Cape Town, South Africa is a city sculpted like an ice cream cone with several delicious flavors arranged flower-style. Many tourists yearn for a taste of its goodness. There are world class music festivals, historic islands and museums, exquisite cuisine, and nature’s offerings like you have never seen before. Here is a list of activities and places that make Cape Town a tourist’s haven.
#1. Cape Town International Jazz Festival: If you are a huge fan of Hugh Masakela’s compositions, wait until you hear the sounds that come out from this gathering. Now in its 18th year, Cape Town Jazz Fest is a must-attend for all music lovers. The Cape Town International Convention Center will come alive this weekend with lights and sounds for a star- studded performance of all things jazz. March 31st and April 1st are the performance nights and you don’t want to miss it by one beat.
#2. A Table Mountain Tour may seem like the most obvious activity to do in Cape Town. The entire city is wrapped up in the warmth of this flat-topped mountain, and you simply cannot escape its beauty. Now, here are the ways you can experience Table Mountain. Go on a hike, ride on a cable car, or take an abseil (rope down) plunge down cliff, if you are adventurous at heart. The views that await you are nothing short of astonishing.
#3. 3,000 creatures will welcome you at Two Oceans. No, this is nothing like animal farm, rather prepare to be swept away by the serenity of this aquarium. There are exhibits from the major oceans in the world, amphibians, and an opportunity to touch some of the safest marine life you will ever come across.
#4. When Oscar Wilde said “Rugby is a game for barbarians, played by gentlemen”, he was yet to visit The Springbok Rugby Museum. Plan a visit to this well-laid out museum and discover the connection between this sport and the painful period of apartheid in South Africa. Movie lovers may have seen a snippet of this history in Invictus, but this museum helps you live the experience. Even though this museum bears the name of the South African National Rugby team, there is so much to learn here about how this sport is played around the world.
#5. Have you really traveled if you don’t visit a beach? Cape Town has a selection of choice beaches for every tourist. If you are uncertain about which one to venture out towards, try the Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town. Its sturdy, towering granite boulders will hold you spell-bound, but wait until you see the penguins. Plan your selfie carefully as this cute creatures are respected for their sharp beaks.
#6. Nature lovers can revel in the lush greenery of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Regarded as the most beautiful garden in Africa, you will want to add a walk through this cultivated garden to your Cape Town itinerary. With a stunningly beautiful canopy walk above the trees, embrace the point where gravity and gorgeous scenery meet. This is a great location for a picnic with family and friends. Enjoy the added treat of soothing concerts during summer months.
#7. Now you know, we would not leave you famished in Cape Town. This is why you have to Eat on Kloof Street. There are gourmet restaurants, fast food spots, crab shacks, and bakeries to bask in. This location is not only the best meal ticket money can buy, but a guarantee to see how the locals live.
Tourist Bonus: Robben Island: This UNESCO World Heritage site became popular for housing a maximum security prison during South Africa’s apartheid era. Its last prisoners were released 26 years ago with Nelson Mandela being among its famous inmates. Currently, the island features a cemetery, remains from World War II, and a lighthouse.
