11 Incredible Cape Town Day Tours you Can’t Miss
The Mother City is full of things to do, and these are our recommended best day trips from Cape Town, taking in major sights such as Table Mountain, the Winelands, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, and more!
Cape Town, South Africa’s vibrant and colourful southern city is one of our favourite cities in the world.
Not only does it have the visual appeal of Table Mountain on side and the Atlantic Seaboard on the other, there’s a certain vibe and rhythm that we’re yet to find anywhere else.
It’s also one of the most diverse cities we’ve travelled through, in both people and culture but also in the sheer number of incredible things to see and do there.
From hiking to the top of Table Mountain to exploring the country’s chequered past at Robben Island, sipping wine in the Cape Winelands to whale-watching in Hermanus; the city and its surrounding areas are definitely not short of breathtaking and fascinating places for travellers.
We’ve rounded up our pick of the best Cape Town day tours, our favourite day trips from Cape Town, how to visit them, and some extra South Africa travel tips to help you have an incredible adventure there.
Whether it’s an adrenaline rush or an all-out gourmet experience you’re craving, there’s a perfect tour for you below!
11 INCREDIBLE CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS YOU CAN’T MISS
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CAPE TOWN DAY TOURS | THE ONE-DAY CAPE TOWN TOURS YOU CAN’T MISS
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#1 EXPLORING TABLE MOUNTAIN
Cape Town is an extraordinarily beautiful city, thanks in large part to the ever-present towering sandstone massif of Table Mountain.
Once known to the original inhabitants as Hoerikwaggo (the mountains in the sea), Table Mountain is both the heart of the city and its silent protector. The city is nestled in its folds, its world-class vineyards, national parks, and many, many hiking trails spilling down its side towards the bay.
But if you think the view of Table Mountain from the city is epic - you’ll be blown away by the view from the top of Table Mountain looking over the city bowl, Atlantic Seaboard, and beyond!
Making your way to the top of Table Mountain is a must-do day trip in Cape Town, and can be done either via the Table Mountain aerial cableway that’s been ferrying passengers up the mountain for more than 90 years, or by taking to one of the many hiking trails crisscrossing its slopes.
TABLE MOUNTAIN DAY TOURS
Table Mountain cableway | With a 360°rotating floor and epic views its definitely worth taking the cableway. Tickets are around $20-25 per adult but are seasonal, so check before you go. Book your ticket online in advance as the queue for this can get very long - we recommend this combined aerial cableway and hop-on-hop-off bus pass.
Hike up Table Mountain | There are hundreds of trails to the top of Table Mountain, and all require a relatively good level of fitness. Due to temperamental weather and some instances of robberies on hiking trails, we’d strongly advise opting for a guided hiking tour rather than going alone. This guided hike through Platteklip Gorge (the easiest, and most popular trail to the top), or this alternative guided hike through a lesser known, more adventurous trail with a local are our picks.
BOOK | Aerial cableway and hop-on-hop-off bus pass here, Platteklip Gorge hiking trail here, and alternative guided hike here
NOTE | You’ll have to time your visit to Table Mountain carefully as the mountain’s weather and visibility can be pretty unpredictable. You’ll quickly become familiar with the city’s ‘tablecloth’ - a thick blanket of clouds that rolls in over the top of and whites out everything in its path.
If you see Table Mountain begin to rise from the city bowl with no clouds nearby - go, go, go!
For a more reliable method of predicting the visibility, head to the official Table Mountain website for current visibility reports.
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#2 HIKING UP LIONS HEAD
Table Mountain might be Cape Town’s number one mountain, but the view of Cape Town and Table Mountain from Lion’s Head the (obviously) Lion-esque rock to its side is absolutely worth hiking to the top for!
Sunrise is the best time to make your way up Lion’s Head, your early start rewarded with 360° views of the wild beauty of the Mother City as it wakes.
On a clear day, you can see everything from the Atlantic seaboard to the city bowl, Table Mountain to Robben Island, all painted pastel by the first rays of light. It’s an unforgettable Cape Town experience!
LION’S HEAD HIKING TOURS
Lion’s Head Sunrise Hike | While not technically a day tour (more like 3-4 hours), we recommend booking yourself onto a guided tour for this one, as while the hike is relatively short and easy, it shouldn’t be underestimated.
There are points of rock climbing and pulling yourself up via chains, and as with many hiking trails in South AFrica, it’s simply safer for you to tackle the trail with a group.
BOOK | This guided sunrise hike, or, if sunrise isn’t really your thing, this guided sunset hike
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#3 BO KAAP + COOKING CLASS
Nestled under Signal Hill, right on the edge of the Cape Town CBD, the colourful painted houses of the former Malay Quarter of Cape Town are probably unlike any other suburb you've seen before.
These are the very instagrammable rainbow streets of Cape Town’s predominantly Muslim quarter. Here, the streets are inviting and cheerful, a proud celebration of the area’s history.
The area used to house slaves in the 18th - 19th centuries, and when freedom finally came with the end of apartheid, the residents used their homes as a canvas to finally celebrate their long-subdued freedom, expressing their individual rights through the bright colours that you can see today.
In recent years, Bo Kaap has exploded as one of the most popular places in Cape Town, particularly as an Instagram destination.
If you decide to visit, please remember that this is a living neighbourhood with a rich and complex history and culture - not a social media playground (read our guide to Bo Kaap)!
BO KAAP DAY TRIPS
Bo Kaap walking tour | We recommend getting to know this area beyond the colourful facades by spending time with the people who call it home. This Bo Kaap walking tour through the suburb’s major historical sites, the Auwal Mosque (the oldest in South Africa), and the famous Atlas spice shop is hosted by a local who’s lived in this streets since his birth - and also includes a cup of tea and treat at a local’s home.
Cape Malay cooking class | We joined the wonderful Gamidah Jacobs at Lekka Kombuis for a Cape Malay cooking class, where we learnt how to make aromatic curries, delectably crisp but impossible-to-fold samosas, and a zesty onion and tomato sambal. The flavours were intense, exotic, and richly complex - a true reflection of the incredible culture that was born from the former turmoil of this area.
BOOK | Walking tour with a local here, Cape Malay cooking class at Lekka Kombuis here
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#4 VISIT ROBBEN ISLAND AND THE DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM
Cape Town is a wonderful, colourful place to visit as a traveller today - but it has also seen (and continues to see) its share of tragedy and heartache.
From the first landing of the Dutch East India Company fleet in 1652 to the divisive and oppressive apartheid policies of the 20th century, many of South Africa’s most significant historical events happened right here under the shadow of Table Mountain.
As a traveller, it’s imperative to delve into that history.
One of the most important things to do in Cape Town is to spend a day visiting Robben Island, the prison where Mandela (along with fellow anti-apartheid fighters) was imprisoned for 18 years, and the District Six Museum, once-vibrant community that were forcibly removed from their homes during the apartheid era and resettled in the Cape Flats area while their homes were destroyed.
Eye-opening and moving, both of these sites are an important reminder that human rights and justice can never be taken for granted.
ROBBEN ISLAND & DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM TOURS
Robben Island | We recommend this Robben Island: Ferry ticket and Prison Tour. Includes the 45-minute ferry ride, a bus tour around the key sites on the island, and a guided tour through the prison with a former freedom fighter who was imprisoned there.
District Six Museum | Either visit District Six independently or as part of a longer half-day tour to some of Cape Town’s townships (including Bonteheuwel, where many District Six residents were relocated to)
Alternatively, explore District Six and the street art-filled streets of nearby Woodstock on this 3-hour e-bike tour of Cape Town.
BOOK | Robben Island: Ferry ticket and prison tour here, District Six & township tour here, and District Six and Woodstock e-bike tour here
follow our adventures on instagram!
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DAY TRIPS FROM CAPE TOWN | DON’T MISS THESE ONE DAY TOURS FROM CAPE TOWN
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#5 THE CAPE WINELANDS
South Africa knows how to produce seriously good wine, and many of the best vinos in the world are made right here in Cape Town’s historic Winelands.
If, like us, you’re also partial to a good drop yourself, then we can’t recommend a day trip to the Cape Winelands enough. Actually, if we’re honest we’d recommend spending a few days there if you have the time - but it’s still a totally worthy day tour from Cape Town if you don’t (we didn’t either!).
The historic region is just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, and encompasses some of the earliest winemaking towns in the region, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
The most famous town of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, is beautiful and definitely worth a visit; but for an equally delicious day trip with just as much eye-candy, we recommend splitting your time in Franschhoek too.
CAPE WINELANDS DAY TRIP
Cape Winelands priate day tour | A big part of the Winelands’ charm is also the scenic drive through its rolling landscape of magnificent vineyards, towering mountains, and heritage Cape Dutch architecture. If you’re keen to indulge in a tasting or two, we recommend booking this full-day guided tour of the Cape Winelands , which includes 3 wine tastings and tours through Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, and enjoying your day out without worrying about driving.
Cape Winelands heli tour | For the ultimate splurge day out, this helicopter tour of the area and a gourmet lunch in Franschoek is preeeeetty much our dream day out.
BOOK | Full-day guided tour of the Winelands here, helicopter tour and gourmet lunch here
more of africa? check out these 10 things to do in namibia
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#6 THE BOULDER’S BEACH PENGUIN COLONY
About an hour's drive south of Cape Town is beautiful Boulder’s Beach, made famous by its local residents: a large colony of endangered African penguins!
Once a thriving colony, commercial fishing, habitat destruction and pollution in the ‘80s saw the population plummet until only two breeding pairs were left. In the 30 years since, dedicated conservation efforts by SANParks has seen numbers soar to over 3,000 birds.
Boulder’s is the one of the only places in the world where you can get up close with the penguins. Watch them frolic in the waves (you can also swim with them in the waters around False Bay - although it is freezing!), wander along the boardwalk over their burrows, or check out the visitors centre to learn all about these cute African penguins.
We do feel we have to warn you against getting too close though; these are wild and endangered animals and should only be observed from a distance. Please don’t feed or attempt to touch the penguins; it not only goes against conservation efforts, but their beaks are also super sharp - and they're not afraid to use them!
Check out all our responsible animal travel tips here.
Cost | The colony is protected by SANParks, and you need to pay a conservation fee. Foreign adults: R160 (around $10), foreign child: R80, SA citizen adult: R40, SA citizen child: R20
BOULDER’S BEACH DAY TRIPS
Cape Peninsula + Boulder’s Beach | Most Cape Peninsula day trips will also include a stop at Boulder’s Beach. If you’re travelling independently, it makes sense to combine the two as well.
Kayaking tour of False Bay | Alternatively, if you’re looking for a unique way to get up close to these cheerful creatures, you can also do this kayaking tour of the False Bay area
BOOK | full-day small group tour to Boulder’s, Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula here, Kayaking tour of False Bay here
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#7 A TRIP TO CAPE PENINSULA
If you could only take one or two day trips from Cape Town, a Cape Peninsula tour would have to be one of them.
This is where the rocky, mountainous edge of the African continent collides with the wild and unpredictable Atlantic ocean. With rugged cliffs and endless ocean views, it’s a dramatic landscape teeming with unique flora and fauna that feels a little like standing at the edge of the world.
For early explorers in search of trading routes to India in the 15th-century, this was a treacherous place to be. Sailors battled rough seas, thick fog and storms, with the threat of being shipwrecked on the rocky coast ever-present.
Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, the first European to see the Cape, named it the ‘Cape of Storms’ - later renamed “Cape of Good Hope” by the King in optimism of the fortunes a trading route with the East could bring.
There are plenty of places to explore on a Cape Peninsula day tour; hike up or take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the old lighthouse at Cape Point, hike to the famous WWII Thomas T Tucker shipwreck, explore the Cape of Good Hope, spot whales during the migration, and explore a tonne of beautiful secret beaches (note: swimming isn’t allowed at some due to strong currents).
CAPE PENINSULA DAY TRIPS
The drive down there will also take you past Muizenberg, the Boulder’s Beach colony, and Hout Bay, along Chapman’s Peak Drive - and most day tours will also stop at these too.
Half-day tour | If you’re short on time, we recommend this half-day option.
Full-day tour | For those with more time, take this or this full-day tour option that includes Boulder’s Beach, Simon’s Town and more.
BOOK | book half day guided tour here, book full-day guided Cape Peninsula tour (including Boulder’s, Simon’s Town, etc) here
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#8 KALK BAY
If we had to pick our absolute favourite day trip from Cape Town, it would undoubtedly be the quirky fishing village of Kalk Bay just 40-minutes from the city centre.
One part sleepy seaside town, where colourful fishing trawlers bob and old seamen gather in bunches around the harbour, the other part trendy and happening high street, Kalk Bay’s biggest draw is its eclectic, buzzy vibe.
The main street is lined with popular cafes, quaint antique shops selling bargains you didn’t even know you needed, cool boutiques where everyone from young families to old hippies can be found, and chilled out beach bars calling you down to enjoy a sundowner.
Take a wander along the famous Kalk Bay pier (keep an eye out for the local seal residents!), and be sure to stop past Kalky’s Fish & Chips for some deep-fried grub and the chance to soak up the lively atmosphere in this institution.
THE DETAILS
Where | Kalk Bay, Cape Town
Where to stay | We recommend renting an airbnb if you decide to stay longer than one day in Kalk Bay
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#9 WHALE WATCHING AT HERMANUS
Just 1.5 hours from Cape Town lies the pretty coastal town of Hermanus, perched on the rugged cliffs of a rocky outcrop that tower above the churning Atlantic Ocean below.
The once-sleepy town is picturesque enough on its own merits, but the real drawcard here is that Hermanus is the very heart of the whale migration.
For six months of the year, Southern Right Whales migrate here from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to mate and give birth. If you're travelling here between June and December, we highly recommend making the day trip from Cape Town and witnessing the spectacle for yourself.
As you might have guessed, Hermanus is one of the greatest places in the world for land-based whale-watching, and there are plenty of places to observe them.
One of the most popular is the Cliff Path, a 12-kilometre stretch with endless lookout points and whale-viewing opportunities.
HERMANUS DAY TOUR
Personally we think the best place to watch these giants of the sea from is, well, from the water itself - and there are plenty of whale-watching boat tours that get you even closer to these creatures in their natural habitats - we recommend this full-day return trip from Cape Town, which also includes hotel pickup.
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#10 THE WEST COAST AND WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK
Most travellers to Cape Town head east for the day to the delights of the Cape Winelands or the Peninsula.
But if you’re looking for somewhere a little more offbeat, or local, on your travels here, we definitely recommend making the day trip up the Western Cape to the West Coast National Park as well.
With everything from secret white sand beaches with turquoise water to diverse and thriving wetlands full of bird and animal life, the West Coast is raw, wild, and authentic - and a haven for those who love the great outdoors.
Add to this some of the best Spring wildflower-spotting in the country, plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, and the chance to quad bike or surf down a towering sand dune, and you can begin to understand why the West Coast is considered to be the adventure and outdoors capital of the country.
Here are some of the highlights along the West Coast:
Langebaan | Lovely seaside town hugging the Langebaan lagoon. Enjoy lunch at Pearly’s on the Lagoon, go kitesurfing, snorkelling, SUPing or waterskiing on the crystal-clear waters, or flop on the beach at Kraalbaai close.
Wildflower spotting | In Spring, the West Coast bursts into vibrant colour as wildflowers spread across the land. We recommend Darling, Clanwilliam, Postberg, and Seeberg for the best spots.
Atlantis Dunes | popular with locals, tourists, and film crews alike, the towering Atlantis Dunes (some are 50m + high!) are a haven for quad biking, 4x4 rides, sand boarding and dune walking tours.
Yzerfontein | the longest beach in South Africa - almost 25km long! Also has a number of historical sites,
West Coast National Park | Wildflower spotting, birdwatching in the wetlands, whale-watching and game drive opportunities, plus lots of hiking, biking, and outdoor fun.
WEST COAST DAY TOUR
West Coast Tour | We recommend taking this full-day tour of the West Coast, which includes the Atlantis Dunes, insights to the culture of the indigenous San people, 2-course lunch, a tour through the Wetlands, and a visit to the Langebaan lagoon.
BOOK | Full-day West Coast day trip here
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#11 WILDLIFE SPOTTING ON A GAME RESERVE DAY TRIP
Nothing beats an African safari, and your trip really isn't complete without the chance of spotting the’Big Five’.
To be totally honest with you guys, we’d recommend opting for a multi-day safari, like those in Kruger National Park, or even further north on the continent, as they’re amazing experiences and allow you to witness the animals in their wild environments.
Game reserves, on the other hand, can be more like a ‘zoo’ experience, where you’re trundled around on a 4x4 within the confines of a private reserve.
Whilst many of these do great work in conservation — for example, the Inverdoorn Game Reserve who are dedicated to Cheetah conservation — having unwittingly taken one of these once before, we felt it lacked the real vibe of being able to see these incredible creatures without the presence of fences.
That said, if you’re adamant that you want to try and see a few of Africa’s best-known animals and only have a small amount of time, we’d recommend looking into the following options.
GAME RESERVE DRIVES
Aquila Game Reserve | Two hours from Cape Town, the Aquila reserve tends to be more popular with tourists, so expect it to be reasonably busy. The reserve is in a mountainous area, and is home to many African elephants. This Aquila Game Reserve tour includes Cape Town transfers.
Inverdoorn Game Reserve | A little further from Cape Town (3 hours), Inverdoorn is most famous for its Cheetah conservation efforts. They don’t have elephants, but expect to see PLENTY of the world’s fastest land animals.
This Inverdoorn Game Reserve tour includes transfers from Cape Town
BOOK | Aquila Game Reserve here, Inverdoorn Game Reserve here
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CAPE TOWN TRAVEL INFORMATION: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR TRIP
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WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPE TOWN?
In our opinion, the season you should visit in is spring (September - October).
Not only are the temperatures very mild, the whole western Cape comes alive with the wildflower season, which is completely unique to this region.
Picture the beauty of Cape Town, then add a huge array of colourful wild flowers and you’ll understand why you should visit then! It’s also whale-viewing season, if you’re not already convinced.
It’s no secret Cape Town comes alive in summer, but it does, however, become incredibly busy so you need to plan and book ahead for all accommodation, attractions and tours.
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STAYING SAFE IN CAPE TOWN
We’ve written a comprehensive guide to safety in South Africa here, but overall, we found travelling in South Africa no more or less dangerous than most popular tourist destinations around the world.
Our key advice would be to be cautious but not afraid as a traveller there and take the usual precautions that you would anywhere else in the world.
Joining a tour is, in our view, the best way to stay safe in South Africa - plus it also takes the stress out of having to plan out your every day of your holiday for yourself!
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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
No matter where you travel in the world, travel insurance is super important. If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford to leave home either.
We use World Nomads, and find they're the best when it comes to providing a good range and level of cover at affordable rates.
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WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN
We’ve written a comprehensive guide to where to stay in Cape Town, which includes where to stay in the city, plus our personal recommendations for each. Read the guide here
AIRBNB | We used airbnb in Cape Town and absolutely loved it. Search for airbnbs in Cape Town here
HOSTELS | There are plenty of amazing hostels in Cape Town - search for your perfect hostels in Cape Town on Hostelworld here
HOTELS | We use Booking.com when we need a hotel - search for your Cape Town accommodation here
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PLANNING A VISIT TO CAPE TOWN SOON?
We have a whole of essential reading before you travel to Cape Town:
CAPE TOWN GUIDE | Our guide to the stunning city of Cape Town
WOODSTOCK, CAPE TOWN | Our guide to Cape Town’s coolest suburb, Woodstock
SOUTH AFRICA SAFETY | How to travel safely in Southern Africa
AFRICA TRAVEL TIPS | Everything you need to know before you travel in Africa
PACKING FOR AFRICA | Our ultimate Africa packing list (what to pack and what to leave behind!)
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
VISITING SOUTH AFRICA? YOU’LL WANT TO READ THESE POSTS
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