THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN CAPE TOWN

Whether you're visiting Cape Town for the first time, are a seasoned local, or buying a gift for someone who lives there, there's no denying it's an incredible place. Humming with life and energy, Cape Town is a multicultural hotbed of food, adventure, and possibility, boasting breath-taking natural beauty from Table Mountain to Robben Island. If you're looking for things to do in Cape Town, there's no shortage of amazing activities. Browse our favourite Cape Town experiences below to find the perfect day out for yourself or a loved one. 

Let’s start in the most obvious place. If you’re new to Cape Town and want the best way to see the sights, a guided tour is a great option. Tour guides are tour guides for a reason, and they’ll inject enthusiasm and expertise into any experience. Whether you want to amble by foot, speed through the sights via trike, or experience Cape Town by scooter, there’s a tour to suit. Find the best of Cape Town with the following sightseeing tours:

30 Minute Horse Riding Experience in Stellenbosch - R 290

Explore the Stellenbosch landscape from a brand new perspective on this 30 minute horse riding experience through Cape Town. This experience if perfect for the whole family, making a fantastic day out and a unique experience gift for horse-lovers. This is a great way to be at one with nature while trying something new! Arriving at Wild Clover Farm in Stellenbosch, the experience will begin with a friendly introduction to the staff on hand, before getting kitted out in helmets and meeting the steeds who will be your companions for the trek. There are a range of horses on the farm, so you'll be paired with one that best suits your size and riding ability - there are even horses that have never been ridden before for those who are completely new to horse riding! 

Cape Town Table Mountain Scootour Experience - R 650

Experience the beauty of Cape Town and Table Mountain from the unique vantage point of a scooter! That’s right; rather than navigating Table Mountain’s pristine natural beauty on foot, this experience encourages guests to take in the sights from an adult-sized fat tire non-motorised scooter… try saying that three times fast. 

This two-hour Cape Town scootour adventure begins at the lower Table Mountain information office. There, guests will meet their expert instructor for the experience. Everyone will get kitted out in helmets and gloves, before being transported to the top of Signal Hill. While you take in the breath-taking surroundings, your guide will fill you in on the history and local stories of the area, but this isn’t just a sightseeing tour… this experience also serves up a helping of adrenaline as you zoom to the bottom on your unique vehicle. If you're not ready to go home just yet, fear not. The group will be transported up again, this time to Dead Man's Tree on Table Mountain. The eco-friendly scooters are easy to ride, smoothly gliding down to Deer Park where you'll once again be taken to the start point. This is definitely sightseeing with a difference!

Signal Hill Sunset Trike Tour for 2 - R 1700

Whether you’re looking to purchase for a loved one, or just want a romantic evening out, this Signal Hill Sunset Trike Tour for 2 is the perfect escape. Your tour begins at the V&A Waterfront two hours before sunset. From here, you’ll begin your journey south through Cape Town towards Sea Point and Camps Bay, before circling up to Signal Hill in time for sundown. Is there a better way to spend an evening than sipping sparkling wine while enjoying a perfect sunset? The Signal Hill sunset is second to none; the sight of the African sun dipping beneath the horizon, staining the sky a myriad of colours whilst silhouetting Robben Island in the distance. 

One Hour Falconry Hawk Walk in Cape Town - R 1000

If you’re crazy about wildlife, Cape Town has no shortage of fascinating experiences for you - but let’s begin with this one: a one-hour falconry hawk walk, perfect for those interested in the practice of falconry, and the fascinating history behind it. For millennia, resourceful humans have made birds of prey their formidable hunting companions. In the Far East, records of falconry date to well beyond 1000 BC, and the practice is recognised by UNESCO as a ‘living human heritage’. Today, hunting no longer takes precedence, but birds are still kept and displayed for the purposes of rehabilitation, conservation and education. This unique Stellenbosch experiences promotes these key modern objectives, and offers a truly timeless natural encounter. You’ll start with a brief introduction at the eco-tourism centre, before embarking on an hour’s guided walk through the region’s stunning native bushveld, accompanied by two majestic Harris Hawks. These unbelievably charismatic birds have become increasingly popular among contemporary falconers, who favour their aerial prowess and social disposition. Throughout the gentle hike, your new feathered friends will follow the group freely – periodically swooping to and from your gloved arms!

112 Metre Abseil from Table Mountain - R 850

The perfect gift for intrepid adventurers! This 112 metre abseil from Table Mountain features hiking and breath-taking natural beauty, making for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. You’ll begin your experience with a welcome from the expert instructors, and a safety demonstration. From here, take a cable cart to the chosen location of the abseil to begin your thrilling 112 metre descent down Table Mountain. You’ll feel like a true explorer as you descend the mountain and absorb your unbelievable surroundings from 1067 metres above sea level. If the idea of abseiling down Table Mountain makes you a tad nervous, don’t worry; your capable instructors will be by your side every step of the way. Experts in their field, they’ll make you feel at ease while you conquer your fears! Once your abseil is complete, there’s a short and relatively easy hike back up the mountain to once again enjoy the views. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the cable cart ride back down to the bottom of Table Mountain. Days out don’t get much better than this!

Adventure Day and Cliff Jump at Kamikaze Kanyon - R 1395

This action-packed adventure day with cliff jumping showcases just how unforgettable a Cape Town adventure can be! You’ll start your day with a welcome from the staff, and a quick run through of any safety requirements. Next, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast while you get to know your fellow adventurers. Once you’re fuelled and ready for your day, you’ll begin hiking to various rock pools for some heart-pounding cliff-jumping! If that wasn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, you’ll then go onto complete a 65m waterfall abseil, where trained instructors will offer guidance and support as you descend to the bottom. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Thunder Falls while you and the rest of the group tucks into a well-deserved lunch. Back at the Steenbras River Gorge pools, you’ll enjoy more cliff jumping, then head to Sunbird Lodge for a light dinner and a sundowner. A truly action-packed experience for those who like to walk on (or jump from) the wild side!

1 Hour Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Experience for 2 - R 1990

From the track to the dunes… this unique experience is an unforgettable way to experience quad biking and take in the stunning Atlantis Dunes at the same time. This experience voucher is valid for two people, so bring a lucky guest along for an hour of sand, sun and speed! 

This thrilling quad bike adventure is perfect for complete beginners and seasoned pro’s. You’ll begin your day with a briefing session from your expert instructor who will ensure you are both comfortable and confident on the bikes, which are 250cc Suzuki LTZ 250’s, perfect for navigating the terrain of the dunes. Your bikes will make it over every mound with ease, and reach some impressive speeds whilst doing so! Zoom up and down the landscape after the guide for the full duration of the tour, zig-zagging and circling over hills and dips, accelerating down slip faces and controlling the bike on inclines. You won’t be forgetting this adventure in a hurry…

Take to the skies! If you want to soar like a bird, or just to enjoy a bird’s eye view from the safety of a piloted helicopter, fulfil your dreams with an unforgettable Cape Town flying experience. 

Tandem Paragliding Experience Cape Town - R 1300

Paragliding is widely considered to be the flying experience most similar to flying like a bird. Why not experience the amazing sensation of flight with this Tandem Paragliding Experience in Cape Town? Launching from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, you’ll glide serenely with stunning views of the city below – not to mention the stunning mountain or coastline. 

Meeting your experienced instructor at a prearranged location, you can let go of any nerves or unease as you are briefed on what’s to come. When you’re prepared for your experience, you’ll make your way to the launch point, where you’ll be fastened to the pilot’s harness ready for take-off. If there's a good wind, you'll only take a few steps, before the canopy inflates - and you have lift off! Taking advantage of naturally rising air currents, your pilot will guide you in lazy circles - giving you plenty of opportunity to admire the scenery and take photos. Free of noisy engines or propellers, they'll happily answer any questions you have concerning flying conditions or techniques. Otherwise, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride in peace, before finally returning to solid ground.

Private Cape Town Food Tour - R 5850

Get ready for an unforgettable food journey through Cape Town! You’ll begin your tour at one of Cape Town’s many great artisan coffee roasters, where you’ll learn about how it’s produced, different brewing methods, and of course, tastings! From here, you’ll be guided on a culinary journey through Cape Town. Highlights include incredible producers of cheese, chocolates, meats and craft beers, to delectable wines and traditional snacks. You will have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of food and drink, so make sure to arrive hungry!

Eco Wine Safari and Tasting in Paarl - R 400

This eco wine safari and tasting in Paarl is ideal for anyone interested in vegan and eco-friendly wine production – or just as an excuse to drink wine in the sun! (Not that we need one…)

Your day begins in the tasting gallery, where there’ll be an introduction to the Estate over a glass of Methode Cap Classique, before climbing into the tractor train for a tour of the vineyard. Your guide will talk through various methods Avondale farmers use to revolutionise the wine-making process, implementing bio-dynamic practices that get the Mother Nature seal of approval. During your experience you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in the vineyard, a tour of the gravity flow cellar where slow wine production takes place, and end back at the tasting gallery where you can take in the incredible Klein Drakenstein mountains, or have a wander through the exhibitions and artworks on display.

Private Couples Tango Lesson in Cape Town - R 600 

Why not make 2024 the year you learn to dance? Whether this is a secret ambition of yours or something you and your partner have been talking about for a while, there’s no denying that dancing is great for the mind and body. And with this private class in Cape Town, you’ll learn one of the most exciting dances; the Argentine Tango! Your teacher, Rachael, is a seasoned pro, and will make you feel right at ease in your dancing shoes, even if you have two left feet. Rachael draws upon her wealth of experience – much of it gained among the world’s best teachers and in the late-night milongas of Buenos Aires – to offer a uniquely holistic approach to dance. This encompasses mind, body and spirit, with emphasis on the non-verbal communication and mindful connection between partners. Whatever your ability, you’ll be delighted by your improvement after just an hour!

Perfume Making Workshop in Cape Town - Diamond Package - R 850

A unique gift for creative types! This perfume making workshop in Cape Town is led by one of the venue’s experienced perfume experts. Whether you’re interested in perfumery or know someone who loves a signature scent, this is an unforgettable day out. Your resident perfume expert will be on-hand to offer guidance as you explore a stunning range of scents imported from Grasse, France; the world’s perfume capital. You’ll learn which fragrances complement one another, and marvel at their ability to evoke memories of people, places and experiences. Complimentary Champagne, hot drinks, cheese and snack platters are all available, and your voucher includes entry to the exclusive perfume museum – the first of its kind in South Africa, and a fascinating insight into the ancient art. Finally, you’ll leave with a bottle of your unique creation, plus a luxurious scented body cream.

Anyone local to Cape Town will know its beaches are second to none. Why not take advantage of the picture-perfect blue water that surrounds Cape Town with one of the below adventures?...

Couples Sunset Boat Cruise in Cape Town - R 960 

Treat your partner to a romantic experience on the water! This hour and a half boat cruise departs from the V&A Waterfront, allowing plenty of time to sail out to sea ready for the sunset. The boat will either head to Clifton 4th Beach or Table Bay depending on the weather, giving guests unparalleled views of the sun dropping below the horizon in one direction and the famous 12 Apostles in the other. On-board staff will provide passengers with a welcome glass of sparkling wine to add that touch of luxury to an already high-class experience. 

Snorkel with Seals in Cape Town - R 950

Cape Town is known for its fascinating history, beautiful landscape, and indigenous wildlife, so why not take part in an experience which offers a chance to witness one of its friendliest animals in their natural habitat; snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seal!

The experience begins on arrival at the harbour where you'll be introduced to the team, then go over a quick safety briefing and wetsuit fitting to ensure you're properly kitted out for your aquatic adventure. The instructors will also give you a short training session using the mask and snorkel, just to make sure you're confident in the water. Once prepped you'll board the boat and head out to sea, dropping anchor in a prime seal spotting location! Snorkelling is a great activity to take part in if you’re looking to experience the incredible wildlife and sea creatures that live below the water’s surface, without having to complete any diving courses. After a couple hours of snorkelling excitement your group will board the boat once more and finish up with hot drinks and snacks.

Group Surfing Lesson in Cape Town - R 620

In this 90 minute group surfing lesson you'll hit Cape Town's white sands and learn the basics of surfing! After meeting at the location, you'll be given a wetsuit, surfboard, leash and wax, raring to get started. Your enthusiastic instructors will teach you the important body movements and positions as you start on the beach, and in no time you'll be out riding the waves. As you continue practising the key 'pop up' move, you'll soon be a pro at it! As this is a beginners lesson, the staff won't expect you to be excellent, so they'll be there at all times to assist you and give you any hints and tips to improve. You'll never want the fun and exercise to end, and once you've finished, you'll definitely want to keep hitting the beach and practising your newly acquired skills!

Thank you for reading!

...And that concludes our favourite things to do in Cape Town. We hope you’ve found something perfect from our list, but if you’re still searching, browse our full range of Cape Town gifts here. Cape Town is a truly unique place with so much to offer, so why not explore it with a unique experience? If you have any questions about our experiences, leave us a comment – we’d love to hear from you! In this 90 minute lesson, you'll hit Cape Town's white sands and learn the basics of surfing! After meeting at the location, you'll be given a wetsuit, surfboard, leash and wax, raring to get started. Your enthusiastic instructors will teach you the important body movements and positions as you start on the beach, and in no time you'll be out riding the waves. As you continue practising the key 'pop up' move, you'll soon be a pro at it! As this is a beginners lesson, the staff won't expect you to be excellent, so they'll be there at all times to assist you and give you any hints and tips to improve. You'll never want the fun and exercise to end, and once you've finished, you'll definitely want to keep hitting the beach and practising your newly acquired skills!