A locals guide to the best spots in Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town, is a hub of adventure. Nestled beneath the mighty table mountain, one of the world’s natural seven wonders, this vibrant cityscape blends effortlessly with it’s surrounding.
From honey-hued beaches and verdant forests to mountain hiking trails and charming urban jungles, no place can compare.
But how can you enjoy this enchanting realm without breaking the bank? This post is here to unveil Cape Town’s gems for those on a tight budget.
Contents
Forest escapes within the city
Hiking trails to reconnect with nature
Glistening beaches with impeccable views
Cape Town’s finest yet affordable gems
Forest escapes within the city
Newlands Forest
If you’re looking for a nature escape away from the city within the city, then Newlands Forest is the ideal destination. Located on the stem of Table Mountain, this lush woodland is peppered with majestic trees, flourishing ferns, and cascading waterfalls.
The entrance is just off one of the main highways in Cape Town, connecting the suburbs with the inner city. However, once you enter this verdant realm of nature, the town sounds hush down, and you’re left with mesmerising landscapes and environments.
The forest offers many walking trails that suit various fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a high-intensity hike, or simply wish to reconnect to nature, there’s a path for you. Some lead deeper into the forest, while others take you further up the mountain.
There are many cosy spots where you can settle and enjoy the rushing sound of mountain rivers and the whispers of dancing trees.
Locals Tip: Newlands Forest can get packed with families on the weekends, so it’s recommended that you start your adventure early in the morning. Since we’re still in South Africa, it’s encouraged that you don’t venture through the woods alone.
Deer Park
Need a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the cityscape? Deer Park, situated above the city centre, is a haven of nature.
Populated with thriving fynbos, shining bees, and birds galore, this little mountain sanctuary is the perfect escape.
Sitting directly below Table Mountain, this park has ample parking space, many picnic spots, and comfortable walking trails.
Choose to meander the path that loops around the park, or take the dusty road that leads you towards the mountain edge for impeccable views where the ocean collides with the land.
Cecilia Forest
This forest sanctuary is a hub of natural splendour, striking red mushrooms, and plunging waterfalls. Much like Newlands Forest and Deer Park, Cecilia Forest offers walking trails that introduce you to some of Cape Town’s most delicate flora.
But unlike its sibling locations, Cecilia Forest is less about the views and more about the intimate connections you can make with nature along the way.
The parking spot for this woodland is located just off the road to Hout Bay. Once settled, you have to make your way up a single lane that branches out into myriad trails.
Waterfalls, mossy streams, and pine trees margin the walkways and offer a breath of fresh forest air.
Hiking Trails to reconnect with nature
Lions Head
This is possibly the most popular hiking venue in the region. It’s connected to Table Mountain but stands alone, towering over the city below.
If you’re looking for a moderate hike that gives way to astonishing views envisioned from every angle, Lion’s Head is for you.
To reach the starting point, head towards the peak shaped like the head of a lion. Peruse up the winding road and park your vehicle on the side of the street. Here, even before you embark on your hike, you’ll be able to witness the majestic views of both Table Mountain and the sparkling city below.
Table Mountain
It’s extremely difficult to miss Table Mountain. This natural world wonder is a geological fascination. Carved by time to result in a flat peak, this cherished landmark offers various hiking routes, abseiling activities, and an exploration of South Africa’s most beloved vegetation.
Journey along the road following the signposts to reach the cable car parking spot. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the hiking trail up the mountain.
There are many different paths to reach the top, so it’s recommended that you conduct some research on which course best suits your fitness level. If you’re feeling a tad lazy, hop onto one of the cable cars, although it does cost money to travel this way.
Once you’ve meandered your way to the summit, there’s a restaurant to restock those energy levels, as well as many cobbled paths around the plateau. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the entire cityscape and beyond.
Locals Tip: Do not embark on a Table Mountain trip when there is mist, fog, or clouds gathering atop. Many hikers have lost their way in the past, and it can be perilous.
Signal Hill
This is by far Cape Town’s most iconic sunset spot. Rising gently above the ground to form a slope cloaked in shrubs and grass, venture atop this hill to witness a kaleidoscopic sunset that leaves blushes of pink and purple in its wake.
From Lion’s Head, follow the narrow road to the top of Signal Hill’s peak. Here, you’ll see a wide-reaching carpet that acts as the perfect seat to watch the sun dipping below the horizon and the sea.
On your left, peer over to watch Seapoint buzzing with life on the ocean’s edge. On your right, gaze upon Table Mountain and watch the glimmering city lights appear as the stars above start to twinkle awake.
Local’s Tip: Since it’s a popular viewpoint, Signal Hill can get populated quickly. Be sure to arrive a little earlier to get a close parking spot and a comfortable seat. Remember, the sun set’s at different times depending on the season. Double-check what time the sun is due to set and arrive accordingly.
Glistening beaches with impeccable views
Camps Bay
It’s no secret that Cape Town harbours some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and one of the most popular is Camps Bay beach. Situated below the connecting stem of Table Mountain and Lions Head, this coastal hub offers myriad opportunities of adventure and urban delight.
Cafes, bars, and artisanal shops margin the roads opposite the shoreline. Venture to this city seaside for a morning or afternoon of relaxation and exploration.
Clifton
From the popular to the exquisite, Clifton is the prime beach location. It harbours four beaches just below the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
With an untapped ocean horizon on the right and astounding vistas of lush mountain peaks to the left, there’s no better place to spend a hot summers day.
Clifton’s beaches are peppered with boulders and exciting little escape spots. The water may be icy cold, but it’s a refreshing relief from the scorching sun.
You can bring your umbrella or hire one there and immerse yourself in the seaside surroundings. Ice creams and cool drinks are always on sale as the locals peruse the shore.
Llundudno
And, finally, from the exquisite to the secluded. Llundudno, the neighbourhood next to Clifton and nearing Hout Bay, is a peaceful, protected beach for all to enjoy. It has commanding views from every angle and acts as the ideal location for some peace and quiet.
Cape Town’s finest yet affordable gems
Kirstenbosch
There is no better place to witness Cape Town’s finest and most cherished flora than in the renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens. This whimsical botanical garden nests on the stem of Table Mountain and contains an abundance of foliage and indigenous birdlife.
Meander the cobblestone and gravel parks alongside the Western Cape’s most astounding plants, or wander into the greenery and find the perfect picnic spot.
There is a dinosaur display if you’d like to learn something new about our prehistoric friends, or take a trip along the Boomslang, an extensive bridge leading you over the lush trees and offering impeccable views all around.
It’s only R75.00 (South African rands) to enter as an adult, and this gives you the whole day to peruse the gardens. There are also two restaurants and shops if you’re feeling peckish, and a plant shop if you want to take one of the lovely specimens home.
Two Ocean Aquarium
This is one of South Africa’s finest aquariums, home to myriad marine life. From sea turtles and sharks to penguins and jellyfish, this establishment showcases the rich biodiversity that inhabits our oceans and how to protect them for future generations.
Located next to the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, venture here to learn something new about our ocean and marine animals, and take a stroll to the harbour for a blissful afternoon.
Entrance is a little pricey at R200 for an adult, but all the money goes into maintaining healthy habitats for the animals.
South African Museum
This isn’t your typical museum. It’s the Iziko South African museum. Located in the city centre and surrounded by a whimsical garden adorned with squirrels and fountains, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore these puzzle pieces from around world.
The museum is home to many fascinating exhibitions. From the natural world, including animals and bugs, dinosaurs and the history of the prehistoric realm, ancient history and the lives of our ancestors, to astrology and the otherworldly concept of space and time.
There’s even a planetarium that hosts regular shows about the galaxy and stars surrounding our planet.
Entrance is R30.00 for adults. Feel free to wander the garden after or before exploring the museum.
The mother city is brimming with adventure, history, and culture. Dive into its natural splendour by visiting one of its many parks and forests and hiking its magnificent mountains, and plunge into the depths of its heritage by visiting it’s most beloved exhibitions.
In Cape Town, awe is everywhere.
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