Why Cape Town in South Africa is a favorite destination for tourist

Cape Town is a port city on South African’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the impressive Table Mountain for which Cape Town is noted for. The city is also proudly known as the Mother City. It is a thriving coastal city with lots to see and experience, Cape Town is the southernmost city in Africa among the world’s most iconic destinations for tourist who really want to have a great feel of the African heritage, natural beauties and endowments and historical sites now turned museums.

A well planned visit to Cape Town in South Africa will leave the visitor with no dull moments at all as there are many sights to behold and experiences to cherish for a lifetime with so much to learn thereby adding to your knowledge-based. This second South Africa’s biggest city has a combination of breathtaking beaches, wine lands and mountains amongst which stood the majestic legendary Table Mountain, excellent shopping and a lively nightlife and luxurious hotel accommodations. Bubbling beneath the surface is an irrepressible sense of adventure, and travelers can join in the fun with a range of outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, surfing, and paragliding to whale-watching trips and cage dives with great white sharks.

 If you are looking to idyll your vacation then this exotic city is just your destination without mincing words. Set seductively between mountains and the sea, Cape Town flaunts its natural beauty with pride. Rising above the city, iconic Table Mountain provides the perfect plateau for panoramic views that stretch to the glittering Atlantic, botanical gardens beckon from its slopes, and the city's long blonde beaches, backed by towering peaks, are some of South Africa's best.

Most significantly about the city is the rich heritage and history it holds from the elegant Stellenbosch is a Nirvana for connoisseurs. Along the rugged coast, scenic drives slice into mountains that plunge to the sea, penguins waddle on pristine beaches, and Cape Point is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters against the apartheid were incarcerated and Mandela for 18 years.

The list goes endless with this oldest European settlement in Africa as we look at some of its finest sceneries that have become one of Africa’s most visited tourist destination.

The Table Mountain

Table Mountain

The flat top Table Mountain is the most photographed landmark in South Africa and a constant reminder that nature is queen in this stunning seaside city, rising 1,087 meters south of the city center. Created from massive beds of sandstone and slate, the mountain forms the northern end of the Cape Peninsula and lies within Table Mountain National Park.  The views are incredible and there’s lots of native flora and fauna to spot. Standing one kilometer (0.6 miles) high, some rock layers are around 500 million years old!

Cape Point

Cape Point

Cape Point lies within the southernmost tip of Table Mountains National Park and is part of the Cape Floral Region, About 60 kilometers from Cape Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest areas of flora in the world. The scenic drive from Cape Town along the Cape Peninsula takes travelers past the surf breaks of Muizenberg, and the pretty seaside town of Kalk Bay, as well as the prime-penguin-viewing beaches at Simon's Town.

Wildlife is also diverse on this soaring seacliff. About 250 species of birds are found here as well as eland, Cape zebra, reptiles, and troops of brazen baboons. Visitors can enjoy the view from the Cape Point lighthouse by taking the Flying Dutchman funicular or hiking up the many stairs to the top. Other activities include whale watching, shipwreck spotting from the beach, and nature walks.

For a twist on this eye-popping seaside scenery on the return trip, drive along the 114 bends of Chapman's Peak drive, and stop for a succulent seafood feast at Hout Bay or Noordhoek. Cape Point is the most southwesterly tip of Africa, not to be confused with Cape Agulhas, about 150 kilometers away, which is the most southerly tip of the continent where the currents of the two oceans - the Indian and the Atlantic - meet.

Stellenbosch

A Stellenbosch Estate

About 53 kilometers east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's loveliest towns. Elegant Cape Dutch estates rise amid a patchwork of vine-cloaked fields and ancient oaks backed by mountains. This lively university town resides in a picturesque valley, and its fertile soils nurture some of the country's best produce, which the town showcases at its acclaimed restaurants, atmospheric alfresco cafes, and popular markets.

North of Stellenbosch, Paarl also boasts beautiful scenery and a rich agricultural heritage, while the charming town of Franschhoek, about 35 minutes from Stellenbosch, is known as South Africa's culinary capital. Closer to Cape Town, the Constantia Valley is another hotspot for gourmets.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

A place where the city meets the ocean, the V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist destinations. The stylish development has heaps to see and do, and it’s a place where you can easily go wild and splash the cash or just as easily save some money and enjoy the sights and sounds on a budget. There’s something for everyone too, so whether you’re travelling with kids, with your love, alone, or with friends, the V&A Waterfront is sure to appeal.

Stretching around two harbor basins, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a buzzing entertainment quarter reminiscent of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Once a scruffy fishing harbor, this reimagined waterfront district is now one of the city's top tourist attractions and many of the old buildings have been preserved and restored. Millions of visitors a year flock here to the shops, jazz venues, restaurants, hotels, theaters, drama school, cinemas, and museums.

Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches

Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches

There are four Clifton Beaches, simply known as one, two, three, and four, based on their distance from the town Centre. It’s easy to walk between the different sandy stretches until you find the vibe that appeals to you the most. Locals and tourists flock here in abundance to soak up some sun and gaze upon stunning views. Swimming is possible, but the waters may be a tad chilly for most; you might want to stick with other beach activities instead! Family-friendly, gay-friendly, dog-friendly, romantic, youthful … there really is a beach to suit all tastes.

Camp's Bay and Clifton's Fourth Beach boast coveted Blue Flag status awarded for clean water, safety, and environmental management making them a great choice for families as well.

 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

In a beautiful setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are part of the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage site. The site was bequeathed to the state by Cecil Rhodes in 1902 and the gardens were established in 1913 to preserve the country's indigenous flora-one of the first botanical gardens in the world with this mission.

More than 20,000 native South African plant species are collected, grown, and studied in the hilly 528-hectare nature reserve of indigenous forest and fynbos. Of particular historical interest are a hedge of wild almond-trees planted by Jan van Riebeeck in 1660 and an avenue of camphor and fig trees planted by Cecil Rhodes in 1898. The flowers, shrubs, and trees are arranged so that a show of blossoms and color brightens the gardens throughout the year.

Robben Island

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island in Table Bay, was a brutal prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in a tiny cell during the apartheid era. Today, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for anyone interested in South African history. Tours to the island begin with multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront before traveler’s board vessels to the island.

The boat trip takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on weather conditions and can be rough during big swells. Robben Island lies some seven kilometers (4.3 miles) off the coast of Cape Town in Table Bay. The island was previously used to detain political prisoners, three of which later went on to become presidents of South Africa. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned on the island.

After leaving this hellish six-square-kilometer island, Mandela said, "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison." These wise words are even more potent after a tour here.

Bo-Kaap

Brightly colored houses in Bo-Kaap

Bo Kaap is a charming and colorful suburb of Cape Town. It’s a unique destination with plenty of character and soul. The homes are painted in vibrant hues, with pinks, greens, blues, purples, oranges, and other shades that are sure to wow you.

Previously an area of slave housing, occupants painted their homes as an expression of freedom. Many of today’s residents are Muslim, a reflection of the times when people from Malaysia and Indonesia were brought to Cape Town to work, and there’s a strong Islamic flavor.

Whale watching at Hermanus

Whale watching at Hermanus

About 120 kilometers east of Cape Town, Hermanus is one of the world's whale-watching hotspots. From July through November, large numbers of southern right whales migrate through these waters, and visitors can even spot them from shore - especially during the prime months of September, October, and November.

Great White Shark Cage Dives

Great White Shark Cage Dives

In the chilly waters off Cape Town's coast, thrill seekers can come face-to-face with one of the ocean's most feared predators: great white sharks. Protected by the thick bars of an iron cage, divers score a hefty dose of adrenaline as these magnificent creatures swim within inches of the bars.

Those who prefer to appreciate these awe-inspiring creatures from a distance can watch all the excitement from the boat. Seal, dolphin, penguin, and whale-watching tours are also available for more timid animal lovers

Penguins at Boulders Bay

Penguins at Boulders Bay

Boulders Beach boasts soft white sands and relatively warm waters that are sheltered by large granite rocks. The scenic bay is a safe and clean spot for swimming and sunbathing. The primary draw is, however, to see the resident penguin colony. Thousands of African penguins call the beach home and they are the only penguin species found in all of Africa. You can see the cute penguins all throughout the year, but if you visit in January you’ll likely see plenty of young penguins waddling along the beach.

City Hall & the Castle of Good Hope

City Hall & the Castle of Good Hope

Built in 1905, Cape Town City Hall is a striking mix of Italian Neo-Renaissance and British colonial style. The 60-meter-high bell-tower, with a carillon installed in 1923, was modeled on Big Ben in London.

Highlights of the interior include the beautiful mosaic floors, marble staircase, and impressive stained glass. Notice the balcony overlooking Grand Parade where Nelson Mandela, the country's future president, addressed a jubilant crowd in 1990 after 27 years in prison.

Across the road from the Grand Parade, The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving stone building in South Africa. It was built in 1666-79 as the residence of the Governor and for the protection of the early settlers, but the castle, which is in the form of a five-pointed star, was never exposed to attack. A highlight here is the William Fehr Collection, which includes pictures, porcelain, fine glass, ceramics, and furniture of the 17th to 19th centuries from South Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The District Six Museum

The District Six Museum | Brian Holsclaw / photo modified

A visit to District Six Museum is likely to be harrowing and emotional, but it plays a vital role in educating people about the horrors of the past to prevent problems in the future. Cape Town’s District Six was once a thriving neighborhood before being targeted for racial segregation during the apartheid era. After being declared a White Area, around 60,000 people were forced to move from the area. The museum tells the moving story of displaced people and educates visitors about continuing problems today, both in South Africa and in other parts of the world.

 Signal Hill and the Noon Gun

Signal Hill and the Noon Gun

Five minutes’ drive west of the city center, Signal Hill offers stunning views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and the glittering Atlantic Ocean from its 350-meter summit. The hill forms the body of the adjacent Lion's Head peak and was named for its historical use when signal flags were flown from here to send messages to approaching ships.

In earlier days this "noon gun" served to give the exact time to ships anchored in the bay. Tourists are welcome to attend a free presentation on the history of the Noon Gun at the Lion Battery and then stay to watch the firing.

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman's Peak Drive

About 25 kilometers from the city center, Chapman's Peak Drive, affectionately called "Chappies" by the locals, is one of the most jaw-dropping driving routes in the world. Cut into the sheer face of Chapman's Peak, which plunges to the sea, this spectacular toll road snakes its way for about nine kilometers between Noordhoek and Hout Bay passing panoramic Chapman's Peak point along the way.

Around sunset, cars cram along the panoramic viewpoints as sightseer’s stake a spot to watch the sun sink while sipping a cool drink in the time-honored South African tradition known as "sundowners." Look for southern right whales and dolphins in the sparkling Atlantic Ocean below, and drive slowly and carefully.

The Cape Winelands

The verdant countryside

About 40 km to the east of Cape Town, lying in the shadow of a continuous belt of Cape Fold Mountains, lays a series of generous valleys known as the Cape Wine lands – a collection of historic towns, little hamlets and Cape Dutch farmsteads that provide well-regarded South African wines to the world. These mountains create an incredible scenic backdrop for a myriad vines, but they are also one of the reasons wines do so well here. Their geological compositions provide unique soil conditions that directly affect the character of wine.