Cape Town has a habit of changing travel plans.

Many visitors arrive in Africa focused entirely on safari. The excitement of tracking lions, watching elephants at a waterhole, and exploring wild landscapes often dominates the conversation long before the journey begins.

And rightly so. But then they arrive in Cape Town.

Watch: Why Cape Town Captivates Travellers

Before we dive in, hear from BHS guide Jo Cooper on why Cape Town is so much more than a safari stopover.

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As Jo Cooper, one of our BHS guides, often says:

"A lot of people don't realise that Cape Town can be a standalone destination. Everybody comes to Africa, and it's all safari, safari, safari, which is very true and very justifiable. But Cape Town has, for years and years, been recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world."

Built beneath the dramatic slopes of Table Mountain and surrounded by ocean, vineyards, mountains, wildlife, and history, Cape Town offers something few destinations can match: an extraordinary variety.

One day, you're exploring colourful neighbourhoods and world-class restaurants. The next you're watching African penguins on a white-sand beach. The day after that, you're tasting wine beneath mountain peaks that seem lifted from a painting.

For many travellers, Cape Town becomes far more than a stop before safari.

It becomes one of the highlights of the entire journey.

For travellers looking to spend more time in the Mother City, our Cape Town destination guide explores some of our favourite places to stay, experiences, and itineraries.

What Makes Cape Town So Special?

There are beautiful cities.

Then there are cities that feel almost impossibly diverse.

Cape Town sits at the meeting point of mountains, oceans, cultures, and ecosystems. Few places on Earth offer such a broad range of experiences within such a short distance of one another.

Within an hour of the city centre, you can experience:

• Table Mountain
• Robben Island
• The V&A Waterfront
• Bo-Kaap
• Cape Point
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
• The Cape Winelands
• Whale watching routes along False Bay and the Overberg
• World-renowned restaurants and vineyards

As Jo puts it:

"If you do it right, you could easily spend a week in Cape Town having different experiences every day, from the Winelands to the Peninsula to the penguins to the Overberg and whale migration going through there."

And that's exactly why we often recommend spending four to seven nights in the region rather than rushing through it.

Table Mountain: Cape Town's Icon

Every great city has a landmark.

Cape Town has Table Mountain.

Rising dramatically above the city, this flat-topped giant is one of the oldest mountains on Earth and one of South Africa's most recognisable natural landmarks.

Whether you take the cableway or hike to the summit, the reward is the same: panoramic views stretching from the city bowl to Robben Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Cape Peninsula.

For first-time visitors, it's often the perfect introduction to the Cape.

Meet the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Few wildlife encounters surprise travellers more than discovering penguins in Africa.

Located near Simon's Town, Boulders Beach is home to one of the world's most accessible colonies of endangered African Penguins. Protected by ancient granite boulders and calm turquoise waters, it's one of the Cape's most memorable experiences.

The boardwalks allow visitors to observe the colony without disturbing the birds while supporting important conservation efforts.

Explore the Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula is where Cape Town's scenery becomes truly spectacular.

A full-day journey typically includes:

• Chapman's Peak Drive
• Cape Point
• Cape of Good Hope
• Simon's Town
• Boulders Beach
• Dramatic Atlantic and False Bay coastlines

This is the Cape at its wildest and most photogenic.

Discover the Colour and Culture of Bo-Kaap

One of Cape Town's most recognisable neighbourhoods, Bo-Kaap offers far more than colourful houses.

Its history stretches back more than 260 years and reflects the rich Cape Malay heritage that helped shape the city we know today.

Exploring on foot provides insight into Cape Town's cultural identity, architecture, food, and traditions.

Escape to The Cape Winelands

Just 40 minutes from Cape Town, the Winelands feel like an entirely different destination.

The Winelands are just one part of a much wider Cape experience. Explore our curated collection of Cape journeys and experiences for more inspiration across this remarkable corner of South Africa.

Historic towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek combine mountain scenery, exceptional food, boutique hotels and some of the finest wine estates in the Southern Hemisphere.

For many travellers, this becomes the perfect contrast to both city exploration and safari.

One of our favourite ways to experience the Cape is by pairing the city with a few days in the Winelands. Explore our Cape Town & Winelands Guide for inspiration on where to stay, what to see, and why this region deserves more than just a day trip.

Why Cape Town Pairs So Well With Safari

One of the reasons Cape Town features in so many of our itineraries is that it complements safari perfectly.

While safari immerses you in the wild, Cape Town adds culture, food, wine, history, and some of Africa's most spectacular scenery. Together, they create one of the continent's most rewarding travel experiences.

The logistics are remarkably simple too. Direct flights connect Cape Town with the Greater Kruger and the Eastern Cape, making it easy to combine the city with some of South Africa's finest wildlife destinations. If you're considering a broader journey, our South Africa destination guide showcases some of the destinations that pair perfectly with Cape Town.

"Access to multiple safari destinations is so easy from Cape Town. Direct flights from Cape Town to Greater Kruger, Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, where you can access the Eastern Cape reserves. It's a must-do and a must-see." Jo Cooper, BHS Guide

For many travellers, that's the magic of South Africa: one day spent wine tasting beneath mountain peaks, the next tracking lions through the bushveld.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Cape Town?

One of the most common questions we receive is how long to spend in Cape Town. While it's possible to see the highlights in a few days, the city rewards travellers who slow down and explore beyond the obvious.

3 Nights
Ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the essentials, including Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and a full-day Cape Peninsula excursion.

4–5 Nights
Our most popular recommendation. This allows time to explore the city, visit Boulders Beach, enjoy the Cape Peninsula, and spend a day discovering the Winelands.

6–7 Nights
Perfect for travellers who want to experience the Cape at a more relaxed pace, with additional time for photography, food and wine experiences, seasonal whale watching, and exploring beyond the city itself.

As Jo Cooper notes, "You could easily spend a week in Cape Town having different experiences every day." And after spending time here, most travellers understand exactly what he means.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Town

Is Cape Town worth visiting before a safari?

Absolutely. Cape Town provides a completely different experience to safari and creates a perfectly balanced South African itinerary.

How many days should I spend in Cape Town?

We recommend a minimum of four nights, with five to seven nights offering a more relaxed experience.

What are the best things to do in Cape Town?

Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap, the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Winelands are among the highlights.

Can Cape Town be combined with the Greater Kruger?

Yes. Direct flights make it easy to connect Cape Town with Hoedspruit, Skukuza and other Greater Kruger gateways.

Can Cape Town be combined with the Eastern Cape?

Yes. Direct flights to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) provide easy access to several excellent Eastern Cape safari reserves.

What is the best time to visit Cape Town?

Cape Town is a year-round destination, although summer (November–March) is particularly popular, while winter offers excellent whale watching opportunities.

Is Cape Town good for photographers?

Cape Town is one of Africa's premier photography destinations thanks to its combination of landscapes, wildlife, culture, architecture and coastline.

Plan Your Cape Town Journey

Cape Town is a destination worth slowing down for.

Spend your days exploring dramatic coastlines, world-class vineyards, vibrant neighbourhoods, and some of South Africa's most iconic landscapes. Paired with safari, it becomes an unforgettable journey that captures the very best of the country.

Ready to start planning? Contact our team to begin your Cape Town adventure.