South Africa - Cape Peninsular
Prices quoted are correct as of June 2026
Cape Town and Cape Peninsula – this area is a magnet for tourists with the city of Cape Town itself and the contrasting scenery on the Peninsular.
It’s a shame the first and last impression one has when flying into or out of Cape Town is of the massive Khayelitsha township, home to some 392,000 residents because the city itself is very impressive.
Dominated by the famous, impressive, Table Mountain Cape Town is probably one of the safest cities for tourists, although in some of the town centre squares tourists will be harassed by beggars.
There are some lovely beaches from where sublime sunsets can be viewed and in the distance Robben Island can be seen – the island is where Nelson Mandala spent some of his time whilst a political prisoner and trips to the island are available, but are very popular so need booking in advance.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area is one of the main tourist attractions with a mix of shopping and dining options and is open from early morning until late into the night. There are shopping malls with big name stores along with independents selling everything from basics to the quirky. On the food front all tastes from fast food through to gourmet dining is available. There are great views of the Atlantic Ocean and, when the cloud obliges, Table Mountain.A good way of exploring the city is on an open top bus tour, indeed the many routes not only cover the city itself but a fair amount of the Peninsula as well. A ticket is 345 rand (£15.60) for one day and 445 rand (£20.13) for a two day pass, both valid on all the bus routes.
The Red tour covers most of the main city attractions, including a stop at the cable car station half way up Table Mountain. The cable car runs to the top of the mountain, weather permitting, the key words being weather permitting. Most days the mountain is shrouded by cloud, affectionately known as the table cloth because it hangs on the top of the mountain. If the cloud doesn’t scupper your plans to take the cable car then the high winds may do so as the mountain bears the brunt of Atlantic gales. However if you can get to the top the views are stunning. Cost of the cable car is 450 rand (£20.35) return for an adult and 220 rand (£9.95) for children 4-17, single trips are 295 rand (£13.34) and 160 rand (£3) respectively.
The far side of Table Mountain is home to Kirstenbosch Gardens, widely agreed to be amongst top ten gardens in the world and on the Blue bus route. Admission is 200 rand (£9.05) for non-South Africans so it can be good value even visiting for just an hour or two, although if you want to spend a full day in the gardens you will find plenty to see. It’s even better value for children with an admission charge of 25 rand (£1.13).A couple of stops along the blue route brings you to come to the World Of Birds, the largest bird park in Africa, home to over 3,000 birds, not to mention baboons, meerkats, monkeys and more. Admission is only 130 rand (£5.88) for adults and 50 rand (£2.26) for children and allow a couple of hours to get the most of the place. I have to say it's undoubtedly the best bird sanctuaries I have ever visited.
Staying on the Blue route and you will reach Mariners Wharf said to be the home of the best fish and chips in Cape Town but even if that claim is exaggerated it’s a lovely place to visit. A popular harbour and the possibility of many boat trips – in the harbour or to nearby Seal Island.
Simon’s Town is a major naval base but is also a quaint town. Nearby Boulders Beach has a colony of African penguins and is popular with tourists and they seen quite obvivious to the human visitors.
Cape Point, aka the Cape Of Good Hope, is the most south-westerly point of the African continent and due to its proximity to Cape Town is more popular than the southern most point at Cape Agulhas. Cape Point is a national park and there are photo points where you can mark your visit. At Cape Point itself there is a lighthouse and tourist attractions.It’s quite a climb to the top of the point but a funicular runs from the car park to the top. Once at the top you are at the whim of the weather gods as the point is often shrouded in cloud. Another handicap are the baboons who will have no compunction in mugging visitors for their food.
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