Cape Town, South Africa: must-see, must-do, must-eat tips for next April

[Laura Haltzel]

We are planning on 4 nights in Cape Town, South Africa next April prior to our safari adventure.  I am particularly interested in any tidbits - must see, must do, must eat - others might suggest that might not be in the guide books.  We have one day trip through the wine country planned, but other than that it is a blank slate. Thanks!! 

[Julia Coney]

You should visit Peter Falke vineyards in Stellenbosch. Eat at Noon Gun Tea in Cape Town for Cape Malay cuisine. If you want to go to Robben's Island, get your tickets before you go. They only sell so many tickets per day.

[Keith Bain]

1. Make sure you get up Table Mountain as early as possible in your stay; if the weather turns awkward you might miss out, and no matter how "hyped" the mountain is, it remains an essential part of the Cape Town experience.
2. Be sure to fit Cape Point into your schedule (a slow, languid car trip, preferably with a night in one of the sleepier coastal hamlets, would be your best bet).
3. Baboon Matters, based in Noordhoek, does "Walking with the Baboons" experiences where you get to watch these incredibly human-like creatures in their natural (but threatened) environment. It's one of the most mesmerizing experiences I've had in Cape Town.
4. Try to avoid the touristy Waterfront as much as possible.
5. Plenty of great restaurants frequented by locals: Sidewalk Cafe (in Vredehoek) and Olympia Cafe (in Kalk Bay) serve brilliant food and the vibe at both places is fantastic. In Noordhoek, you should try to eat at The Foodbarn and/or Cafe Roux (the latter is best for breakfast and/or lunch).
6. For the top take-your-breath-away dining experiences, think about Delaire-Graff (between Stellebosch and Franschhoek) for the best views, great art, and sublime architecture; The Roundhouse (overlooking Camps Bay) for views, atmosphere and service; and Overture (just outside Stellenbosch) for the best culinary adventure. Kitima in Hout Bay will also take your breath away...best cocktails in Cape Town and the atmosphere is sublime.
7. Visit Solms Delta (Franschhoek) for the best down-to-earth wine-tasting experience; and across the road is the country's finest motor museum (owned by one of our billionaires).
8. If you enjoy flying, sign up for tandem paragliding off Signal Hill; it's my favourite way to see the city.
9. You can walk from Camps Bay all the way to Mouille Point...try it.
10. Why not get out into the country for a bit? Stay at Old Mac Daddy, an upmarket trailer park in the beautiful hamlet of Elgin. It will take your breathe away and your imagination for a spin.
11. For culture, you should walk through the Bo-Kaap (you can also go on a Cape Malay cooking tour which meanders through the Bo-Kaap), or sign up for one of the innovative and eye-opening tours offered by Coffeebeans Routes. They are your best opportunity for getting under the skin of the city and meeting colourful, creative locals that you'd otherwise never, ever encounter.
I could go on and on, but you only have four days, which you'll start to regret from the minute you arrive...
Contact me if you need more ideas...

[Keith Bain]

One more thing: If there's any chance you can change your schedule so that you safari first and then visit Cape Town, you really should. Safari can bring on serious fatigue, and Cape Town is the ultimate cure.

[Simon & Baker Travel Review]

Hello Laura,

Cape Town is one of my favorite places to visit in the world. The setting is so striking! Not sure how to make recommendations without knowing your tastes and budget. You may want to browse the dedicated articles about a number of luxury properties, restaurants and activities in Cape Town and the nearby area on our Cape Town page (click on any title from the list on the left margin) http://simonandbaker.com/capetown.html

Some activities that stand out as favs for me include: a helicopter flight of the area as it highlights the scenery. There are several options to choose from. I went with the Atlantico tour which was recommended by a local with Nac Makana Aviation. It was exceptional (for details and pictures see http://simonandbaker.com/atlantico.html). A visit to Table Mountain on a clear day also offers a bird's eye view of the area.

The wineland area is beautiful and very different from Cape Town. I often recommend it to foodies and wine lovers if they have the time, especially the town of Franschhoek. There are wineries that offer tasting experiences including bubbly (to read about our visit to two bubbly makers in that area see http://luxurytravelreview.com/2010/02/08/watch-video-sabrage-our-vi...). The wine and chocolate tasting at Waterford was fun and enjoyable (see http://simonandbaker.com/waterford-estate.html). They make an excellent European blend red too.

Must eat for me includes seafood in South Africa (although the place we used to visit has been disappointing lately) and there are some exceptional gourmet restaurants in Cape Town and the wine area. Favorites include Buitenverwachting on the outskirts of town, Roundhouse, Greenhouse and The Tasting Room -- see the Cape Town page link above for details.

Hope that helps get you started. Best wishes for a wonderful trip! Elena

[myLanguage]

Hi - for places to eat - well - make sure you visit Dining-OUT. They have the best restaurant info.

*shameless* plug. You can also download myLanguage South Africa Travel Companion from the iTunes store. While it was geared towards the world cup, the sightseeing and dining info (from Dining-OUT) could be invaluable to you. It is a connectionless app for your iPhone or iTouch.

[Camps Bay Apartments]

Hi

You actually need more than 4 nights!

Restaurants I will suggest The Grand on the beach, The Round House, La Calombe, Wakame etc. All the telephone numbers and addresses on my sites http://www.capeinternetaccommodation.com/CapeTown_restaurants.htm and http://www.campsbayapartments.com/restaurants.htm

For accommodation you must stay in Camps Bay...

Top things to do: Kirstenbosch, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay, Noordhoek, Franshhoek, Stellenbosch etc.

If you are here over a weekend the neighbourhood market in Woodstock is great.

In April the weather can be unpredictable so pack for rain, sun and chilly evenings.

Enjoy!

Regards

Elize

[Julie Rodriguez]

Cape Town Highlights
-Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
-Table Mountain
-Castle of Good Hope
-Company Gardens (Botanical Gardens) and South African Museum
-Signal Hill (spectacular views especially in the evenings)
-Malay Quarter
-There are so many good restaurants in Cape Town, but I highly recommend Baia

Day Trips from Cape Town
-Cape Peninsula, Cape of Good Hope and the Penguins of Boulder Coastal Park
-Constantia
-Kirstenbosch Gardens
-Wine Country (Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek

[karin halliwell]

Spent our honeymoon in South Africa and had a blast. We started off in Capetown (3 days) and stayed at the Four Rosemed Guest House which was terrific. I have to be honest with you. I was not impressed with downtown. The gardens were beautiful!! The shopping area in the port area was nice but I am not a "mall" lover. The important thing while walking around the town is not to call attention to yourselves. I went with no jewelery- no fancy anything. People seemed interested mostly in our hiking shoes. There is great poverty in the area. A lady had her gold chain ripped off her neck. So don't be paranoid but be alert.

I loved, loved , loved the Table Top Mountain excursion. We thought we would be up there for a few hours but we ended up hiking and extensivley. Gorgeous. There was also a lovely cafe where we had a nice meal for an excellent price.
We took a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope with one of the local guides which was fab as well. Darren picked us up and escorted us for the whole day. Complelty worth it. If you contact the local guide association they can help you to organise everything.

We did not get to Robben Island and I am sorry that we missed it.. We didn't have the time. Friends say that it was amazing though. It is a day trip in itself.

We too stayed in the wine country and by all means you must go wine tasting! We stayed in Franschhoek and prefered it to Stellenbosch because it was smaller and more intimate. The food and wine were to die for and if I had to return to SA I would return here.

I will send you a list of please where we ate if you like.. I have to run now beacuse I am at work. Please feel free to ask questions. Happy to help you.!!

Karin