Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain is 1,085m (3,559ft) above sea level at its highest point, Maclear’s Beacon. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, its name also derives from the thin layer of wind-blown cloud that forms over the flat summit before dropping dramatically over the edge like a tablecloth.

It’s now part of the Table Mountain National Park, set up to protect the landmark but also the rare fynbos vegetation. The site is now a UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

Ride up in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and wander the fynbos-fringed footpaths that criss-cross the serene and beautiful flat-topped sum

If you’re reasonably fit, and a little adventurous, you can hike up to the summit rather than take the cable car. There are a number of different trails that you can do independently or with a guide. You can also abseil down from the summit.

Towering more than 3,000-feet above the city, Table Mountain defines the skyline of Cape Town. And while going up by cable car is an easy option for the unfit, hiking the mountain slopes is a far better way to appreciate the flora, fauna and fine views of this World Heritage Site.

There are dozens of routes on, up and around the mountain. The most popular, independently-tackled route is the well-marked Platteklip Gorge (a challenging 2- to 3-hour hike). If you want something more adventures – like the forested trails that lead up the eastern slopes above Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – book a guided hike. Guides will teach about the local fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom as you ascend.

The true summit is at Maclear’s Beacon, but keen hikers should allow time to discover the quieter trails that explore the ‘Back Table’ to the south.

Thrill-seekers will love this unforgettable abseil – 360 feet (110m) off the summit of the world-famous Table Mountain. Behind you – heart-stopping views over the city and Atlantic coastline laid out below you.

Tours start at the top, so you take the cable car to the summit – or hike up. After your abseil, you’ll take scenic hike back to the summit on a lesser-known trail.

Established in 1825, the museum houses extensive collections of fossils, ancient artefacts, and natural history displays, showcasing South Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. The collection encompasses over one-and-a-half million specimens of scientific importance. Don’t miss the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

The vibrant suburb of Cape Town, formerly known as the Cape Malay Quarter, is famous for its colourful house facades and steep, cobblestone streets.

It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and one of the few areas genuinely historical areas – and is now a declared National Monument. It was built at the end of the 18th century, initially attracting lower-income families and artisans, followed by an influx of former Malay slaves following the abolition of slavery in 1830.

Originally, all of the (rented) houses, known as huurhuisjes, had to be white. But when this rule was lifted and the slaves were permitted to purchase their houses, they apparently painted them bright colours to express their new-found freedom.

Walking tours are best for those wanting to delve deeper into the culture and history of this fascinating neighbourhood. Bo-Kaap offers a unique and rare window into Cape Town – and South Africa’s – past. The tiny Bo-Kaap Museum, set within one of the oldest and most well-preserved houses dating back to the 1760s, houses historical documents, photographs, artefacts, and interactive displays.

Chef Jesper Nilsson blends his Swedish heritage with local culinary traditions to create a multi-cultural dining experience.

Extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains, these exquisite images of antelopes and humans in delicate tones of red and white were made by the San, a tribe of bushmen. This is one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art.

One of the most poignant destinations for any visitor to Cape Town, this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and museum is an infamous prison island in the middle of Table Bay. During apartheid it held some of SA’s most famous political prisoners, including former president Nelson Mandela.

It remains as an important reminder of the evils of the apartheid era, brought home powerfully by the guides, some of whom are former inmates.

Cape Town is well established as the fine art capital of Africa, and there are few better places to discover the continent’s creative powerhouses than at the Zeitz.

A dramatic architectural conversion of historic grain silos was done by British ‘starchitect’ Thomas Heatherwick in 2017, creating a remarkable home for Africa’s leading collection of artworks from Africa and its diaspora.

Alongside permanent galleries, the Museum runs an exciting schedule of special exhibitions, featuring African artists exploring historic and contemporary themes across mixed media.

From the upper levels you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the city and Table Mountain.

Treacherous seas, sandy coves and sheer cliffs characterise Cape Point, located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km southwest of Cape Town.

The 7,750-hectare Cape Point nature reserve, which falls within the Table Mountain National Park, makes a great day trip for nature lovers, with its fynbos (the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms), antelope, baboons, Cape Mountain zebras and Cape clawless otters. But note, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet – that’s Cape Agulhas, 150Km to the east.

The drive there is lovely, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach is conveniently on the way and often included as a stop on a Cape Peninsular tour. It’s a rare spot to see wild penguins in their natural habitat.

Be sure to climb up Cape Point’s lighthouse, 286m above sea level, for spectacular ocean views. To reach the lighthouse, walk or take the ‘Flying Dutchman’ – a funicular named after a ghostly ship that is said to sail around the point.

Most visitors on the way to Cape Point stop off to see the heart-warming penguin colony at Boulders Beach – a 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. These charismatic critters that will charm adults and kids alike.

A number of operators also offer kayak tours to see the colony – without the crowds. Tours will take you past the breeding area and around to Boulders Beach.

Also stop by the adjoining boulder-strewn Seaforth Beach, which boasts picturesque, family-friendly coves where the penguins often swim freely with bathers in the sheltered water. In winter, there are also seals and whales. In summer, there’s snorkelling.

The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Cape Town, and the Aegir Project in laid-back Noordhoek has long led the charge. Their easy-going taproom and restaurant offer a range of local brews and fine views.

This 9km stretch of road, etched into soaring cliffs, with 114 curves and a 593m drop off to the ocean, ranks as one of the most spectacular drives in the world and should be on every visitor’s list.

‘Chappies’, as it’s affectionately known, also sees cyclists, bikers and runners enjoying the sweeping, staggering coastal views: think giant boulders, seal colonies, pounding surf, dramatic cliffs and miles of endless blue stretching into the horizon.

For an extra special treat, book a night at Tintswalo Atlantic, a romantic and alluring hideaway set in the ancient milkwood forest at the foot of Chapman’s Peak. Remote but spectacular.

South Africa’s oldest wine route is home to more than 150 wineries, many of them still family owned, and the estates around Stellenbosch continue to produce wines that are internationally recognised for their excellent quality.

With a mild Mediterranean climate, proximity to cooling sea breezes and good clay soils, this region is becoming increasingly known for red wines – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Bordeaux-style blends, and pinotage.

With gourmet restaurants, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture and superb art galleries, the route offers so much more than just wine tasting. And it’s not just for adults. Some of the wine estates have good facilities to keep the kids entertained, such as the outdoor playparks at Tokara and Warwick.

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route; home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. Ten wineries are open for tastings, ranging from boutique cellars to grand estates.

Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from the city, it’s a convenient option for those lacking the time to visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The valley’s ocean-facing location, cooled in the summer by steady sea breezes, results in vibrant white wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, alongside structured and elegant red wines. The valley is also increasingly becoming a culinary hotpot in the city.

On the crest of the Helshoogte mountain pass, this winery has it all: contemporary architecture, an inviting tasting lounge, cutting-edge restaurant, and refined, approachable wines.

Constantia’s growing culinary clout is on full display here, with chef Ivor Jones’ small-plate menu offering some of the city’s most inspired, and affordable, fine dining.

Cape Town stretches out along a dramatic peninsula, fringed by the Atlantic Ocean and rising up to towering mountain peaks. A helicopter tour offers an unforgettable perspective on ‘the Fairest Cape’. Itineraries include flights over Table Mountain and the city, or out to the Winelands.

A variety of flight paths and themed tours are available, usually lasting from 15-60 minutes (flight times are dictated by the route).

For a memorable start (or end) to your trip, turn your flight into an airport transfer. You can alight at the V&A Waterfront, Winelands and other landing points.

Cape Fur seals are a common sight on the coastline around Cape Town; with a handful of large colonies situated on the rocky islands situated close inshore.

While boat tours offer an accessible way to see these entertaining animals, adventurous swimmers can enjoy a scuba-free ocean wildlife experience by snorkelling in the kelp forests that thrive on the fringes of Duiker Island near Hout Bay.

No prior experience is needed. All you’ll require is a healthy sense of adventure… and the courage to get in the cold water.

In the waters off Cape Town it’s the Great White Shark, carcharodon carcharias, that rules the roost, and admiring this remarkable predator in its natural environment – from the safety of a sturdy steel cage, of course – is a bucket list experience you’ll never forget.

Spacious speedboats leave Kleinbaai harbour (two hours’ drive from Cape Town) in the early morning, setting course for Dyer Island and the famous ‘Shark Alley’. Here, chum (fish bait) is released into the water, the cage is lowered and adventurers don their wetsuits. When a shark comes to investigate, it’s into the water you go.

Note – you don’t have to go in the water to enjoy this trip. Watching these majestic, and curious, creatures glide around from the security of the boat is also worth going for.

Note from Matt: the great whites vanished from the area following the arrival of two orcas (that prey on the great whites) in 2000. They were spotted again at the start of 2024… but check before you book to see if they are being seen on these tours. If there are no great whites, the tour operators will often take you to dive with other types of shark – still worth doing.

Established in 1913, South Africa’s premier botanical garden is a treasure trove of flora from the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most diverse of the planet’s six floral kingdoms.

The 36 hectares of cultivated garden cover just a fraction of the 528-hectare estate, which can be explored on well-marked walking trails. Alongside greenhouses and forest trails, a highlight is the ‘Boomslang’ treetop walkway, taking visitors through the forest canopy to offer impressive mountain views.

Picnics are welcome on the wide lawns, and in summertime they play host to the ever-popular Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, held every Sunday, featuring South Africa’s best loved musicians.

Cradled in a valley of fynbos-clad mountains, the ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is famous for outstanding food and wine experiences. The lovely, character-filled town of Franschhoek, known as South Africa’s gourmet capital, is the hub for exploring the best of it. From boutique wineries offering cellar tours and tastings, to charming bistros and fine dining in the heart of the village, it is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.

Alongside the feast of food and wine, there’s culture to discover here too, from the town’s graceful Huguenot Monument to the many art galleries dotted along the main road and on surrounding estates.

If it’s joie de vivre in the Cape you’re after, head straight to Franschhoek. It’s barely an hour’s drive from Cape Town – very doable for a day trip – though foodies and oenophiles will undoubtedly want to stay longer.

The best way to explore this fantastic, world-class wine region is on the Wine Tram.

This charismatic hop on hop off experience allows you to visit multiple wineries in one day – as and when you please – without having to worry about getting home afterwards. Vineyards on the route offer wine tastings, cellar and vineyard tours, exceptional dining – and world-class wine. Along the way, your driver will tell you the history of wine production in the valley.

There are five equally excellent routes to choose from, each stopping at 7-8 vineyards, though usually 3 to 4 visits are enough in one day. Highlights to look out for include Sir Richard Branson’s Mont Rochelle (Blue line) and Babylonstoren (orange line).

The concept was inspired by the history of the Franschhoek branch line, which dates back to 1904 and was originally used to transport wine and produce from the valley to Cape Town. It’s all run by a private company dedicated to promoting the region’s rich wine heritage.

Franschhoek is an easy day trip from Cape Town  – see our recommended tours below. They’ll arrange everything for you, including dropping you off and picking you up from the start/end points of the Wine Tram, with return transfers from the city to Franschhoek.

Showcasing over 200 classic cars from the Rupert family’s private collection, petrolheads can delve into a century of motoring history, from South Africa’s first Model T Ford to the rare Ferrari Enzo. It’s open daily, but you must book an appointment via the website before you go. You can also book a ride in a classic car.

Babylonstoren Gardens, located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is a historic farm and garden that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and contemporary farming practices. Established in 1692, Babylonstoren boasts one of the best-preserved Cape Dutch farmyards and a stunning 8-acre garden inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town.

The gardens feature a diverse array of plant species, including fruit orchards, vegetable patches, indigenous plants, and fragrant herb gardens, all arranged in a visually appealing and functional layout. Visitors can explore winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and scenic vistas, experiencing the farm’s rich biodiversity and seasonal changes. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant, and an elegant farm shop that sells local foods and homewares.

They offer daily walking tours guided by the estate horticulturists. These showcase both the sustainable farming techniques and the historical significance of the estate.

A must for gardeners and food-to-table devotees.