from Left The Pipe Track; Babylonstoren Farm Shop; De Hoop Nature Reserve
Despite many years living in Cape Town our authors remain amazed by the Mother City. Whether it’s climbing the paths that criss-cross Table Mountain, enjoying a sundowner at a Kirstenbosch summer concert, or escaping to the Winelands, the Cape Town area offers innumerable adventures. Here are some of the experiences that make this city so special:
Top wildlife experience The five-day Whale Trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve is stunningly beautiful throughout the year – and sublime in season when there are whales to see every day.
Scenic public transport ride The revolving cable car up Table Mountain may be a head turner, but a favourite local ride is a weekend train trip to False Bay for a seaside beer in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay or Simon’s Town and around.
Local laughs Catching a comedian such as Nik Rabinowitz or Marc Lottering at the Baxter Theatre is an evening of Capetonian humour, attracting audiences from the nearby University of Cape Town and beyond.
Best café in town Tamboers Winkel, for its neighbourhood vibes, rustic feel and excellent coffee, breakfasts and lunches.
Easy mountain walk Don’t like the look of those paths ploughing up Table Mountain? The Pipe Track contour path is relatively flat, with views of the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay and Lion’s Head.
Wine estate With so many Cape Dutch beauties, your favourite winery will likely change as often as the Cape Doctor blows; top choices range from Ataraxia, with its chapel tasting room near Hermanus, to Babylonstoren near Franschhoek, a perennial favourite for its gardens and restaurants.
Go out on a limb The beautiful timber-and-steel “Boomslang” walkway sways gently in the wind as it meanders through the forest canopy at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Our author recommendations don’t end here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places – a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric café, a special restaurant – throughout the Guide, highlighted with the symbol.