Great Daytrips
From Cape Town – South Africa by: Andy
Burrows
Cape Town is a modern city that
combines both old and new, which is reflected in the city’s architecture,
culture, history and people. With a large table-shaped mountain serving as a
backdrop, Cape Town is set on a peninsula where the Indian and Atlantic oceans
meet. There are a lot of great daytrips in Cape Town, offering something for
everyone.
Visitors must get involved in the daytrips from Cape Town to fully experience
this city. There are so many things to do, ranging from water activities like
scuba diving and snorkelling, to sightseeing and appreciating the city’s
natural charm. Close to the city centre, the beaches of Cape Town are among the
most beautiful in the world. Magically positioned between mountain and sea, the
beach stretch from False Bay to the Atlantic coast is ideal for sun lovers and
water sports fans.
Just 10 minutes from Cape Town are Clifton and Camps Bay, both of which are
perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There is lots of surfing spots, as well as
great areas to fish, scuba dive and board sail. The Atlantic coast can be quite
cool for some. A short drive away is False Bay, where there are warm waters at
Muizemberg, Kalk Bay or Simonstown. For those who enjoy sunbathing among
nature, Sandy Bay natural reserve is a nudist beach. All of Cape Town’s beaches
offer free entry, with the exception of Boulders Beach in False Bay.
There are many activities to choose from when planning Cape Town daytrips.
Daytrips are best done with hire car, though it is not crucial to have one. The
most enjoyable trip is discovering the splendour of Table Mountain by cableway.
The most identifying landmark of Cape Town, Table Mountain is a World Heritage
site. Its peak is at 1086m above sea level and can be accessed by cable car.
As visitors enjoy refreshments at the restaurant, they will be in awe of the
360-degree view of Cape Town. The mountain is covered with wild flowers and
also the famous silver tree. It is a joy for hikers to experience Table
Mountain, with different walking trails marked by difficulty.
The most important historical site in South Africa, Robben Island is definitely
worth a day visit. First used by the Dutch East India Company as a refreshment
port, it then became a leper colony and asylum. After that, the army gained
control of the island, after which it came under the Department of Correctional
Services in 1960. Later a renowned prison for those considered hazardous to the
former government, its most famous occupant was former president Nelson
Mandela, who stayed here for 27 years. Guided tours of the museum and prison
are available to a limited number of visitors per day.
You can travel to the Cape winelands by taking a scenic drive through
vineyards, mountain ranges and Dutch homesteads. The historic town of
Stellenbosch is worth a visit, especially if you participate in the wine cellar
tours and tastings. Stop by Paarl and enjoy the Fairview wine estate for wine
and cheese tasting.
There are seasonal Seal Island boat trips available along the Atlantic seaboard
and at Hout Bay, as well as a coastal drive through Constantia Nek and Ouu
Kaapse Weg to Cape Point, where the two oceans meet. The Good Hope Nature
Reserve is located close by and offers a handsome selection of birds, plants
and animals. From here, take a look at Simonstown and the large penguin colony
at Boulder’s Beach. Lastly, stop by the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
to unwind.
There are seasonal events in Cape Town as well. Between June and November,
whale watching is available and should not be missed. The whales make their
journey from the Antarctic to the Cape and Hermanus coasts. At Walker Bay, they
even come as close as 50 metres from the shore. You can visit the Harbour
Museum in Hermanus during your trip as well. To get back to Cape Town, take the
beautiful ‘Riviera of the Cape’ coast drive through Gordon’s Bay.
If you are visiting Cape Town during September and October, take yourself two
hours away from the city through the amazing shift from desert to lush flowers.
During these months, native flowers cover the whole ground.
Cape Town has abundance of things to do and places to see. Whether you’re drawn
to water, sand or greenery, you can find it here. Treat yourself to one of the
world’s most beautiful tourist attractions and enjoy a unique array of personal
experiences.
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