Guest Post: 5 Reasons to Visit Cape Town, South Africa

The city of Cape Town, South Africa came onto the world’s radar after the success of the FIFA Soccer World Cup held in 2010, which offered a chance for visitors to discover the many attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in this beautiful city. With a warm Mediterranean climate, plenty of beaches, the iconic Table Mountain and a thriving night-life, Cape Town is fast becoming a popular holiday destination for visitors from all over the world.

Here are some of the top reasons to visit Cape Town:

1. Climb Table Mountain

The looming presence of Table Mountain has led to this mountain being nominated for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. While many prefer to use the cable way as a means of getting up and down, travellers who are fit and ready for a challenge can take the longer and more difficult route up with a hike. Be warned however – this is not something that anyone should try alone, or without the help of a guide who knows the mountain well. Thick fog can descend very quickly, causing you to lose your bearings – falls are not entirely unheard of on the mountain, so plan your hike as part of a Cape Town tour, and aim for a clear day.

2. Surf the Indian Ocean

With both the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean to be found in the Cape, surfing offers a range of different conditions. Typically, the warmer Indian Ocean offers a better surfing spot, especially around False Bay. Beginner surfers can learn this skill at Muizenberg beach, before heading out to catch a wave. If you are not a strong swimmer, you may want to sit this one out however.

3. Cruise the Atlantic Ocean

On the cooler Atlantic Ocean side, the best way to explore this ocean is by boat – a cruise around the beautiful Atlantic Seaboard offers a great Cape Town day tour idea, with charters departing from the Waterfront every few hours. Try a breakfast cruise, champagne cruise or sun downer cruise, and look out for seals, jellyfish and great views along the coast, from Camps Bay to Hout Bay.

4. Shop the V&A Waterfront

For a dose of retail therapy, the V&A Waterfront offers a mecca of shopping opportunities, with plenty of high-end designer stores such as Hugo Boss, Guess, Armani Jeans and more, along with department stores, gift stores and curio stores. There are also restaurants, coffee shops, movies and other entertainment options, with the ever-present marimba bands and other sidewalk musicians to add some festive cheer.

5. Try a Township Tour

To get a better understanding on how life is on the other side of the fence, a popular Cape Town township tour is not to be missed. While these areas live in extreme poverty, the culture, tradition, cuisine and undeniable spirit shows another side to life in the townships, where you can enjoy local dancing, delicious food and if you’re lucky, the strong local beer. It’s best to make sure that you only visit these area as part of a Cape Town tour however, and never on your own.