Cape Town: A First-Timers Vacation To South Africa

The African continent is a whole other world for those who have never ventured there before. South Africa is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world. Additionally, the South African coast is a bucket list destination for many of those who travel the globe. Cape Town is one of the most culturally rich and diverse places on the African continent. Featuring picturesque and stunning scenery that awaits in every corner of this coastal port town. Henceforth, plenty to explore in and around the city of Cape Town. Attractions like Robben Island and other historic landmarks bring in tens of thousands of tourists every year. A unique array of vegetation and wildlife flood the natural roots of South Africa’s most popular destination.

After careful consideration, Tripio comprised a unique list of the best sites to see in Cape Town. Everything from breathtaking views, fun-packed adventures, historical/cultural sites and more are prepared for you to begin planning your bucket list vacation to Cape Town. Let’s get started!

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1. Cape of Good Hope 

Photo by Victor Smits on Unsplash

If a trip to Cape Town has ever crossed your mind, then surely the name Cape of Good Hope has struck your interest. Cape of Good Hope lays claim to be the Southernmost tip of the African continent. Furthermore, at the Cape of Good Hope the ocean splits between the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean. Ships passing by change direction at the Cape of Good Hope from do East to South. This destination is a bucket list attraction for nearly every vacation in Cape Town. Tumbling cliffs roll off into the blue-green waters of the sea. Photographers and first time visitors to South Africa, you may never want to leave the Cape of Good Hope. 

2. Chapman’s Peak Drive (plus hiking trail)

Photo by Thomas Bennie on Unsplash

An unbelievable experience awaits every traveler at Chapman’s Peak Drive. This world class cruise wraps around the Southern coast of Cape Town offering incredible views of the neighboring towns and the blue ocean coastline. For sunset chasers and view seekers, be sure to add Chapman’s Peak Drive to your Custom Itinerary on the Tripio App and enjoy everything that makes this destination so memorable. For the more daring sort, Chapman’s Peak Trail will be the place for you. The Summit Trail is a short yet quite intense adventure up to the peak of Chapman mountain. Three mile out-n-back trail with intense elevation gain (suitable for most travelers skill levels). Henceforth, you will be rewarded with views of crashing cliffs and the Atlantic ocean. A must visit for adventure thrill-seekers! 

3. Iziko Bo-Kaap Cape Town

Photo by Claudio Fonte on Unsplash

At #3 on Tripio’s list of best sites to see in Cape Town we have Iziko Bo-Kaap. This colorful street area is a Top 10 must-see attraction in Cape Town. Iziko Bo-Kaap was created in the formerly segregated region of Cape Town known as the Malay Quarter. After a complete makeover by the South African locals, Iziko Bo-Kaap was created. Moreover, the free-spirited progressive area known as Iziko Bo-Kaap is a phenomenal attraction for any traveler. Whether it is your first time in Cape Town, or you are an avid visitor, Iziko Bo-Kaap continues to take your breath away. 

4. V&A Waterfront Cape Town

Photo by Shashank Kumar on Unsplash

To get a glimpse of local life and culture in Cape Town, head on down the the V&A Waterfront. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, more commonly referred to as the V&A Waterfront, is a port center with a diverse community of locals and sailors. V&A holds claims to be the oldest operating waterfront port in the Southern hemisphere. Local markets, picturesque passing ships and an abundance of South African locals are just a few things that make the V&A Waterfront so special. Day or night, the waterfront in Cape Town should be a top contender for your Custom Itinerary created on the Tripio App. 

5. Muizenberg Beach  Cape Town

Photo by Thomas Lipke on Unsplash

Also known commonly as the “Instagram beach”, Muizenberg Beach is a Top 10 destination to see in Cape Town. Not only is Muizenberg beach filled with colorful huts that are perfect for social media, it is also a remarkable surfing destination. Small to medium sized waves are perfect for beginner/intermediate surfers looking to taste some South African waves. Muizenberg beach has a little something for everyone. Adventure for those who seek it, golden sand to lay on and soak up the sun, photography wonderland and more. To spice up your vacation itinerary, be sure to give Muizenberg beach the chance to impress you. 

6. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony 

Photo by Bernd M. Schell on Unsplash

The Southern coast of Africa is known for its abundance of penguins. Boulders Beach is recognized as a safe-haven for these cuddly flightless creatures. Large numbers of these birds have continued to congregate at Boulders beach over the years because they know that they are safe and out of harm’s way. Penguin mating season is between the tail end of Spring and the start of Summer. This is the best time to visit Boulders beach to catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of these amazing creatures. 

7. Cage Diving with Sharks

Photo by Clayton Cardinalli on Unsplash

Cage Diving with Sharks off the coast of South Africa has to be one of the most thrilling adventures of most people’s lives. Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to get up close and personal with the ocean’s greatest predators. Furthermore, travelers of all ages are able to cross this bucket list item off of their list on their next vacation to South Africa. This thrilling adventure is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many travelers and should absolutely be an activity that you add to your Custom Itinerary as you create it on the Tripio App!

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-Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru 

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