Featured Itinerary
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Table Mountain & City Exploration
Day 1Take the rotating cable car up Table Mountain (book online in advance!). Enjoy 360-degree views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and distant mountains. Walk the various trails at the top - it's surprisingly large! Weather dependent - check conditions before going. Alternative: hike up (2-3 hours) if you're fit. Explore the bustling V&A Waterfront with shopping, restaurants, and harbor views. Watch seals lounging by the docks. Visit Time Out Market for diverse food options. Evening: enjoy live music in the amphitheater and waterfront dining with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Day 2Drive the stunning Chapman's Peak - one of the world's most scenic coastal roads with 114 curves hugging the mountainside. Stop at viewpoints for photos of dramatic cliffs and ocean. Visit the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Walk the boardwalks to see hundreds of endangered penguins in their natural habitat. Best in morning before it gets too hot and crowded. Lunch in charming Simon's Town - historic naval town with cafes and antique shops along the main street. Explore Cape Point Nature Reserve - the southwestern tip of Africa. Hike or take the funicular to the lighthouse for spectacular views. Walk to Cape of Good Hope signpost. Look for baboons, ostriches, and antelope. Incredibly dramatic scenery!
Tokara Wine Estate
Day 3Start in Stellenbosch at Tokara Estate on Helshoogte Pass. Stunning mountain views, excellent wine tasting, and optional olive oil tasting. The restaurant is outstanding if you want lunch here. Stroll through historic Stellenbosch with its oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch architecture, and university town vibe. Lunch at one of the many restaurants on Church Street or Dorp Street. Drive to Franschhoek (30 min) and hop on the Wine Tram - a hop-on-hop-off tram/bus visiting multiple estates. Taste world-class wines in the stunning Franschhoek Valley surrounded by mountains. Book in advance!
Robben Island
Day 4Take the ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Guided tour includes bus tour of the island and prison visit led by former political prisoners. Book weeks in advance - this sells out! Ferry departs from V&A Waterfront. Allow 3.5-4 hours total. Learn about the forced removals during apartheid at this powerful museum in the former District Six neighborhood. Walk through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its vibrant houses, Cape Malay heritage, and cobbled streets. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum. Optional cooking class to learn Cape Malay cuisine. Best light for photos is morning or late afternoon.
Hermanus Whale Watching
Day 5Day trip to Hermanus (1.5-hour drive) - world's best land-based whale watching! June-November, southern right whales come incredibly close to shore. Walk the cliff path for spectacular sightings. Alternative season: visit for scenery, wine, and the charming town. Stop at Stony Point penguin colony in Betty's Bay on the way back - less crowded than Boulders and free! Scenic coastal drive through fishing villages.
Clifton Beaches
Day 6Spend morning at Clifton's four pristine beaches - sheltered coves with white sand and turquoise water. Beach culture at its finest! Water is cold (Atlantic Ocean) but stunning. Lunch at beachfront restaurant in Camps Bay with views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Relax on the beach or walk the promenade. Drive up Signal Hill for 360-degree sunset views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic. Popular spot - arrive early for parking. Bring a picnic and watch the sun set over the ocean.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Day 7Explore world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain. Walk the Boomslang Canopy Walkway, see indigenous plants, and enjoy mountain views. Perfect for a leisurely morning. Summer Sunday concerts are wonderful! Visit nearby Constantia wine estates - South Africa's oldest wine region. Groot Constantia is historic, Klein Constantia has excellent dessert wine. Have lunch at one of the estate restaurants. Final afternoon shopping on Long Street for African crafts, art, and souvenirs. Browse the vintage shops, bookstores, and rooftop bars. Transfer to airport for departure.