The Wonders of Cape Town: Magical Things to Do

*Collaborative Post

For too many of us, the wonders of Africa are a mere second thought when it comes to travelling, with many opting for the likes of Asia or South America for those long-haul adventure trips. That said, the continent has begun to witness an increase in tourists from 2021 to 2022.

Of course, the aftermath of the pandemic has played a role in this gradual increase, with numbers not quite close to 2019 levels just yet, but it’s abundantly clear that Africa is a continent firmly on the rise.

Perhaps when we think of Africa, our first thoughts turn to South Africa – the ‘rainbow nation’ that gave the world such magnificent historical figures as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Many of us will also remember the wonderful World Cup of 2010 which was the first on African soil.

But what about one of South Africa’s three capitals, Cape Town? What is there to do there, and should you add it to your assumedly endless bucket list of places to visit? Well, of course. Here’s why.

The Mother City

With its nickname of ‘the Mother City’, Cape Town has a huge historical and social importance to South Africa as a whole. A priority should of course be the magnificent Table Mountain, which forms the unforgettable backdrop of the city. Once you’ve conquered that, why not check out the stunning Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden?

It’s important to note that South African summer happens during our winter, so if you fancy spending Christmas on the beach, you could do a lot worse than Boulders Beach. You may even be lucky enough to see the endangered penguins that live there. Of course, you also can’t visit Cape Town without visiting Robben Island – a harrowing reminder of South Africa’s tumultuous past.

You can also take in some Atlantic kayaking should you be inclined, with guided kayaking tours departing daily from Three Anchor Bay if the weather is sufficient. Alternatively, you can reach Cape Town via the significantly larger Silversea Silver Cloud vessel, allowing you to be welcomed into Cape Town in the manner such a wondrous city warrants.

Cape Town Culture

Not only does Cape Town have history in abundance, but it is also a city on the rise, with oodles of culture throughout. Take in The Old Biscuit Mill, which has a weekly Saturday market, with all kinds of things going on throughout the week. Then there’s Kalk Bay – a seaside suburb of colour and modernity well worth checking out.

For art, you won’t be short of options – take the Norval Foundation for instance, which can be found in Constantia. Within you’ll find the very best in South African contemporary art. For something a little rougher around the edges, take in some of the Woodstock street art. Woodstock is seen as one of the city’s best emerging art spaces.

For those that enjoy football, Cape Town Stadium is also worth a visit – why not see about getting a tour, or even take in a fixture of some kind if your trip coincides with one? When it comes to Cape Town, you’ll never be short of things to do or see. The Mother City is waiting for you.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.