A 10 day Cape Town holiday itinerary

The beautiful Mother City has so much more to offer than just Table Mountain and Robben Island. It is a colourful city with various cultures, cuisines, and activities that will quickly fill your ten-day Cape Town holiday itinerary.

Why Cape Town?

Affordability.  You can easily enjoy a five-star holiday in Cape Town on a lesser budget with so many accommodation styles to choose from.

Accessibility.  Cape Town is compact, and you can quickly go from sea to safari within an hour or two, and if you prefer to settle in one accommodation within the City, you can easily take a day trip to any of the areas I’ll mention further below.

When to Visit

Cape Town is a year-round holiday destination with its peak season from late November to January.  As a born and bred Capetonian, let me just tell you that the months before and after the peak season is just as good, if not better.  The places won’t be as packed, and you’re more likely to experience calm and windless days.

What to include in your 10-day trip

Cape Town City & Peninsula

You’ll need about three days to visit some of Cape Town City Centre’s highlights, and what the beautiful False Bay area has to offer. Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and experience the magnificent view of Cape Town from high above.

Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday between late December and April, pack a picnic basket and be entertained by world-renowned artists at their outdoor Summer Concerts. Take a hop-on-tour on the famous Red bus around the city or visit the V&A waterfront with its big wheel and selection of bustling restaurants.

If weather permits –  treat yourself and your loved one to a romantic Champagne sunset cruise and watch the sun disappear behind the water’s edge painting everything in rich hues of red, orange, and purple.

West Coast

Take a two-day trip along the west coast to the seaside towns of Langebaan and Paternoster and wake up with the soothing sounds of the ocean welcoming you to the beach.

A must-do is an outing to Die Strandloper for a proudly South African seafood feast consisting of Snoek, Kreef, Fish Curry, Mussels, and more with freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and freshly brewed moerkoffie as accompaniments. You’ll want to lie down after this!

Breede River Area

See the Big Five at the luxury Inverdoorn Game Reserve on either a day safari or opt for an overnight safari package, including meals and a sunrise safari.  I can think of few things as breathtaking as a sunrise safari, seeing the magnificent animals as your surroundings start waking up.

The Winelands

With its abundance of wine farms and award-winning selection, a visit to the Winelands is a must! With plenty of wine farms between Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, you’ll be spoilt for choice and let me tell you the food selection is as striking as the wines themself.

You’ll want to overnight here after all the tastings.  If you have the time do a hop-on wine tour with the vintage Franschhoek Wine Tram.  The atmosphere is festive, and you’re joined with like-minded people sharing your love for the area and what it has to offer.

Hermanus

If you have some time available in your itinerary, take a drive to Hermanus during the Whale Season with the optimal time to spot them generally between July and October.

Visit the well known Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Winebar, where you can watch these magnificent animals from the rocks above the ocean while enjoying a delectable meal.

Getting around in Cape Town

It is relatively easy getting around in Cape Town, and the best way would be to hire a car for your stay.  Activate your GPS, and you’re on your way to exploring one of the best cities in the world.

You may decide that you’ve experienced a safari before and, like me, may prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the West Coast towns, and you can!  It’s YOUR holiday; spend all ten days in the Winelands visiting over 150 different wine farms if you choose.  We don’t judge – just have fun!