It was the first time being in a helicopter and there couldn't be a better place for this experience.
The tour started at the V&A Waterfront and continued along the dazzling Atlantic coastline. A breathtaking way to experience the iconic scenery of Cape Town. From Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay to Hout Bay and back. A lot of places that we had the pleasure to visit by feat in the upcoming week.
Cape Town
Both Table Mountain and the newly build stadium stand out
The Twelve Apostles
A 6 km mountain range that actually consists of 18 peaks—not 12
One of the most recommended tours in Cape Town: A hike to the top of Lion's Head during sunrise or sunset. And yes, it's totally worth it.
With a height of 669 metres, Lion's Head isn't as high as Table Mountain, but that's exactly what makes the view so unforgettable—you're in the middle of everything. Between Camps Bay, Sea Point and Gardens, Signal Hill and Table Mountain, from here, you can see them all. Don't be afraid of heights; book a guide or hike with a group and you shouldn't have any trouble making it to the top.
Our tour started at 5 p.m. near Signal Hill. From here, we made our way to the top. After one hour we arrived right before sunset. Remember: After every sunset follows a time without sunlight and you still need to make it back to the bottom. It's important to have a headlamp with you and a guide who knows the route.
View from the top
From here you can see Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles
Blue water, rough waves and sharply formed rocks—The Chapman's Peak Drive isn't a typical road. It's an experience and a road you want to drive.
We arrived quite early at the Chapman's Peak lookout point, around two hours before sunset. It was extremely windy and started to get cold. Turned out that the sunset wasn't more than an average sunset, but the time we spent was so relaxing. We could sit there forever.
Chapman's Peak Drive
A spectacular road between mountain and ocean
The PotLuck Club is a well-known restaurant with an innovative cuisine that serves sophisticated tapas-style dishes. Make sure you book in advance.
The Neighbourgoods Market is a trendy market in and around an old mill. It opens every Saturday and offers artisan products and gourmet foods. Busy, but worth the visit.
Clifton is a small suburb of Cape Town, known as an exclusive residential area and famous for its four white sand beaches. It's located below the top of Lion's Head and has some outstanding spots to overlook the whole area. From here, you get sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Twelve Apostles.
Clifton is followed by Camps Bay, another part of the city that attracts many South African and foreign visitors during summer. You can find a lot of tiny beaches along Victoria Road, but the water is way too cold to go swimming.
Clifton and Camps Bay
Some spots allow you to overlook the whole area
Cold and windy
A typical "tablecloth" cloud formation that covers the view to the city
A flat-topped mountain and prominent landmark that you can see from everywhere in Cape Town. Table Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions which can be visited by hiking to the top or by using the cableway. We've chosen the latter as hiking on Table Mountain is definitely not for beginners.
Panoramic views are guaranteed when you're at the top, but you need a bit of luck as the view is often covered in clouds. Wait a bit if that's the case—you will be amazed how fast the weather can change. From a fully covered Cape Town to a cloud-free view in just a few minutes.
Table Mountain is definitely a place to visit, but be warned: it can get cold up there. Even on sunny days.
Boulders Beach is famous for its African penguins. They settled there in 1982 and have grown to a colony of about 3000 birds. Penguins are everywhere in this place. There're also smaller places to swim and you might have the luck to see a penguin near you.
African penguin
Don't get too close. They're keeping an eye on you.
