Cape Town

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Cape Town is a BIG favourite for our Keyhole guests. The city pretty much has the lot. History, iconic views at every turn, excellent accommodation options and a melting pot of cultures which make the cuisine some of the best you will find in South Africa. No matter how long you stay here, the city will grab your attention and you will find space in your heart for this quite incredible destination.

Highlights

  • TABLE MOUNTAIN: Take the cable car or if you are feeling adventurous hike up to the top of Table Mountain.

  • ROBBEN ISLAND: Go to Robben Island and take a tour of the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18-years of his 27-year prison sentence. The tours are conducted by former political prisoners who were themselves incarcerated on the island. This is a fantastic half day excursion which you will not want to miss.

  • CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: Drive out of Cape Town, along the stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive towards the Cape of Good Hope. This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean and really does feel like one of the world’s most incredible frontiers. On the way back to Cape Town, visit the famous Jackass Penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

  • KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANTICAL GARDENS: These really are a must-see whilst you are in Cape Town. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the most incredible gardens which put a strong emphasis on the cultivation of South Africa’s indigenous plants. Nestled at the lower slope of Table Mountain, it really is a beautiful setting for a wander.

  • WINE TOUR: Enjoy a day trip, or even better still, head out to the winelands for a few days and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, where the majority of the best South African wine is produced. On your tour, learn about each of the vineyards and enjoy a lazy lunch surrounded by the most stunning views. If you venture out to Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, then make sure you plan to visit these towns as they are very interesting in their own right.

  • The V&A WATERFRONT: For many guests, this will become a regular haunt for their time in Cape Town. It is here, where you will find some excellent restaurants and just as good shopping and entertainment. You will no doubt find yourself here a lot, enjoying the hustle and bustle, either in the day, evening or late on into the night.

  • SHARK CAGE DIVING: For those guests who have a passion for wildlife and seeing Great White Sharks in their natural habitat, a day trip to Gansbaii is an absolute must during your time in Cape Town. Be warned, it is a very early start but the experience is quite incredible. The boat company that is used is specifically chosen so that our guests get the most ecological experience on offer.

  • SAFARI: If you are not planning on visiting Kruger, Madikwe or any of the other Private Game Reserves that we recommend in South Africa but were hoping to still tick-off a BIG 5 Safari off your bucket list, then we highly recommend visiting Aquila Game Reserve whilst you are in Cape Town. Only 2-hours from the city, this is the closest “genuine” safari experience that you can access in a day from Cape Town. If you have a little longer, then stay the night and relax in their luxury accommodation and enjoy sundowners over looking the reserve.

Where to Stay?

We have a number of accommodation options available but below is a list of some options that will give you an idea of what is available for your stay in this destination. Cape Town has a good mix of accommodation but we would certainly recommend choosing from the plentiful hotel and aparthotel options that the city offers. Transport links are improving cross the city and taxis and Uber works well across Cape Town so you can choose to stay in a number of suburbs throughout the city.

High-end Accommodation

The Vineyard Hotel: One of Cape Town’s main stays on any article which covers the city’s best hotels. Due to its luxurious setting and incredible facilities, it is the “go to” hotel for professional sports teams that visit Cape Town for prestigious fixtures versus South Africa (England football, cricket and rugby teams have all stayed here in the recent past). The hotel which is 15-20 mins from the V&A Waterfront, is situated in the leafy suburb of Newlands and is close to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The hotel offers a choice of rooms or suites, all of which either overlook the courtyard or the “Mountain”.

The staff, accommodation, restaurant, gardens and leisure facilities are befitting of the 5* status and reputation that the hotel holds.

Mid-Range Accommodation

The Townhouse Hotel: The Townhouse hotel is a fabulous option for guests who want to be close to the centre of Cape Town and near to the V&A Waterfront. This 12-story hotel has all of the characteristics of a very comfortable 4* hotel. The rooms are furnished to a high standard and the on-site bar and restaurant provide excellent choices throughout the day. The central location means that a lot of Cape Town’s site of interest are right on your doorstep and the hospitality that the hotel staff offer is excellent. This hotel has all of the attributes to ensure that you have a great base for your stay in this fantastic city.

The Holiday Inn, Strand Street: With its central location and excellent on-site facilities, the Holiday Inn really is a good option for your stay in the heart of Cape Town. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are excellent. The hotel is surrounded by a number of bars, restaurants and cafes and a lot of Cape Town’s central must-dos are on its doorstep. The V&A Waterfront is a short 10-mins walk from the front door.

The Latitude Aparthotel: For those guests who would like a “home from home” stay, then this Aparthotel offers a fantastic option. Located in Seapoint, you are close to the beach and there are a great array of cafes and restaurants which you can pick from from. There are 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments available, all of which are furnished to a very high standard and the balconies offer views either over the ocean or the Mountain. The café and plunge pool on the top floor add to the quality of the accommodation.

If you are interested in adding this destination to your personalised travel experience, then please do not hesitate to contact me below.