Peak season in Cape Town is a double-edged sword. While the city’s vibrant energy and perfect summer weather create an undeniable allure, the influx of tourists can turn iconic locations into hotspots of congestion.
For a tour guide like me, the challenge lies in delivering an exclusive experience amid the chaos. When the Buttners and the Jonopauls—two families from San Francisco—entrusted us with their Cape Town adventure, we knew we had to pull out all the stops to make their trip extraordinary.
The key to avoiding peak season crowds is meticulous planning. Before the families even landed, we mapped out an itinerary that prioritized off-peak hours and lesser-known gems. We ensured that every activity would feel unique and unrushed, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of the city without jostling for space. This often meant, starting earlier, and finishing earlier, and with these families, that allowed for much welcomed time by the pool!
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s crown jewels, but it’s also a magnet for long queues. To avoid this, we started our day early, parked in the demarcated area for tourist vehicles and used our fast passes to get to the top before the masses. On the 27th of December, to find parking, and explore the mountain with no hassle, is no small feat.
Some of the crew opted to hike Lions Head. If you’re a Cape-Tonian you know just how busy this stretch of trail can be. We opted to start VERY early and were making our way down by the time the rest of the city was just waking up. An early morning, but so worth it.
Knowing their shared love for wine, we arranged a bespoke tour of the Cape Winelands. This meant sticking to the smaller, private vineyards that are accessible through booking only. Oldenburg and Mullinuex and Leeu not only have some of the best wine in the country, the setting is peaceful and away from the crowds one might find at some of the more well known farms.
Wherever possible, we booked private tours. This is possible at Robben Island which ensured the guests received that exclusive experience they’d come to expect. A cooking class in the Bo-Kaap again, was also private, allowing for full immersion and both families were totally engaged.
At this time of year, crowds are simply part of it. You can not avoid them totally, but with the joint experience we have at Saffa Tours we managed to create an exclusive experience despite the thousands of tourists around us. Every year, we get better at handling the chaos. There really is no substitute for experience and evey year is another learning. With more tricks up our sleeves than ever we are so well positioned to tame the beast that is Cape Town during peak season.
Years prior, this time of year used to haunt me. Looking forward, I relish in the challenge!
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