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Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town

The beautiful and vibrant city of Cape Town has established itself as one of the top travel destinations in the world. There is no better place than the Mother City to enjoy a relaxing holiday, jam-packed adventure trip, romantic escape, or fun-filled family vacation. From mountain ranges and the majestic Cape Winelands to beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, nature reserves, and so much more, Cape Town quite literally has it all. With a city that has so much to offer, how can you possibly explore and experience it all?

We have put together a list of some of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town. Giving you the opportunity to start planning the ultimate bucket-list worthy Cape Town trip you will never forget.

#TABLE MOUNTAIN

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Table Mountain

Of course we’re going to start our list of beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town with one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain. Known as the almighty giant of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain is one of the Mother City’s most iconic landmarks. Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level, this mountainous giant has established itself as one of the most sought-after attractions for travellers and adventure seekers from around the world. With everyone eager to experience everything Table Mountain has to offer first-hand.

Situated within the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site, Table Mountain is the ultimate mecca for nature lovers and avid hikers. Table Mountain and the Table Mountain National Park is home to the world’s smallest, yet most diverse, floral kingdom, known as the Cape Floristic Region. With the beloved Cape Fynbos, an ancient indigenous vegetation that is endemic to the tip of the African continent, being one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. It is also the only floral kingdom that occurs entirely in one country. This makes exploring Table Mountain’s rich biodiversity and endemic fauna and flora quite an exciting adventure and bucket-list worthy experience, especially if you’re an avid nature lover.

While witnessing this magnificent natural wonder from below is a glorious sight, there is no view that comes close to the one you’ll experience from the Table Mountain summit. To reach the top of Table Mountain you can either choose to enjoy an Aerial Cable-way ride or embark on a thrilling hiking adventure. Have a look at our Ultimate Guide to Table Mountain to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town landmark.

#CAPE POINT

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Cape-Point-Cape-Town

The captivating Cape Point is one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders. Located approximately 60km south west of the city of Cape Town, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventurers. One of the top reasons why Cape Point has established itself as one of Cape Town’s most sought-after destinations, is the fact that it offers visitors so much to do, see and experience. From thrilling hiking trails, nature walks, an abundance of wildlife, birdlife, marine life and a spectacular display of wildflowers and endemic Fynbos to an exciting range of adventure experiences and tons of hidden gems, Cape Point is the ultimate escape from the hustle and hype of the city.

The Cape Point magic doesn’t end there! It is also home to the old Cape Point lighthouse, the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular and a variety of tidal pools and picturesque secret beaches. Some of which include Buffels Beach, Diaz Beach, Maclear Beach and Olifantsbos Beach. Besides all its bucket-list worthy experiences, adventures and natural gems, Cape Point boasts one of the most magnificent views in Cape Town. From jagged mountain peaks rising from the deep blue, plunging cliffs and a spectacular view of the entire False Bay coastline, glorious Mother City and beyond, there is nothing quite like it.

#BOULDERS BEACH & IT’S AFRICAN PENGUIN COLONY

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - African Penguins Cape Town

Boulders Beach and its charismatic colony of African Penguins is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit on future trips to Cape Town. Not only is it one of Cape Town’s most sought-after attractions for locals and travellers alike, it’s one of the top bucket-list worthy experiences too. Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with the African Penguins.

Boulders Beach is home to an amazing African Penguin Viewing Site that gives you the incredible opportunity to get an up-close perspective of these beautiful ocean beings in their natural habitat. It also boasts a swimming beach where you can spend the day on the beach with these cool Cape Town ocean locals. By paying a conservation fee you will gain access to both the Penguin Viewing site and Boulders Beach itself. Here is a little insider tip – Due to its sough-after status, Boulders Beach can get incredibly busy during Cape Town’s peak summer season (November – February). If you are planning a trip to Cape Town during this time and a visit to Boulders Beach is at the top of your list, be sure to plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment.

There is no doubt that a trip to Boulders Beach and its incredible African Penguin colony is worth every second. Have a look at our Ultimate Guide to Boulders Beach to find out everything you need to know.

#BO-KAAP

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Bo Kaap Cape Town

Known as Cape Town’s most colourful and culturally diverse neighbourhood, Bo-Kaap’s charisma, charm and vibrant energy has captured the hearts of locals and travellers from around the world. Undoubtedly making it one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town. Known for its steep cobblestone streets dotted with brightly painted houses from the 18th century, exploring the streets of Bo-Kaap should be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list.

Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap was recently declared a National Heritage Site of South Africa. Besides its colourful surroundings, this multicultural Cape Town neighbourhood boasts a rich history and diverse cultural heritage that has had a major impact on Cape Town’s cultural landscape.

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is home to a variety of attractions such as South Africa’s first official mosque and the Bo-Kaap Museum. The Bo-Kaap Museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the neighbourhood’s history, heritage, and origin.

Before your visit to Bo-Kaap is complete you absolutely must try a traditional Cape Malay meal at one of its famous restaurants or street side cafés or vendors. You can even join one of the Cape Malay cooking courses and learn how to make these mouth-watering dishes at home.

#LION’S HEAD

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Lions Head Cape Town

Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, with its peak offering the most beautiful panoramic view of the Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and beyond, how could we not include the roaring Lion of the Mother City skyline on our list of most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town? Lion’s Head is not only a vital part of Cape Town’s topography, but one of the most popular hiking trails for beginner and avid hikers too. As Lion’s Head forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, it boasts a rich biodiversity and diverse fauna and flora display. Making it the ultimate nature lover’s paradise.

Besides its top mountain-range and hiking status, Lion’s Head has also claimed the crown as one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Cape Town. This has made embarking on a sunset, sunrise and even a moonlight hike up Lion’s Head one of the top things to do in Cape Town. And something that definitely deserves to be on everyone’s bucket-list, whether you’re an avid hiker or not.

The average time to reach the Lion’s Head summit is anything between 1 -3 hours depending on your fitness and experience level. Lion’s Head is one of Cape Town’s shorter and easier hiking trails as it provides hikers with a less steep gradient to tackle. This means absolutely everyone can join in on the Lion’s Head hiking fun and games. Plus, the spectacular panoramic view from the Lion’s Head summit will be worth all your effort!

Just to give you a little extra nudge in the right direction, answer all your questions and provide you with all the information you need – have a look at our Hiking Lion’s Head: Everything you need to know about hiking Lion’s Head blog.

#LLANDUDNO BEACH

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Llandudno Beach

Llandudno Beach is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful hidden beach gems. Located approximately 20km south of the city of Cape Town, on your way to the coastal town of Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive, you’ll find the magical beach escape of Llandudno Beach. Although it might be a little bit off the beaten track, it has fast become a favourite among local and international beach lovers. Boasting large granite boulders, turquoise ocean waters, stunning serine surroundings and a soft sandy cove, Llandudno Beach is as close to picture perfect as you can get.

It’s large granite boulders creates a more secluded and sheltered setting, perfect for enjoying a relaxing and blissful beach day. Besides being one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Llandudno Beach and its giant granite boulders are known as one of the best secret sunset spots in the city. Watching the Mother City sun go down from this stunning tranquil spot should definitely be on everyone’s Cape Town sunset bucket-list. If that isn’t enough, Llandudno is also known as one of the top surfing hotspots in Cape Town for avid local and international surfers.

#CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Cape Town Scenic Drives

The glorious Chapman’s Peak Drive has a unique ability to leave even the best of us speechless. Whether you’ve seen it ten times or two, its beauty will never cease to amaze you. If you’ve never taken a drive along this magnificent coastal stretch, prepare to be wowed, because you are in for the mother of all treats! Crowned one of the most magnificent coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is by far one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town. So best you add it to your Cape Ton bucket-list right away!

Affectionately known as ‘Chappies’ by Cape Town locals, this captivating coastal road ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Besides showcasing some of the most spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and beyond, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a great place to spot some beloved members of Cape Town’s Marine Big 5. Make sure to keep a look-out for Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins, Southern Right Whales and African Penguins.

You can also find several amazing hidden gems scattered along Chapman’s Peak Drive. One of these Chapman’s Peak hidden gems is the waterfall walk, which is found just before you reach the toll gate on your way towards Noordhoek. The second ‘Çhappies’ hidden gem is the secret Look-out Cave. The Chapman’s Peak Look-out Cave is also known as one of Cape Town’s most beautiful secret sunset spots. Although this one is a little more daring to reach, the sunset view from this viewing spot is absolutely sensational! Besides watching the sunset from the Look-out Cave, taking a sunset drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive is something absolutely everyone should get to experience when visiting Cape Town.

#MUIZENBERG & IT’S COLOURFUL BEACH HUTS

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Muizenberg Beach Huts

Located along the vibrant False Bay coastline, Muizenberg Beach’s laid-back beach vibe, surf’s up approach to life and vibrant energy has made it one of Cape Town’s coolest coastal towns. Besides its blissful beach status, Muizenberg Beach is home to the famous Muizenberg Beach huts, also known as retro wooden bathing boxes. These colourful beach huts have not only become one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in Cape Town, but one of the most sought-after attractions for travellers and photographers from around the world. So much so that they have made their appearance on the pages of countless travel magazines, postcards, and Instagram feeds.

Besides being one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the Mother City, Muizenberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s top blue-flag swimming beaches. It is also one of the best surfing hotspots in the city for avid local and global surfer’s as well as surfing first timers looking to surf their very first wave. With the famous Muizenberg Beach Surfer’s Corner being the most popular spot for those looking to learn how to surf.

Whether it’s the colour, charm, laid-back surfing vibe or extra dash of retro cool that keeps everyone coming back for more, people just can’t seem to get enough of the Muizenberg Beach magic. Making it one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town.

#CAPE WINELANDS

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Cape Winelands Stellenbosch

Calling all wine lovers, this one is dedicated to you! Home to the largest wine producing region in Africa, the Western Cape is the ultimate wine mecca. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast at heart, we challenge you to not fall head-over-heels in love with the magical Cape Winelands. Located just a short drive from the centre of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands is home to a spectacular variety of Wine Estates and beautiful wine routes. Each one offering an exceptional selection of wine, exciting food and wine pairing experiences, and excellent culinary pursuits. Not to mention a variety of adventures and experiences to tick of your Cape Winelands bucket-list. Plus, you get to enjoy all of it with the most picturesque vineyard, mountain range and winelands views. Does it get any better than that?

We are so passionate about our local wine culture and showcasing everything the beautiful Cape Winelands has to offer, that there are a variety of ways locals and visitors can choose to explore the Winelands. Here are just some of the thrilling ways you can explore the Cape Winelands: Hop-on-hop-off bus tour, Segway, bike, Quad Bike, locomotive train tours, mountain scooters, tractors, hot air balloon rides, vintage sidecars, Tuk-Tuk, river raft, Harley Davidson, helicopter, open-air safari truck, by horse and of course the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. Now if that doesn’t get you excited to explore the Cape Winelands, we’re not sure what will.

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Helderburg, Durbanville and the Constantia Wine Route are merely 5 of the Western Cape’s famous wine routes. All of which should be on your Cape Town wine bucket-list. Here are 10 of the best wine tasting experiences in Cape Town for your wine tasting pleasure!

#CLIFTON BEACH

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Clifton Beach

Referred to as the ‘French Riviera of South Africa’, there is no denying that Clifton Beach is pure beach bliss. Ranked 2nd on NatGeo’s best beach list, Clifton Beach is at the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant beach scene. The captivating Clifton Beach is divided into 4 main beaches, namely Clifton 1st, Clifton 2nd, Clifton 3rd and Clifton 4th Beach, with each one separated by large granite boulders.

Each one of Clifton’s 4 beaches are known to attract a slightly different crowd. Clifton 1st beach is particularly popular among surfers as well as locals from nearby luxury apartments. Clifton 2nd and 3rd are the Cape Town beach hotspots for just about everyone. However, it is particularly popular among the trendy crowd of 20- somethings looking to have a good time, enjoy the cool Clifton beach vibe, soak up the sun and catch a good tan. Clifton 4th Beach is one of Cape Town’s top Blue Flag swimming beaches. It offers excellent facilities and lifeguards and is perfect for families looking to have fun-filled beach day. Clifton 3rd and 4th Beach have also become the top hangout spots for stars and celebrities. So, don’t be surprised if you see a few of the rich and famous strolling by.

Besides being one of the most sought-after beaches and beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town, the stunning Clifton Beach and its big granite boulders is by far one of the best local secret sunset spots in the Mother City.

#KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Are you ready to explore the beauty of one of the Great Botanic Gardens of the World? If you’re a head-over-heels nature lover, a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens absolutely deserves to be one your Cape Town bucket-list. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. It has also won the highly esteemed ‘International Garden of the Year’ award. To be honest, very few gardens can compare to the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch. Making the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens one of the Mother City’s most magnificent natural wonders.

Located right at the base of the glorious Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful displays of indigenous natural beauty you’ll find in the city. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find a glorious variety of fauna and flora entirely indigenous to Cape Town. You can expect to find over 20, 000 plant species.

Besides its natural beauty, Kirstenbosch offers visitors a variety of exciting things to do, see and experience. Boasting over 125 species of birds, a variety of walking trials, hiking routes, waterfalls, the Botanical Society Conservatory, art at the Sculpture Garden, the Protea Garden, restaurants, lush lawns, and a variety of hidden gems, Kirstenbosch truly has it all! It is also home to the famous Centenary Treetop Canopy Walk, known as the ‘Boomslang’, which has fast become a fan-favourite attraction for both the young and young at heart. Travelers visiting the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens with their children should also stop by the cyad amphitheatre which features life-size models of dinosaurs.

A visit to the Kirstenbosch Gardens is a great idea for a fun-filled family day out in Cape Town. Plus, It’s also known as one of the best picnic spots in the Mother City. So feel free to take a picnic blanket and basket jam-packed full of delicious goodies along.

#BETA BEACH, BAKOVEN

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Beta Beach

Beta Beach in Bakoven is one of Cape Town’s best kept beach secrets. Beta Beach is a smaller more intimate beach hidden between Camps Bay and Llandudno. Boasting large granite boulders and a more secluded serine setting, Beta Beach is the perfect beach escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As its perfectly sheltered from the wind, it is the ideal beach for when the southeaster wind picks up.

Besides its stunning beach surroundings, beautiful rock pools and kelp forests, Beta Beach boasts one of the most glorious views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean. Since Beta Beach has no real waves, the water is perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and shallow dips in the ocean water. Adding some extra fun and excitement to your magical beach day in Cape Town. Beta Beach and its large granite boulders is also one of the most magical secret sunset spots in the city.

#YZERFONTEIN

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Yzerfontein
Photo credit: Flickr: Allan Watt

Situated just 80km north of Cape Town’s city centre along the Cape West Coast, you’ll discover the most serene sea-side village known as Yzerfontein. Home to endless stretches of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, it will almost feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely without really leaving the city at all. Known for its natural beauty, vast stretches of beach and sense of tranquillity, Yzerfontein is one of the most beautiful places to visit on future Cape Town trips.

Showcasing a stunning unspoilt coastline with both rocky and sandy beaches, including the famous sixteen-mile beach which stretches all the way to Postberg Nature Reserve within the West Coast National Park, Yzerfontein is any beach and nature lover’s dream come true.

Besides it’s unapologetic beauty, Yzerfontein boasts beautiful year-round sunshine and a mild winter climate. This makes it the ideal getaway destination for locals and travellers all throughout the year. This captivating west coast town also offers visitors an endless variety of exciting adventures. From mountain biking, whale and dolphin watching, bird watching and scenic drives to thrilling hiking trails and water sports such as skiing, sailing, surfing, and angling, Yzerfontein has something for everyone to enjoy.

#KOGELBERG NATURE RESERVE

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Kogelberg
Photo credit: Flickr: Eric Kruger

If you’re a head-over-heels nature lover, this one is especially for you! Considered by many to be the Cape’s most beautiful protected area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve is one of the Western Cape’s most magnificent World Heritage Sites and natural wonders. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is South Africa’s very first registered biosphere reserve. It encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River vlei, as well as inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain.

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve’s reputation as one of the Western Cape’s most stunning natural gems is mainly owed to it being largely untouched and unspoilt due to enduring minimal human interface. Its real, raw, rugged beauty and untamed wilderness makes the Kogelberg Nature reserve one of the top destinations to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is also considered the heart and soul of the Cape Floral Kingdom due to its exceptional diversity and pristine quality of fynbos. It very well may be the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape. 

If you’re an avid hiker at heart, a visit to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve should be right at the top of your Cape Town bucket-list. Besides its rich biodiversity and endemic fauna and flora, it boasts a variety of thrilling hiking trials, with the Green Mountain Trail being one of the most popular. Forming part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the Green Mountain Trail revolves around the Groenlandberg in the majestic Overberg Region of the Western Cape. This four-day Green Mountain Trail hiking adventure gives avid hikers the opportunity to explore the diversity of fynbos and fruit farms the region is known for.

#WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - West Coast National Park Cape Town

Another one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town is the amazing West Coast National Park. Especially if you’re planning a trip to the Mother City during spring season (September – October). Spring season, also known as flower season in Cape Town, is the time of year when the Cape wildflowers come to life. Covering the Mother City in a glorious floral display that stretches as far as the eye can see. There truly is nothing quite like seeing Cape Town in full bloom.

One of the best places to see the most magnificent display of Cape wildflowers is the beautiful West Coast National Park. Located along the picturesque Cape West Coast, the West Coast National Park is an absolute must-visit destination if your planning on taking a trip up the west coast of Cape Town. Besides a stunning display of wildflowers, the West Coast National Park also boasts a rich biodiversity, variety of wildlife and birdlife as well as a few beautiful secret beaches, including the famous ‘Preekstoel’ that is absolutely worth a visit.

#CAMPS BAY

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Camps Bay

Camps Bay is widely known as one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and sought-after beaches. Boasting a stunning long stretch of white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees and a vibrant energy, Camps Bay is pure beach perfection. Beautifully complimented by a picturesque backdrop of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Lion’s Head, and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that a visit to Camps Bay is on every traveller’s bucket-list. Camps Bay has even earned itself a top spot on the global beach charts by claiming the title of the 32nd most beautiful beach in the world on the Flight Network’s World’s 100 Beach list.

Besides being one of Cape Town’s top Blue Flag swimming beaches, perfect for enjoying a blissful day on the beach with friends and family, Camps Bay is home to the famous Camps Bay sunset strip.  Lined with a vibrant mix of colourful pavement cafés, trendy bars and cool beach-front cocktails spots, the Camps Bay sunset strip is one of the best sundowner spots in Cape Town.  The Camps Bay beachfront and Camps Bay tidal pool are also considered two of the most beautiful sunset spots in the Mother City.

#BLOUBERGSTRAND

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Bloubergstrand

Showcasing one of the most magnificent views of Table Mountain in the entire city, Bloubergstrand is one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town. It is so beautiful in fact that the view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand is one of the most photographed in Africa. Located approximately 20 minutes from the Cape Town CBD, along the Cape West Coast, Bloubergstrand truly is a scenic treasure trove.

Bloubergstrand boasts a beautiful long white sandy beach perfect for a fun-filled beach day with the whole family. It is also home to a vibrant boardwalk and a lively beachfront lined with cool bars, restaurants, laid-back hangouts, and sundowner spots.

Besides its beautiful views and laid-back beach vibe, Bloubergstrand is one of the top surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Cape Town. Widely known as the windy wavemaker of the Cape West Coast, Bloubergstrand has established itself as the ultimate global kitesurfing destination and one of the best kitesurfing beaches in the world, attracting quite the elite local and international kitesurfing and surfing crowd. To top it all off, Bloubergstrand is widely known as one of the most beautiful beach sunset spots in the Mother City. Dare we say it, Bloubergstrand might just have it all.

#PATERNOSTER

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Peternoster
Photo credit: Flickr: Abspires40

Located along the Cape West Coast, the charming coastal town of Paternoster is the picture-perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With rows of whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, long stretches of white sand and an old dock where boats still pull up every day to deliver fresh hauls, this authentic fishing village is a true West Coast gem. It is also known as the ultimate seafood mecca boasting some of the very best fresh seafood in the entire Western Cape. Besides its down-right delicious seafood, beautiful beaches, sensational scenery and a real fisherman’s village charm, Paternoster is home to a variety of natural gems that are absolutely worth a visit.

Nature lovers should definitely spend a day or two exploring the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve – a vast stretch of beautiful coastline with plenty of secluded beaches and hidden coves. Besides the natural beauty, visitors will be able to enjoy amazing bird life and marine life sightings, with whales and dolphins often visible right from the shore. This not only makes Paternoster one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town, but one of the most exciting and adventure-filled too.

#ROBBEN ISLAND

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town

Cape Town is at the heart of a country with one of the most prolific histories in the world. Boasting a vast amount of heritage sites, historical landmarks and museums dedicated to telling the story of how both South Africa and Cape Town came to be what they are today. Right at the centre of it all is the renowned Robben Island. Arguably one of the most recognisable prisons in the world today, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, activist, and world icon, was imprisoned during the South African apartheid years.

Visiting Robben Island on your future trip to Cape Town is a great way to immerse yourself in a vital piece of South Africa’s history and journey to democracy. There are several tours that depart daily from the V&A Waterfront. Your Robben Island Tour will include a boat cruise to and from the island, with some potential marine life sightings on the way. You will also get an up-close view of the exact cell where Madiba spent 18 years of his 27-year prison sentence during his long walk to freedom.

#LANGEBAAN

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Langebaan

White sandy beaches, turquoise ocean waters, breath-taking ocean views, a laid-back beach vibe and unapologetic natural beauty is just some of what you can expect from this charismatic West Coast beach town. Located approximately 100km from Cape Town’s city centre, Langebaan is a great beach escape for any future trips to Cape Town. Besides Langebaan’s white Caribbean like beaches, it offers visitors a variety of hidden gems, natural wonders and sought-after attractions just waiting to be explored. It has also become a top hub for water sports along the west coast with avid local and international surfers, kite-surfers, kite-boarders, and windsurfers travelling from far and wide to experience its windy ways first-hand. Langebaan is also the perfect place for yachting, angling, and various fishing opportunities.

Besides its wide variety of water sports and ocean adventures, Langebaan boasts a variety of exciting nature walks, hiking trails and adventure experiences. It is also home to the beautiful West Coast National Park which is one of Cape Town’s top attractions during spring season due to its glorious display of wildflowers.

#BABYLONSTOREN

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Babylonstoren Cape Town

Situated in the Drakenstein Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands, almost halfway between Franschhoek and Paarl, Babylonstoren is about as beautiful as they come. Although the Western Cape is home to an exceptional variety of Wine Estates, the famous Babylonstoren is by far one of the most striking wine wonders of them all.

Besides it’s elite Wine Estate status, Babylonstoren is widely known for its lush 3.5-hectar garden. The Babylonstoren gardens is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful displays of Mother Nature. But it’s by no means just an ordinary garden. Besides its lush greenery, towering rose vines, and organic veggies, it also boasts a uniquely beautiful cactus patch. The famous Babylonstoren cactus path has made its appearance on countless travel magazines and Instagram feeds. In fact, Babylonstoren and its cool cactus patch is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in both Cape Town and South Africa. This certainly makes Babylonstoren one of the most beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town.

#CEDERBERG WILDERNESS

Beautiful places to visit on future trips to Cape Town - Cederberg Wilderness
Photo credit: Flickr: Neville Nel

Situated just 3 hours outside of Cape Town, the Cederberg Wilderness area is considered one of the most undisturbed regions of the Western Cape. With burnt ochre mountains, jagged sandstone rock formations and ancient San and Khoi rock art, it will feel like you’ve escaped to another world entirely. Known for its unapologetic and untamed beauty, the Cederberg Wilderness is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit on any future trips to Cape Town. Especially if you’re an avid nature lover at heart.

This Western Cape natural wonder stretches from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to the north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam and forms part of the Cape Floral Region. The Cederberg Wilderness is also a World Heritage site and encompasses the 100 km long protected Cederberg mountain range and 71 000 hectares of protected reserve made up of rugged terrain.

Boasting a variety of thrilling hiking routes, the Cederberg welcomes hikers of all experience levels to enjoy one of the most incredible daytime or overnight hikes in the Western Cape. Some of the famous natural landmarks you can expect to encounter on your Cederberg Wilderness hiking adventure includes the Wolfsberg Arch, a giant rock-formed archway, as well as the Stadsaal Caves, which contains San art dating back thousands of years.

The Cederberg Wilderness celebrates the unique fauna and flora of the Western Cape. It is covered in mountain fynbos, including the laurel protea, the red disa, rooibos, and the rare and endemic snow protea. The rare Clanwilliam cedars, the area’s namesake, can also be found in the higher mountain cliffs.  Be sure to keep your eyes open for some amazing wildlife sightings on your hike too!