Cape Town & Western Cape

Cape Town (isiXhosa: iKapa, Afrikaans: Kaapstad) was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck as a supply station for the Dutch East India Company, making it the oldest European settlement in South Africa. Today, the city is the second-largest metropolis in South Africa with around 4.7 million inhabitants in the greater area — and its undisputed tourist jewel.

What makes Cape Town so special is its dramatic geography: The 1,085-meter-high Table Mountain towers over the city, the Cape Peninsula stretches 75 km south to the Cape of Good Hope, and two oceans — the cold Atlantic in the west and the warmer Indian Ocean in the east — create a unique microclimate.

Plan at least 4–5 days for Cape Town and its surroundings. If combined with the Winelands, a full week quickly fills up.

The Table Mountain (1,085 m) is not only Cape Town's landmark but also one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Its flat plateau — 3 km long and up to 1 km wide — is omnipresent from the city and dominates the skyline.

Cable Car

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway takes you to the summit in 5 minutes. The rotating gondola offers a 360° panorama during the ride. At the top: hiking trails, dassies (rock hyraxes that look like marmots), and a café.

Table Mountain Road, lower station. Return approx. 395 ZAR (20€). Daily 8 am–6 pm (seasonal), closed in strong winds. Book tickets online — wait times can be up to 2 hours in season!

Hike: Platteklip Gorge

The most direct and popular hiking route up Table Mountain. Steep but straightforward: 600 meters elevation gain through a gorge on the north side. Duration: approx. 2–3 hours up, descent possible by cable car. Sturdy footwear, water (2 liters!), and sun protection are mandatory.

Lion's Head

The conical neighbor of Table Mountain is Cape Town's most popular sundowner hike. On full moon nights, hundreds climb to the summit (669 m) to experience the sunset over the Atlantic. Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours. Last 100 meters with chains and ladders — a bit of a head for heights required.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is South Africa's most visited attraction — a restored Victorian harbor that now hosts a vast shopping, dining, and entertainment district. With Table Mountain as a backdrop and working fishing boats in the harbor basin, the atmosphere is unique.

Highlights

• Two Oceans Aquarium: Excellent aquarium with sharks, rays, penguins, and the opportunity to dive with sharks. 220 ZAR (11€).
• Zeitz MOCAA: The Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in a converted grain silo is architecturally spectacular (Heatherwick Studio). Africa's largest museum for contemporary art. 230 ZAR (12€). Free for Africans on Wednesdays.
• Watershed Market: Huge indoor market with over 150 stalls for art, design, fashion, and souvenirs. Far above the usual tourist kitsch in quality.
• Nobel Square: Statues of the four South African Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, F.W. de Klerk, and Nelson Mandela.
• Robben Island Ferries: Depart from here (see below).

The Bo-Kaap (literally: "above the Cape") is one of Cape Town's oldest and most colorful neighborhoods. The candy-colored houses in pink, turquoise, yellow, and orange on the steep cobblestone streets at the foot of Signal Hill are the most photographed motif in the city.

But Bo-Kaap is much more than an Instagram spot. It is the historical heart of the Cape Malay community — descendants of slaves brought from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and East Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their culture, food (Bobotie, Samoosas, Koeksisters), and faith (predominantly Muslim) still shape the neighborhood today.

The Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street) tells the story in a typical 18th-century house. 20 ZAR (1€). Mon–Sat 10 am–5 pm.

Also, attend a Cape Malay cooking class (from 500 ZAR/25€) — learn how to prepare traditional Bobotie, Bredie, and Samoosas. Providers: Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour, Cooking with Love.

The Cape Peninsula extends 75 km south of Cape Town and culminates in the legendary Cape of Good Hope — the southwesternmost point of Africa. A day trip along the peninsula is an absolute must.

The perfect day tour (approx. 120 km)

1. Muizenberg — The colorful beach huts on the surfer beach. Perfect photo stop in the morning (light!). Surf lesson from 350 ZAR (18€).
2. Kalk Bay — Charming fishing village with antique shops, galleries, and the legendary Kalky's Fish & Chips right by the harbor. Watch seals!
3. Simon's Town — Historic naval town. Here: Boulders Beach with the famous colony of African penguins. You can swim among them! 176 ZAR (9€).
4. Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope — The Table Mountain National Park covers the entire southern tip. Cape Point has a lighthouse (funicular or on foot) with breathtaking views. The actual Cape of Good Hope sign is 2 km further — the obligatory photo. Entrance: 376 ZAR (19€).
5. Chapman's Peak Drive — The 9 km coastal road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek is carved into the cliff and offers a postcard view at every turn. Toll: 52 ZAR (3€).
6. Hout Bay — Fishing harbor with the chaotically charming Bay Harbour Market (Fri–Sun). Boat trip to the seal island Duiker Island possible.

Robben Island (Afrikaans: Robbeneiland) lies 7 km off the coast of Cape Town and is one of the strongest symbols of the fight against apartheid. Here, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in prison — in cell 5, section B, a 4.5 m² room with a mat on the stone floor.

Since 1999, Robben Island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tours are led by former political prisoners — their personal stories make the visit one of the most moving experiences South Africa has to offer.

Practical Information

• Ferry: From V&A Waterfront (Nelson Mandela Gateway), 30-minute crossing. 3–4 departures daily.
• Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours (including crossing + bus tour + prison tour).
• Price: 500 ZAR (25€) adults, 280 ZAR children.
• Booking: MUST book online in advance — often sold out weeks in advance! robben-island.org.za

Just 45–60 minutes east of Cape Town begins one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Amid dramatic mountains, Cape Dutch architecture, and endless rows of vines, over 500 wineries produce world-class wines — at prices unimaginable in Europe.

Stellenbosch

South Africa's second oldest town (founded in 1679) and the center of the wine region. The oak-lined streets with their Cape Dutch gabled houses (whitewashed, thatched roofs, curved gables) are breathtaking. Stellenbosch is also a university town — the cafés and restaurants are accordingly lively.

Top wineries around Stellenbosch:

• Spier — Family-friendly, picnic on the lawn, Segway tours through the vineyards. Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.
• Delaire Graff — The most glamorous winery: luxury lodge, sculpture garden, star restaurant, breathtaking location. Tasting fee 150 ZAR.
• Rust en Vrede — One of South Africa's best red wine cellars. The Cabernet Sauvignon is legendary. Restaurant with top cuisine.
• Waterford Estate — The "Chocolate & Wine Pairing" is an experience: 5 wines with 5 handmade chocolates.

Franschhoek

The "French Corner" was founded in 1688 by Huguenot refugees from France and is now South Africa's culinary capital. More star restaurants line up on one main street than anywhere else in the country.

Top wineries & experiences:

• La Motte — Elegant winery with a museum on Huguenot history. Outstanding Shiraz and Millennium (Bordeaux blend).
• Babylonstoren — The most spectacular wine estate: 3.5 hectares of vegetable gardens in Cape Dutch style, farm-to-table restaurant "Babel", spa, hotel. A paradise.
• Franschhoek Wine Tram — The famous Wine Tram connects 7 wineries via historic tram and hop-on-hop-off bus. From 280 ZAR (14€). Book online!
• Haute Cabrière — Wine cellar built into a rock face with Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique (South Africa's champagne method). The cellar master opens the bottles with a saber!

Paarl

The third wine town, known for the Paarl Rock (the second largest granite rock in the world after Uluru) and the seat of KWV, the historic wine giant. Less touristy than Stellenbosch/Franschhoek, but more authentic. Try the wines from Fairview (with goats on the tower!) and Boschendal (historic manor house, perfect picnic).

Cape Town has the right beach for every type — but beware: The Atlantic is ice-cold (12–16°C, even in the height of summer!). For swimming, the False Bay beaches on the east side are warmer (18–22°C).

Atlantic Side (cold, beautiful, sundowner)

• Camps Bay: THE postcard beach — white sand, palm trees, the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop, restaurants right on the beach. Perfect for sundowners, less so for swimming (cold!). Crowded in summer.
• Clifton 4th Beach: The most exclusive beach in Cape Town, sheltered from the wind between granite boulders. Rarely affected by the wind from the City Bowl. Stairs from the parking lot.
• Llandudno: Secluded rocky beach for locals. No restaurant, no infrastructure — but dramatic rock formations and few people.

False Bay Side (warmer, family-friendly)

• Muizenberg: Long sandy beach, ideal for beginner surfers. The colorful Victorian beach huts are iconic. Gary's Surf School for lessons.
• Fish Hoek: Wide, safe family beach. Warm water, little current. Sometimes whale sightings from the beach in season!
• Boulders Beach (Simon's Town): Swim alongside penguins — where else? The protected beach has wooden walkways to the colony and a swimming area.

Cape Town is South Africa's culinary capital and one of the most exciting food scenes on the continent. The blend of Cape Malay tradition, Dutch heritage, African flavors, and modern fine dining is unique.

Restaurants

• The Test Kitchen (Woodstock) — For a long time Africa's best restaurant (ranked 1st, 2016–2019). Innovative South African cuisine by Luke Dale-Roberts. Book months in advance!
• La Colombe (Constantia) — Romantic fine dining in the Constantia vineyards. French-Asian fusion with local ingredients. Tasting menu from 1,200 ZAR (€60).
• Pot Luck Club (Woodstock) — Tapas-style sharing dishes in an old silo with panoramic views. From the same chef as Test Kitchen, but more relaxed.
• Gold Restaurant (Green Point) — 14-course African cuisine menu with live music and drumming. Touristy, but grand. 650 ZAR (€33).
• Mzansi Restaurant (Khayelitsha) — Authentic township cuisine: Mogodu (tripe), Umngqusho (samp & beans), Chakalaka. A genuine experience off the beaten tourist path.

Markets

• Old Biscuit Mill (Neighbourgoods Market, Woodstock) — Saturdays 9 am–2 pm. Cape Town's hipster gourmet market. Busy, loud, fantastic.
• Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay) — Fri–Sun. More relaxed than the Biscuit Mill, with live music and views of the harbor.
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Granger Bay) — Saturdays. Organic produce, fresh juice, local coffee. Cape Town's healthiest market.