1. Why Visit Cape Town?
Cape Town is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, vibrant city life, and fascinating history. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the city boasts dramatic landscapes that will leave you in awe. From pristine beaches to lush vineyards and from bustling markets to historical landmarks, Cape Town provides a rich and varied experience.
The city’s unique blend of cultures — including African, Dutch, British, and Malaysian influences — has resulted in a vibrant food scene, a range of architectural styles, and numerous festivals celebrating the diverse heritage. For nature lovers, Cape Town is a paradise, offering outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring wildlife. For history buffs, the city offers museums, heritage sites, and stories from the Apartheid era.
With Orchid Travel, planning your trip to Cape Town is seamless. We offer a variety of packages that cater to every traveler’s needs, starting from Nairobi. Our packages include flights, accommodation, guided tours, and the flexibility to customize your experience.
2. Top Attractions in Cape Town
Table Mountain
A trip to Cape Town is incomplete without a visit to Table Mountain. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this flat-topped mountain provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and beyond. You can either hike to the top (which can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route) or take a scenic ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Once at the top, take your time to explore the plateau and its unique flora and fauna.
Robben Island
Robben Island holds immense historical significance, particularly during South Africa’s Apartheid era. The island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Visitors can take a guided tour that includes a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, a tour of the island, and a visit to Mandela’s former prison cell. The guides are often former political prisoners, offering a deeply personal perspective on South Africa’s struggle for freedom.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located in the heart of the harbor, it’s a great place to enjoy views of Table Mountain, indulge in local and international cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. The waterfront also hosts boat tours, including sunset cruises, whale-watching excursions, and trips to Robben Island.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
For nature enthusiasts, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this 528-hectare garden is home to over 7,000 species of plants, most of which are native to South Africa. The garden offers scenic walking paths, guided tours, and a treetop canopy walkway known as the “Boomslang,” which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s also a popular spot for picnics and outdoor concerts.
Cape Point
Cape Point, located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, is part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers breathtaking ocean views and dramatic cliffs. You can take a funicular ride or hike to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Don’t forget to stop at the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Boulders Beach
One of Cape Town’s most unique attractions is Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. The beach is part of a protected area, and visitors can walk along the boardwalks to get an up-close view of the penguins in their natural habitat. The beach itself, with its calm waters and giant boulders, is a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
3. Cultural and Historical Experiences
The District Six Museum
The District Six Museum commemorates the forced removal of 60,000 residents during the Apartheid era. Through photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, the museum tells the stories of those who lived in District Six and sheds light on the racial segregation that tore communities apart.
Bo-Kaap Neighborhood
Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most colorful and culturally rich neighborhoods. Known for its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets, Bo-Kaap is home to Cape Town’s Muslim community, which dates back to the 18th century. A visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum offers insight into the neighborhood’s history and culture. Walking tours are also available, where you can learn more about the local heritage and enjoy traditional Cape Malay food.
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. The castle served as a fortress and later a government building. Today, it houses museums showcasing military history, art, and the lives of the early settlers. Guided tours are available, and you can watch the traditional key ceremony and cannon firing.
South African National Gallery
Art lovers should visit the South African National Gallery, which features a diverse collection of works ranging from contemporary South African art to traditional African artifacts. The gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.
4. Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Cape Town is a hiker’s paradise. In addition to Table Mountain, there are numerous other hiking trails that offer incredible views and diverse terrains. Lion’s Head is a popular hike for those looking for a relatively short but rewarding climb, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Pipe Track, which follows the slopes of Table Mountain, is a scenic route with fantastic views of the Atlantic coastline.
Surfing
Cape Town’s beaches are known for their excellent surfing conditions. Muizenberg Beach is particularly famous for beginner surfers, with its gentle waves and surf schools. For more experienced surfers, the beaches of Kommetjie and Big Bay offer bigger swells and challenging waves.
Shark Cage Diving
For the thrill-seekers, shark cage diving in Gansbaai (a short drive from Cape Town) is an adrenaline-pumping activity. Get up close with Great White Sharks in their natural habitat while being safely enclosed in a sturdy metal cage. It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Paragliding
Soar above Cape Town and take in breathtaking aerial views of the city and coastline with a tandem paragliding experience. Signal Hill and Lion’s Head are popular takeoff points, and the gentle thermals make for a smooth ride. Paragliding is suitable for beginners and experienced flyers alike.
5. Cape Town’s Culinary Delights
Cape Town’s culinary scene is a fusion of flavors, drawing from its diverse cultural influences. Whether you’re a foodie looking for fine dining or seeking out traditional street food, Cape Town has something to offer every palate.
Famous Local Dishes
- Bunny Chow: Originating from Durban, Bunny Chow is a popular dish in Cape Town. It consists of hollowed-out bread filled with flavorful curry.
- Cape Malay Curry: Influenced by the city’s Malay community, this mildly spiced curry is often served with rice and sambals (a side of chopped tomato, onion, and chilies).
- Bobotie: A traditional South African dish made with spiced minced meat, baked with an egg-based topping, and served with yellow rice.
- Braai: South Africans love their braais (barbecues), and Cape Town is no exception. Enjoy local meats like boerewors (a type of sausage) and sosaties (kebabs) grilled to perfection.
Top Restaurants to Visit
- The Test Kitchen: A fine-dining restaurant offering an innovative fusion of South African flavors with international techniques.
- The Pot Luck Club: Known for its small plates and tapas-style dining, The Pot Luck Club is the ideal place to share a variety of dishes with friends.
- Kloof Street House: A charming restaurant with eclectic decor, offering a mix of Mediterranean and South African dishes.
- Mama Africa: For a true taste of traditional African cuisine, Mama Africa is the place to go. Known for its lively atmosphere, this restaurant offers dishes like springbok, ostrich, and crocodile, accompanied by live African music.
- Biesmiellah: For an authentic Cape Malay dining experience, head to Biesmiellah, located in the heart of Bo-Kaap. Their fragrant curries and samosas are local favorites.
Cape Town’s food scene is not just about eating but also about experiencing the city’s culture through its culinary heritage. Whether you’re savoring street food from a local market or indulging in a multi-course meal at a high-end restaurant, you’ll find that the city’s diverse flavors are a true reflection of its vibrant cultural mix.
6. Wine and Vineyard Tours
Cape Town is renowned for its nearby wine regions, which are home to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the world. The Cape Winelands region is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and, of course, world-class wines.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most famous wine regions, known for its rich soil and exceptional red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. A visit to Stellenbosch allows you to explore picturesque vineyards, participate in wine tastings, and take guided cellar tours. The town itself is a charming hub of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Franschhoek
Known as the food and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is a stunning valley surrounded by towering mountains. With a French heritage dating back to the 17th century, the region boasts a distinct European feel, and the vineyards here produce some of the best sparkling wines in South Africa. Franschhoek’s wine tram tour is a popular way to explore multiple estates in a day, with tastings at each stop.
Constantia
Just a short drive from Cape Town’s city center, Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere, with estates dating back to the 1600s. Known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc and sweet dessert wines, Constantia is a perfect day-trip destination for those who want to enjoy wine tasting without venturing too far from the city. Groot Constantia is one of the most famous estates here and offers wine tastings, cellar tours, and an insight into South Africa’s wine history.
7. Orchid Travel: Cape Town Packages from Nairobi
At Orchid Travel, we make your dream of visiting Cape Town a reality. Our Cape Town packages, starting from Nairobi, are designed to provide a seamless and unforgettable travel experience. These packages cater to a wide range of travelers — from honeymooners seeking romantic getaways to families looking for adventure and cultural exploration.
What’s Included in Our Cape Town Packages
- Round-trip flights from Nairobi: Our packages include direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport.
- Accommodation options: Whether you prefer a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, a beachfront resort, or a charming guesthouse in the Winelands, we offer a variety of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget.
- Guided tours: Explore Cape Town’s top attractions with our expert guides. Our tours include visits to Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point, and the Cape Winelands, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the highlights.
- Flexible itineraries: We understand that every traveler is different, so our itineraries are fully customizable. Whether you want to spend more time exploring nature, diving into the city’s rich history, or indulging in food and wine tours, we can tailor the experience to your preferences.
- Transportation: Our packages include airport transfers, as well as transportation for day trips and tours, so you can explore Cape Town with ease.
By choosing Orchid Travel, you are guaranteed a hassle-free experience with professional service, excellent accommodation, and unforgettable excursions, all at competitive prices. Our Cape Town packages are designed to give you the best of what this incredible city has to offer, with departure from Nairobi made easy and convenient.
8. South African Packages with Orchid Travel
In addition to Cape Town, Orchid Travel offers a wide range of South African packages that cover other popular destinations across the country. From exhilarating safaris to cultural tours, our South African vacation packages are curated to provide diverse experiences for every type of traveler.
Safari Packages
South Africa is world-renowned for its wildlife, and no visit to the country would be complete without a safari. Orchid Travel offers safari packages that take you to some of the most famous game reserves, including Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, and Addo Elephant Park.
- Kruger National Park: As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as hundreds of bird species, reptiles, and other wildlife. Our Kruger safari packages include guided game drives, luxurious accommodations, and the chance to experience South Africa’s wilderness in its raw, untouched beauty.
- Pilanesberg National Park: Located near Johannesburg, Pilanesberg offers a malaria-free safari experience and is perfect for families and first-time visitors. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, and our packages include guided game drives, comfortable lodges, and close proximity to the famous Sun City resort.
- Addo Elephant Park: For those looking to see elephants up close, Addo Elephant Park, near Port Elizabeth, is the ideal destination. The park is home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, along with other species like lions, hyenas, and Cape buffalo.
Johannesburg and Durban Tours
If you’re looking to explore more of South Africa’s vibrant cities, Orchid Travel also offers packages to Johannesburg and Durban.
- Johannesburg: Known as the economic hub of South Africa, Johannesburg is a bustling city with a rich history and diverse cultural scene. Our Johannesburg tours include visits to the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Soweto Township, where you can learn about South Africa’s complex past and the fight for freedom.
- Durban: Located on the eastern coast, Durban is famous for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and vibrant Indian and Zulu cultures. Our Durban packages include visits to the uShaka Marine World, the Golden Mile, and trips to nearby attractions like the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the Drakensberg Mountains.
Each of these destinations provides a unique experience, whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, natural beauty, or thrilling wildlife encounters.
Cape Town is a city that offers something for everyone, from its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture to its rich history and endless activities. Whether you’re hiking up Table Mountain, exploring Robben Island, enjoying world-class wines in the Cape Winelands, or simply soaking in the views from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is an unforgettable destination.
Orchid Travel makes it easier than ever to explore Cape Town with packages starting from Nairobi. With our curated itineraries, excellent accommodation, and expert-guided tours, you can experience the best of the Mother City stress-free. Beyond Cape Town, our South African packages offer the opportunity to explore safaris, urban getaways, and cultural treasures throughout the country.
Start planning your Cape Town adventure today with Orchid Travel, and let us take care of all the details so you can focus on creating lifelong memories.