Guest post by: Lucy Buchholz

The Mother City, otherwise know as Cape Town, is the oldest city in South Africa, and home to a range of beautiful animals, breath-taking views and fun-filled activities. It’s no wonder that there is an endless list of things to do in Cape Town – from hiking and paraliging, to chilling out on the beach or wandering around a museum, there is definitely something for everyone. But whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a sun-worshiper, make sure you’ve packed your schedule with these experiences that really are too good to miss.

Shark diving

For those who chase an adrenaline rush, jumping off a boat and into a cage sat in shark-infested waters will certainly give you the buzz you’re after. Cage diving is a completely safe way to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most feared fish – no prior diving experience needed. 

Paragliding

Fancy taking a leap of faith? Jump off either Lion’s Head or Signal Hill to get the flight of a lifetime. Overseeing the whole of Cape Town, you’re view will stretch for miles as you sit back, relax and fly like a bird.

Dinner @ Waterfront

After a long day of exploring the city, there’s nothing better than browsing the waterfront for memorabilia to take home, then enjoying some of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, which overlook the water. It can get a bit chilly after sunset, so make sure you take a light jacket.

Bo Kaap

Wander through the brightly-colored houses and cobble-stoned streets of Bo Kaap appreciating the history found here.  Be sure to visit the Bo Kaap Museum which is the oldest house in the area.

Cape Point

Either chose a short cable car ride or a 20-minute walk up to Cape Point, which gives a breath-taking view of where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet – a selfie here is a must!

Walk about

Whether you’re an avid hiker or you just want a stroll along the beach, seeing the sights of Cape Town by foot is a great way get out and about and explore on your own. The top hiking points are Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, and there are also a number of walking tours that will lead you around the cape. 

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the most south-western point of Africa. A hike up to the top of the viewpoint will be rewarded with stunning scenery and Instagrammable pictures.

Tidal Pool

If you love the feel of being in the ocean, but you don’t want to waves messing up your hair and splashing you in the face visit a tidal pool, which are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Safari

Seeing South Africa’s big 5 (elephants, lions, X, X and X) should be at the top of your to do list. There are a range of different reserves which will allow you to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitats. For more information on which one to chose, follow the link. 

Elephants

A few miles out of Cape Town is Manyoni Private Game Reserve – a game reserve that has adopted three orphan elephants. Walk, feed and play with the trio of gentle giants and support the organization so they can continue with their brilliant work.

Seal Island

A short boat ride from Cape Town can take you to Seal Island, where you’ll find hundreds of wild seals lapping up the sun, and playing amongst themselves.

Sunset

Whether you’re on Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, a cruise boat, or you’ve just found yourself a quite stretch of beach, watching the sunset in Cape Town will be an experience like no other.

Sustainable Market

One of the things I love the most about Cape Town is their commitment to dealing with a sustainable future. In the Watershed, you’ll find a host of eco-friendly shops, selling everything from trinket souvenirs to jewellery, clothing and wall art.

Lunch @ Simon’s Town

On a beautiful day, sit and watch the water tinkle and the boats bob along the docks, while you sip a cocktail and dig into some traditional South African food. My favourite restaurant in Simon’s Town is Burtha’s – a fairly large eatery tucked away with a tranquil view.

Visit the penguins

It would be rude to visit Cape Town and not pay their friendly little penguins a visit. At Boulder Bay, you’ll find African penguins playing in the sea, waddling up and down the beach and just chilling out – it’s definitely not a bad life!

District 6

Learn about the unsettling history of Cape Town, by visiting the District Six Museum, where you’ll learn more about the 60,000 people who had their homes demolished, simply because of the colour of their skin.

Township

Step inside the home’s of people that live in some of Cape Town’s poorest areas. A local will show you around some houses to you about their lifestyle, and some will take you to the nursery, where you can play with the children. It’s definitely best to visit in a tour.

Robben Island

A harrowing experience led by an ex-prisoner, who will share heartfelt stories of their time spend locked away on Robben Island. The short 20-minute ferry ride will take you to and from the island, where you’ll see Sir Nelson Mandala’s cell and be given an insightful your around the prison.

You can connect with Lucy here:

Spotted Places :  @Lucy.Buchholz

Instagram : @lucybuchholz

Blog : Wanderlust Lucy

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