Head! The views are amazing but it is important to stay hydrated! Bring a couple of reusable waterbottles with you and you can fill up as needed!
Cape Town is known to get very windy! Even on Sunny days it is likely the wind will kick up at some point in the day! We recommend a good wind breaker that is light and easy to carry with you every day.
Packing List
Below you will find a general packing list to help you remember all the little things you need! Of Course these are just suggestions to make sure you don’t forget something important, so feel free to pack according to your own style and comfort! We have included some amazon affiliate links to a few of our favorite products just in case you need a recommendation!
Passport/Visa/ID
Copies of documents
Travel Insurance details
International and normal drivers license
Credit cards
Laptop/Tablet
Phone
Chargers
Camera
Medications
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sunscreen
Travel shampoo and conditioner
Travel body wash
Skincare
Makeup
Deodorant
Hair Products
Chapstick
Personal hygiene products
Razor (in check luggage)
Bug Spray
Backpack
Sunglasses
Windbreaker
Umbrella
Hiking boots
Jeans
Leggings
Sport pants
Dress pants
Shorts
Skirts
Tshirts
Dress shirts
Dresses
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
Sweater
Swimsuit
Sandals/flipflops
Dress shoes
Belt
Scarf
Hat
Jewelry
Where To Stay
The V&A waterfront is very walkable and lively. It is close to Gold’s restaurant, and many boat tours leave from the marina. You can also walk to Oranjezicht City Farmers Market in about 20 to 30 minutes.
We stayed at The Raddison Red for 6 nights and LOVED the location! The Raddison Red is next to some very expensive, upscale accomodation, but we were able to book rooms for about $100 a night. The rooms are small, but very clean and well designed. The breakfast is also impressive and fresh! Upstairs there is a roof top bar if you want to party into the wee hours from the safety of your temporary home.
Camp’s Bay has the best beaches and tidal swimming pools. It is also very walkable with many lovely restaurants by the water. It has a quieter atmosphere than The V&A, but there is still plenty to do! This area is our strong recommendation for beach lovers!
Hout Bay is an excellent starting point for Chapman’s Peak, and Seal Island, but you will probably need a car. We stayed 3 nights at an enchanting Boutique hotel Called Vida Nova retreat. It was beautiful and so comfortable! There is a small swimming pool, and we booked a room with a private hot tub! This was extra nice after we hiked Lion’s Head! The staff at Vida Nova is so lovely, and we had a great time hanging out by the pool with our bar tender Anthony!
20+ Top Things To Do In Cape Town
This was hands down the best food tour I have ever been on! The tour included so much incredible food, history, and culture. It was an awesome, and very tasty window into South Africa. You would not be able to recreate this experience on your own! Come with an empty stomach, and you still won’t be able to fit everything they give you! If you want to go even deeper into Cape Malay cuisine, you might take a cooking class and learn how to make some of this delicious food on your own!
This is a must do in Cape Town. The Rich culture of this country was purchased at a heavy price, and it is important to understand how it came to be. The Apartheid in South Africa only ended 30 years ago, and there are many South Africans who lived through it. Nelson Mandela’s story is heart breaking, and inspiring. You simply can’t miss this.
This is perhaps the most famous and well known attraction in Cape Town, and it doesn’t disapoint! If you are an animal lover you will be thrilled to see these little feathery fluffs slidding in an out of the ocean! There are other beaches where you may catch sight of a couple penguins for free, but we found the official park to be well worth the price! Just don’t touch, penguins can bite!
You can do this on your own with a rental car, or opt for a tour that takes you to the rest of the cape while you are at it!
Another top of the bucket list experience! This tour leaves from Hout Bay and includes wet suits for the cold ocean water. You have about an hour to swim with Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment around seal island. They are so glorious and playful to watch, I din’t even notice the cold water! They had to drag me back into the boat at the end because I just didn’t want to leave!
If you don’t want to swim, opt for the glass bottom boat tour!
Another example of the incredible culinary scene in Cape Town! This show treats you to an amazing interactive drumming experience, as well as 14 courses of traditional African food! The dancing and music as you eat are so phenomenal and fun! This is a high class experience and great value for money!
Table Mountain is famous for good reason, and well worth doing while you are here! Some People hike to the top of the mountain, but it is a long and strenuous path. We do not recommend it unless you are a very experienced hiker! There are guided hikes available if you would like to conquer the mountain with a little more safety.
Most people take the cable car, but the lines can get very long. We woke up early to try and beat the crowds, but the line was still extremely long. We ended up leaving, and got lucky when we came back later in the day! You can book tickets online before hand, which will save you substantial time at the gate. Once you get to the top there is a small cafe, and there are more trails where you can do some hiking with an excellent view! It is very windy, and sunny, so bring a wind breaker, and sunscreen!
We are not serious enough hikers to tackle Table Mountain, so we opted for Lion’s Head. You should note that this is still a difficult and dangerous hike with spectacular views all the way! You may want to opt for a guided hike if you are nervous!
Bring good hiking boots, and plenty of water. There is little to no shade, so apply plenty of sunscreen in advance! The first three quarters of the hike is a sloping spiral path around the mountain, and relatively easy. The last quarter of the hike involves clambering over boulders along narrow trecherous trails. It becomes more of a climb and less of a hike by the end, with chains anchored into the rock to help you up cliff faces.
After all that hiking you should relax at the beach! Surounded by cafes and restaurants, Camps Bay was certainly the most beautiful beach we experienced in Cape Town. The water is cold and clear, and the sand is soft between your toes. There are several outcrops of rock with tidal pools full of star fish and urchins. All over the cape you will find man made tidal swimming pools, which make a beautiful place for a chilly dip.
There are so many fantastic wineries in Cape Town, and many ways to tour them! If you don’t want to take an E-bike tour like we did, you might opt for a hop on hop off wine train, or you could go for an all day wine experience!
We visited Oranjezich city farm market multiple times durring our stay, and it is still my favorite farmers market IN THE WORLD! You just have to experience it! The food is to die for! We recommend you come with friends, and every one get something different so you can all share! The Mexican Haloumie, and lobster tail lollipops were personal favorites! The Neighborhood goods market is another good option for great food and a lively Atmosphere!
There are so many cruises that leave from the V&A Marina you will be spoiled for choice! We booked a simple budget friendly sunset cruise on the bay, and it was a perfect romantic way to end our evening. Grab dinner at the marina before you set sail, or after you get back!
Take an electric bike tour of the city. It is a very fun and efficient way to see the city! We opted for a winery tour, which turned out to be quite the adventure! The bikes go fast, and we found ourselves fly through parks, and vineyards, over rivers and through creeks! The stop for wine in between helped to numb my sense of panic as we learned about South African wine!
For an authentic taste of the life in South Africa you should take a Township tour. Townships are very common throughout South Africa, and a large part of the population lives in these communities. Though historically they have been places of segregation and opression, the South African people are beginning to reclaim them, and you will find a strong sense of community and culture here!
South Africa is one of 6 floral kingdoms in the world. It is home to species of fynbos that are found nowhere else in the world. If you like a good botanical garden, Kirstenbosch won’t disappoint! Ths landscape hear looks very much like Jurassic park, and makes a great stop for photo shoots!
Many locals bring picnics and sit in the shade by the creek enjoying the weather. There are two restaurants here, but we do not recommend visiting them on Tuesdays, when they are very busy with Senior citizens and service is slow.
If you are adventurous, try hiking skeleton gorge. It begins in Kirstenbosch and ends on the back side of Table Mountain!
The southern most point of Africa, the cape of good hope is a popular spot for exploring. It has incredible views and nature, but watch out for Baboons! These cleaver creatures are no joke, so keep a good distance between yourself and any wild animals as you explore this fantastic park! This tour takes you to all the main spots at a great price!
On your way to the cape, take the road for Chapman’s Peak! You will need to rent a car, or join a cape tour. The view on this drive is breath taking! Looking back at the Cape from Chapman’s Peak felt like looking at Neverland! You should note that the drive is closed on days with bad weather. We had to reschedule our drive because of a thunderstorm, but it was so worth the wait!
After Chapman’s Peak stop at The Hatchery! Ostrich meat is a highly nutritious, lean, sustainable, and delicious protein source. I had never tried Ostrich until visiting The Hatchery and I was blown away by how good it tastes! After lunch we were able to tour the farm, and learn about how these birds are cared for. We also got to hand feed a friendly breeding pair, which is not for the faint of heart!
Peak Season for whale watching in Cape Town is between July and September. Head down to Hermanus bay and try your luck with the gentle giants! There is never a garuntee of seeing these wild animals in their natural habitat, but that only makes it more special if you do! Several tours leave from Cape Town, but Hermanus Bay is the most likely place to spot them!
If you have ever wanted to fly, this may be your oportunity! Paragliding is popular in cape town, with stunning views as you ride the thermals over this city! It is just another bucket list activity in a city that seems to be made of nothing else!
Alright I confess, I have not actually done this. But if you are the kind of person who likes to climb into a giant cage in the company of Great White Sharks, this is the place for it! Cape Town is a haven for animal lovers, and adrenaline junkies, and this tour combines the two of them in an unforgettable experience!
Many of the game reserves in South Africa have rescued big cats like Cheetahs and Lions. Some of these animals were orphans, and have been raised since they were cubs, making them very friendly to humans. If you are an animal lover, why not meet a cheetah in person? They are very sweet and usually have the temperament of a dog, making them the perfect animal for a close encounter!
22) Take A Safari
When visiting South African, its almost obligatory to go on Safari. Kruger National park is the gold standard of safaris, but it is also very far away. If you would prefer to stay closer to Cape Town, there are many excellent options that leave straight from the city and tour the Garden Route! You can go for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days!
The Best Places To Eat In Cape Town
Let us help you Find all the best food
You have probably already heard of this restaurant, but let me assure you, it is no ordinary dinner and a show. This show treats you to an amazing interactive drumming experience, as well as 14 courses of traditional African food that is to die for! The dancing and music as you eat are so phenomenal and fun! This is a high class experience and great value for money!
We visited Oranjezich city farm market multiple times durring our stay, and it is still my favorite farmers market IN THE WORLD! You just have to experience it! The food is to die for! We recommend you come with friends, and every one get something different so you can all share! The Mexican Haloumie, and lobster tail lollipops were personal favorites!
Ostrich meat is a highly nutritious, lean, sustainable, and delicious protein source. I had never tried Ostrich until visiting The Hatchery and I was blown away by how good it tastes! After lunch we were able to tour the farm, and learn about how these birds are cared for. We also got to hand feed a friendly breeding pair, which is not for the faint of heart!
This was hands down the best food tour I have ever been on! The tour included so much incredible food, history, and culture. It was an incredible, and very tasty window into South Africa. You would not be able to recreate this experience on your own! Come with an empty stomach, and you still won’t be able to fit everything they give you!
Located down town at The V&A waterfront, this place was steps from our hotel, and we visited on repeat! The prices are so low, and the portions are huge! We indulged in heaps of grilled meat, savory lamb, and flaming dishes!
A simple but delicious classic, this is a must do if you are in Hout bay. Just outside of The Bay Harbour market, Fish on the Rocks is famous for their fried fish and chips. This is a no frills establishment with simple fresh fare that seemed to taste extra delicious on a chilly windy day! They offer a few different kinds of fish, but we recommend the Hake!
How to get around town
In the V&A Waterfront we found our selves walking most places. It is a very nice area with promenades along the waterfront, street performers, and nice caffes and restaurants.
For longer distances, like our trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, we called an Uber, which was quite afforable. Usually just $5 or $10 depending on how far we needed to go.
Once we arrived in Houte Bay we decided to rent a car, so that we could explore Chapman’s Peak, and The Cape of Good Hope. You will need your passport to pick up the rental car. It is important to note that people drive on the other side of the road here, similar to the UK. Most rental cars will be stick shift, so make sure you are prepared to drive one!
There is a red tourist bus that circles Cape Town and you can get a pass to hop on and off as it circles the city. We did this a few times, and enjoyed the compentary that plays through headphones as you drive past historic sites. You should know that it may make your journey take a lot longer if you ride this bus because the route is limited.
7 perfect days
The Ideal Itinerary for 10 days in Cape Town, South Africa
Here is our ideal itinerary for anyone visiting Cape Town! This city is packed full of gems and we hope this itinerary will help you make the most of your time! Pay close attention to days of the week, as some attractions are not open every day!
It is a long flight to Cape Town. We recommend that you make the most of it, and stay as long as possible! You won’t get bored!
Cape Town is very windy. Certain attractions such as Table Mountain may be closed depending on the weather. We left enough free time in the itinerary so that you can reschedule if need be.
The Itinerary does not account for travel days. You may want to plan for a few days in Johannesburg and Kruger National Park too! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover from the flight so you can really enjoy this magical Country!
If you have time, add a safari to your plans! There are many options leaving straight from Cape Town!
Day 1 – Wednesday
Breakfast – Save Your appetite
Cape Town has some of the most incredible cuisine in the world! Jump in with a food tour and sink your taste buds into the culture!
Lunch – Food Tour
The V&A (Veronica and Alfred) waterfront is a modern Metropolitan marina with lots of shopping, restaurants, and street performers. Have a stroll around and soak in this vibrant area!
Dinner – V&A Waterfront
Catch a Sunset Cruise with champagne after a dinner on the waterfront.
Day 2 – Thursday
Breakfast
In contrast to the V&A waterfront South African townships have historically been oppressed, but are also full of strong community bonds and culture! Take a Township Tour for a first hand peek into this way of life.
Lunch – Ask your guide for local spots!
Take the cable car up Table Mountain. Bring a wind breaker, and sunscreen! You can hike around quite a bit once you reach the top of the mountain.
Dinner – Red Roof Bar
Day 3 – Friday
Breakfast
If youv’e ever wanted to see Jurassic Park, you need to Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical garden.
Lunch – Saray Restaurant
Learn about Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid when you Tour Robben Island
Dinner – Gold Restaurant 14 courses of African cusine accompanied by an incredible show!
Day 4- Saturday
Breakfast
Visit the Neighborhood Goods Market or Oranjezicht Farmers market
Lunch – Neighborhood Goods Market
Free time for shopping, relaxing, or catching up on anything you missed.
Dinner – Karibu Restaurant
Day 5 – Sunday
Breakfast
Lunch – Oranjezicht City Farmers Market
Relax and recharge at Camp’s Bay beach
Dinner – Camp’s Bay beach
Day 6 – Monday
Breakfast
Discover South African wine with a full day tour of the vineyards!
Lunch – At the winery
Dinner
Day 7 – Tuesday
Breakfast
Add a little Adventure to your trip! Why not try Paragliding, cage diving, sandboarding, or sky diving! If you are an animal lover, meet a cheetah up close!
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8 -Wednesday
Breakfast
Take a tour of the cape and visit Boulder’s Beach penguin colony! Check out Chapman’s Peak, and tour the southern most point of Africa!
Lunch – The Lighthouse Cafe
Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony
Dinner
Day 9 -Thursday
Breakfast
One of the highlights of our trip was Snorkeling at Seal Island! Suit up and get up close to these playful water puppies! If you can’t swim, opt for a glass bottom boat tour!
Lunch
Free time to explore Hout Bay and check out Fisherman’s Wharf!
Dinner – Fish on The Rocks
What language do they speak in South Africa?
Everyone we met in South Africa spoke perfect English. They also spoke about 10 other languages. The languages from the original African tribes such as Zulu and Xhosa are still commonly spoken between locals and they switch between them easily. Afrikans is a variation of Dutch, which was commonly taught in schools during the aparthide, but it is now offten seen as a language of opression, and people prefer English.
Helpful Apps For Travel
Excelent for getting around, Google maps also allows you to save points of interest for future refference. The public transport navigation is suprisingly good also!
This little app is a must unless you already speak the language! It has standard translation, but also allows you to take photos of a menu, and talk to text!
Outside of the US almost everyone uses this app. If you want to be able to text you tour guide, exchange photos, and make friends as you travel do yourself a favor and get whatsapp.
I am never bored when we travel, even on long plane flights and train rides! Audible’s collection of audiobooks make the down time enjoyable, and I never stop learning things! Amazon Prime includes a lot of audiobooks for free, and there is a large library to pick from even without a monthly subscription. Check out my favorite books for your next trip!
Airalo
If you are in need of data while you travel, Airalo is the easiest option! Just download the app, and upload your new sim card! You will need to have an esim compatible and unlocked phone.
Get your guide is the easiest place to start for tours! We have found them to be very reliable, and a great way to find out whats going on in a new city!
Finding a good place to stay is so important for a good trip! We use AirBNB to book at least half of our accomodations! Their search engine is so user friendly, and reliable, plus the reviews are super helpful! AirBnB also offers experiences, which usually help us find more local experiences.
If we don’t book on AirBnB, we use Booking.com They have less fees and plenty of options in budget and luxury ranges! They offer apartments for longer stays. They also have options for car rentals, Taxis, and excursions!