Cape Town
 

I travelled to South Africa a year ago almost today and I am planning a trip back there. I lived in Cape Town for six weeks and spent a lot of time exploring the surrounding areas. I want to go back to an area close to the city that is safe for Americans. What are some of the best tourist spots and activities to visit while I am there for another two weeks?

If you lived there for 6 weeks last year, you probably know more about the city than the majority of the posters on this forum!!

Do you think being American would set you apart in any way from other tourists?
I'm just curious why you mentioned that.

I agree eks. After 6 weeks in Cape Town I'd be surprised if anyone here had nothing to tell the OP about the city that s/he didn't already know.

if you're serious, Kalpal, tell us what you've already done, what you are thinking of doing, and where you think your areas of ignorance are.

Hi, Annhig: And my very, very best regards to you and my heartfelt wishes as well.

To Kalpal: Do you want to stay outside the city for any reason? Maybe cost? any interest in staying within the city? I wish you could tell us more about your stay there! What a glorious looking city!!

I wish that I had spent a lot more time in South Africa actually traveling throughout the city, but I was on a mission trip so I wasn't able to branch out like I wanted to. I was able to visit the Kirstenbotch botanical garden and climb Table mountain. I wasn't able to climb Lionshead or go on a safari or shark cage diving. I want to be close to the city so that I am able to uber to other places, but I am also interested in exploring more of South Africa besides Cape Town. I'm planning on going back to South Africa for the month of October and I only plan on staying a week in Cape Town before I travel to Ghana. I was wondering if there are any other activities or places that people have visited that were worthwhile? That could even be an amazing food place that you went to that you would recommend. I would like to see more of Africa than what I was able to see while I was there and I would like to participate in more tourist locations if that makes sense?

I was able to see the surrounding areas of South Africa, but I saw most of it through the window of a car as we drove by.

ok, Kalpal, that makes a lot more sense.

you've seen some of the really obvious places but there are still a few within striking distance of Cape Town that you missed - the day trip down to the Cape is particularly nice with the chance to drop in on the penguins at Boulders' Beach, a bit of hiking down at the cape itself, and then calling in at the Lionshead on the way back in order to see the sunset. I'm sure that if you good Cape of Good hope day trips there will be lots of more detailed ideas for how to fill in that trip.

Also [and this is something we didn't do as we were there at the wrong time ] if you are there in October you may have the chance to see the spring wild flowers in the area north of Cape Town; though it sounds as if October might be a bit late you could be in luck:

http://www.capetownmagazine.com/spring-flower-season

you can also do a day trip to Hermanus to see whales, again you need to make sure that you are there at the right time.

There are also lots of things to see in Cape Town itself - many of which are mentioned in Eck's excellent TR. We particularly "enjoyed" [if that's the right word] the District 6 museum, Company's Gardens, the V&A Waterfront etc. We didn't get to Robben Island but that is also an option.

Have lots of fun planning!

oops - I meant to say thanks, Eck, for your kind thoughts and wishes. They are much appreciated.

Thank you so much for the added information! I didn't even think of Robben Island or to see the Penguins. I looked at the article that you attached of the wild flowers and they are so pretty! I think I will be able to fill my week of stay there with some very exciting activities outside of the ones that I have already done. Thank you for your help! Best wishes!

-Kalpal

no probs, Kalpal.

when we were researching our trip, i came across a book that was called "14 days in Cape town" which had some more great ideas of things to do there; sadly I've never been able to find it again, but any good guide book to Cape Town will be able to put some more flesh on those bones.

Signal Hill
Boulder Beach
Winelands
Markets - biscuit mill is a favorite
Waterfront
Kalk Bay - Brass Bell
Chapmans peak Drive

These are my favorite places and things to do :)

try come in summer but you probably already know that :)