Top 5 Cape Town attractions you can explore from your home

It’s time to go exploring! Our beloved country of South Africa and beautiful city of Cape Town are in the midst of a Nationwide Lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. As all of Cape Town’s top attractions and landmarks are closed per South Africa’s COVID-19 Lockdown regulations, we can’t physically explore these amazing destinations. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t live out our Cape Town travel dreams virtually. The best thing is, you can do it right from the comfort of your very own home, backyard, living room, patio or wherever you please.  

Here are some incredible virtual videos of some of Cape Town’s top attractions and destinations taken by some extremely talented videographers and creatives. Besides providing you with a whole lot of beauty, sensational scenery and an unforgettable virtual experience, we certainly hope it inspires you and gets you super excited for any future trips to the Mother City once we can all safely travel again.

*Disclaimer: These videos and virtual experiences were filmed prior to South Africa’s Lockdown.

#1 TABLE MOUNTAIN

Of course we’re going to start off with one of the most iconic Cape Town landmarks of them all, Table Mountain. Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level, Table Mountain is known as the all-mighty giant of the Mother City skyline. Named one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most renowned landmarks and sought-after attractions. It is also the ultimate mecca for nature lovers, avid hikers and adventure seekers.

Boasting a large variety of wildlife, birdlife and unique fauna and flora, Table Mountain truly is the ultimate nature lover’s paradise. Recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich and diverse fauna and flora, Table Mountain, together with 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 the only floral kingdom that occurs entirely in one country. This makes exploring Table Mountain’s indigenous fauna and flora quite a thrilling experience in itself.

Besides amazing fauna and flora, Table Mountain has so much more to offer. From taking an exciting ride on the famous Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to embarking on an exhilarating Table Mountain hiking adventure (Table Mountain has a variety of hiking trails to choose from, suited to every fitness and experience level). You will also find an endless variety of activities and experiences waiting for you at the top. The beloved Cape Town landmark of Table Mountain truly has something for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention the spectacular panoramic sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, the Mother City and beyond that awaits you. It’s no surprise that a visit to the tall-standing mountainous giant of Table Mountain is one of the top Cape Town bucket-list experiences for anyone travelling to the Mother City.

Explore Cape Town’s biggest attraction and most iconic natural landmark in this amazing 360 video below. 

If you’re eager to take on one of Table Mountain’s thrilling hiking trails once we’re allowed to safely venture into the great outdoors again, have a look at our Platteklip Gorge Table Mountain Hiking Trail: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Platteklip Gorge ; Skeleton Gorge Hiking Trail: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Skeleton Gorge ; Hiking India Venster: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Table Mountain via India Venster blogs to find out everything you need to know to take on the ultimate Table Mountain hiking adventure head on & conquer it!

#2 BOULDERS BEACH

Its time to see Cape Town’s coolest ocean locals living it up and loving life in their natural habitat! There is absolutely no denying the fact that a visit to Boulders Beach to see it’s beloved African Penguin Colony has become one of the top things to do in Cape Town for locals and travelers alike. Located just past Simons Town along the vibrant False Bay coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with the cute and charismatic African Penguins. Making a visit to the beautiful Boulders Beach a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list worthy experience in every way.

Did you know that there are actually two sides to Cape Town’s Boulders Beach? The north side (Foxy Beach) and the south side (Boulders Beach). The north Foxy Beach side is considered the best place to enjoy spectacular sightings of the African Penguins by means of it’s African Penguin Viewing Site. The boardwalks will lead you to two amazing viewing platforms that are positioned above the main Boulders Beach African Penguin colony. This is where you will find the largest concentration of penguins in one place.

However, if you’re looking for more of an up close and personal experience with the beloved African Penguin colony, then head over to the south side of Boulders Beach. Here you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of spending the day on the beach with these tuxedo cuties. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to enjoy a dip in the cool ocean water with them by your side. How incredible is that? When visiting Boulders Beach, it is extremely important to always respect the African Penguins, keep a safe distance and do not threaten or invade their space at any given time. This is their home after all. Just sit back, relax and soak up every glorious second of this bucket-list worthy experience.

Although you can’t experience the incredible beauty of Boulders Beach and it’s beloved colony of African Penguins right now, here’s a virtual tour of Boulders Beach by 360southafrica.com.

Have a look at our African Penguins at Boulders Beach: The Ultimate Guide to Boulders Beach blog to find out everything you need to know about Boulders Beach and how to plan the ultimate Boulders Beach Cape Town experience on your next trip to Cape Town.

#3 ROBBEN ISLAND

A virtual tour of the world-renowned Robben Island is one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a vital piece of South Africa’s history. 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 famous 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 and served 18 of his 27 years in jail.

This world-renowned historical site has become one of the Mother City’s top attractions for anyone travelling to Cape Town. Especially if you’re looking to experience an integral part of South Africa’s history and journey to democracy.

Watch the walking tour introduction video of Robben Island below and click here for a full virtual tour as they dive deeper into one of Cape Town’s most iconic and historic landmarks that changed the course of South Africa and it’s democracy forever.

#4 KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS

It’s officially time to explore all the unapologetic natural beauty of one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. If you’re a head-over-heels nature lover, this one is especially dedicated to you! The magnificent 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, and to be honest, very few gardens can compare to the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch. Making it one of the Mother City’s most magnificent natural gems and one of the top destinations to visit on any trip to Cape Town.

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 anywhere in the city. It 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.

Kirstenbosch offers visitors a variety of exciting things to do, see and experience. It boasts over 125 species of birds, incredible walking trials, thrilling hiking routes, waterfalls, restaurants, lush lawns and a variety of hidden gems. Kirstenbosch is also home to the famous Centenary Treetop Canopy Walk, also known as the ‘Boomslang’, which has fast become one of its favourite attractions for both the young and young at heart.

Here is just a little taste of what you can expect on your visit to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens when they welcome you back!

#5 GROOT CONSTANTIA

Are you ready for some good ol’ Cape Winelands exploring? Situated along the beautiful Constantia Wine Route, Groot Constantia is considered one of the top Wine Estates and wine tasting experiences in Cape Town. Besides being one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after Winelands destinations for local and international wine lovers, Groot Constantia is also the oldest wine producing estate in South Africa. It thus forms an integral part of the Western Cape’s thriving local wine culture.

One of the best things about this beloved Cape Town Wine Estate is that it welcomes wine lovers from all walks of life by producing an exceptional variety or award-winning wines to please every pallet. From a fresh and cheerful Blanc de Noir or a beautifully complex Chardonnay to a bold Shiraz or their seductive Grand Constance, there is something for every wine enthusiast to sip, savour and enjoy. With three amazing wine tasting venues on the estate, Groot Constantia has the perfect wine tasting setting and wine tasting experience for every head-over-heels wine lover at heart.  

Besides their superb wine tasting experiences, you can also choose to enjoy a bottle of Groot Constantia wine with a delicious meal and stunning setting. Pair an elegant Brut Rosé with a gourmet picnic on the Groot Constantia lawns, enjoy a light and fresh Semillon with an al fresco lunch under their aged oak trees, sip on an expressive Pinotage during a family feast or celebrate a special occasion with a dignified glass of Gouverneurs Reserve. The choice is yours!

Groot Constantia boasts two top class restaurants on the estate, namely the Jonkershuis Restaurant and the Simons Restaurant. Both of which offer truly spectacular culinary experiences and world-class cuisine paired with exceptional Groot Constantia wine of course. The sprawling estate is also home to an incredible museum. Its safe to say this Cape Town Wine Estate provides something for everyone to enjoy.

Nestled in the fertile Constantia Valley, all of Groot Constantia’s wine tasting experiences, food and wine pairing options and culinary feasts can be enjoyed while admiring the magnificent scenery, lush lawns, stunning surroundings and sensational vineyards and mountain range views this beautiful Cape Town Wine Estate has to offer.

Watch the video below for an inspirational insight into the legacy of Groot Constantia Wine Estate and click here for a truly incredible virtual exploration experience of this top tier Cape Town Wine Estate with Groot Constantia.

Have a look at our Top 10 Best Wine Tasting Experiences in Cape Town: Wine Tasting in the Cape Winelands blog to find out more about all the amazing Wine Estates and wine tasting experiences in Cape Town.

Here is another amazing video exploring everything the incredible Groot Constantia Wine Estate has to offer, including some great insights and interviews with the people that have played a major role in establishing Groot Constantia as one of the top Wine Estate in Cape Town today.

Just as an extra bonus to lift everyone’s spirits and of course share our beloved country of South Africa and beautiful city of Cape Town with as many people as possible, here’s a fantastic video that was made by the talented Tim Küntzler to showcase our vibrant South Africa and spectacular city of Cape Town in all its glory!

You can follow him and see some of his other videos here:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tim6939/featured
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timkuentzler/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timkuentzler/
• Mapify: https://mapify.travel/timkuentzler

*Disclaimer: These videos and virtual experiences were filmed prior to South Africa’s Lockdown. Follow the news and Government updates for all up-to-date information regarding South Africa and Cape Town’s Lockdown regulations and travel restrictions.