Curator’s statement
A safari adventure sits at the top of many a bucket list, and for good reason. It’s a rare and touching occurrence to view African wildlife in their natural habitat, and the landscapes are incredible. North Africa boasts The Great Migration, but I would highly recommend South Africa for its access through Cape Town and the variety of experiences it can offer for wildlife enthusiasts, night life lovers, wine purveyors, and adventure junkies.
The Fora Difference
Book with Kaitlyn to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Cape Town
Unlock perks by contacting Kaitlyn to book your trip.
Things to do in Cape Town
Chapel in Franschhoek
Hike Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. From the moment you land in Cape Town, you’ll find the presence of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head inescapable, looming on one side of the city with the coast on the other. Hiking either point is challenging but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city and its coastline. Book a guided hike that includes photography to capture yourself against stunning backdrops. If you don’t have the time or stamina, there is also a cable car you can take up and back from Table Mountain. Just be sure to check the weather and running times as it will be closed for safety on days with intense weather or winds.
Chase penguins in False Bay. A must-see for any animal lover is the South African penguin colony at False Bay. Very few places in the world allow you to get seriously close to these beautiful birds, and if you’re willing to brave the water, you can even swim with them in certain spots.
Spot wildlife along the Cape of Good Hope: The southernmost tip of Africa is just a little over an hour away and is worth the drive. If traffic conditions allow, take Chapman’s Peak Drive south into Table Mountain National Park. Once in the park, you’ll spot wild ostriches, baboons, and other animals. Stay safe in your car and keep your distance, though. Animals have been known to strike, especially when food is involved.
Shopping at V&A Waterfront: If you’re less interested in nature, shop until your heart’s content at the V&A Waterfront. Named for Queen Victoria and King Albert, the area is the main tourist center but can be a good launching point for designer stores, award-winning restaurants, and scenic tours from the harbor.
Explore the Winelands: Wine and food paradise is within reach in the Constantia, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch regions. I recommend booking a guided tour to pick you up in Cape Town and shuttle you to and from everything from small producers to huge estate wineries. If your itinerary will allow, stay overnight in Franschhoek to explore their main street, popping in and out of their high-end boutiques and renowned restaurants.
Beaches at Camp’s Bay: The Camp’s Bay area is home to beaches reminiscent of Malibu. Bring your towel and suit to catch a tan or make your way hopping from bar to bar along the beach’s main strip. Each one has their own spin on artisanal cocktails using local herbs and liquors.
Safari stay with game drives: I saved the best for last but no trip to South Africa would be complete without a stay on safari. Even the savviest travelers should work with their travel agent closely to find a safari resort to fit their tastes and budget as well as to arrange logistics to and from Sabi Sands Reserve. Most stays will require a flight from Cape Town and drive from the local airport to your resort. Once you arrive, plan to stay for at least four days to allow ample opportunity to enjoy the resort’s food, spa, and daily game drives. Some will also offer cultural experiences in the surrounding villages. On your game drives expect to see the Big 5 (elephants, cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros) as well as local deer, birds, zebra, and giraffes. This is truly a unique experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Places to eat & drink in Cape Town
Small plates at Pot Luck Club
Kloof Street House: Buzzy nightlife spot with cozy interior and fun patio. Tip: Get dinner first and book cocktails here after.
Villa47: Unassuming but one of the best meals we had the entire trip. Order the seafood linguine and the espresso martinis!
Bootlegger Coffee: Local coffee shop in Camps Bay. Serves great breakfast pastries to fuel up for the day.
Pot Luck Club: You’ll definitely want to take an Uber or Taxi here if going at night, but this hot spot located in The Old Biscuit Mill serves an eclectic small plates menu with inventive dishes and cocktail pairings.
Test Kitchen: Also located in The Old Biscuit Mill, hit up TTK for regional dishes infusing local game with bold flavors.
La Colombe: Upscale French cuisine just a little further outside of central city but worth the detour. If exploring the winelands, don’t skip on their sister restaurant, Epice, in Franschhoek.
Tiger’s Milk: Excellent cocktail bar in Camp’s Bay. Grab a seat on the patio to take in the views of Camp’s Bay beach.
Grub & Vine: This intimate little spot boasts a huge selection of wines and serves eclectic dishes using local game like the ostrich carpaccio that I still can’t stop thinking about. Highly recommend having one of your first meals here and then popping around Bree Street for cocktails after.
Need to know
Seasonality: South Africa is located in the Southern hemisphere, so always remember that their seasons are opposite from the US. Spring and fall are great times to visit as well as their summer months (Dec, Jan, and Feb).
Getting around: You may have guessed from my list of attractions, but having a rental car is helpful. If you’re planning on staying close to the city, you can get by with Ubers and taxis, but the Winelands and Cape of Good Hope will require a car or a booked tour service. When traveling to Sabi Sands Reserve, a chauffeured service is highly recommended. The route weaves through several local villages and is not clearly marked in all places. We never once felt unsafe, but be aware that over 50 percent of the country lives below the poverty line. Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t exit your vehicle if you feel unsafe.
Language and culture: South Africa has 12 official languages and many more dialects spoken throughout. English is spoken in most locations, so barriers are minimal. Be cognizant of this country’s storied past blending many different cultures and customs. Pay attention to signs and postings wherever you are and keep safety top of mind.
Travel Advisor
Kaitlyn Knause
Get in touch with Kaitlyn
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Kaitlyn within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cape Town page.