With white-sand beaches, balmy temperatures and beautiful views, there’s no wonder Cape Town in South Africa is one of the hottests destinations for travel right now.
The beautiful city has won a string of awards recently, including the most affordable and picturesque holiday destination for UK travellers in an annual report published by the Post Office.
The South African city, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and myriad attractions, topped the list due to its excellent value for money.
The survey analysed the cost of eight common holiday purchases to determine where Brits could get the most bang for their buck.
The report examined the price of a three-course meal for two with a glass of wine, a can of cola, a local beer, a cup of coffee, a bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent.
These items represent typical purchases made by UK tourists on holiday, and Cape Town emerged as the best value destination.
The favourable exchange rate between the South African rand and the pound, coupled with the city’s affordable dining and drinking options, contribute to its exceptional value.
Of the 40 destinations surveyed, the eight items were cheapest in Cape Town, totalling just £51 at the time. With negligible increases, two years on, this still remains true.
With its stunning landscapes, iconic mountain ranges and incredible natural wonders, Cape Town offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan life amidst nature, promising an unforgettable adventure. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some top-rated activities to enjoy during your visit.
Direct flights from London to Cape Town take roughly 11.5 hours, but it helps that Britons will feel no jetlag while holidaying in this haven, as the timezone is only two hours (+2) ahead of GMT.
Cape Town is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and myriad attractions (Image: (Image: Getty))
December to February are summer months in Cape Town, with temperatures averaging at around 27C, providing British tourists the perfect escape during the harsh winters. This largely English-speaking city is often referred to as the heart of South Africa – and for good reason.
Topping our list is the iconic Table Mountain, a hub of diverse activities nestled in southwestern South Africa. Located in southwestern South Africa, overlooking Cape Town and Table Bay, its unique flat top is an unmissable sight for any visitor to the city.
The aerial cableway provides the most spectacular route up and down this natural wonder.
These cable cars, the only ones of their kind on the African continent, operate between the Lower Cableway Station and the summit of Table Mountain. They offer awe-inspiring views of the mountain, harbour and Robben Island.
With both return and single tickets available, don’t miss out on this unparalleled experience.
The Table Mountain Cafe, situated at the peak, is an excellent spot for lunch, boasting an impressive 4.5 stars on Google reviews. Offering daily specials, self-service meals and snacks, as well as hearty breakfasts, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the stunning natural vistas from the best seats in the city.
For adrenaline junkies, Abseil Africa offers the chance to abseil 112 meters down a sheer cliff. History enthusiasts can head to the northern side of the mountain to explore the Waterworks Museum, where a collection of memorabilia from the construction of the dams on Table Mountain is on display.
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Famous African penguin colony at Simon’s Town, located on the shores of False Bay near Cape Town (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Free guided walks also depart from the Twelve Apostles Terrace every hour, providing another way to appreciate the beauty of this remarkable location.
Boulders Beach is a must-visit destination, and it’s easy to see why. This beach is home to a colony of thousands of endangered African penguins, their existence threatened by habitat loss, dwindling fish populations and encroaching human settlements.
Despite these challenges, Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close with African penguins, making it truly unique. The beach is also an ideal spot for family swimming, as it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, ensuring it’s always clean, safe and seldom crowded.
Boulders Beach is a must-visit destination when in Cape Town (Image: (Image: Getty))
A small fee of R65 grants you access for the day—a small price to pay for a slice of paradise. And did we mention the penguins?
Moving away from natural wonders, our third recommendation takes us into the city to explore contemporary creativity at Zeitz MOCAA. This impressive institution opened its doors on 22nd September 2017, becoming the first major establishment dedicated solely to artists from across Africa and its diaspora.
The museum houses a permanent collection and hosts rotating temporary exhibitions of 21st-century art, many of which have been hailed as spectacular, moving and uplifting. It’s also a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
The Zeitz MOCAA opened its doors to the public in 2017 (Image: (Image: Getty))
The museum is the reimagining of an abandoned grain silo in a prime location of the popular V&A Waterfront district, designed by UK architect Thomas Heatherwick. The building itself is a towering sculptural wonder that could be considered a work of art in its own right—a Russian doll, if you will.
Robben Island, a World Heritage Site off the coast of Cape Town, comes in at number four on our list. The island’s history is deeply intertwined with that of the South African Apartheid.
Initially serving as a leper colony, it later became an apartheid prison where Nelson Mandela, one of the most prominent figures of the anti-apartheid movement and former South African president, was incarcerated for 18 years.
Beyond its historical significance, Robben Island also hosts a rich array of wildlife, including penguins, ostriches, seals and a wild peacock population. Visitors can reach the island via an hour-long boat trip from Cape Town, with tickets available at the Waterfront or online in advance.
With a rich history and spectacular views, Cape Town is a must visit (Image: (Image: Getty))
Aerial view of Robben Island in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. (Image: Getty Images/Gallo Images)
Tours of the island are led by ex-prisoners, offering a unique and insightful experience.
No visit to Cape Town would be complete without indulging in some wine tasting. Known for its long-established wine production, with the city’s winemaking dating back to the 1650s, the city boasts some of the world’s most fertile vineyards and numerous award-winning restaurants.
Four main wine regions await exploration in Cape Town – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia and Durbanville.
Cape Town has four main wine regions and a rich winemaking history (Image: (Image: Getty))
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek stand out as the city’s most renowned wine regions, owing to their proximity to each other and their location about an hour from the centre of Cape Town.
The other two, certainly draw less attention, but in our view, that’s all the more reason to ensure you pay them a visit. The optimal way to navigate would be to arrange a tour as they’re cost-effective, and the hop-on-hop-off style provides ample flexibility.
Out of all these suggestions, there is still an abundance to discover and witness. So if you find yourself planning your next holiday in the city of Cape Town, make sure to include some of these on your itinerary.