12 Mar Cape Town

CAPE TOWN

So it’s safe to say I’m Cape Town obsessed.

A few of you wonderful people reading this have contacted me on Instagram, asking for tips and recommendations of things to do in Cape Town, so I have decided to do a little blog for you all. I hardly know where to begin, because there is just so much to do in this beautiful city, so I’ve broken it down into categories:

HIKES
BEACHES
SUNDOWNERS SPOTS
WINETASTING
TOURISTY STUFF
MARKETS
COCKTAIL SPOTS

I really hope this helps, and please don’t hesitate to drop me an email if you have any questions 🙂

HIKES

LIONS HEAD SUNRISE/SUNSET HIKE
This is an absolute essential hike to do in Cape Town! Drive to the top of Aloof street, and park along Signal Hill road – next to the gravel path. It should take you between 40 – 60 minutes to hike up. There is one section with chains & ladders, however, if this is not for you, you can chose the slightly longer route and skip that part. I have done this hike countless time, and still get goosebumps at the top every single time.

SUTHER PEAK
This is my all time favourite hike in Cape Town: totally wild and breathtakingly beautiful. From the top you will see the most spectacular 360 degree views over Sandy Bay, Little Lions Head, Lions Head, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Noordhoek and even Fish Hoek in the distance! However, it’s not for the faint hearted. Unlike the Lion’s Head path, which twirls around the mountain, this hike goes straight up. This is not a very popular hike, so don’t expect to bump into other hikers along the route. One of the trickiest parts is actually finding the path. I couldn’t try compete with the brilliant instructions from ‘FitRoamer’ – so here are his directions (https://fitroamer.com/suther-peak-hike-sandy-bay-cape-town/)

DEVILS PEAK
This hike starts along Tafelberg Road at the bottom of Pcatteklip Gorge. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to get to the top, and has beautiful views over Table Mountain, Lions Head, the harbour as well as the Southern Suburbs.

KASTEELSPOORT
I’m sure you’ve all seen this protruding rock all over Instagram?

LITTLE LIONS HEAD
This is the mountain to the left of Llandudno – it is a bit of a scramble to get up, but won’t take you longer than 40 minutes to get to the top. Thanks to Mike for writing up these great directions (http://www.lifeofmike.co.za/hike-little-lions-head-route-guide/)

BEACHES

OUDEKRAAL
I truly believe that I can travel around the world and would struggle to find a beach more beautiful than this one. This beach is a protected Nature Reserve, which means that there is an entrance fee (only R50 I think) but if you have a Wild Card you’ll be able to get in for free. It is situated between Camps Bay and Llandudno. There are great braai and picnic facilities, so I’d recommend packing some lunch, and spending the whole day in this little piece of paradise!

LLANDUDNO
Lets let the pictures speak for themselves.

SANDY BAY
Disclaimer: this is a nude beach. It’s also one of the quest, wildest, and most beautiful beaches in Cape Town.

HOEK
A popular surf spot, but also a beautiful beach!

CLIFTON
Then, of corse, there’s Clifton 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, as well as Camps Bay.

SUNSET SPOTS

THE ROCK
This magical spot is at the top of Ocean View Drive in Bantry Bay. I usually just type in 286 Ocean View Drive into Google Maps and follow the road all the way up. It is a cul-de-sac, and there is enough parking for 3 or 4 cars at the top, so if it’s full just park lower down on the road. It’s impossible to miss from the end of the road.

SIGNAL HILL
This is a very popular spot for sunset, however, it can get quite crowded. Instead of going all the way to the end of Signal Hill Road, rather turn in at one to the side roads on the before before or after the Mosque, and go find yourself a nice little spot there.

CHAPMANS PEAK
Whether or not its sunset, you can’t come to Cape Town and miss this beautiful drive!

TAFELBERG ROAD
Take yourself for a stroll along Tafelberg road (park about 3kms away from the Cable Cars) and watch the sky light up over the whole city.

KOMMETJIE
Park on the road above Slangkop Lighthouse, and watch the sun setting over the ocean.

BAKOVEN BEACH
From the parking spots walk down the little path to the beach, and then make your way to the big boulders in the front. This spot is a real gem.

NOORDHOEK
Yet again, perch yourself on a rock at Hoek beach, and you’re golden.

WINETASTING
Oh my word, where to even start!? If you’re wanting to stay around Cape Town, theres Beau Constantia, Constantia Glen, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitingverwagting, Eagles Nest – the list is endless… We have great wine in South Africa – whether you stay in Cape Town, or head out to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or the Hemel en Barde Valley, I can garnet that you won’t be disappointed.

TOURISTY STUFF

THE BO-KAAP
Walk through the delightfully colourful streets in the Bo-Kaap 🙂

MUIZENBERG
Colourful vibes only.

KALK BAY

HOUT BAY
If you’re in the mood for some fish & chips – this is the place for you. There is a really great market at the Hout Bay Harbour on a Friday night and Saturday morning too!

ATLANTIS DUNES
Spend the afternoon playing in Cape Town’s backyard. But first, you’ll need to buy yourself a permit – R21 per person from the place opposite the police station in Atlantis.

SEAPOINT PROMENADE
This beautiful promenade stretches all the way from the Lighthouse in Sepoint to Camps Bay – perfect for a run or a walk!

MARKET
Cape Town is flourishing with beautiful markets. Here’s a list of a few of my favourite markets
Everyday: Mojo Market
Wednesday: Tokai Market
Thursday: Cape Point Vineyards
Friday Night: Hout Bay Market; Lourenford Market; Tokai Forrest Market
Saturday: Oranjezitch Market. Old Biscuit Mill; Route 44 Market
Sunday: Slow Market

COCKTAIL SPOTS

THE VUE BAR
This Rooftop bar is at the top of The Capital Hotel in Hudson street, and has great views over the colourful Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain & Lions Head.

HOUSE OF H.
Another Rooftop Bar in the City Centre – 112 Loop Street.

THE SILO HOTEL
(This dreamy spot does require a booking).

ESCAPING THE CITY

FRANSCHHOEK
This is the most gorgeous little town. If you’re wanting to go wine tasting without any designated drivers try out the Franschhoek Tram.

TITTIESBAAI
Take a road trip up the West Coast, and if you’re a camper I’d recommend pitching your tent on the beach at the Tittiesbaai campsite and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.