Jumbo Tours
Cape Town: Activities
01 - TABLE MOUNTAIN
The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The Cableway will open from 8am to sun set in the summer months (October to April). In winter, 1 May - 15th September 08h30 to 18h00. It is possible to walk up Table Mountain, it takes about 90 minutes depending on fitness levels.
Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain National Park
02 - ROBBEN ISLAND
Proclaimed a UN World Heritage Site in 1999, Robben Island is unmissable. Used as a prison from the early days of the VOC right up until the first years of majority rule, Robben Island's most famous involuntary resident was Nelson Mandela. For this reason alone, it is one of Cape Town's most popular pilgrimage spots.
Most likely you will have to endure crowds and being hustled around on a guided tour that, at two and a half hours, is woefully too short - such is the price of the island's infamy. Still, you will learn much of what happened to Mandela and other inmates, since one will be leading your tour. The guides are happy to answer any questions you may have, and although some understandably remain bitter, as a whole this is the best demonstration of reconciliation you could hope to see in Cape Town.
Booking a tour is essential, as they are extremely popular. Groups are guided through the old prison and taken on a 45-minute bus ride around the island, with commentary on the various places of note. These include the prison house of Pan-African Congress (PAC) leader Robert Sobukwe, the lime quarry where Mandela and many others slaved, and the church used during the island's stint as a leper colony.
03 - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Covering over 500 hectares of Table Mountain, this is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. The landscaped section merges almost imperceptibly with the fynbos (fine bush) vegetation cloaking the mountain and overlooking False Bay and the Cape Flats. Apart from the almond hedge, some magnificent oaks, and the Moreton Bay fig and camphor trees planted by Cecil Rhodes, the gardens are devoted almost exclusively to indigenous plants.
About 9000 of Southern Africa's 22,000 plant species are grown here. You'll find a fragrance garden that has been elevated so you can more easily sample the scents of the plants; a Braille Trail; a kopje (hill) that has been planted with pelargoniums; a sculpture garden; and a section for plants used for muti (medicine) by sangomas (traditional African healers).
Rhodes Dr, Newlands
04 - Two Oceans Aquarium
This excellent aquarium features denizens of the deep from both the cold and the warm oceans that border the Cape, including great white sharks, penguins, stingrays and turtles, along with an astounding kelp forest and pools in which kids can touch sea creatures. Qualified divers can swim with the sharks, for a fee.
Docks Rd, Waterfront
05 - South African Museum
Although there has been some reorganisation in recent years and a few new exhibits, in general, South Africa's oldest museum is showing its age. Although not a must-see, it does contain a wide and often intriguing series of exhibitions, many on the country's natural history. The best galleries are the newest, showcasing the art and culture of the area's first peoples, the Khoekhoen and San, and including the famous Linton Panel, an amazing example of San rock art.
There's an extraordinary delicacy to the paintings, particularly the ones of graceful eland. Turn your sights skyward in the adjoining planetarium.
25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens
06 - District Six Museum
Your one essential museum visit in Cape Town should be here. As much for the people of the now vanished District Six as it is about them, this is a hugely moving and informative exhibition which repays repeat visits. Note that almost all township tours stop here first to explain the history of the pass laws.
The floor of the main hall is covered with a large-scale map of District Six on which former residents have labeled where their demolished homes and features of their neighborhood were. Reconstructions of home interiors, photographs, recordings and written testimonials build up an evocative picture of a shattered but not entirely broken community. The staff, practically all displaced residents, each have a heartbreaking story to tell.
25A Buitenkant St, City Bowl
07 - Boulders Penguin Colony & Beach
Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information centre. Everyone will love the penguins and their antics and Boulders Beach is also worth a stop for safe and enjoyable swimming. Entrance fee of R15 for adults and R5 for scholars. This gives access to the beach as well as the walkways and viewpoints. Why not combine a trip to see the penguins with a few hours on Boulders Beach, or a few hours in the quaint and historical town of Simon's Town. The penguins can also be visited before or after a visit to Cape Point.
08 - Cape Point & Table Mountain National ParK
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula you will find Cape Point within the Table Mountain National Park. The expansive Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north to Cape Point in the south and encompasses the seas and coastline of the peninsula. Within Cape Point the treacherous cliffs forming the most southwestern tip of Africa are some of the highest in the world and mark the spot where the cold Beguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhus current on the East coast merge.
Inside the reserve you will find a variety of animals including buck, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora that is found nowhere else in the world. Take a scenic drive, stop at one of the many picnic spots and tidal pools and travel to the Lighthouse lookout by funicular or on foot for spectacular views. Entrance fees are R55 for adults and R10 for scholars. The Two Oceans Restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. There is also a well stocked curio shop and a new visitors centre.
09 - THE Winelands
With towering mountains as their backdrop, the winelands towns offer history, spectacular scenery, outdoor activities and award winning restaurants for elegant or casual dining. Just 45 minutes drive from the hotel, the winelands are well-worth a visit. From wine tasting and more wine tasting, enjoy a picnic at Boschendal or Spier, visit the chocolaterie in Franschhoek's main street, go hiking or horse riding in the vineyards to soaking up the history in the town of Stellenbosch.
10 - SAFARI
And last but not least, a safari. Only a few kilometres from Cape Town, lie stunning wilderness areas where guests are able to view all of Africa's wildlife. Though these reserves cannot compete with the northern provinces in terms of Big Five diversity, they are however able to offer visitors the ability to view wild animals like buffalo, rhino, giraffes and predators like leopard and karakul in a pristine environment.
The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The Cableway will open from 8am to sun set in the summer months (October to April). In winter, 1 May - 15th September 08h30 to 18h00. It is possible to walk up Table Mountain, it takes about 90 minutes depending on fitness levels.
Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain National Park
02 - ROBBEN ISLAND
Proclaimed a UN World Heritage Site in 1999, Robben Island is unmissable. Used as a prison from the early days of the VOC right up until the first years of majority rule, Robben Island's most famous involuntary resident was Nelson Mandela. For this reason alone, it is one of Cape Town's most popular pilgrimage spots.
Most likely you will have to endure crowds and being hustled around on a guided tour that, at two and a half hours, is woefully too short - such is the price of the island's infamy. Still, you will learn much of what happened to Mandela and other inmates, since one will be leading your tour. The guides are happy to answer any questions you may have, and although some understandably remain bitter, as a whole this is the best demonstration of reconciliation you could hope to see in Cape Town.
Booking a tour is essential, as they are extremely popular. Groups are guided through the old prison and taken on a 45-minute bus ride around the island, with commentary on the various places of note. These include the prison house of Pan-African Congress (PAC) leader Robert Sobukwe, the lime quarry where Mandela and many others slaved, and the church used during the island's stint as a leper colony.
03 - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Covering over 500 hectares of Table Mountain, this is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. The landscaped section merges almost imperceptibly with the fynbos (fine bush) vegetation cloaking the mountain and overlooking False Bay and the Cape Flats. Apart from the almond hedge, some magnificent oaks, and the Moreton Bay fig and camphor trees planted by Cecil Rhodes, the gardens are devoted almost exclusively to indigenous plants.
About 9000 of Southern Africa's 22,000 plant species are grown here. You'll find a fragrance garden that has been elevated so you can more easily sample the scents of the plants; a Braille Trail; a kopje (hill) that has been planted with pelargoniums; a sculpture garden; and a section for plants used for muti (medicine) by sangomas (traditional African healers).
Rhodes Dr, Newlands
04 - Two Oceans Aquarium
This excellent aquarium features denizens of the deep from both the cold and the warm oceans that border the Cape, including great white sharks, penguins, stingrays and turtles, along with an astounding kelp forest and pools in which kids can touch sea creatures. Qualified divers can swim with the sharks, for a fee.
Docks Rd, Waterfront
05 - South African Museum
Although there has been some reorganisation in recent years and a few new exhibits, in general, South Africa's oldest museum is showing its age. Although not a must-see, it does contain a wide and often intriguing series of exhibitions, many on the country's natural history. The best galleries are the newest, showcasing the art and culture of the area's first peoples, the Khoekhoen and San, and including the famous Linton Panel, an amazing example of San rock art.
There's an extraordinary delicacy to the paintings, particularly the ones of graceful eland. Turn your sights skyward in the adjoining planetarium.
25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens
06 - District Six Museum
Your one essential museum visit in Cape Town should be here. As much for the people of the now vanished District Six as it is about them, this is a hugely moving and informative exhibition which repays repeat visits. Note that almost all township tours stop here first to explain the history of the pass laws.
The floor of the main hall is covered with a large-scale map of District Six on which former residents have labeled where their demolished homes and features of their neighborhood were. Reconstructions of home interiors, photographs, recordings and written testimonials build up an evocative picture of a shattered but not entirely broken community. The staff, practically all displaced residents, each have a heartbreaking story to tell.
25A Buitenkant St, City Bowl
07 - Boulders Penguin Colony & Beach
Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also a new information centre. Everyone will love the penguins and their antics and Boulders Beach is also worth a stop for safe and enjoyable swimming. Entrance fee of R15 for adults and R5 for scholars. This gives access to the beach as well as the walkways and viewpoints. Why not combine a trip to see the penguins with a few hours on Boulders Beach, or a few hours in the quaint and historical town of Simon's Town. The penguins can also be visited before or after a visit to Cape Point.
08 - Cape Point & Table Mountain National ParK
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula you will find Cape Point within the Table Mountain National Park. The expansive Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north to Cape Point in the south and encompasses the seas and coastline of the peninsula. Within Cape Point the treacherous cliffs forming the most southwestern tip of Africa are some of the highest in the world and mark the spot where the cold Beguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulhus current on the East coast merge.
Inside the reserve you will find a variety of animals including buck, baboons and Cape Mountain Zebra as well as over 250 species of birds and indigenous flora that is found nowhere else in the world. Take a scenic drive, stop at one of the many picnic spots and tidal pools and travel to the Lighthouse lookout by funicular or on foot for spectacular views. Entrance fees are R55 for adults and R10 for scholars. The Two Oceans Restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. There is also a well stocked curio shop and a new visitors centre.
09 - THE Winelands
With towering mountains as their backdrop, the winelands towns offer history, spectacular scenery, outdoor activities and award winning restaurants for elegant or casual dining. Just 45 minutes drive from the hotel, the winelands are well-worth a visit. From wine tasting and more wine tasting, enjoy a picnic at Boschendal or Spier, visit the chocolaterie in Franschhoek's main street, go hiking or horse riding in the vineyards to soaking up the history in the town of Stellenbosch.
10 - SAFARI
And last but not least, a safari. Only a few kilometres from Cape Town, lie stunning wilderness areas where guests are able to view all of Africa's wildlife. Though these reserves cannot compete with the northern provinces in terms of Big Five diversity, they are however able to offer visitors the ability to view wild animals like buffalo, rhino, giraffes and predators like leopard and karakul in a pristine environment.
