South Africa » Tourism

People travelling to Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa due to its good climate, natural setting, and relatively well-developed infrastructure. The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain, which forms the majority of Table Mountain National Park and is the back end of the City Bowl. 

Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. Cape Pointis recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also visit Cape Town's beaches, which are popular with local residents. Due to the city's unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Beaches located on the Atlantic Coast tend to have very cold water as the water is mostly glacial melt from Antarctica. 

The water at False Bay beaches is often warmer by up to 10°C. Both coasts are equally popular, although the beaches in affluent Clifton and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafes. The most famous beach in Cape Town, Boulders Beach is known for its colony of African penguins. Surfing is also popular and the city hosts the Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition every year.