Your Inside Guide to the Best Safari Vacation in Cape Town & Surrounds

Cape Town is the ideal destination for travellers looking to experience the best of what South African safari vacations have to offer. From its picturesque beaches and awe-inspiring mountains to its vibrant culture, delectable food, and diverse scenery, there are plenty of unique attractions that make Cape Town a must-visit destination on any South African safari. 

9 Amazing Day Trips in & Around Cape Town 

Cape Town is a city with no shortage of amazing day trips to consider while on safari in South Africa. From exploring the city's beautiful beaches and mountains to tasting award-winning wines, here are 10 incredible adventures that you should check out during your Cape Town safari vacation. 

Cape Town’s Best Beaches 

Cape Town’s incredible geography, a mountain perched precipitously on the edge of two oceans, presents visitors with some breathtaking beaches and scenery to rival the best in the world. With over twenty incredible beaches, it's worth picking a few of your favourites, and weather permitting, spending a day chasing the sun and waves. 

Start on the False Bay coast with a sunrise surf at Muizenberg, a popular beginner surfers spot. You can walk or drive on to the colourful St, James, and Kalk Bay which are popular with locals and visitors alike, good food, coffee, and interesting shops make it a brilliant place to soak up the sun and eat ice cream before heading for fish and chips at the harbour. I’d cluster these together for a morning or a day. 

The southern Cape Peninsula from Simons Town around the coast to Noordhoek Beach is studded with pristine out-of-the-way gems. Get close to nature with little-visited beaches on the wild coastline of the Cape Point Nature Reserve or visit the bohemian but increasingly popular Scarborough and Kommetjie, loved by locals for their laid-back seaside holiday vibes. Noordhoek’s endless white sands are epic and always worth a stroll. 

Wherever you choose to go, take in the breathtaking scenery, breathe in the brisk sea air, and keep your eyes open for delis, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with delicious food to give you fuel along the way.

The Table Mountain Experience 

It always astounds me that Table Mountain exists. This is not a small mountain, but a massive bulk, with fast-changing weather, dangerous cliffs, and enough hiking, climbing, and mountain biking to last you decades. The best way to experience Table Mountain is on foot, on the various day trails that crisscross her slopes. 

The first stop, of course, is the Table Mountain Cable Car. I always recommend, health and fitness permitting, that people walk up Platteklip Gorge, and then take the cable car down. The views from the top are incredible, and once there you can get a coffee and something to eat before heading down again.  

Another favourite, close to Cape Town City centre, is Lions Head. No cable car here, but the walk is a little easier than Table Mountain’s Platteklip Gorge, and both are easily accessible. Views of the CBD, Bo Kaap, Seapoint, Clifton, Camps Bay, Table Mountain, and the 12 Apostles, are breathtaking. Take a snack and a flask of your chosen beverage. If you are lucky enough to be in Cape Town during a full moon, you will see a trail of head-torches winding up Lions Head. It’s a monthly pilgrimage that locals like to make, and a great opportunity to be surrounded by good vibes and the warm electric glow of the city at night. 

You can hike any number of routes around Table Mountain, from the 12 Apostles to Silvermine. Most can be done in a single or half day, but, if hiking is not your thing, you can also access the mountain on a mountain bike. Find a knowledgeable local guide who can recommend the best routes for your fitness level and needs. 

Wine Away Time in Constantia, Stellenbosch & Franschhoek  

South Africa is awash with award-winning wines from local wineries that will welcome you in for a taste and a meal. And, the Cape Winelands is the most prestigious and famous wine region in the country. Often the wine farms offer opportunities to tour the farms, get up close to the wine-making process, enjoy fine food in their restaurants - accompanied by some of the best wines in the world - and enjoy their often beautiful gardens. 

In the shadow of Table Mountain sits Constantia. With 338 years of wine-making heritage at the tip of Africa, this is the home of the southern hemisphere wine industry. Visit Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest producing wine farm, founded in 1685, on a hop-on hop-off Cape Town Tour bus, or sign up for an exclusive private wine tour and discover all about the microclimates, soils, and processes that make this area so unique. 

Just under an hour away from Cape Town city centre is South Africa’s second oldest town, Stellenbosch. It might as well be in another country the feel is so different. Rich in cultural history, Stellenbosch is a student town full of galleries, coffee shops, and interesting restaurants, that have a unique buzz of friendly activity. Stellenbosch is surrounded by wine lands and is home to South Africa’s oldest established wine route. Enjoy unforgettable cellar tours on award-winning wine estates, or relax in any number of Stellenbosch’s celebrated restaurants. 

Another 30 minutes through the Hells Hoogte Pass, through incredible mountain scenery, will put you in the much-vaunted Franschhoek valley. Founded in 1688 by French Huguenots, Franschhoek is a picturesque hamlet that has become synonymous with fine dining and excellent wine.  

Franschhoek encourages you to walk its charming streets, spend a morning at the Saturday market, or explore its numerous wine estate experiences. The Wine Tram is perennially popular with 10 hop-on hop-off routes to choose from, it’s a brilliant way to get a feel for this beautiful valley. If you get a chance, visit the Huguenot Museum to learn the history of these remarkable refugees who transformed this spectacular valley into the culinary hub that it is today. 

Visit World Class Sculpture Gardens 

While most people go to Constantia, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek to eat out and visit the best wine farms in the Cape Winelands, they are also art hubs and boast some world-class fine art experiences.  

The Norval Foundation Art Museum is nestled against Table Mountain near the Silver Mine Pass and Constantia. Their impressive gallery (and restaurant) serves to celebrate South African art, and their gorgeous garden displays sculptures by some of South Africa’s best artistic minds. 

In Stellenbosch, take the time to visit the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. Famous for his big cat sculptures, Dylan Lewis’s sculptures are sought after around the world. The Sculpture Garden is set between the rugged mountains and trim suburbs. Over 60 sculptures, tracing Dylan’s artistic journey, dot the Garden between sculpted hedges, manicured lawns, and water features. Incredible attention to detail, predominantly indigenous garden, and breathtaking setting create an experience that inspires awe. The coffee shop serves good coffee and some tasty treats too. 

Grand Provance and Leeu Estate, two of Franschhoek’s premier destinations, both have art galleries at the centre of their operations. Grand Provance has a restaurant, deli, gallery, and sculpture garden all rolled into one. It’s a great place to walk in the shade of ancient trees and explore some of South Africa’s most successful sculptors. The Leeu Estate experience is a 5-star destination, with tantalizing accommodation, dining, and day spa options. Luckily, their Gallery is open to the public and nestled in an impressive garden. It is a wonderful stop to see some of the examples of South Africa’s best artists. They have a good mixture of sculpture and painting with regular exhibitions in the main gallery. 

This is not an extensive list, and notable omissions are The Zeitz Mocha, Delaire Graaf Estate, Spier Wine Estate, and the Tokara Olive and Wine Estate.  

Table Bay Harbor & Robben Island 

The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s premier destinations, with loads of activities from art, markets, aquariums, and shopping to keep visitors entertained for hours. It is also the departure point for tours of Table Bay and Robben Island. 

A cruise around Table Bay is a must while visiting Cape Town. There are multiple options for you to choose from, something for everyone. Hop on board the Jolly Roger Pirate ship, take a sunset cruise on a modern yacht, sail a catamaran, be thrilled on a high-powered motorboat tour, or experience the wonder of nature on a marine wildlife exploration. No matter your chosen vessel, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to get a new perspective on Mother City and her impressive mountain chaperone. 

If you have a more historical inclination, you will want to book a guided tour of Robben Island. This prison island in Table Bay is infamous for being the prison home of South Africa’s struggle leader, and first democratically elected leader, Nelson Mandela. This 3.5-hour tour departs from the V&A Waterfront, includes your ferry ride in both directions, will take you to all the sites including the Garrison Church, the Krammat Shrine, and Nelson Mandela’s cell, and tell you all about the island’s roughly 500-year history. 

Street Life: Colorful Bo Kaap & Woodstock 

Cape Town has a chequered past, coloured by colonialism and apartheid, and more recently South Africa’s fraught transition into democracy. As a result, there are a number of colourful, and interesting suburbs that make for a fascinating experience. 

The colourful suburb of Bo-Kaap - Located in Cape Town's historic Bo-Kaap district – was formerly known as the Malay Quarter. The origins date back to the 1760s when houses were built to hire slaves from Malaysia and Indonesia. This vibrant neighbourhood has kept close to its Asian roots and today is one of the trendiest spots in Cape Town. Markets with exotic spices, local crafts, street food, and informative walking tours are all available as you soak up the atmosphere in one of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods. 

Woodstock has worn many faces from a trendy seaside resort to an industrial area, and crime-ridden no-go zone. Since the 90s however, Woodstock has increasingly been seen as a creative and artistic hub. Factories have been repurposed as art studios, and design offices, and trendy coffee shops and eateries line the streets just outside of Cape Town’s city centre. Street Art has been a major contributor to Woodstock's transformation. Today, you can do a walking Street Art Tour that will take you to all the best spots to experience this vibrant and edgy art scene replete with murals, graffiti, and public art installations. 

The Company’s Garden & Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden 

Jan van Riebeck, Cape Town’s first European visitor, started a vegetable garden to supply passing ships with fresh fruit and vegetables on their way from Europe to the East and back again. Take a stroll through the Company’s Garden - Established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company. This beautiful park is home to centuries-old oak trees, a 360-year-old pear tree, manicured gardens, sculptures, fountains, and statues. Situated in the heart of the Cape Town CBD, the Garden is surrounded by places of interest, St George Cathedral, the South African Museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre, Iziko Slave Lodge, the National Art Gallery, and the Labia Theatre. Don’t miss strolling through this tranquil and peaceful spot in the heart of Cape Town.  

Kirstenbosch Garden, an easy 20-minute drive from the Company’s Garden, is another part of South Africa’s interesting gardening heritage. This is the site where Jan van Riebeck sought permission from the VOC to plant a protective hedge, meant to keep the wilderness of Africa at bay. Today the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is an oasis of manicured lawns, gorgeous indigenous flora, the Boomslang Tree Top Bridge, occasional mother caracal and cubs, and a mecca for families and nature enthusiasts who can explore and hike to their heart's content. Look out for the remnants of Jan van Riebeck’s hedge in which children often play.  

Experience Wildlife Up-close: Sharks & Penguins 

The ocean around Cape Town is alive with life both large and small. In the waters of False Bay, you can find whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, orcas, and sharks. You can do cruises in False Bay, Hermanus, or Gaansbaai, to explore these interesting ecosystems, and get up close with some of these marine animals.  

It's worth mentioning that the whale-watching season runs from June to November. At this time of year, you can observe whales from False Bay all the way to Port Elizabeth. The premier land-based whale watching is to be found in Hermanus. Peak season is in September when you will be rewarded with the Whale Festival. 

Seeing African penguins on a sandy beach in Cape Town is one of the highlights of any trip to South Africa. It’s an experience so simple and anachronistic as to leave a life-long impression. These quirky, loveable, and highly endangered flightless birds are firm favourites with locals and tourists alike. To spend time with penguins, visit Boulders Beach, and get up close with the colony of penguins that calls the beach their home. Take some time to wander along the boardwalks too, or take part in one of the guided tours offered by local operators.  

Big 5 Safaris near Cape Town

South Africa’s top safari destination is the Kruger National Park. But, did you know that you can experience a Big 5 safari only 177 km from Mother City? So, in about 2 to 3 hours you'll be inside one of the authentic Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town.

In just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, you can embark on an affordable Big 5 safari in Aquila Game Reserve. Then the slightly larger Inverdoorn Game Reserve awaits only 3 hours from Cape Town. After that comes, the much bigger Sanbona Wildlife Reserve about 3.5 hours from Cape Town, followed by Gondwana Game Reserve some 4.5 hours from the city.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a truly unique safari experience. Privately owned by a not-for-profit company, this 58 000 hectare wildlife reserve, offers not only the big 5, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino, but a rich mosaic of critically important habitat and varied game viewing in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Sanbona’s big draw is its conservation-centered experience. Your safari will directly benefit their conservation efforts, and the communities that they serve. Whether you visit Sanbona for nature walks, game drives, San rock art tours, birdwatching, photography, or stargazing, you get to experience firsthand how Sanbona is making a difference. 

From luxury accommodations to tented camps, or family-friendly lodges, Sanbona has a lot to offer its visitors. And, being in the Western Cape, means that this is a malaria-free safari destination.

Best Things to Do on Cape Town Safari Vacations in South Africa

Being on safari in South Africa is about more than just wildlife viewing and the Big 5. Take full advantage of all that Cape Town has to offer by exploring some of these truly unforgettable experiences. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty, Cape Town has something for everyone from sampling award-winning wines to discovering its vibrant culture and learning about its history. No matter where you go and what you choose to do, exploring Cape Town will give you enough inspiration to last a lifetime. 

For more ideas see our shortlist list of the best adventure activities in Cape Town.

Chat with one of our travel experts in Cape Town for help planning your ultimate South African safari vacation.