After Go Ahead Tours staffer Molly came back from her tour of South Africa, we asked her about her favorite stop—Cape Town. Here are her five reasons to put a visit to Cape Town on your travel wish list.
1
The lively vibe
From the vibrant streets of Bo Kaap—a neighborhood known for its candy-colored buildings—to the bustling waterfront district, there’s no shortage of places to explore in Cape Town. “If you have free time, visit a local market,” Molly suggests. At The Bay Harbour Market, you can try a range of specialties (including African game meats like springbok for the adventurous!), mingle with locals, and pick up unique souvenirs.
2
Ocean, mountains, city—it’s all there
Table Mountain towers over Cape Town; you’ll get a view from the top with a cable car ride on tour. But beyond that, there are miles of beautiful beaches, public gardens, and nearby national parks for nature-lovers to explore.
3
The history
South Africa has a long and often difficult history, from colonial conflicts to the struggle of segregation under apartheid. In Cape Town, you can learn about some of it firsthand, visiting important sites including Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held, and the South African Museum.
4
The people
There are eleven official languages spoken in South Africa—a testament to the region’s diversity, and result of its complex colonial past. Today, Cape Town residents celebrate their city’s status as a cultural melting pot. “Everyone I met was so friendly,” Molly said.
5
Penguins!
A colony of over 3,000 African penguins calls Cape Town’s Boulder Beach home. If you visit Table Mountain National park, you can stop by the beach to see these cute little Capetonians nesting, swimming, and sunning themselves on the shore.
