Western Cape

A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches world-class wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain.

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

The iconic flat-topped mountain – sometimes covered with ‘tablecloths’ of clouds – that towers over the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town. Cable car or hike to the top; cable car or abseil down.

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Get up close to man’s most feared predator, the infamous great white shark, diving in steel cages just off the back of the boat.

One of the world’s greatest wine regions, home to more than 150 wineries producing numerous world-class wines, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture, superb restaurants and top-notch art galleries.

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Powerful, moving and fascinating museum where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. See his cell and the quarry where he crushed rocks for decades.

Linking Cape Town to Pretoria, this luxury 31-hour journey crosses the wide-open landscapes of Orange Free State and the coastal mountains of Cape Province, and at select times to the Kruger National Park.

Evocative, luxury rail journeys through endlessly fascinating African scenery, stopping off at some of Africa’s top sights – the Cape Winelands, Victoria Falls, Etosha and the massive ochre dunes of Sossusvlei.