Epic Adventures in Cape Town, South Africa

15 Epic Adventures in Cape Town and Vicinity

Cape Town is on the up and up. It is the place to be. With all the amenities one could wish for, excellent tourism industry, great food, all at a great price with a little grit of Africa. Ok, maybe a lot of grit. But that’s what makes Cape Town so special.

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has tons of exploring options. It may be hard to narrow down on what to do when visiting for a few days or even a week.

Adventures in Cape Town: Table Mountain
View from Table Mountain

Fifteen epic adventures in Cape Town will help you narrow it down.  The activities can range from one hour to a full day depending on preferences and time available in Cape Town.

There are endless hiking opportunities if hiking is your thing. Enjoy wine? Head to Stellenbosch. Is Shark Week marked on your calendar annually? Go cage shark diving at the great white capital of the world in Gansbaai. All of this along with many cultural experiences round out a perfect trip to Cape Town, one you will surely remember.

Whether your visit to stunning Cape Town is for a day or a week, you will fall in love. While there are endless things to do and enjoy, these 15 epic adventures in Cape Town will definitely be some of the highlights during your stay!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 15 Epic Adventures in Cape Town and Vicinity

15 Epic Adventures in Cape Town

1. Reach the Top of Table Mountain

Table Mountain Hike, views from India Venster Route

There are several hikes that offer different routes and difficulties.  Some of the favorites are Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, and Kloof Corner (ranked from easiest to hardest). Not into hiking? Save your legs and take the cable car up. There are several kilometers of hiking trails on top to explore and the views are amazing. Click here for more on Table Mountain hikes.

Cost: Free from Platteklip, India Venster and Kloof Corner. 125 rand on the cable car. 55 rand entry fee to the Kirstenbosch Gardens is starting from the Skeleton Gorge.

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2. Enjoy the View from Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head Sunset Views

With some of the best views of Table Mountain and Cape Town, Lion’s Head is one of the top attractions in the city. The hike up is moderate and should only take an hour from the parking area. Bring some snacks and a bottle of wine and come for sunset. This is very popular during the full moon.

Cost: the taxi ride to the trailhead, free entry.


3. See the Colorful Houses of Bo-Kaap

Adventures Cape Town, South Africa: Bo kaap
Bo-Kaap

This Muslim neighborhood in Cape Town is known for its colorful buildings and Cape Malay food. Take a walk on Wale Street just north of Buitengracht Street to see these beautiful houses. Visit the spice market and the oldest Mosque in South Africa. Cap it off with a traditional meal at Bo-Kaap Kombuis restaurant (7 August Street).

Cost: free. Food from 90 rands.


4. Go Vintage Shopping at the Observatory

Check out Lower Main Road in Observatory and visit the many vintage shops. Check for some really interesting artwork, historical apartheid pieces, and funky clothes. Finish with a beer at Jerry’s Burger Bar.

Cost: free

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5. Learn to Surf at Muizenberg Beach

Adventures in Cape Town: Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach

Known for some of the best surfing and fish and chips, Muizenberg is a classic Cape Town beach. Come check out the waves and take a stroll on this scenic beach or take surfing lessons. Stop at Lucky Fish and Chips for some of the awesome cheap eats. Be sure to order the fried hake, fried snoek, or calamari.

Cost: free. Food from 50 rands.


6. See the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

This beach is one of the most visited attractions in Cape Town. It is home to the adorable local penguin colony. Part of the Table Mountain National Park, entry includes beach access and boardwalk access to get up close to these cuties. This is a common stop before going to Cape Point.

Cost: 65 rands per person entry to Boulders Beach. Cape Point entry is 125 rand.


7. Take a Scenic Drive through Chapman’s Peak

Highlights of Cape Town: Chapman's Peak
Sunset from Chapman’s Peak

This scenic drive along the coast is known as one of the best drives in the world. Stop at one of the pullouts to watch an amazing sunset.

Cost: 35 rand tollway per vehicle


8. M’zoli’s

Adventures Cape Town, South Africa: Meat
Meat Selection at M’Zoli’s

One of the most unique cultural experiences in South Africa is a Sunday ritual. The party is located in one of the townships. Locals, tourists, and members of the township all come together for some incredible braai (BBQ) while drinking beers and dancing to music. Come around lunchtime and party away an afternoon.

Cost: 20 rand entry, cost of food and beverages additional


9. Visit the Vineyards of Stellenbosch

Adventures in Cape Town: Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch

Wine is one of the best exports out of South Africa, and Stellenbosch is the capital of winemaking in South Africa. This region has excellent wine and is known for Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Pinotage. A Stellenbosh tour is a great way to explore the area. The mountains in the area are stunning, and downtown Stellenbosch has plenty of shops and eateries to keep you busy.

Cost: wine tastings typically cost 30 to 60 rand per person.


10. Fill up your Belly at the Eastern Food Bazaar

Adventures Cape Town, South Africa: Food

A local favorite eatery with huge portions of excellent eastern food for extremely cheap prices. Go for some classics, such as shwarma, falafel, or curries. They also have Chinese food and pizza.

Cost: 30 to 45 rand per meal

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11. Visit the White Sharks at Gansbaai

Hiking in Cape Town: Shark Diving
Shark Diving

Known as the great white shark capital of the world. One of the main attractions when visiting Cape Town. A half-day tour includes cage diving with great white sharks swimming uncomfortably close.

Cost: tours range from 1,200 rands to 1,500 rands with transportation included. Get your own ride, and book with Hermanus Backpackers for 900 Rand, the best price in town.


12. Take a Stroll Around Bree, Kloof, and Long Street

Highlights of Cape Town: Kloof Street
Kloof Street

These streets are the main area for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in Cape Town. Check out the boutiques and coffee shops on Bree Street, grab a beer and burger on Kloof Street, and then bar hop the night away on Long Street.

Cost: free


13. Go Shopping at The Waterfront

Adventures Cape Town, South Africa: Waterfront
Waterfront

This area of Cape Town has become a hub for high-end shopping, seafood restaurants, and tourist shops for souvenirs (albeit extremely expensive). It is also possible to organize a catamaran sunset cruise. From there, take a short cab ride to Sea Point. This upscale neighborhood has restaurants, coffee shops, and a long promenade to enjoy a picnic, a stroll along the ocean, or even take a nap.

Cost: free. Catamaran sunset cruises start from 200 rands.


14. Take a Walking Tour of the Robben Island Museum

Adventures Cape Town: Robben Island Museum

Tours can be arranged at the waterfront, through a booking agent, or online. Robben Island was home to political prisoners since the 17th century, including Nelson Mandela. A tour of the island includes a stop at the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 25 years imprisoned.

Cost: tours cost 320 rands per adult.

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15. Hike at The Jonkershoek Nature Preserve

Adventures in Cape Town: Nature Reserve
Hiking in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

This is a quiet and less known area for hiking in the Cape Town area. The incredible views are a local secret. There is a hike at the end of the nature reserve where the trail leads up the stream to several waterfalls. Once you get to the boulders and the first large waterfall, you can stop here or keep the adventure going. If you are a good climber, climb up the rocks on the left side of the first falls, where the trail continues to the top waterfall.

Cost: 40 rand

That’s it – have a wonderful time during your adventures in Cape Town!


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About the Author:

  • Yana and Timon

    Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years.

    After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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