Written by Tom Hooker

There are many types of travelers out there; but Cape Town is such an amazing city, I honestly believe there’s a little something for everyone. From futuristic concepts and stunning natural beauty to a rich cultural heritage and finger-licking good food, the capital of South Africa will leave you wanting more even after spending days wandering its bustling streets. Here are six fun stops you should consider making during your next visit to The Mother City. 

#1. The Lion’s Head Hiking Trail

We’ll start with one of the most demanding hiking trails your feet will ever wander: the Lion’s Head. Perched next to the imposing Table Mountain (more on this beauty later), the Lion’s Head trails are around 3 miles long, elevating hikers more than 1600 feet above sea level and offering one of the best views of the city.

#2. The African Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town

OK, all cards on the table. Simon’s Town is another town that’s not Cape Town. But, its waddling penguins are so ridiculously awesome that they still make our list. Located one hour south of Cape Town by car, Simon’s Town is known for its impressive penguin colony. You’ll need to purchase tickets to see these wonderful aquatic flightless birds, but you can skip most of the crowd by stationing at Boulders Beach’s free parking lot.

#3. Sunsets at Signal Hill

You can get a stunning view of Cape Town even if you don’t have time or prefer avoiding the Lion’s Head hike. Simply drive up to Signal Hill, which is where the start of the hiking trails are located, and spend some time soaking in The Mother City from this magnificent viewpoint. 

#4. The Cape Winelands District

South African wines are renowned worldwide. Like all wine-centric places, the city is an awesome place to do a tasting tour and even visit The Cape Winelands District. While it’s already a globally recognized region for wine enthusiasts, the Winelands District offers inexpensive tastings that you can organize independently or with a guide. 

#5. The Robben Island Museum

South African apartheid was among the most moving events in the history of humanity. Taking the time to understand it can give you a different perception of Cape Town and South Africans as a whole. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of this event, hop on over to the Robben Island Museum where ex-inmates are now dedicated to sharing their story of struggle during the times of apartheid. 

#6. Table Mountain

We’ll end with the mythical Table Mountain, a landmark that’s well-known all around the world. It serves as a backdrop for the whole city so it’s impossible to miss. You should certainly organize a cable car trip up to the top and hike around its breathtaking viewpoints. 

What to Know About Cape Town Before Traveling

If you’ve researched Cape Town and South Africa as a whole, you may have heard unflattering things about either location. And while it’s true that you need to be more careful in places based on their reputation, I don’t believe Cape Town is one of these locations. As a matter of fact, South Africa’s perfect surf breaks, young neighborhoods, and stunning wildlife have attracted individuals, travelers, and families to The Mother City and beyond. 

With the above in mind, there are some elements you need to keep in mind when traveling around Cape Town, such as:

• You can find affordable SIM cards and public Wi-Fi very easily in Cape Town
• Most businesses prefer cash but avoid carrying a lot or flashing it unnecessarily 
• Locals love exaggerating, but they tend to be trustworthy on the whole
• Booking stuff in advance is usually the best way to avoid being overcharged
• Power outages are fairly common, but they are also publicly announced in advance
• If possible, get a local guide to show you around at least for the first few days
• Cape Town has a tipping culture, so leave a little something for service wherever you go
• Renting a car as public transport can be difficult, especially for travelers who like to go off the beaten track

Ready to Adventure Down to South Africa?

South Africa has been one of the top destinations to experience life in the Mother Continent. Once there, you’ll be welcomed by the delicious cuisine, stunning natural attractions, historic locations, the country’s history of combatting repression, and many other things that you will only find in South Africa. And even though the Rainbow Nation has 11 official languages, you don’t have to worry about getting around if you use ALLMYNE to plan your trip. Through ALLMYNE, you can contact local South African tour guides, get them to help you create an itinerary, and even have them join you on your next adventure. You can also keep a digital journal with pictures as well as hand-drawn details that you can transform into a high-definition physical copy in just a few clicks. 

Featured image courtesy of Delano Ramdas on Unsplash