Experience the best of Cape Town in 48 hours
This vibrant city beckons with its blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re short on time and eager to discover its magic, this 48 hour guide will help you make the most of every moment. Prepare to be captivated by Cape Town, a city that welcomes you with open arms and promises an unforgettable South African escape.
Standup paddleboarding the Canals of the V&A Waterfront
Day One
Panoramic views and waterfront delights
Begin your Cape Town adventure with an exhilarating hike up Table Mountain. The climb is rewarded with unforgettable panoramic city views, just be sure to layer up as it can be breezy at the summit. Descend to the bustling V&A Waterfront, where The TimeOut Market offers a varied array of lunch options. Explore The Watershed for unique, locally-designed souvenirs. A short walk leads to the captivating Two Oceans Aquarium, a hit with both children and adults. One of our top recommendations is the Black Sheep Restaurant in the culinary hotspot of Kloof Street. Menus are influenced by the cuisines of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Hiking Table Mountain
Day Two
Botanical beauty and historical depths
Stroll through the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to admire South Africa’s vast array of plants. Don’t miss the Tree Canopy Walkway, which winds through the treetops with impressive views of Table Mountain. You can dine at the café or, better still, bring a picnic as there is ample space to sit and relax or let the children run free. The summer sunset concerts (December – March), a beloved annual tradition in Cape Town, offer an opportunity to enjoy live music in the stunning amphitheatre of the gardens. In the afternoon, catch the 30-minute ferry to Robben Island for a tour of the historical site, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. For an unforgettable final dinner, treat yourself to Belly of the Beast, a small, fine-dining restaurant in the city centre. There are no menu options or a set number of courses. All you do is show up and trust them to satisfy you with their seasonal fare.
Wind through the trees on the Canopy Walkway
Spoil yourself…
For Food Lovers
Embark on the ‘Cook and Eat Like a Local’ half-day tour for an immersive dive into Cape Town’s diverse food scene. This walking tour takes you through iconic locations, offering experiences like Samoosa folding, salt making, chocolate bar making, and a ‘Seven Colours African tasting’, all while hearing stories from local foodies.
Eat like a local in Cape Town
A “Blow the Budget” Adventure
See as much of the city as possible with a scenic helicopter flight. The Magical West Coast tour includes hotel pick-up, a helicopter lift-off from the waterfront, and transports you 120km north of Cape Town to a beach lodge for a lunch of champagne, oysters, and fresh mussels.
Emily enjoying Cape Town from the air
Peninsula family adventures
Start with hot chocolate and local shark stories. Kayak with the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town, discover naval history, and hike the Cape of Good Hope spotting wildlife. Enjoy a wild picnic and games at a scenic private beach, perfect for exploring rock pools. End your day with ice cream in Noordhoek and a magical sunset drink along Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Discover why this vibrant city consistently ranks as a world-class destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Cape Town offers the ultimate getaway or the perfect finale to your safari. Chat with our sales experts who would be delighted to share more of their top tips and advice to ensure you get the very best out of your time here.
Incredible scenery of Chapman’s Peak Drive
What next?
Get inspired and sign up for our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect safari. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions, even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch, whatever stage you’re at.
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