St Bedes Terrace is the perfect springboard from which to explore the best that Cape Town has to offer. We are just below signal hill and an easy stroll to the nearby Seapoint promenade. Just 5 minutes away is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with all it’s shops, restaurants, Robben Island ferry and world class aquarium. You can walk or catch a R5 local taxi to the city centre where one can find the Castle of Good hope, Museums, Green Market Square and a vibrant night life.
10 minutes away is the iconic Table Mountain and famous Camps Bay and Clifton beaches where you can soak up the summer sun or sip on a cool cocktail.
Further afield is the spectacular Cape Point as well as the Wine Routes of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek.. We will be happy to assist you in booking all tours and adventures.
What to do in and around Cape Town
Two Oceans Aquarium (021) 418 3823
Kids love the Aquarium!
The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found in these two oceans. The Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town and over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, seals, turtles and penguins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve.
(Highlights: Shark Diving, Kids Activities, Shoreline Café, Conservation Projects)
Castle of Good Hope (021) 787 1249
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope.
(Highlights: Tour of Castle, Change of Guard, military museum and art Galleries, De Goewerneur Restaurant)
Table Mountain (021) 424 8181
Table Mountain is famous for its extra-ordinary floral biodiversity, mainly fynbos. Table Mountain alone has over 1500 species of plants, roughly the same number as are found throughout the British Isles. Table Mountain National Park is the richest corner of the Cape Flora Region and the richest single flora area in the world. Take the cable way to the top of the mountain in under 10 minutes and enjoy 360 degree views of the city or alternatively hike up Platteklip Gorge.
(Highlights: Hiking, Fauna and Flora, magnificent views, Restaurant)
Robben Island (021) 413 4200
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. The 3 hour tour includes a boat trip to Robben Island, followed by a commentated bus tour of the island and ends off with a tour inside the prison by one of the ex-political prisoners.
(Highlights: Boat tour, bus tour of Robben Island, Commentary by ex-political prisoner, Nelson Mandela’s cell)
Hop on hop off Bus Tour (021) 511 6000
Bus on the way to Table Mountain
Discover many of the great sites of Cape Town in this relaxed way. The round tour lasts 2h15, with frequent departures. Break your tour at any of the Explorer stops & continue later. Headphones are provided and commentary is conducted in most languages. There are 2 routes available. One tour includes the Waterfront, city centre in detail, Table Mountain for a panoramic view and includes a coastal drive back through Camps Bay: the other is longer via Kirstenbosch and Hout Bay. This is a “Hop on, Hop off” service, which allows you to use this tour as a convenient way to access all major highlights in Cape Town (including a visit to Camps Bay beach) during the day. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (021) 408 7600
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina.
(Highlights: Cinema, Boat Rides, Restaurants, Entertainment and LOTS of shopping!)
Ratanga Junction (0861) 200 300
Something for Everyone. This is usually only open during school holidays and peak periods. Please check before going. More than 30 attractions including 23 rides ranging from Kids Rides to Family Rides and Thrill Rides for the more intrepid adventurers. The white-knuckle thrills and spills are only one element offered by Ratanga Junction. The other attractions are designed to entertain children, families, and those who prefer to take their thrills in more manageable doses.
Grand West Casino (021) 505 7777
At Grand West Casino you can enjoy a range of activities for the whole family. While the kids get their ice skating boots on or explore the arcade; Mom and Dad can try their luck on any of the numerous Slot Machines and tables.
(Highlights: Casino, Night Life and Dining, Events, Ice Skating, Children’s Theme park and Games and Cinema)
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (021) 799 8783
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. It was founded in 1913.
(Highlights: Diverse fauna and flora, great walks, art, tea garden and restaurant)
World of Birds (021) 790 2730
World of Birds is the largest bird park and sanctuary in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature.
(Highlights: Birds, monkeys, tea garden, other reptiles and mammals)
Company Gardens (021) 424 2625
Situated at the top of Adderly Street in Cape Town, the company gardens is the first garden in which vines were planted. The oldest surviving vines still grow in the garden. From the gardens you have access to the Natural History Museum that has a great whale exhibit and the Planetarium which often has great kid’s shows (and for adults too!)
(Highlights: Beautiful Gardens, Parliament, SA Museum, Planetarium, Mandela Rhodes place, old Catholic Church)
Green Market Square (021) 426 1052
In Cape Town city centre there is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most popular markets known as Green Market Square. The cobbled stone square has a wide variety of African curios, clothing, candles and speciality stands. There are restaurants and cafes that surround the square if you wish to rest your feet and take a break from your shopping. The history of the market dates back to when ships passing the Cape would use the area for trading their goods and stocking up on produce before they continued along on their voyages. You will find that the market is always alive with people and has a great atmosphere and sense of character about it.
(Highlights: African Curios, culture, restaurants, cafes, clothing)
Mount Nelson High Tea (021) 483 1000
Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel includes traditional afternoon tea favourites such as pastrami sandwiches, smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, tasty South African cheeses and biscuits, quiche and savoury pies, not forgetting the ever popular scones with strawberry jam and a grand assortment of tea cakes. A wide variety of teas including Rooibos, Lapsang Souchong, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Orange & Cinnamon, Green tea & Mint, and Jasmine Green accompanies these taste sensations. Tea can be enjoyed in the lounge, out on the terrace or in the beautiful gardens.
Footsteps to Freedom (021) 671 6878
Footsteps to Freedom invite you to reach into the soul of Cape Town, by retracing 350 years of dramatic history. Specially trained tourist guides will bring to life the challenges facing the early Dutch settlers, the pain of slavery, the Cape as a colony, the tragedy of apartheid, and the joy and triumph of our new “Rainbow Nation”.
The three hour walking tour takes in historical sights like the Castle of Good Hope, Grand Parade, and slavery sites like the Slave Lodge and Slave Tree. At the Parliament Buildings and District Six Museum you will hear about apartheid and get to understand the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of ordinary South Africans.
(Highlights: Historical Sites, Cultural Experience, walking tour)
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information centre. Children will love the penguins and their antics and Boulders Beach is also worth a stop for safe and enjoyable swimming.
(Highlights: Penguins, Beautiful Beaches)
Cape of Good Hope (021) 780 9010
The Table Mountain National Park encompasses the incredibly scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks – majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope “Where the 2 Oceans Meet”.
(Highlights: Beautiful Coastlines, Shipwrecks, Old Lighthouse, Tram to top of point, fauna and Flora, animals)
Chapman’s Peak Drive (021) 791 8222
Chapman’s Peak Drive between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. The 9 km route with its 114 curves skirts Chapman’s Peak, the 593 m southerly extension of Constantia Berg and follows the rocky coastline to unfold stunning views in both directions
(Highlights: Beautiful Coastlines, Picnic, photography, whale watching, hiking)
Imhoff Farm (021) 783 4545
Located en-route to Cape Point, Imhoff farm is the perfect place to stop and explore. The farm offers a number of curios and exciting shops, as well as camel rides, horse rides and a snake and reptile park for the kids to enjoy. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the restaurants and cafes.
(Highlights: Camel Rides, Curios, horse rides, snake and reptiles, restaurants)
Cape Point Ostrich Farm (021) 780 9294
The Cape Point Ostrich Farm offers guided tours to familiarise you with the life cycle of the ostrich. Enjoy ostrich specialties at the scenic tea garden or purchase a wide range of ostrich products, available from the shop.
(Highlights: Ostriches, Tea Garden, shopping)
Beaches of the Peninsula
The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches – there are three on offer in and around Cape Town. The blend of two oceans and two very different styles of beach, divided by a 1000m high peninsula that earned Cape Town her name, leaves Cape Town unrivalled and a holiday destination of note.
The west side of the Cape Peninsula has a very definite style of beach. This is where the more fashionable set go to see and be seen, particularly along the Atlantic Seaboard, also known as Cape Town’s ‘Riviera’, which stretches from the V&A Waterfront on the north shore of Table Mountain up as far as Hout Bay and is connected by one of the most picturesque, scenic drives along Victoria Road.
Beaches here enjoy longer sunshine hours, incomparable sunsets and more protection from ‘the Cape Doctor’ (Cape Town’s infamous south easterly) than the False Bay side of the Cape peninsula. There is a spectacular selection of unspoilt beaches with seas that are usually 3 to 4 degrees colder than the Indian Ocean but this doesn’t seem to worry anyone soaking up the sun against the backdrop of blue skies and white sands.
North of the Atlantic Seaboard are the beaches of Table Bay. These sport the picture-postcard views of Cape Town over Table Mountain and Robben Island and tend to be more popular with locals, particularly kite surfers. Beyond Hout Bay, beaches such as Noordhoek and Scarborough are less frequented but no less beautiful, rather they’re where the locals can get away from the crowds.
Big Bay has two rocky outcrops that jut out into the sea, creating a bay. Blouberg has some lovely rock pools and the viewpoint from here of the bay and Table Mountain has graced many a postcard. Table View has a number of restaurants and venues for sundowners and Dolphin beach is the first of this series of beaches reached from the M14 and synonymous with kite surfing. Milnerton is well known for its lighthouse, which sits virtually on the beach and is great for swimming as, unlike Dolphin beach, it is manned by lifeguards. There are also a number of beach cafes and restaurants here.
Mouille Point, Seapoint and Three Anchor Bay don’t have much beach to speak of – they’re more ocean front than beach. However, Saunders Rocks at Seapoint has a little tidal pool and Three Anchor Bay has a tiny, little beach. It’s the promenade that draws people here. This walkway is right near the sea and is a haunt of joggers, walkers, dog walkers and families.
Clifton is an extremely popular hangout for locals and international jet setters – you’re here to be seen and to share space with the latest designer costumes and sunglasses. Clifton has four beaches called 1st, 2nd etc and 4th beach has blue flag status, not least because of the turquoise water and white sands. These beaches are Cape Town’s premier beaches, divided by granite boulders and packed with beautiful people in summer.
Camps Bay just up the road from Clifton is a long, sandy beach with palm trees and a fantastic promenade lined with trendy restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars. Here Cape Town’s fashionable set mingle with visitors to the city against one of the most beautiful backdrops of Lion’s Head and the 12 Apostles. The beach is very popular for sundowners and in hot weather it’s a beach paradise. From Camps Bay you can walk to Glen Beach – a small beach set in a little enclave and great for surfing – and Maiden’s Cove, which is very much a family beach just in front of the Glen Country Club. Bakoven gets a mention because of its natural beauty – big boulders, white sands and a gorgeous setting. But it’s smallish and zealously protected by territorial local residents.
Llandudno, set in an exclusive neighbourhood, is one of the most photogenic beaches in Cape Town and definitely one of the most beautiful. If you’re not a strong swimmer then settle for a dip as the currents are strong but great for surfers and sunsets here are notorious. Parking can be a bit of a headache but this does mean it doesn’t get too crowded.
Sandy Bay, a bit of a clamber across the boulders from Llandudno or a walk from the car park, is enclosed by sand dunes and well protected from the wind. It’s Cape Town’s nudist beach and not as busy as the other beaches, possibly because of the walk. But you can escape the crowds here and don’t have to be naked in order to experience the beach.
Hout Bay is a protected harbour bay great for walks and horse riding with spectacular mountain surrounds and views over the Holland Hottentots Mountains in the distance. The Chapman’s Peak side of the beach is better for sunbathing and swimming is good here as the waves are gentle. Fish and chips are the order of the day and a stroll along the pier to view the fishing boats is a treat, particularly if you can spot the odd Cape Fur seal or whale, during season.
Noordhoek beach, at the end of Chapman’s Peak drive and south of Hout Bay, has a gorgeous, incredibly wide expanse of sand perfect for long walks, horse riding and local surfers. Views of the bay are spectacular and the beach is lined with dunes that offer shelter from the wind. The beach borders on local wetlands and because of its size, is rather isolated so swimming or walking on your own are probably not a good idea. Long Beach at Kommetjie is just that, a long, sandy beach very popular with surfers. There is also a large tidal pool here great for swimming and families with some spectacular views.
Witsands, between Kommetjie and Scarborough, is popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers alike. For locals, this is a haven as it’s further from Cape Town and thus not very well known. The beach is big and there are plenty of sand dunes, which contribute to the beauty of the natural surrounds.
Misty Cliffs is wonderfully remote with some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic. Waves here can get notoriously big, so it isn’t really a swimmers paradise and even surfers take along an extra fin. It is popular with locals, divers and those wanting to escape it all. Scarborough is the last residential suburb before Cape Point. The beach is large with plenty of sand for sunbathing, popular with surfers and body boarders and has some beautiful views. Because it’s so far from Cape Town, it never gets crowded here although it can get busy in summer. When the wind blows, it’s an ideal spot for flying kites and kite surfing.
Things to do a bit further out of Town
Whale Watching
Whales ranging from Humpbacks to majestic Southern Rights visit our shores in the spring months of August to October and sometimes stay year round. The best area to spot whales is on the warmer False Bay side of the peninsular. Arm yourself with binoculars and drive to one of the mountainside vantage points. Wind free days make sightings a lot easier. There’s an outstanding vantage point on Boyes Drive winding along the mountainside between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. Hermanus is on the other side of False Bay about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.
Whale watching can also be experienced from boats which operate from Simonstown, Hout Bay, The Waterfront and Hermanus. You are highly likely to see not only whales but seals, dolphins and penguins too.
(Highlights: Beautiful Coastline, Whale Watching, Majestic Mountains)
Shark Cage Diving
Cage dives take place out at Dyer Island which is situated off the coast from Kleinbaai (Gansbaai). Between the months of May through October is considered to be the best time to view the Great White Shark, although they are seen throughout the year due to the 30 000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony that provides most of their nutrition. The Great White Shark is a surface feeder and thus all the activity takes place on or very close to the surface, due to this, the surface viewing from the boat is excellent. You can drive yourself out to Gansbaai or have a tour operator pick you up from St Bedes.
(Highlights: Beautiful coastline, whale watching, shark diving, shark viewing, seals)
Butterfly World
Butterfly World is a magical garden full of tropical plants, water features, and lots of butterflies. It’s a wondrous place to visit for children and adults alike. The enclosure also houses marmoset monkeys, iguanas and numerous birds, as well as tarantulas and scorpions. There is also an outdoor garden with ducks and geese, and a petting zoo with goats and tortoises.
(Highlights: Butterflies, Monkeys and other animals, tea garden, gift shop)
Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm
On arrival, you are shown a short educational video on the croc’s life cycle, and thereafter taken on a guided tour. You view these ancient reptiles by means of a low, narrow flyover / walkway and you realize just how close you are to them.
(Highlights: Crocodiles, touching of baby crocs, restaurant)
Cheetahs at Spier
Spier has made land available to a group of hand-raised cheetahs in the care of the Cheetah Outreach Programme. Learn more about these incredible cats from a distance, or get up close and personal and even step inside an enclosure. Entrance donations help fund the Cheetah Outreach Programme.
(Highlights: Cheetahs, touch cheetahs, Horse-riding, wine-tasting, African restaurants, deli)
Wiesenhof Game Park
This game reserve is home to various plains game species including Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Oryx Antelope, Bushbuck, Springbuck, Grey Reedbuck, Common Duiker and Grysbok. The park is set in a fynbos biome that delights one with its diversity. The views encountered are absolutely magnificent, affording a panoramic tapestry of the Cape Winelands.
(Highlights: Animals, picnic area, beautiful country setting)
The Winelands
The oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685, Constantia Valley is today the Cape’s most intimate wine route consisting of seven wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines. Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, Constantia Valley’s unique combination of terroir and climate produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards for consistently high standard and quality. Be sure to visit Groot Constantia the finest surviving example of Cape Dutch architecture and one of South Africa’s foremost historical monuments and tourist attractions
(Highlights: Old Dutch architecture, restaurants, wine tasting and tours, museum)
Durbanville was one of the earliest farming areas with the original estates having already been granted in 1698. Even today, a number of the farms are still cultivated by families who have owned the land for many generations. With a diverse group pf producers ranging from traditional to the ultra modern, visitors can experience a full spectrum of wines and other related activities. Some of the best fine dining restaurants as well as informal country kitchens can be found within the region, while olive products (including extra virgin olive oil and tapenades) are also produced from locally sourced olives.
(Highlights: Historical area, olive tasting, wine tasting, cellar tours)
The heart of South Africa’s wine industry, Stellenbosch is a place of great beauty and culture that’s steeped in South African tradition. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country’s most famous, and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars – most of which are open to the public. Enjoy a long day’s wine tasting and wine buying and you’ll sip more than our great South African wines – you’ll taste our South African way of life.
(Highlights: Wine Tasting, Cellar Tours, Historical Town, Monuments, cheese tasting)
Paarl Vintners invites you to discover the diversity of their beautiful wine valley. From large international wine companies to the smallest ‘garagiste’ winemakers the aim of Paarl Vintners is to produce quality wines with a sense of place to give pleasure to the lovers of good living. A wide range of wines and styles are produced here so whether you are looking for fresh and fruity or dark and brooding they’ll be sure to have a wine perfectly suited to your palate.
(Highlights: Wine tasting, cellar tours, brandy cellar, historical town, monuments, restaurants)
Franschhoek Valley is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines and accommodation await all visitors. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centred around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.
(Highlights: Wine tasting, cellar tours, restaurants, cheese, chocolates, shopping, historical town)
