Cape Town is a dramatic city with a skyline rich in natural gems and breathtaking panoramic vistas. In the city - the most visited tourist destination in all of Africa - the elements take centre stage and nature lovers and outdoors types will be spoilt.
The city bowl is shaped like an amphitheatre on the shores of Table Bay, with its picturesque harbour at the forefront and dramatic Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the sheer cliffs of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head crowning its edges. Surrounded by stunning beaches, wine country and lush green landscapes, Cape Town is alive with energy, imploring the visitor to get out in the fresh air and scale its heights.
Dominating the skyline is Table Mountain, the peaks of which boast the most breathtaking views of Cape Town and its surrounds. For the more energetic, a hike to the top could easily take half a day otherwise, there is a cable way providing a much quicker shortcut. If you love hiking and have time on your hands, there are some great trails all over the Cape Peninsula from leisurely strolls to taxing treks, all with incredible panoramas, natural wonders and diverse wildlife. With 70 peaks above 1000 feet all within the city limits, you could easily spend weeks here discovering new walks. The Cape of Good Hope hiking trail is a very popular walk, as is the trek up Devil’s Peak.
If hiking on your holiday sounds a bit too strenuous but you still enjoy green open spaces, then a wander through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a must. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, it has an incredible collection of South African flora. Popular with both tourists and locals, it is said to be one of the most beautiful Botanical Gardens in the world. If you are in Cape Town on a Sunday between December and March be sure to attend one of the Summer Sunset Concerts held in the garden.
The Company Gardens in the city centre is Cape Town’s answer to Central Park and is another popular destination for nature lovers. You will also find The National Gallery and The South African Museum in its grounds, which are well worth a visit. The area surrounding the Company’s Gardens is quite affluent, with plenty of chic restaurants, boutique shops and Cape Town hotels making it a good place to base yourself. There is nothing better than rising early and taking a jog through the Gardens, before the awakening crowds descend.
Sand and sea lovers will also find plenty to splash about at Cape Town’s famed beaches. False Bay is a long sandy stretch of uninterrupted beach on the east side of the cape boasting warm waters and fewer crowds. The Atlantic seaboard facing west has some beautiful beaches backed by the mountains of the peninsular and is the prime spot to watch a golden African sunset. Further North is the West Coast, with pristine white sandy beaches popular for surfing and kite-surfing.
For a great day trip, venture just outside Cape Town to discover the vast, tranquil Winelands Region. A ramble through the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek, sampling some of South Africa’s best wines accompanied with a lush, mountainous backdrop is a Cape Town experience not to be missed.
There are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy in Cape Town including charter fishing, sailing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, caving, paragliding and hang-gliding to name but a few. No matter what your favourite outdoor pastime is, the city’s dramatic landscape lends itself to be discovered by nature lovers, photographers and adventurers alike.
Catherine Clay writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
