Curator’s statement
Cape Town is an incredible destination for culture, dining and adventure. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Cape Town offers it all. The waterfront area has beautiful views, walkable areas, fun shopping and both fine dining as well as lively cafes. The plethora of hotels allows one to stay right near the waterfront, at a beach resort or tucked away up from the chaos but under a 5-minute drive to the touristy areas. Once you have your fill of the downtown area, you can easily transfer to the wine country for more breathtaking views, culinary delights and artisan shops. If you fancy wildlife and easy adventure, head to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for whales, sharks, hiking and of course, more culinary masterpieces. I was so fortunate to have the chance to enjoy the area. Here is my recommended Cape Town Travel Itinerary.
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Where to stay
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
A historic standout in pink at the base of Table Mountain; stay here for the storied history, art-focused activities and luxe spa.
Fora Perks
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Afternoon/evening tea for two.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Silo Hotel
An unmistakeable architectural gem on the V&A Waterfront, with a prized modern art collection and, in many rooms, Table Mountain views.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Leeu Estates
Discover a haven of luxury and natural beauty in Franschhoek, where vineyards, refined accommodations, and exceptional cuisine create a captivating escape in South Africa's Winelands.
Fora Perks
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Complimentary lunch or dinner
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Cellars-Hohenort
This charming hotel boasts 51 elegant guest rooms and suites with breath-taking views of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain range and the property’s extraordinary gardens.
Fora Perks
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$50 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxurious eco-reserve in South Africa's Western Cape, offering immersive experiences in pristine fynbos landscapes and marine ecosystems.
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Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town & Dinner
Land in Cape Town and take your private transfer to your hotel of choice. I love the Belmond Mount Nelson for the sense of peace and serenity but close proximity to the downtown area. Settle in and enjoy dinner either at your hotel or one of the incredible restaurants Cape Town has to offer.
The Verandah or The Chef’s Warehouse at the Belmond for an easy delectable meal while you recover from your journey to the Mother City Try Kloof Street House which offers a bistro style eatery with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. Or try The Pot Luck Club which offers a tapas style menu with extraordinary flavorful dishes.
Day 2: Explore Cape Town's Attractions
Time to explore. Take the cable car up Table Mountain for spectacular views or opt to hike up for those looking for a more active option. After enjoying coffee and treats, hike or cable car down and wander through the streets visiting historical sites, such as the world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Green Market Square and St. George’s Cathedral. Or utilize a guide to give you a political and historical perspective as you soak in the sites and visit Robben Island Prison. In the afternoon, explore Bree Street for design, fashion and local artisans. End your day at a local rooftop bar enjoying an end of day drink with locals before heading to dinner. Kloof Street has a plethora of bars to choose from such as Asoka with superb cocktails and wonderful jazz. Or choose a rooftop bar in Camps Bay such as Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar with great cocktails and a resident DJ to keep the daytime vibes going.
Day 3: Cape Peninsula Tour
Do a full day Cape Peninsula Tour. The Coastal Road of Cape Town has beautiful vistas as you wander in and out of small towns on your way to see the penguin colonies. Start in the town Of Kalk bay for quirky shops and antique stores. Continue on to small towns as you make your way to Boulder’s Beach for the penguins themselves. End the day with a hike on Cape Peninsula exploring the beaches and wildlife. Head back for your last night enjoying the serenity of the Belmond or your chosen hotel before moving on the next day.
Days 4-6: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
We depart Cape town for a drive through the seaside towns as we head to Grootbos Nature Reserve. Here, we can stop at Betty’s Bay if you want to see penguins again. This is a larger colony but a more rocky beach. After a quick stop with the penguins, head to lunch in the quaint town of Hermanus. Here, the fish is so fresh, the service is wonderful and the outdoor cafes are all around. Try out Burgundy Restaurant for the wonderfully fresh dishes.
After lunch, we continue the drive to Grootbos Private Nature reserve for a 2 or 3- night stay at this wonderful all-inclusive resort where you will be engaged with nature, have the opportunity to see the marine Big 5 and enjoy relaxation and amazing culinary experiences. Once settled into your suite, enjoy some downtime in the pool or in the spa before heading to a gastronomic feast for dinner.
Plan your 2 days filling them with a marine safari, a botanical tour, guided or self-hiking or even shark diving. The amount of activities just feels endless.
Days 7-9: Franschhoek
Head to the beautiful wine country of Franschhoek. Choose to stay in town or at one of the beautiful vineyard estates. Here, you can choose to do the wine tram or better yet, hire a private driver with tours set up at various vineyards. Prepare for wonderful lunches and wine tastings. Explore the towns of both Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with all their quaint shops, bookstores and cafes. Whether you are on bike, on foot, on train or via car, you are sure to enjoy the time spent here, so different from the downtown Cape Town area.
There is also the option to stay in Constantia, which is one of the oldest townships in Cape Town. Enjoy the many wineries here as you enjoy incredible views, natural beauty and wonderful restaurants that dot the area.
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Travel Advisor
Melissa Friedman-Levine
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cape Town. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, Things to do in Big Sky, Montana.