Visit South Africa, Cape Town, for the ultimate beach, wine and Big 5 safari holiday. From serving the best views on top of Table Mountain to putting the ‘wild’ in wildlife adventures, Africa’s Mother City is the star of the show on 2024’s must-travel list.
You’ve seen the city’s top attraction all over your social media, we know you’ve always wanted to go on a Big 5 African safari, and, just this weeK, Cape Town International Airport was once again voted Africa’s best airport for 2024 (that’s 9 years in a row!). So, with so much to see and do, we’ve put together a few reasons why you should visit South Africa for the best holiday memories, all in one city — Cape Town.
Cape Town: Africa’s Mother City
Planning your 2024 adventures? Forget the bucket-list, Cape Town deserves it’s own throne! Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is like the VIP section of travel destinations, giving you the crème de la crème of coastal, mountain and metropolitan attractions. But hey, it’s not just us hyping up Cape Town; it recently scored second place in the world’s best city rankings this year, with New York taking the top spot. But here’s the secret: ask any local or tourist, and they’ll tell you Cape Town deserves the gold medal.
Think of Cape Town as your fairy godmother, waving her wand to grant all your travel wishes. Dreamy white-sand beaches? Check! Michelin-starred restaurants and wine farms straight out of a foodie fantasy? Check and check! How about safari tours with Africa’s Big 5 and up-close wildlife encounters?Absolutely, yes!
Perhaps you’re looking for scenic costal routes with penguins waddling by, whales breaching, and seals surfing the waves? We’ve got it all! Plus, the accommodation is fit for royalty, and the nightlife? Let’s just say, you won’t be yawning in Cape Town after sundown. The city is a one-stop-shop for all your favourite holiday memories!
Safari Day Trips and Big 5 Wildlife Tours
Forget hauling your luggage across the continent or booking expensive transfers to Kenya — voted Cape Town’s best Big 5 safari destination, Aquila Private Game Reserve’s day trip and overnight safari tours offer travellers and wildlife enthusiasts the incredible chance to see Africa’s Big 5 close to the city. Guests can also sight zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, buffalo, wildebeest, and so much more.
It’s almost too good to be true, but a Cape Town safari is the best way to witness free-roaming wild animals without changing up your city sightseeing itinerary. Winner of the 2023 Luxury Continent Hotel Award for the best Private Game Reserve in Africa, Aquila’s family-friendly Big 5 safari is an unforgettable wildlife journey complimented by South African service excellence and convenient (meals included) tour packages.
Venture into the Karoo in a 4×4 open-air safari vehicle, ride out on horseback, or get your thrill on with a quad bike safari. For those seeking a truly luxurious and rejuvenating escape inspired by nature, Tranquila Spa‘s natural products and spa treatments offer safari guests tranquility, peace and healing surrounded by Africa’s remote wilderness.
Stunning Beaches and Abundant Marine Life
If you meet anyone from Cape Town, one of the first things they’ll tell you is that Cape Town has some of the best beaches in Africa. Okay, we admit the water can be cold, but nothing will get between you and the crystal-clear turquoise waters on a sunny day. Join the locals as they sunbathe on the natural rock formations at Saunders Beach, enjoy the vibrant beach-life in Clifton, or visit one of the many stunning restaurants, bars and clubs along the main road in Sea Point.
You’ve probably seen pictures of the incredible views along Chapman’s Peak, one the world’s most scenic coastal routes. Featured in numerous television shows and Blockbuster movies, it’s an ode to Cape Town’s marine scenery with sheer ocean drops below and majestic mountains towering above.
The city is also one of the only places in the world where penguins roam free and can be seen waddling around public beaches. From Cape Fur Seals to Southern Right Whales, Bottle-Nose Dolphins and Great White Sharks, spectacular marine sightings can be enjoyed year-round.
Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know Cape Town is one of the only cities in the world with coastlines facing north, south, east, and west? Talk about location, location, location! Travellers to Cape Town can even visit the iconic Tip of Africa. Stand at the southernmost point on the African continent and witness the place where the two oceans meet (Atlantic and Indian Oceans).
Cape Town Winelands and Vermiculture
The Cape Winelands region has made it’s mark on the international wine scene thanks to its historic vineyards, wine farm tours, and growing collection of fine-dining restaurants. With it’s unique coastal and mountainous landscapes, the Western Cape is home to more than 550 wine farms and wine estates.
Although Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Constantia, Paarl and Robertson are the most popular regions, offering amazing wine tours and wine tasting routes close to the city, you can find premium bottles of local wines at every restaurant, shop or bar — all for really affordable prices.
As you hop between cellar tours, restaurants and wine tastings, you’ll pass grand Cape Dutch buildings from the colonial era, renowned for their white stone walls and distinct architecture. The Cape wine region features various international grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, to mention a few, but it’s Chenin Blanc, Cinsalult and Pinotage that represent South Africa’s indigenous grape and signature varieties.
A bottle of Pinotage, grown and bottled in the Cape, is a particular collector’s item for anyone serious about their reds. But there’s more to these valleys than breath-taking views and award-winning wines. A true testament to the quality and abundance of South Africa, the Cape Winelands are a must-visit corner on the African continent.
World-Class Restaurants and Buzzing Night Life
Forget everything you think you know about food because a visit to South Africa is the promise of an incredible and authentic culinary journey like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Known as Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town is the beating heart of the continent’s diverse culture, rich flavours and traditional artistry — and it shines through in the city’s world-class restaurants and local food scene.
Dive into fresh, seasonal fare at trendy Kloof Street eateries, savour Cape Malay curries in the historic Bo-Kaap district, or indulge in freshly-caught seafood with panoramic ocean views at the V&A Waterfront. A hub of eclectic cafes, weekend food markets, vegan dishes and vegetarian delights, no matter your taste, Cape Town has something to tantalise your palate.
Once the sun sets, the city transforms. Bree Street comes alive with buzzing bars and rooftop terraces, perfect for sipping on cocktails or craft beers under the stars. Dance the night away at trendy clubs pumping out the latest beats, or savour a glass of South African Fynbos Gin in a sophisticated jazz bar. Cape Town’s nightlife caters to every mood, ensuring you can unwind, party, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere after a day of exploration.
Visit South Africa: Amazing Holiday Moments Await
South Africa, and particularly Cape Town, is a dream travel destination waiting to be explored. Imagine yourself standing atop Table Mountain, the iconic flat-topped peak that dominates the city skyline. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the city and rugged coastline, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Lovers of art, history and architecture will also be spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to explore the Zeitz MOCAA gallery, showcasing contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Delve into the rich colonial history at the Iziko South African National Gallery, housing a collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces alongside local and international works.
Uncover the stories of Cape Town’s Apartheid struggle at the District Six Museum, or take a ferry to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was held captive for 27 years), now a poignant reminder and educational tour of South Africa’s complex past.
Cape Town truly boasts a vibrant mix of instagram-worthy beaches, foodie hot-spots, historic wineries, and African wildlife encounters. So, pack your bags, dust off your walking shoes, and get ready to create unforgettable holiday memories on your visit to South Africa.
