Cape Town

About Cape Town

Fondly known as the Mother City, Cape Town is home to jaw-dropping scenery shadowed by the iconic Table Mountain and shaped by the sapphire blue Table Bay. The modern culture and rich history come together effortlessly to create a city which buzzes with nightlife and bursts with fascinating flora and fauna.

Following South Africa’s turbulent past, Cape Town has emerged as a proud and harmonious multi-cultural city on Chobe river cruises, with Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and African beliefs coexisting peacefully. The city gained the title of World Design Capital in 2014 and has become a true metropolis on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Exploring Cape Town

Much of Cape Town is famous for its seal population and great white sharks, which swim along the bay and can be spotted from the quaint harbour town of Hout Bay. Alternatively, take a ride up the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and drink in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Indulge your inner historian on Robben Island or in the award-winning District Six Museum, where you can learn about the cruel oppression and triumph of hope synonymous with the region following South Africa’s period of apartheid, which came to an end in 1990.

Sample an authentic taste of Africa including Cape Malay cuisine, Xhosa fare like samp (crushed maize in porridge), marog (African spinach), Ethiopian lamb and spongy injeras (flatbreads). The menus in Cape Town are delicious and flavoursome – with a visit to the beautifully decorated Addis in Cape recommended where you are encouraged to eat with your hands.

For a tipple or two, Long Street is a melting pot of bare brick walls, comfy couches, cocktails and retro lighting. Cosy bars and stunning roof decks are perfect for hot summer nights, casting a warm glow over balconies and creating a laid-back feel as you watch the world go by.

Relaxing on a secluded sandy shore can still be one of the top things to do when visiting Cape Town. Beta Beach is a mere 10-minutes’ drive from the city centre and Oudekraal is a protected cove right next door. Surrounded by trees, this area forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is a perfect stop for those hiking around the outskirts.

Cape Town tips

Discover Cape Town’s cultural heritage and experience the city’s jazz scene or 'Cape Jazz'. This is styled with a distinct African spice and makes for inspirational listening, having traditionally stemmed from struggling artists during the apartheid years. Jazz is a way of life in Cape Town, found everywhere from the heart of town to lavish cigar lounges.