The 2 must-do excursions to Cape Town in South Africa
There is so much to do in Cape Town that you never know where to start. But there are activities that you shouldn't miss: the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (it is the most beautiful in South Africa but it is above all classified in the 5 most beautiful in the world) and the excursion to the robben island prison. It is best to do the garden in the morning and the prison in the afternoon (or vice versa!).
Visit to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and its suspension bridge
Start the day with the huge national garden. These many plants and the beauty of the site have made it one of the most famous in the world. Stroll on these flowery hills offering a magnificent view of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers a superb collection of Proteas, the emblem of South Africa, which can only be found in this country. Don't miss her either suspension bridge that passes over the canopy! It is one of the Cape Town must-do excursions if you have children!
The +: From December to the end of March, many concerts are given in the park in the late afternoon. If artists interest you, book on the internet in advance and plan a picnic / aperitif basket on site to fully enjoy this exceptional site.
Nelson Mandela's Famous Prison: A Day Trip from Cape Town to Robben Island
In the afternoon, direction the Waterfront to take the ferry to Robben Island. The prison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was made famous by political prisoner Nelson Mandela. The island is loaded with heavy and sad South African history and the visit is really intense because all the guides are former prisoners of the apartheid regime! A truly unmissable Cape Town excursion!
Tips:
-We strongly recommend that you buy your tickets for Robben Island prison in advance if you are traveling to South Africa between December and February as the ferries are often full at this time.
-The visit to Robben Island is exclusively in English. If you want to discover Cape Town and Robben Island accompanied by a guide who speaks your language, we recommend private tours offered by Civitatis (select a language on their site at the top right).
Book this tour
The + : If you have time after the ferry, the market 'The Water Shed ' du Waterfront is a good place to buy souvenirs made by locals, go shopping or buy vacuum-packed biltong to bring back in your suitcases!
Sleep in a central area of Cape Town in a quality B&B
To stay in Cape Town, The Villa Rosa is an excellent guest house located in Sea Point – an area close to the city center and the sea. It is perfect for being both close to the restaurants/bars of Kloof street and not far from the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Plus, you'll be right next to the famous seaside promenade and Mojo Market.
Check availabilityFor more options, read our article on Cape Town hotels we recommend.
Or the one who details the best areas to stay in Cape Town, South Africa.
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com. This comparator is the best way to find rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
