Cape Town | 5 Days Travel Itinerary & Guide
After our previous trip to Egypt, we truly fell in love with Africa, as there are so much more to discover in this continent. This time, Vincent stepped onto Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. Cape Town is known as the mother city of South Africa. It is a beach side city famed for its magnificent natural landscapes, cultural diversity and heritage. Let us tell you why Cape Town really has something for everyone. Keep scrolling and enjoy our Cape Town travel itinerary and guide.
Cape Town has so much to offer and you can expect a never-ending list of places to go as well as things to do. Here are the highlights if you have short and limited days in Cape Town.
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Cape Town
Vincent took Emirates from Kuala Lumpur to Cape Town and he arrived in the morning. It might sound crazy that he signed up for a 4 hours sunset hike right after a 23-hour flight journey but it’s definitely worth it as one of the most memorable experience in Cape Town.
Cape Town is blessed with the unique Table Mountain landscape and it has many incredible hiking trails or peaks. You must not miss the famous Lion’s Head, a mountain which is part of the National Park. It is only 669 metre tall (easy to medium intensity) and it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the top. However, the path is steep and dangerous towards the top – please do not hike alone even though there are ropes and aids. Lion’s Head is famous for both sunrise and sunset hike. Vincent booked a sunset hiking trip with local tour guide through Airbnb Experience. It was his best hike ever and the view is insane. Words can’t describe how beautiful the scenery is from the top of Lion’s Head.
Read more: Ultimate Cape Town Travel Tips to know about safety, best time to visit, expenses, packing guide etc in detail!
Day 2: Cape Town (City Tour)
Vincent bought the iVenture Card and explored Cape Town with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It is the most convenient way to explore Cape Town as the card covers transportation and entrance tickets to many attractions and activities.
Some said Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. True enough with its beautiful setting, blue skies and Table Mountain backdrop. The locals also love to come here during the weekend as it is a perfect place for picnic and simply spend the day here with your loved ones. During Spring season, the botanical garden looks like a painting from far as the flower blooms; during Summer people will enjoy different concerts here every weekend.
Continue with Camps Bay, the beautiful suburb located next to the beach and the magnificent Twelve Apostles. There are many fancy accommodations, great eateries and an amazing beach that is good for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Atlantic Ocean will mesmerize you with its fifty shades of blue but also give you a little shiver. The laid back atmosphere of Camps Bays is really the perfect definition of a modern beach side city.
Then, pay a visit to V&A Waterfront. This happening area is all about shopping, lifestyle, food and fun. Over here you can do some shopping and buy some souvenirs in the mall or sit down in a cafe and enjoy some coffee overlooking the Table Mountain.
Day 3: Cape Town (Table Mountain)
A trip to Cape Town is never complete without visiting the Table Mountain, the most iconic landmark of the city. You can either reach the top with the cable car or through hiking. This acclaimed world wonder of nature is actually over 600 million years old and it is older than the Himalayas. There are many unique indigenous floras and faunas in this mountain area. Table Mountain, as its name implies, is a flat-topped mountain overlooking city of Cape Town and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
V&A Waterfront is a huge bustling area where you literally can’t finish exploring in just a day. After enjoying some amazing city view from top of Table Mountain, head to V&A Food Market for some good food. There are many concept food stores selling both local and international cuisines at affordable prices. Experience the lively atmosphere and explore South African food scene here.
The southern tip of the African continent is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Two Oceans Aquarium which located in V&A Waterfront area is worth visiting as it showcases some of the most incredible marine species form these two oceans. Catch a feeding show, get up close with the penguins or find yourself learn something new and interesting here!
At night, Mama Africa is one of the most popular spot for a drink or dinner with live African music. In Mama Africa, you can find some of the most authentic Capetonian dishes. One of the must try dishes here is their wild game meat platter serving five different types of grilled wild game meats of Crocodile, Ostrich, Springbok, Kudu and Venison.
Read more: Foodie Guide! Must Try South African Food in Cape Town
The Most Wanted Travel Tips
Remember always bring a sweater or jacket with you when visiting the Table Mountain. It can be really cold up there due to the high altitude and strong wind!
Day 4: Gansbaai (Shark Diving)
If you are an adventurous person, Shark Cage Diving is probably the most trilling and ideal activity you must experience in Cape Town. Cape Town is one among the world’s most important Great White research area. Get ready to see the strongest and no-mercy predatory shark up close. Basically, you will be inside a cage in the ocean and the boat crew will use natural baits to attract the sharks charge close to the cage.
If you are a faint-hearted person then wine tasting in Stellenbosch Vineyards is your alternative. Other than tasting and buying quality South African wine, you can also feed your eyes with the beautiful vineyard landscape as Stellenbosch Vineyards is known as one of the best and most beautiful wine region in South Africa.
In the afternoon, head back to town and take a stroll in The Company’s Garden. Relax yourself in the oldest garden in South Africa while exploring the historical treasures. Don’t forget to also stop by and visit the Iziko South African Museum that located next to the garden. The museum is different from others as it showcases valuable historical, dinosaurs and impressive marine collections.
The best way to end a perfect day in Cape Town is to sip on a glass of local crafted South African gin. The Gin Bar is a hipster bar that located on an old embalming room. Over here you can find more than 70 type of gins and many Instagram worthy spots. Even if you are not a fan of gin, their extensive drinks menu will surely satisfy you.
Day 5: Cape Town to Kuala Lumpur
Rise and shine for a wonderful day in the vibrant Bo-Kaap. An area with rich African, Indonesian, as well as Malaysian history. During the Dutch occupation, slaves were brought from Southeast Asia and houses are leased to them. When they were finally allowed to buy the properties, they painted the exterior with different bright colours as an expression of freedom. Walk around the neighbourhood and you will see colourful houses, mosques, museum and historical shops.
Before you leave, try some Cape Malay dishes like Samosas, Curry, Dhaltjies, Rotis and Sosaties. It is similar to Malay cuisine with African and European influence. It feels amazing to find similar taste of herbs and spices like what we have in Malaysia!
Cape Town is by far among the top 3 most beautiful cities we have visited. There is no reason you shouldn’t list South Africa in your bucket list. It is modern but somehow perfectly blends natural, historical and cultural elements into a vibrant city. How amazing is it to be full of excitement with its parties and events, but at the same time easy living enough if you would to slow your pace. Already in love in the city.
Till next time, Cape Town!
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