It's summer, and Cape Town is vibrantly showing off its white sandy beaches, cool summer breezes and an endless list of outdoor activities, which begs the question, "what should I do if I only had one day in Cape Town?". With so many options, that look so attractive and like a world of fun, it can be quite tricky answering this question, so we decided to put together a suggested summer itinerary for the traveller with only one day free in Cape Town.
Legend has it that Devil's Peak gets its name from ex-pirate "Van Hunk" and the devil having a pipe-smoking contest on the mountain, causing a massive cloud of smoke to form over the mountain. Van Hunk won the battle but realised he was competing with the devil and lightning struck Van Hunk, killing him. To this day, when the south-easter blows, the clouds roll in, and locals say that it's Van Hunk and the devil, at it again.
There are various routes one can take up to Devil's Peak. We suggest taking the trail that starts from Tafelberg Road. This route only has a moderate difficulty, and anyone with a decent level of fitness can summit the peak and get back down within 4 hours (this includes a 30min break at the summit). Start early, to avoid the heat, take enough water and prepare yourself for some fantastic views.
Rich in history and spectacular natural beauty, Kirstenbosch is an excellent spot to unwind and take things slow. The calm atmosphere gives one a sense of "zen" that's difficult to put into words. Take a stroll along the many meandering pathways, learn more about the unique Fynbos plant kingdom, and immerse yourself in nature like never before. Once you've explored the tree canopy walkway, the protea and erica gardens and the dinosaur sculpture garden, find a shaded spot tucked away close to the mountain and enjoy a good glass of South African wine, locally baked pastries and authentic African cuisine.
Sunny clear skies, warm temperatures and many perfect beaches make Cape Town a great surfing destination. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned paddler, there's a wave for you. On a beach, like Muizenberg or Bloubergstrand, getting the basics down and practising what you've learnt, will see you standing in no time. Surfing is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping as well as cooling down on a hot summers day.
Late afternoon views over Cape Town, before the setting sun, is hard to beat, especially when you're experiencing it all from a helicopter. Imagine seeing Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium and the Twelve Apostles, all from a perspective not experienced by many. A helicopter flight around Cape Town and its surrounding area opens up your eyes and truly puts into perspective not only the size of the city but also the vastness of the natural beauty that encompasses it.
Only having one day in Cape Town to explore its beauty and all it offers is not enough. The countless wineries, local restaurants, spectacular art galleries, beautiful wildlife, historical sites, and so much more, makes Cape Town a destination that needs exploring over multiple days. If you're planning a visit to Cape Town, give us a call, we'll put together a tailored experience you'll never forget!
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