Cape Town, South Africa: Best Things to Do

Cape Town is simply irresistible. Leaving the city can feel almost impossible, as even a full week may not be enough to experience all that it offers. Days can be spent by the water, wandering along beaches, or pausing atop its mountains, surrounded by a landscape that feels both vast and mesmerising. The air, the views, and the calm of Cape Town’s natural surroundings allow for simply being (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA). 

Flora and Fauna in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is part of the Cape Floristic Region, one of the richest areas in the world for plant diversity. The region is home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth, including proteas, ericas, and other unique fynbos plants. This diverse flora supports a variety of wildlife, from dassies (rock hyrax) and small mammals to numerous bird species.

Native plants and animals thrive not only in rural areas but also within urban spaces, creating pockets of biodiversity throughout the city. These flora and fauna can be found across destinations in Cape Town, highlighting the ecological significance of the region and its natural environment (SAPPORO JAPAN THINGS TO DO). 

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Table Mountain is impossible to miss. From the moment of arrival in Cape Town, the mountain acts as a legendary natural backdrop, visible during drives around the city or from hilltop viewpoints. Standing at 1,085 meters above the city, Table Mountain is a permanent natural landmark of South Africa.

 

Table Mountain was formed over millions of years through the layering of sandstone and natural erosion, resulting in steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and unique formations. Its obvious presence makes Table Mountain a must-see highlight in Cape Town.

 

Table Mountain Cable Car
The summit is reached via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The upper station sits at approximately 1,067 meters (3,501 feet) above sea level, just below the summit, while the lower station near Tafelberg Road is around 300 meters above sea level. The cable car rotates 360° during the ride, giving wide views of Cape Town, the coastline, and surrounding mountains. The ride itself gives a clear view of the natural beauty of Table Mountain and what awaits at the summit.

Things to Do on Table Mountain
One of the most known sights of Table Mountain is the “tablecloth,” a natural phenomenon where clouds roll over the flat summit. At times it covers the entire mountain, while on other days it appears in smaller patches.

 

The slopes are home to over 2,200 plant species. Wildlife is less visible but includes dassies (rock hyrax), many bird species, and occasional snakes or small mammals.

 

From Table Mountain summit, wide views stretch across Robben Island, Cape Town, Table Bay, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and the Atlantic seaboard. Trails pass through gardens, waterfalls, streams, and areas of indigenous forest. Skeleton Gorge provides a longer, scenic route starting from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

 

Hiking is also common on Table Mountain, with trails that vary in difficulty. Platteklip Gorge is the most direct route to the summit but is steep and demanding, suitable mainly for those prepared for the climb.

 

How to Visit Table Mountain

Packages
The standard Table Mountain Cable Car package covers only the round-trip ride to the summit. Guided hikes, tours, or special activities like photography tours and abseiling are not included and must be booked separately. Ticket prices vary depending on age, time of day, and optional extras.

 

Safety
When it is cloudy, gloomy, or raining, visibility from Table Mountain is reduced, hiding the wide views. Trails also become wet and slippery, making hiking risky and unsafe.

 

Social Distance
Table Mountain draws people from all walks of life, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. The atmosphere can be lively at times, so it is best to follow rules for safety and respect. Avoid overcrowded areas to protect your own safety and comfort.

 

Photography
At popular spots on Table Mountain, taking photos often means waiting for a turn. Be patient and give way to others who also want their chance.

South African Vineyards
A tour of vineyards in South Africa is not merely because South African wines are recognised worldwide. It can also be for their landscapes of valleys, slopes, and mountain ranges, which tie back to nature in South Africa. The Cape Winelands is one of the most popular destinations, which may include:

 

Constantia

Inside Cape Town’s southern suburbs (about 15 km from the city centre). The closest vineyard area, directly within the Cape Town metro.

 

Stellenbosch

East of Cape Town, about 50 km away. Vineyards spread across valleys and slopes surrounding the town.

 

Paarl

About 60 km northeast of Cape Town, with vineyards covering the valley floor and foothills of the surrounding mountains.

 

Franschhoek

Roughly 75 km east of Cape Town, a valley ringed by mountains, full of wine estates.

The history of South African vineyards stretches back to the 17th century, when the Dutch planted the first vines at the Cape in 1659. The country ranks among the top ten wine-producing nations globally, and Cape wines are exported to major markets in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

A vineyard tour begins at the factory or foyer, where a demonstration of the various wine types is provided. This is followed by wine tasting, served with some snacks, before heading to the area where wines are made. Big barrels of wine, the history of the vineyard, and equipment showing how wine was made back then are part of the tour.

 

Returning to the foyer or entrance, wines are available for purchase. The tour also includes walking around the vineyard, where varieties of grapes are grown and how they are cultivated across wide areas overlooking South Africa’s landscapes.

Ostriches in Cape Town
Ostriches, the largest living birds, have long been tied to South Africa’s farming heritage. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Western Cape drove the global ostrich feather trade, when feathers were exported in high demand to Europe. Today, ostrich farming continues, not only for feathers but also for meat, leather, and eggs, making ostrich farms a unique inclusion in sightseeing itineraries.

 

The first impression is often the sheer sight of the birds themselves, varying in color, size, and strength. In open outdoor areas, where they are raised in traditional farming settings, eggs, chicks, and fully grown birds can be seen. Feeding them is part of the experience, as the ostriches are surprisingly tame. Some farms even allow people to sit on the birds for photographs or novelty.

 

Tours may include an introduction to ostrich breeding and explanations of their diet and behavior. They can also cover indoor sections that showcase how ostriches are raised for different products.

 

In Cape Town, there are notable farms offering ostrich visit.

Cape Town Ostrich Ranch

Located about 20 minutes from the city center, this is one of the largest farms. Tours cover the full ostrich life cycle, from eggs and chicks to fully grown birds, providing insight into their breeding and care.

 

Cape Point Ostrich Farm

Situated near the Cape of Good Hope, this farm combines coastal scenery with detailed explanations about breeding pairs, their habits, and the farm’s history.

 

The Ostrich - Cape Town

A smaller yet engaging farm that focuses on the cultural traditions of ostrich farming, highlighting the continuing role of ostriches in the Cape’s identity.