Cape Town — Where Oceans, Mountains & Culture Meet
Travel guide by Bonne Vacances Travel Agency
1) Introduction
Cape Town is a city of dramatic contrasts: Table Mountain towering over beaches, vibrant townships alive with music and markets, vineyards rolling into the horizon, and penguins waddling along sandy shores. Known as the “Mother City,” it blends natural wonder with cultural depth in a way few places can match.
From sipping world-class wines to hiking Lion’s Head at sunrise, Cape Town offers adventure and relaxation side by side. Our travelers often describe it as “the one place that feels like five trips in one.”
2) When to Visit
- Summer (Dec–Mar): Warm and sunny, perfect for beaches, hiking, and wine tours. Peak season — book early.
- Autumn (Apr–May): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, great for food festivals and whale-watching starting.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler, some rain, but cozy for wine estates and whale migrations at Hermanus.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers bloom, outdoor activities thrive, and wildlife sightings are plentiful.
3) Getting There & Local Transport
Arrivals
CPT Airport welcomes direct flights from hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Johannesburg is a 2-hour domestic flight away.
Transfers
Private transfers and rideshares are reliable. We recommend pre-arranged cars for late arrivals.
Getting Around
- Uber/Bolt: Safe and affordable within the city.
- MyCiTi Bus: Good for airport-city and select routes.
- Car hire: Best for exploring Cape Winelands, Cape Point, and Hermanus.
- Walking: Scenic in central/Waterfront areas, but avoid isolated zones after dark.
4) Top Attractions & Traveler Picks (8–10 by Style)
Family
- Boulders Beach penguins
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- V&A Waterfront ferris wheel
Couples
- Sunset at Signal Hill
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
- Private picnic at Cape Point
- Luxury safari add-ons
Solo
- Table Mountain hike
- Street art tours in Woodstock
- Robben Island history tour
- Long Street nightlife
Groups
- Shark cage diving (Gansbaai)
- Cape Point day tour
- Winelands cycling tour
- Food markets in Hout Bay
5) Culture & Experiences
- Nelson Mandela history at Robben Island & District Six Museum.
- Cape Malay cooking classes in Bo-Kaap.
- Evening drumming circles at Greenmarket Square.
- Galleries & street art in Woodstock.
6) Food & Drink
Cape Town is Africa’s culinary capital — blending local ingredients, Cape Malay spices, and international flair.
Restaurant Suggestions
- Budget: Food stalls at Old Biscuit Mill; Ocean Basket chain for seafood.
- Mid-range: Gold Restaurant (African fusion with drumming); Kloof Street House (eclectic dining).
- Luxury: La Colombe, Test Kitchen, Fyn — among world’s top dining experiences.
7) Where to Stay — Areas & Hotel Picks
Best Areas
- V&A Waterfront: Shops, dining, and ferries.
- Camps Bay: Beachfront luxury.
- City Bowl: Central, historic, lively.
By Budget (Examples)
- Budget: Mojo Hotel (Sea Point); Backpacker hostels in Gardens.
- Mid-range: Radisson Red Waterfront; Vineyard Hotel.
- Luxury: One&Only Cape Town; Silo Hotel; Ellerman House.
Booking Tips
Secure sea-facing rooms in Camps Bay early for summer; check if transfers to Winelands are included.
8) Day Trips & Excursions
- Cape Peninsula: Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive, penguins at Boulders.
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine tram tours & cellar tastings.
- Hermanus: Seasonal whale watching.
- Safari Add-ons: Sanbona or Aquila reserves 2–3 hours away.
9) Practical Tips & Safety
Essentials
Currency: ZAR • Language: English widely spoken • Tipping: 10–15% standard.
Costs (ballpark)
- Uber city ride: $5–10
- Casual lunch: $8–15
- Fine dining: $50–80 pp
Etiquette & Packing
Casual attire works everywhere; evenings can be cool — bring a light jacket. Keep valuables secured in busy markets.
Apps
Uber/Bolt, Google Maps, Mr D Food, Cape Town Safety App.
Accessibility
Main attractions accessible; Table Mountain cable car step-free. We assist with accessible room bookings and transfers.
10) Sample Itinerary — 7 Full Days (Morning / Afternoon / Evening)
- Day 1: Waterfront arrival • Robben Island tour • Sunset dinner
- Day 2: Table Mountain hike/cable car • City Bowl museums • Jazz evening
- Day 3: Cape Peninsula drive • Penguins & Cape Point • Camps Bay dinner
- Day 4: Stellenbosch wine tram • Vineyard lunch • Franschhoek art
- Day 5: Kirstenbosch gardens • Bo-Kaap cooking class • Night market
- Day 6: Hermanus whale-watching or shark dive • Seafood feast
- Day 7: Woodstock street art • Shopping • Departure assistance
11) Image Gallery
Mountains, oceans, vineyards — all in one trip.
Bonne Vacances arranges it all: cable car tickets, Winelands tastings, Cape Point guides, and seaside stays.
