We falsely believe that southern or eastern Africa are the unsafest places on earth, and those who consider going there think that it’s all about safaris, and wildlife.

Wrong! Africa has a lot more than that from lying on turquoise beaches, enjoying adrenalin-pumping water activities, and road-tripping, to skydiving, whale-watching, and hiking.

We have put together a list of must sees and dos at one of our favorite African cities; Cape Town.

CAMPS BAY BEACHES & WALK

Known as the Rio of Africa, that’s where Hollywood celebrities are frequently spotted, did I mention that Leonardo Dicaprio was one of them?!! <3 <3

Witnessing Sunset at Camps Bay by Passainte Assem

The drive from Cape Town’s center to Camps Bay is a very scenic one, one where you will go up and down hill on Table Mountain while surrounded by the ocean, luxurious houses, and hotels with the best views of Cape Town, this is where swimming is a freezing experience in summer, while a refreshing one in winter! Crazy, huh?

You can lay on the beach, inhale some fresh air, and listen to the crashing waves or take a walk by the long stretch of restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias, even better if you try one of them!

 The Restaurants stretch at Camps Bay by Passainte Assem

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

When talking about Cape Town the first major landmark would be Table Mountain, seconded by Cape Point. It’s a hub for adventure travelers or those seeking a skyline view of Cape Town.

View from Table Mountain

Activities are;

• Riding an Aerial Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain
• Grabbing a bite from their on top of the mountain cafeteria while enjoying great views -their Milk Tart which is a South African delicacy is tip-top
• Abseiling
• Watching a beautiful sunset
• Joining a guided or an audio tour
• Hiking -the most scenic is Platteklip Gorge trail

Following the signs to Platteklip Gorge trail by Passainte Assem

V&A WATERFRONT

Is a complex of hotels, restaurants, shops, movie theaters, a food market, and another for handicrafts, an aquarium, a ferris wheel, and home to the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum. Situated in South Africa’s oldest harbour, and could be enjoyed by day and by night as well, as each time of day will offer you a totally different experience.

V&A Waterfront by slack12

P.S: Keep a focused eye on the ocean, as you might be lucky to spot some lazy seal! 

CAPE POINT (DRIVE THROUGH THE GARDEN ROUTE)

While people -like me- would climb Mount Kilimanjaro to be on the roof of Africa, some others would go all the way to Cape Point to be at Africa’s extreme southern tip -commercially known as is however this honor goes to Cape Agulhas.

The drive through The Garden Route is one of the best road-trips one can have in South Africa thanks to its diversity; you’d see beaches, bays, green hills, and valleys only 60 KM out of Cape Town, some zebras, elands, bird species, small mammals, and lots of baboons.

Beware of baboons, and don’t even think of feeding them!

The Garden Route by Armin Rodler

You can plan a picnic around one of the beaches, hop on a funicular ride, go hiking, or mountain biking, you will never run out of fun activities that would satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

HOUT BAY

Is a seaside town/harbour known as the “Heart of the Cape”, only 20-30 minutes drive from Cape Town’s center and major attractions, home to lush green forests, Africa’s largest bird park, hosting a crafts market, a yachat and boat marina, and above all is one of the best places to eat fresh seafood, and lobsters.

• Mariners Wharf: offers the best lobster in the city
• Fish On The Rocks: is one of the best seafood restaurants over there.

Mariners Wharf Restaurant by Graeme Churchard

The best thing about Hout Bay is how less touristic it is compared to Camps Bay, which makes it frequented by more locals, and avid travelers mostly. As well as its proximity to the Seals Colony.

View of Hout Bay by Babak Fakhamzadeh

BOULDERS BEACH

This is where cute Penguins at their natural habitat could be watched..Enough said!!

BO-KAAP

London’s Notting Hill of Cape Town :). As if seeing this colorful neighborhood isn’t good enough to make you cheerful, you could go on a cooking tour to taste and discover where did historical Capetonian cuisine originate from!

Photo courtesy of: Alf Igel

THE FOOD

Well nothing could go wrong! Literally nothing.. All cuisines served are at their highest quality, at very reasonable prices, and satisfying portions

Personal Recommendations;

• Royale Eatery: the juiciest burger with mushrooms I’ve ever tasted
• Orinoco – Latin American: A place that is always overbooked, which is a sign that it’s a great one, trust me on this.
• Hudsons – The Burger Joint: their burgers are over-rated, but their Fudge Milkshake is totally worth it!
• Nonna Lina – Italian: the menu is too tempting to the extent that you’d call the waiter asking for his help to choose. Their Meringue Desert is a must though
• Takumi – Sushi: Now closed and their owner opened a new place called Obi, I hope it offers the same set of appetizers and sushi.
• Eastern Food Bazar – Asian food: If you’re addicted to Indian food like me, and in love with Asian cuisine at this bazar you’ll never run out of options, however watch your belongings and be aware of pickpockets
• Hussar Girll – Steak House: the juiciest, most filling, and not pricey piece of steak!
• Backyard Grill: try it yourself!

HIDDEN GEMS

• Woodstock’s Food Market (a.k.a. Old Biscuit Mill): Open every Saturday from 10 AM till 4 PM.

The market’s feel and atmosphere by Passainte Assem

That’s the best food market I have ever been to, the selection is crazy, and lots of exotic stuff out there, my favorite were; their Mushroom Kebabs, their thin crusty Pizza, and above all those drool-worthy Belgian Waffles! If I wasn’t full, and had more time I would have devoured lots of other things really!

Thin Italian Pizza served at the market by Passainte Assem

• V&A Food Market

Entrance to one hell of a cool food market by Passainte Assem

• Walk Kloof Street & stay at one of its outdoors cafes
• Partying and Bar-Hopping in Long Street -the safest street in Cape Town
• Greenmarket Square: For souvenir shopping which opens around 6 AM and closes at 5 PM -haggling is key
• Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar: for the best virgin cocktails in town, and a pleasant rooftop that makes it easy to socialize with locals

Have we got you excited to travel to Africa’s extreme south?

Have you ever been to South Africa before? to Cape Town? Have any interesting insights, stories, or tips that you would love to share?!! Feel free to mention them in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.