CAPE TOWN DONE PROPERLY
- Robyn Cockrell
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
The Places, Stays and Experiences That Define a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
Cape Town is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. It is dramatic, diverse, and endlessly beautiful. A destination where mountains rise straight out of the city, oceans stretch endlessly in every direction, and no two days ever feel the same.
The secret to truly experiencing Cape Town lies in where you stay and how you explore. When I design a first-time itinerary, I always look for the perfect balance. Time along the coastline, a few indulgent days in the winelands, and something a little more remote. Somewhere that allows you to fully disconnect.
Cape Town is not a destination you rush.It is a place you immerse yourself in.
Here is exactly how I would do it.
Where You Stay Shapes the Journey
1. Ellerman House
Set high above the Atlantic Ocean, Ellerman House offers sweeping sea views, exceptional service, and a deep connection to South African art and culture. The atmosphere is intimate and refined, with spaces that invite you to slow down and take it all in. Evenings are defined by golden sunsets, quiet elegance, and a sense of timeless luxury.
2. The Silo Hotel
Towering above the V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Cape Town. Its striking architecture and expansive glass windows frame panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and the ocean. Every detail feels bold, modern, and meticulously curated, creating a stay that feels elevated in every sense.
3. Delaire Graff Estate
Positioned high on the Helshoogte Pass, Delaire Graff Estate commands breathtaking views over the Cape Winelands. Vineyards stretch endlessly below, paired with world-class wines, exceptional dining, and a carefully curated art collection. The private lodges offer space, privacy, and a profound sense of calm.
4. Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is a place of balance and simplicity. As a working farm, it invites guests to reconnect with nature through gardens, fresh produce, and a slower rhythm of life. Days are spent wandering landscaped grounds, enjoying farm-to-table meals, and indulging in restorative spa experiences rooted in ancient traditions.
5. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Located a few hours outside Cape Town, Grootbos sits between ancient forests and sweeping ocean views. Home to rare fynbos found nowhere else on Earth, the reserve feels untouched and deeply peaceful. Time here is shaped by nature, open space, and stillness.
View from Silo Rooftop
The Icons That Define Cape Town
· Table Mountain, The Heart of the City and a Natural Wonder of the World
Table Mountain stands as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the undeniable heart of Cape Town. Rising dramatically above the city, it shapes the skyline, the rhythm of daily life, and the spirit of the Mother City itself. From its flat summit, uninterrupted views stretch across the city bowl, the Atlantic Ocean, and far beyond. Whether reached by cable car or on foot, standing atop Table Mountain feels grounding, powerful, and deeply symbolic.
· Chapman’s Peak Drive, 114 Curves of Pure Magic
Ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak is carved into the mountainside between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. With 114 sweeping curves, the road winds along sheer cliffs as the ocean crashes far below. Every turn reveals another extraordinary view, particularly at sunset when the landscape glows in warm light.
· Cape Point, Where the Continent Ends
Cape Point marks the south-westerly tip of the African continent, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the ocean and the elements feel raw and powerful. Standing here offers a deep sense of scale and perspective, and a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the natural world.
· Boulders Beach, Home of the African Penguin
Boulders Beach is one of the few places on Earth where African penguins can be seen in their natural environment. These penguins are endangered, and observing them waddle across the sand and glide through crystal-clear waters is both heart-warming and humbling.
· V&A Waterfront, Where Culture Comes to Life
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront is where Cape Town’s culture comes alive. Beyond its restaurants and harbour views, this is a place filled with rhythm and movement. Local musicians play, African dancers perform, and voices rise in song. It is here that visitors feel the heartbeat of the city and experience the warmth, energy, and spirit of its people
Ultimate Peaks' iconic picnic setup at Cape Point. Ft Robyn
Ultimate Add-Ons That Elevate the Experience
Once the icons have been explored, these carefully chosen experiences add depth, perspective, and a deeper connection to Cape Town’s landscapes.
- A helicopter flip over the Cape Peninsula reveals the dramatic meeting of mountains and ocean from above.
- A marine safari by boat offers encounters with seals, dolphins, and, in season, whales.
- Kayaking with dolphins provides a peaceful and intimate way to experience the coastline.
- Paragliding delivers panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains.
- A sunset champagne cruise along the Atlantic Seaboard captures Cape Town at its most romantic.
- Cruising the Cape in style with a private guide allows for a relaxed and curated journey.
- A Cederberg mountain escape introduces ancient landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and deep stillness.
- A guided hiking experience offers a grounded connection to the land on foot.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, showcases South Africa’s extraordinary plant life. The Boomslang Canopy Walk winds gently through the treetops at Kirstenbosch, offering a unique, elevated perspective of the gardens and the mountain beyond.
These experiences often become the quiet highlights of a journey.
Guided Morning hike up Lions Head
My Personal Favourite: The Cape Peninsula Tour
If there is one experience that truly captures the soul of Cape Town, it is the Cape Peninsula Tour. This journey is my personal favourite because it brings together the history, culture, and natural beauty that have shaped who we are today.
As you travel along the coastline, past fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes, you are not simply taking in beautiful scenery. You are experiencing the stories of the Cape. Stories of early explorers and historic trading routes, of coastal communities that have lived alongside the ocean for generations, and of a deep connection between people, land, and sea that is still felt today.
This route offers far more than viewpoints. It provides context and perspective. Every stop feels meaningful and rooted in the identity of the region, allowing you to understand Cape Town beyond its postcard moments.
Wildlife encounters add another layer to the experience. Baboons move freely through the landscape, and the beloved African penguins at Boulders Beach offer a humbling reminder of how closely life here exists alongside nature.
What I love most about this tour is the way it makes you feel. It is unhurried, immersive, and deeply emotional. By the end of the day, you do not feel as though you have simply seen Cape Town. You feel as though you understand it.
This is the tour I recommend to anyone who wants more than highlights. It is for those who want to connect, to learn, and to experience Cape Town in a way that stays with them long after they have left.
Why Cape Town Stays With You
Cape Town has a way of staying with you. It is powerful yet gentle, vibrant yet grounding. Each visit reveals something new, which is why so many people return again and again.
Cape Town is the kind of place you immerse yourself in, and just when you think you’ve experienced it all, it leaves you wanting to return for more. Another sunset, another drive, another view that takes your breath away.
You do not simply tick Cape Town off a list.You carry it with you, and you come back.
Looking to book for your upcoming visit to Cape Town? Explore our hand-designed private tours that we offer.
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