COVID-19, a talking point in most conversations throughout 2020. Even more so for those that planned their dream to trip Africa in 2020. Everything came to a halt, and travel was off the cards for some time.
As the spread of the virus has slowed down, international borders have started to open and planning your dream African Safari is possible again.
Planning a safari to the Kruger National Park is not complete without a visit to Cape Town. With so many unique attractions, it is a shame to miss out.
Below is a little teaser on why you should come and visit :
Safety first
With travelling post-COVID-19, a new “normal” has been introduced, which is to protect not only international visitors but also locals and staff. Wearing a mask is compulsory in public spaces, and sanitising your hands regularly is recommended.
All establishments and services providers as also compelled to the new regulations. Vehicles are sanitised before and after transfers and tours. Lodges try and avoid as much contact with guests as possible and also have sanitising stations available throughout the lodge.
How to explore
If you are exploring Cape Town, you are spoilt for choice. One of the most informative ways to explore Cape Town would be to travel with a tour guide. This is also an excellent option for first-time visitors that still need to find their feet. Travelling with a tour guide not only allows you the opportunity to gain some of their knowledge, but they also would be able to provide you with the best advice on which attractions to visit. They will also be your chauffeur for the day, so you can just sit back and enjoy the fantastic scenery.
If you would prefer a little more freedom, you can easily explore Cape Town on your own. Rent a vehicle and follow the road. It will surely lead you on a fantastic journey.
There are also a few routes on the hop-on-hop-off city sight-seeing bus, which is an excellent combination of having a guide and chauffeur for the day, but also the freedom to decide your stops for the day.
Top attractions in Cape Town
One of the most visited and popular attractions for Cape Town is Table Mountain. For a quick visit, you can take the cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the fantastic views from the top. Also, with the cable car rotating as it glides up and down the mountain, you can get a 360-degree view of the city below.
For the more adventurous traveller, there are also plenty of hiking trails on the mountain. You can either hike up the mountain and take the cable car down, or you can do day hikes exploring the other side of the mountain.
Another must-do day visit while in Cape Town would be a visit around Cape Point.
Situated on a peninsula, you get to explore the ocean, mountains and the bay. Popular stops on a Cape Point tour include Hout Bay known for the boat cruise to seal island and great fish and chips. You then get to travel along Chapmans Peak drive getting spectacular views of the ocean before you reach Simon’s Town.
Simon’s Town is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is home to the South African Navy. Travelling in April, you would be able to join in the Navy festival which takes place every year.
Boulders Beach is a must-see which is home to a colony of African Penguins.
Travelling during calving season, you might even spot a whale or two off the coast.
The furthest point on the peninsula is the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Visiting the reserve, you can spot natural fynbos. Here you can do a day or overnight hike through the fynbos and along sandy beaches.
You make your way back to the city centre along some of the best beaches Cape Town has to offer including Camps Bay and Clifton.
Should you still have more time in Cape Town, the Winelands is not to be forgotten.
Through the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl you can taste and purchase some of the finest wines produced in South Africa. For the adventurous, there are also great hiking and mountain bike trails to explore.
When planning your next adventure after all the COVID-19 madness, don’t forget to include a stop in Cape Town.