Cape Town, South Africa Extension safari option
The city of Cape Town is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, culture, history and adventure.
The city (named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times in 2014 and similarly by The Daily Telegraph in 2016) is nestled between the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, offering beautiful beaches, and of course boasts iconic Table Mountain as a dramatic backdrop. Furthermore, within a short drive from the city you can explore a wide range of landscapes, from lush winelands to the rugged cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope. This diversity of environments means you can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife safaris, wine tasting and relaxing on the beach all in one trip.
The area also has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites to brag about: Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years of his imprisonment before the fall of apartheid) and the Cape Floral Region Protected Area, an area of extraordinarily high floral diversity and endemism. A visit to the 36 hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is almost a must!
On top of all that, Cape Town boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from traditional South African dishes to a myriad of international options. If you fancy some shopping, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with its 450 shops, is the place to go.
Cape Town enjoys a very moderate Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and warm summers. This temperate weather makes it a year-round destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, an admirer of architecture, a foodie or an adrenaline junkie, Cape Town has something to offer for everyone.
Top Mammals
• Southern Right Whale (seasonal)
• Great White Shark (seasonal)
• Afro-Australian Fur Seal
• Chacma Baboon
• Rock Hyrax
• Cape Grey Mongoose
Top Birds
• African Penguin
• African Oystercatcher
• Cape Sugarbird
• Orange-breasted Sunbird
• Cape Spurfowl
• Fiscal Flycatcher
Safari options
We recommend a stay of at least 3 or 4 days to experience all that the “Mother City” has to offer. You can also include a stay in Hermanus or the Winelands depending on your interests.
Self Drive – Exploring Cape Town and surrounds by self driving is an easy and affordable way of visiting all the highlights on offer here. There are various vehicle rental options available from the airport which can be included in your holiday package. A good map and GPS will assist you with your explorations. Your Nature Travel consultant will book your accommodation and vehicle and recommend the best activities in the time you are in Cape Town.
Guided Tours – A wonderful way of exploring Cape Town is with a local Nature Travel guide. A tailor-made tour will ensure all your interests are included in your advent and you can sit back and relax while your guide shares his/her knowledge of the history, landmarks, fauna and flora with you. Your guided tour will be in an air-conditioned vehicle and your guide will be with you for the full duration of your tour.
How to get there from Namibia
By Air: There are multiple daily flights from Windhoek and Walvis Bay directly to Cape Town International Airport.
By Road: It is possible to drive from Namibia to Cape Town, but it is approximately 1,500 kilometres/930 miles (we recommend a few overnight stops on the way from Windhoek to Cape Town).
Activities
For thrill seekers, the city offers a wide range of adventure activities, including:
- Shark cage diving in False Bay;
- Paragliding off Signal Hill;
- Pelagic birdwatching trips from Simon’s Town;
- Hiking up Table Mountain;
- Surfing at popular spots like Muizenberg Beach;
- The region surrounding Cape Town is also home to diverse wildlife, and you can visit wildlife reserves like the Hout Bay Seal Colony, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach or enjoy a big game safari in nearby wildlife reserves.
Accommodation
There are many wonderful accommodation options available in Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands. Depending on your preference and budget there are self-catering, guesthouses apartment and hotel options of various levels.
Accommodation is dotted all across the city and you can choose between sea-view, mountain view, garden view and wineland view options amongst others.
*Your Cape Town extension can be completely customized according to your interests, preferences and budget.