The Mother City — South Africa's exquisite cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature and sea

Referred to locally as the “Mother City,” Cape Town is the kind of coastal destination you’ll never want to leave. The scenery is spectacular, with two oceans merging at its picturesque beaches, and a majestic mountain that stands tall and proud as it watches over the city’s inhabitants. Here you’ll find some of the most unique cuisine, a thriving arts scene, hiking, shopping, and many exciting neighbourhoods to explore.

Highlights

1
Walk up along Platteklip Gorge, the oldest, most direct route up the front face of Table Mountain.
2
Pop into Zeits MOCAA, housed in a 1930s grain silo, to view Africa’s finest contemporary art.
3
Tackle Lion’s Head just before sunset, and be rewarded with the most spectacular 360-degree views.
4
Shop and socialise your way through the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, filled with street performers, restaurants, and a ferris wheel!
5
Race over to Robben Island for a historical tour of the former prison.

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Best time to go to Cape Town

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The city has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. For northern hemisphere visitors, take note that South Africa’s seasons are reversed, so July is the middle of winter, and January is peak summer. Cape Town also sees the majority of its rainfall in the winter, from June to August. Dramatic winter storms are relatively common, however, those from colder countries will be impressed with how common warm sunny days can be in winter.

Featured Cape Town stays

21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Private Residence

An exclusive clifftop mansion with bespoke style overlooking Cape Town’s Clifton beaches
From$377 /ppn
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