Things to do in Cape Town

The advantage of staying at a guesthouse in Cape Town is that you have a worlds worth of activities on your doorstep. The Cape Peninsula, with a spine of mountain ranges running down the length and the sea bashing up against either side is a veritable playground for anyone with a sense of adventure. Whether you are after strenuous hikes up Table Mountain or gentle romantic walks on the beach, or if been driven around the wine region while you quaff award winning wine is more to your taste you can be guaranteed that you will find what you’re looking for in Cape Town. Any reputable guest house in Cape Town will be able to point you in the right direction to find what you are looking for.

Butterfly world is perhaps one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets there are hardly any Capetonians that know of its existence. Located on route 44, Klapmuts, just off the N1 towards Paarl, the countryside you’ll pass through on the drive there is worth the visit. It’s the perfect place to take the family and the entrance fees are reasonable. A family of four gain access for one hundred rand. The area is massive and can keep kids and adults alike entertained for hours.

Spier Wine Estate is situated just outside Stellenbosch and is home to more than just award winning wine. They currently run the only Cheetah sanctuary in the country where visitors can enter the enclosure and pet the Cheetahs. This is as obvious draw card for anybody visiting the Cape’s Wine country. The grounds of the estate are beautifully kept and a great family day can be had by purchasing one of their stocked picnic baskets and enjoying lunch on banks of the dam.

Just Nuisanceis the only dog in history to be officially given the title of Able Seaman, during the Second World War. He was buried with full Naval Honours on top of Red Hill at the Klaver Naval Camp his grave is today still marked by an engraved granite headstone. The walk to the site where his grave stands offer spectacular views of the oldest naval base and harbour in the country.

Great White Shark cage diving is considered the ultimate thrill for those that are at home in the water. From Simonstown you can embark on a great white shark safari that offers you the chance to witness the world famous breaching white sharks. View these amazing apex predators from the safety of a cage and see nature at its most ferocious.

Fish Hoek Trek Fishermen- Trek fishing is what is known elsewhere in the world as Seine fishing and in its most basic format involves a large flat net dragged through the water. It is most successfully used with fish that school close to the surface of the water. The trek fishermen of Fish Hoek beach are an institution and there is always a lively atmosphere down at the harbour when they arrive back with a good Snoek haul.

Tokaiarboretum- Started in 1886 by Joseph Storr Lister the Tokai arboretum is the only one of its kind in Cape Town and houses a remarkable array of tree’s on its grounds,including the massive American Redwood. The park now forms part of the Tokai and offers some very unchallenging walks suitable for the whole family. Informative plaques make the work enjoyable and educational.

Whale watching- From July to October the Southern Right Whales come in into the warmer shallower waters of False Bay to calve. Along most of the False Bay coast line one can view these massive creature frolicking in the waves with their young. Hermanus is considered the best place for Whale sightings but in truth they can often be seen from the Cape Peninsula. Watching the whale activities is a unique and exciting wildlife experience.
Simonstown Toy Museum- This privately owned museum is a child’s dream come true as well as a haven for collectors. With literally thousands of toys on display as well as a collection of toys that are available for sale, you could spend all day in this one room museum. Opening times are erratic so be sure to phone ahead if you’re planning on heading through in the early morning.

Robben Island- Robben Island is the island which was used to house political prisoners during the apartheid regime. Its most famous resident was undoubtedly Nelson Mandela. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of Robben Island. The guides are ex-prisoners and will share stories with you that will give real insight into life under apartheid.

Two Oceans Aquarium- Housed at the V&A Waterfront, the 2 Oceans Aquarium gives a close up glimpse into the waters that surround the Cape Peninsula. You can spend the whole day wondering around marvelling at the diversity of sea life to be found in the Cape Waters.