top ten things to do in Cape town
 

We'll be there for four days..just wondering what your top picks would be.

Just some ideas:
See the penguins at Boulders,
Go for a walk in Kirstenbosch,
Cable Car up Table Mountain,
Robben Island,
Eat at the Africa Cafe,
Definitely have a picnic lunch at Boschendal Wine Estate near Franschhoek. You need to book for this. It is called Le Pique Nique.

Susan,

While in Cape Town I would suggest that you don't miss out on the following:

<b>MUST DO EVENT - Cape Peninsula day trip. </b>
Take a day trip down to Cape Point taking in the penguin colony, a walk in Kalk Bay. and Kalk bay harbour. Here's a great tip ; While on the Cape of Good Hope Nature reserve take the turn off to Buffalo Bay or Bordjiesrif. Definitely worth the short ride. Try and make it to this beach area by lunch time and have a light picnic lunch at the sea. Great experience.

On returning from Cape Point travel via Scarborough and Kommetjie. Wonderful coastline. Also cross over Chapmans Peak which is a fabulous drive

<b>MUST DO EVENT - Do a Cape Winelands day trip.</b>

<b>MUST DO EVENT - Ascend Table Mountain.</b> Try and do this at sunset

Other activities to do in Cape Town.

Visit Robben Island

Visit the aquarium

Visit Kirstenbosch gardens

Visit Hout Bay and go to the World of Birds.

Walk through the Company Gardens

Dinner picnic on Signal Hill while watching a sunset

Here's a great hidden secret tip. Visit the daily shooting of the Noon Gun on the Lions Battery at midday.

Take a walk through Bo-Kaap

Don't miss the Africa Caf&eacute; for Dinner and after your meal visit Mama Africa so as to listen to the percussion band at the venue.

Spend an hour one evening at the Drum Caf&eacute;. Unique experience

Stop in at Zoerienas for a typical Cape Malay lunch in a very local setting. You had better look up the address when you are in Cape Town as many don't even know about Zoerienas. Food for the Cape soul. :)

Visit the Mount Nelson Hotel for high tea. 14h30-17h30

Take a township tour

The Cultural History museum is an interesting venue to visit. The District 6 and Jewish museums are also very interesting

Spend some time in the Waterfront but don't overdo it as it is nothing other than a shopping mall. If however you visit the Waterfront on a Sunday this will be well worth the visit as there is always great entertainment and a wonderful vibe in the area.

Visit the Greenmarket Square area in the middle of Cape Town. Enjoy the vibe of ths open air market.

Visit the Pan African market in Long Street. Very iteresting experience if shopping for African curios.

I know that you cannot do all of the above in four days so what I would suggest is that you ensure that you do the Cape Point day trip, the Cape Winelands day trip as well as the ascent of Table Mountain. Thereafter pick and choose from the rest of the above list as per your interests and needs.

I reckon that the above should keep you going in Cape Town :) however if you need further help or ideas just put your questions on this forum board and I can assure you that someone will be able to help you further.

Hope that you enjoy our city when you visit us.

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r)) nation of South Africa

My top picks?

The day tour of the Peninsula, just as Selwyn suggests

A visit to Robben Island

Visit a Township. If you can find a guide (such as Selwyn) who has strong and genuine relationships with the people of a particular township, this will really be a very special experience and you don't need to worry about it feeling like a patronising &quot;safari&quot; by outsiders - an understandable concern in situations where tours are given by guides with no links to the township at all.

Either hiking (for those of you with the fitness for it) or taking the cable car (for the Kavey's of the world) up Table Mountain

Shopping at the Greenpoint Sunday Market

Kirstenbosch Gardens - whilst I can't say it's the most incredible botanical gardens I've visited (Madeira's gardens win that accolade) it is a lovely place with a wonderful setting and a great place for a picnic

I don't know if your 4 days are just for Cape Town or whether you have more time set aside for the Wine Lands. Either way, definitely worth visiting - don't miss this just because you've been to the wine regions of France or California... they are not the same. The landscapes of the Cape Wine Lands are unique and beautiful.

We had three days in Capetown in March 2003, and packed in a lot of must-sees. My highlights that I would do again, in order of preference would be-

1. The cheetah outreach program at Spiers Winery in Stellenbosch - most awesome 10 min of my life petting a cheetah and learning about them up close.
2. Robbin Island - the talk by the ex-prisoner was very emotional, he had us MESMERIZED.
3. Visit to a Township (we went to Langa if I recall right). Again very emotional, but it really hits home with how lucky we are. It literally changed my way of thinking about material items and the work that I do.
4. Watching the penguins at Boulders, our guide had to haul me away from the viewing platform, I could have watched them for hours!
5. The boat ride at Hout Bay to see the seals - I have never seen so many in all my life in one spot - awesome!
6. District Six Museum &amp; actual District Six site - again, emotional, but it hit home. Getting a copy of a book about the 'relocation' signed by the person who wrote it and lived it was a definite high point.
7. Walking through the Bo-Kaap area, I have some wonderful photos from this walk.
8. Having a seafood lunch somewhere along the coast (on our Cape Point Day)at this fabulous restaurant, best Kalamari I have ever had (and I am not fond of kalamari...)- can't remember the name but I could look it up.
9. Seeing the Cape of Good Hope - I can't do too many stairs so walking up to the lighthouse looked a little much, but the view from where the funicular drops you is really good - and, bonus, the gift shop is on this level!
10. Poking in the stalls at a market type of building either very near or on the V &amp; A waterfront - also cannot remember the name, but could look it up!

1) Drive from Hout bay to Noordhoek. Take a chilled bottle of wine, cheese and biscuits and watch the sun set.
2) Hit fish hoek beach and look out for the trek fishermen, mingle amongst them and savour an old very colourful culture of the Cape.
3) Eat curry at a Cape Malay cafe in Loop street.

Lynda S..what is the Bo-Kaap area... can you tell me more please.

If you want adventure and something totally different, take a day to go to Gansbaai and dive with great white sharks. We used White Shark Ecoventures (recommended by our travel agent and several Fodorites). It was an incredible day. We saw 5-6 different sharks and I was able to go into the cage twice. We were definitely the oldest on that particular trip (my husband and I in our late 40's and 50's and my parents in their mid 70's), but I guess they've had people older. My parents stayed on the boat and still had an amazing time. It was also nice to see some of the countryside on the way there. We stopped briefly in Hermanus and spotted a Southern Right Whale just off the shore (this was mid June so they were a bit early, but definitely there). Otherwise, the suggestions that everyone else has made are great. I was a little disappointed in Kirstenbosch, but we had just been to the botanical gardens in Rio which are beyond any I have seen anywhere else. Table Mountain was on our list, but it was cloud covered the whole time we were there (we also ran out of time). Hope you have better weather. it is a fabulous city! I definitely want to return.

I did the same trip as jcasale, and I also went with White Shark Ecoventures.

My top four:

1. Cage diving with white sharks
2. Robben Island
3. Climb to top of table mountain (the tram is too easy)
4. Dinner at Bismielah in the Bo-Kap (muslim) area (its certainly not the best food in Cape Town, but its the most unique)

a must do is one of the train trips check out the website www.vintagetrains.co.za

susan300

BoKaap is the Afrikaans word for Upper Cape or upper Cape Town. The BoKaap is a living quarter which is inbetween the city centre and Signal Hill. The area is also known as Schotchekloof. This is where most of the Muslim community of Cape Town live. There are many masjiets (mosques) in the area as well as quite a number of spice stores and shops that specialise in what we have always known as Cape Malay foods. There is a BoKaap museum (pretty average) in the area. What really attracts visitors to the BoKaap are the very colouful houses as well as the friendliness of the people who stay in the area.

Presently there is quite an undercurrent of problem going on in the BoKaap as wealthy white Capetonians are buying houses in the area and gentrifying them which the local Muslim population dont want to happen as they feel that their commuinity life is being intervened. This is a very tricky scenario which still has not been resolved however I have full faith in the fact that as South Africans we will be able to eventually come to grips with this present day problem with our reconiliatory ways.

Hope this gives you a better idea of the area and what it represents.

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r)) nation of South Africa

ttt for research

Selwyn,

Do you have the address for Zoerinas?

LTZ

Highlights for me were:
1. Stellenbosch winelands - I would spend the night here.
2. Table mountain - we took a bottle of wine up and watched the sun set.
3. Robben Island
4. Skydiving

LessthanZero

Zorinas can be found at 172 Loop Street, Cape Town Tel 4249301

Hope this helps

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r)) nation of South Africa

Almost everything is covered here.........but i'll just say.....make dinner reservations at this restaurant called.......Paranga

Awesome food......

Ditto to all!

Penguins at Boulders
Cheetahs at Spier

Selwyn- Is it true what we were told about the colors of the houses in Cape Malay signified the profession of the homeowner, ie butcher, baker? They were so unique. I have posted photos last week under my trip report.

CarlaM

Oh my I think you have had your leg pulled when you were told about the colour of the houses representing different jobs or professions. :)

The colouring of the houses only really started up about 40 years ago when it just became fashionable to do so. As a young child I can recall going into BoKaap when all the houses were a drab grey colour so when the coloring process started it certainly gave the place a sparkle as I am sure you will agree. Overall there was no significance to the colours chosen but what did happen was everybody stuck to a colour code of pastel colours which gave the area its delightful feel. This great feeling has recently been interupted with one of the tallest houses in the area being painted up bright purple. Some people love the house while others hate it. I regard it as interesting. :)

So Fodorites see if you can spot the purple/mauve house in BoKaap when you visit our great city. :)

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r)) nation of South Africa

thanks for that address. I had seen many references to the place, but no address anywhere.

Ssearls,

if still reading, tell me more about the skydiving!

ttt

Selwyn, would you please comment on the relationship of a township tour such as your to a Soweto tour from Johannesburg?

LyndaS, I would love to know the name of the &quot;fabulous&quot; restaurant you referred to from you visit to Cape Point.

Selwyn - are you still around? You are brilliant in the answering questions department! My boyfriend and I are 99% sure we're going to Cape Town this fall and although we've done some research and gotten a bunch of questions answered already, we have tons more ;-)

Can anyone comment on the Kirstenbosch Gardens in mid June. Would it make the top 10 list?

Shari

It would and it would do so at any time of the year too. Fact is Cape Town enjoys a wet winter, so come june the gardens are a spectacle.
Dec/Jan are probably the gardens best months, not so much for the floral blooms, but partciularly for the activiity, evening orchestra and Sunday afternoon live music on the lawns.

Thanks Mkhonzo. I appreciate the insight.

Glad this thread was brought to life again.

How much time should you allow for a leisurely visit to Robben Island?

Tell me more about the cheetah outreach at Spiers.

Do you know anything about the baboon visit?

Thanks!

Hi Lynn,

I visited the Cheetah Outreach at Spier last Nov, while spending time in Stellenbosch. Wonderful and very educational experience.

http://www.cheetah.co.za/team.htm

I got to pet the baby cheetahs(8 of them) and also spend time with the mom who was in a separate area. The volunteers will take all the pictures you want of you and the cheetahs with YOUR camera. They will answer all your questions about cheetah conservation. It was one of the highlights on my trip. I don't remember exactly what I paid, it wasn't more than $100 but it was worth every penny. That was the first animal experience I had in Africa so I was thrilled to death.

You can also eat right there at Moyo
http://www.spier.co.za/moyo.asp

The grounds are lovely to walk around with a beautiful lake and grassy areas for picnics. There was a little market that we purchased bread, cheese etc and had a terrific afternoon.

You are planning your SA trip for 2007 right?

Lynn,

Another vote for the Cheetah outreach center at Spier. In 2003, i stayed longer with the Cheetah while my friends went to do the wine tasting at Spier.....i also got t-shirts for lots of people. All proceeds from the purchases going towards the program.

Hari

Selwyn Davidowitz is already booked for the time I'll be in Cape Town, so I'm looking at alternatives. Has anyone done any of the tours in Cape Town conducted by Andulela Experiences? They seem to have some interesting tours.

Shari

Shari,

My friends and i used Hylton Ross in 2003. They were fantastic and we had a guide called David Alt. Great guy!!!

Hari

Thanks Hari. That is actually the company that Selwyn recommended, so I'm happy to hear that you think they are good as well (I'll have to inquire about the guide). The reason that I'm curious about Andulela Experiences is that they have an evening &quot;Jazz Tour&quot; that sounds like fun.

Shari

Thanks for the Spiers info. I am looking at Cape Town for 2008, actually. Not enough time in 2007 because I want to spend more than a couple of days there.

I'd take time with the cheetah over wine tasting too!

It may not fall in the Mount Nelson or Spier class but I like to take the suburban train from Cape Town station to Simons Town station with beautiful views of the sea (at high tide the sea sometimes trips the electricity on the train), walk around Simons Town and eat at the Simons Town harbour. During the holiday period the train sometimes has a &quot;restaurant&quot; coach for breakfast.

Shari,

Talk to Hylton Ross...i'm sure they may be able to organize something to your requirements.

Lynn,

No worries....i'm sure you'll enjoy Cape town.

Hari

1. Take a trip on the open top bus
2. Walking township tour on the Blue route of the open top bus
3. Kirstenbosch gardens
4. Cape Point
5. Penguin Colony
6. Robben Island
7. Winelands Tour
8. Noon Gun Restaurant for home cooked Cape Malay food (this is not a take-aways)
9. District six museum
10. Khwattu khoi- san village up the west coast
11. Boesmanland Kombuisie at Club Mykonos up the west coast for a unique sea food lunch
12. Shark cage diving
13. Table Mountain
14. VISIT A CRECHE ON A TOWNSHIP TOUR
15. Atlas Trading for spices to try ay home. (SITUATED IN THE BO-KAAP)

AVOID:
1. PICNIC LUNCHES AT CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (there have been serious attacks from baboons and the rangers have advised against it)
2. Guides who claim not to take tips and commissions

Bo-kaap:
The colouring of the houses only reall started after 1994 and not 40 years ago as suggested. 40 years ago the area was under threat of being declared a white area etc. and many if the houses were in bad shape.
The area consists 90% of people from the Muslim faith but there are much larger muslim communities in areas outside the city such as Athlone, Rylands, Hanover Park etc.

Here is a small album of the Cheetah Outreach at Spier, Penguins at Boulder's Beach,
BoKaap/Cape Malay, Table Mountain. Click on the Nov 2005 album.
www.kodakgallery.com/carlasadventures

I found the birds of prey at Spier far more interesting than the cheetahs...

They're lovely photos Carla. I was only there 2 weeks ago and it's brought back some wonderful memories. What lens did you use to get yout close up of Camps Bay from Table Mountain?