Cape Town: Why It’s Still My Favorite City in Africa
Cape Town is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most spectacular, scenic, and vibrant cities.
I first visited in the early 1990s, when South Africa was just beginning to break free from the shackles of apartheid. Even then, Cape Town stood apart — more liberal, more worldly, and somehow more ready for change than other parts of the country. Known as "the Mother City," Cape Town has always felt wise beyond its years, understanding that South Africa had to modernize and open up to the world.
As a young man in my 20s, I was fascinated by the mix of different races, architecture, growing climates, and food. There was an abundance of fresh fish, world-class vineyards, and a palpable sense of possibility. Africa, as it so often does, got under my skin — and ever since, I’ve dedicated much of my career to customizing trips throughout this incredible continent.
I’ve been fortunate to visit Cape Town five or six times over the years, but on my most recent trip, I had the luxury of spending three full weeks there. That gave me the chance to rediscover what makes Cape Town so special — and why it remains my favorite African city (apologies to Marrakesh, Cairo, and Fez… but Cape Town still has everything).
Here’s my guide to what’s great about Cape Town, what to see and do, and how The Spence Connection can help you make the most of your time there.
Cape Town Highlights & Must-Sees
Table Mountain – No visit is complete without hiking or taking the cable car to the top for breathtaking views.
Robben Island – Visit the historic prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. A powerful, moving experience.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – A lively harbor filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and boat tours.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Nestled against Table Mountain, these are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Bo-Kaap – A colorful, historic neighborhood known for its Cape Malay culture and food.
Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope – Dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife (including baboons and ostriches), and incredible views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Boulders Beach – Meet the famous colony of African penguins just outside the city.
Winelands – Just a short drive away, the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia wine regions offer superb tastings, vineyards, and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Cape Town is spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation — world-class designer hotels, boutique guesthouses, charming B&Bs, luxury villas, and everything in between.
But just as or more important as the hotel itself is where you stay:
City Bowl & Gardens – Close to history, botanical gardens, and a buzzy cafe scene.
Camps Bay & Clifton – Stylish beachside suburbs with incredible sunset views and luxury villas.
Constantia – A posh, green suburb surrounded by vineyards and historic estates.
Waterfront – Perfect for first-timers who want everything on their doorstep.
Hout Bay & Llandudno – Peaceful seaside suburbs, ideal for those wanting a quieter stay with great beach access.
At The Spence Connection, we’ll take the time to understand you and your travel companions, then advise you on the best area and handpick the perfect hotel, villa, or guesthouse to match your style.
What to Do in Cape Town
For history & culture lovers:
Explore Cape Dutch and British architecture, visit historic museums, or take a political history tour to understand how figures like Cecil Rhodes shaped the region.
For art lovers:
The Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary African Art) is world-class, and you’ll also find vibrant local galleries, studios, and street art scattered throughout the city.
For food & wine enthusiasts:
Food tours, bustling harbors with fresh seafood, markets, and of course — the Winelands. South African wine is world-class, with a proud history dating back hundreds of years. From farm markets to fine dining, Cape Town offers some of the best food (at surprisingly modest prices). Ask us about private tastings and vineyard tours.
For adventure seekers:
Hike Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, surf the waves at Muizenberg, horse ride along Noordhoek Beach, go paragliding, mountain biking, or even shark cage diving. South Africans are sports-mad, and there’s always a rugby, cricket, or football match on somewhere!
Beyond the City: The Cape Region
If you have the time, leave Cape Town and explore the stunning Cape region. Both east and west of the city, you’ll find spectacular coastline, rolling farmland, charming small towns, and wilderness areas perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
I always encourage guests to stay at least 5 nights, ideally a full week or more, to truly soak in both the city and its surroundings. Spend a couple of days exploring the Winelands, Cape Point, and other nearby gems — you won’t regret it.
Cape Town works beautifully as either a standalone trip or as an extension to a wider African journey (like South Africa’s safari regions, Victoria Falls, or Botswana).
Please reach out and our Experts can arrange the perfect Cape Town experience.