South Africa Personal Experience

We visited Cape Town in South Africa as a couple, and it was honestly one of the most memorable holidays we’ve ever had. We went in late July, and even then, the weather was fantastic with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius or higher, making it perfect for exploring.

One of the highlights was definitely our guided tour up Table Mountain. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, and having a guide really enhanced the experience, giving us interesting insights into the mountain’s history and the surrounding landscape. The tour cost around £50-£70 per person, which we felt was well worth it for the convenience and knowledge.

Getting around Cape Town, we mostly relied on taxis because we didn’t feel entirely safe walking around the city streets. We made sure to stay cautious, with my wife even carrying pepper spray around her neck — which we found helped us feel more secure and avoided any hassle or begging for money. The harbour area was fantastic — lively, scenic, and full of great restaurants and shops. The vibe there was lively but relaxed, and we spent a lot of time just soaking in the view of the ocean and the bustling boats.

We also did a safari (Aquila and booked directly on their website before we flew to Cape Town) and it was simply breathtaking. We got picked up and dropped off outside our hotel and the total experience cost about £120 per person. We saw elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras and many other animals up close. We also saw giraffes and hippos in the distance. There were also a spa and a restaurant on site. My wife had a massage which cost about £30.

We took a private tour to the Cape Coast, which was one of our favourite days. The tour stopped at incredible viewpoints along the way, giving us stunning views of the coastline. We visited Seal Island and Penguin Island, which were adorable and fascinating. We also stopped at a few charming harbour villages, where we saw wild seals lounging on the rocks and exploring local shops. The whole tour cost around £150-£200 per person, but it was incredibly worth it for the personalized experience and the chance to see so much in one day. There were also a lot of wild monkeys running around trying to open car doors, so make sure your doors are locked!

We also visited the local museum, which was quite nice and gave us some good context about Cape Town’s history and culture. For a bit of adventure, we climbed Lions Head, which is just a short taxi ride from Table Mountain. The climb was relatively short but steep in parts, with fantastic panoramic views at the top. It cost us about £8 in taxis for that trip. Finally, we did a private wine tasting tour in the nearby vineyards, which was a lovely way to relax and enjoy some world-class wines. That tour was around £60 per person, and we got to sample a variety of wines while learning about the local wine-making process, we even saw some wild zebras walking around, which was awesome!

Overall, our trip to Cape Town was absolutely fantastic. The city has a vibrant yet safe feeling, especially with the precautions we took. The scenery, the food, the activities, and the friendly people made it a truly unforgettable experience. We loved every moment and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. It’s definitely a destination we’ll be returning to someday.

Q: Where is Cape Town located?
A: Cape Town is located in South Africa, at the southern tip of the continent.
Q: What is Cape Town famous for?
A: It is famous for its stunning landscapes, Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
Q: What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
A: The best time to visit is during the South African summer, from November to March, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Q: How can I get to Table Mountain?
A: You can hike up, drive to the upper cableway station, or take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a scenic ride.
Q: What are popular tourist attractions in Cape Town?
A: Key attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Point, and the V&A Waterfront.
Q: Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
A: Like many cities, Cape Town has areas with higher crime rates, so visitors should stay alert, avoid risky areas, and follow local safety advice.
Q: What is the climate like in Cape Town?
A: Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Q: What languages are spoken in Cape Town?
A: The official languages are English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, with English being widely spoken.
Q: What kind of cuisine can I try in Cape Town?
A: Cape Town offers diverse cuisine, including fresh seafood, Cape Malay dishes, biltong, and international options.
Q: How do I get around Cape Town?
A: You can use rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, or the MyCiTi bus system to get around.