Let me just say it upfront: Cape Town might be the most beautiful city I have EVER visited. And that is saying A LOT coming from someone who has been to 45+ countries! Between the dramatic Table Mountain backdrop, the pristine Atlantic beaches, the colorful neighborhoods, the INCREDIBLE food scene, and the wild natural wonders right at your doorstep, Cape Town is the one city you will NEVER forget. 

But here’s what makes this Cape Town itinerary extra special — we’re not just staying in the city! On Day 6, we hit the road and head east along one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastline in the entire world: the Garden Route in South Africa. Big Five game drives, free-roaming monkeys, meerkat safaris, ancient caves, and the most spectacular coastal scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on — it’s SO worth adding onto your Cape Town trip. Ten days might sound like a lot — but trust me, you will wish you had more time to stay in this stunning place. Ready to explore?! Let’s go!

What to Know Before Visiting

Cape Town, South Africa

☀️ When to Visit Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is from November through March (the Southern Hemisphere’s summer), when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Expect temperatures in the mid-20s°C (75–85°F). December through February is peak tourist season, so book accommodation and popular experiences well in advance! If you want slightly fewer crowds and more affordable rates, October or March–April are excellent shoulder season options with still-beautiful weather. Avoid June–August (winter) for beach activities, as it can be cold and rainy — though it’s a great time for whale watching along the Garden Route!

📅 How Long to Visit Cape Town
For this itinerary, 10 days gives you the perfect combination of time in Cape Town itself (7 days) plus a road trip along the Garden Route (3-4 days). If you have more time, you could absolutely add more Garden Route stops — this itinerary barely scratches the surface of all it has to offer!

✈️ How to Get to Cape Town
Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is well-connected to major international hubs via Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways, Virgin), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), and Johannesburg (multiple daily connections). From the US, expect a total travel time of around 14–20 hours with one connection. Tip: use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals and set up a price alert for your travel dates!

🚗 How to Get Around Cape Town
Cape Town is actually very manageable to get around with a combination of Uber (very affordable and widely available) and a rental car for day trips. Uber works brilliantly for getting around the city, to beaches, and to restaurants, but a rental car gives you the freedom to explore further afield — like Cape Point, the Winelands, Chapman’s Peak, and of course you’ll need a rental car for the Garden Route. The MyCiTi bus is another option for getting between major tourist areas on a budget. Note: if you’re driving, remember that South Africa drives on the LEFT side of the road!

💬 What Language is Spoken in South Africa
South Africa actually has 11 official languages! The most commonly spoken languages are Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. But don’t stress just yet – English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. That said, learning a few words of Xhosa, Afrikaans, or Zulu is MUCH appreciated by locals!

💰 What is the Currency in South Africa
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), denoted by the symbol R. Most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops do accept credit cards, but I would say always carry some cash in Rand for markets, smaller vendors, national park fees, and tipping your game drive guides. You can withdraw Rand from ATMs at the airport on arrival – just make sure your bank card doesn’t charge excessive foreign transaction fees!

The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary: 10 Days

Day 1: Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront & Sunset at Camps Bay

Welcome to Cape Town! Your first day is all about getting your bearings in this magnificent city — and what better way to kick things off than with the incredible marine life of the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. Entry is around R265 (~$17 USD) and it is absolutely worth it — the aquarium showcases the extraordinary ocean life found where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at the Cape. But here’s my most important tip: stay for the penguin walk! The resident African penguins at Two Oceans are outrageously adorable, and watching them waddle around up close is one of those joyful, can’t-stop-smiling experiences that will have you taking about 400 photos. You’re welcome.

Right next door is The Watershed — a beautifully curated craft market at the V&A Waterfront showcasing local South African artisans and makers. Yes, it’s on the pricier side compared to other Cape Town markets, but the quality is EXCEPTIONAL, and every purchase supports a local creator! You can find everything from hand-crafted leather goods to ceramics, gorgeous prints, handmade jewelry, and textiles. This is the place for top-quality, truly unique souvenirs.

For lunch, head to the legendary Time Out Market Cape Town — a foodie dream with dozens of the best Cape Town restaurants all under one roof. Two must-tries while you’re there: Barakat for Cape Malay food — the Malay chicken curry is one of the most authentic and delicious things you will eat in Cape Town, full stop. And Kapoochka for Indian street food — their lamb bunny chow (a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry) is a South African Indian specialty that absolutely needs to be on your list (I get it every time I’m in Cape Town!)!

After lunch, stroll along the gorgeous V&A Waterfront itself. This iconic harbor-front precinct, with Table Mountain as a backdrop and boats bobbing in the water is quintessential Cape Town. Treat yourself to a spin on The Cape Wheel (the V&A Waterfront’s Ferris wheel) for beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and the mountain. If you feel like some retail therapy, Victoria Wharf is right there with a great mix of South African and international shops.

In the late afternoon, make your way to Green Market Square (open 9am–5pm) — one of Cape Town’s most vibrant open-air markets. Vendors sell everything from hand-carved wooden souvenirs and African textiles to beaded jewelry and art at much more affordable prices than The Watershed. Perfect for stocking up on gifts!

Tonight, head to Camps Bay for your very first Cape Town sunset — and trust me on this, it will NOT disappoint! Perched on the Atlantic Seaboard with the Twelve Apostles mountain range behind it and the deep blue ocean in front, Camps Bay is simply one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun go down anywhere in the world. Grab a drink at one of the bars along the strip, feel the warm Atlantic breeze, and pinch yourself — you’re really here!

Where to Stay in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has accommodation for every budget, and I recommend basing yourself somewhere central — the City Bowl, Camps Bay, or near the V&A Waterfront are all fantastic areas to call home base.

🎒 Budget: The Backpack Hostel 

One of the most beloved hostels in all of Africa, The Backpack has been a Cape Town institution for solo travelers and backpackers for decades. It has a fantastic social vibe, a great pool, and is centrally located — perfect for meeting fellow travelers and keeping costs low.

🏨 Mid-Budget: Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town 

Steps from the V&A Waterfront with comfortable, well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool with Table Mountain views, and great facilities — Southern Sun is excellent value for its location and quality, making it a top mid-range pick for travelers who want comfort without the luxury price tag.

🚗 Mid-Budget with Parking: One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality

If you’re renting a car for your Cape Town itinerary (which I highly recommend for day trips and of course for the Garden Route!), One Thibault Hotel is a fantastic option thanks to its convenient location in the Central Business District AND an on-site parking lot — a genuine rarity in central Cape Town and a total game-changer when you’re navigating a rental car around the city and heading out on day trips to Cape Point, Stellenbosch, and the Garden Route.

✨ Luxury: The Silo Hotel 

If you are going to splurge ANYWHERE in Cape Town, make it The Silo. Housed in a converted grain silo right at the V&A Waterfront (and perched above the breathtaking Zeitz MOCAA contemporary art museum), The Silo offers jaw-dropping rooms, panoramic views, and an experience so extraordinary it is genuinely one of the most talked-about hotels on the entire continent.

Day 2: Bo-Kaap, Sea Point Promenade, Noordhoek & Chapman’s Peak Sunset

Start your morning in Bo-Kaap — and make sure you get there early to beat the crowds! This iconic Cape Malay neighborhood is famous for its vividly painted houses in every color of the rainbow, its beautiful cobblestone streets, and its deeply rich cultural heritage as one of Cape Town’s oldest and most unique communities. Wander the streets slowly, take ALL the photos (there are so many incredible angles), and pop into a local café for a cup of spiced Cape Malay tea while you soak in the neighborhood’s incredibly special energy.

From there, make your way to the Sea Point Promenade for a leisurely stroll along the Atlantic Seaboard. This beautiful oceanside walkway stretches along the coast and is an absolute favorite of Cape Town locals. At 3.7 miles out-and-back it’s a proper walk, so wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the rocky shore. The promenade also passes the gorgeous Sea Point outdoor tidal pools right on the ocean — jump in for a swim if you’re feeling brave!

For lunch, the Mojo Market in Sea Point is exactly what you need — a vibrant indoor market filled with food stalls serving everything from fresh oysters and wood-fired pizzas to craft beers, gourmet donuts, bagels, ice cream, and more. My personal pick? The poke bowl at Dāshi — their tuna tataki sushi-style poke bowl with black rice is genuinely one of the most delicious things I ate in Cape Town. Also make sure to try some biltong (South African dried meat snack) while you’re browsing — it’s a quintessential South African experience!

In the afternoon, drive out to the charming coastal village of Noordhoek for some relaxed shopping and a beautiful early dinner at Café Roux — a beloved local institution set in a gorgeous garden, serving excellent food with a laid-back, country-meets-coast atmosphere.

For tonight’s sunset, don’t miss Chapman’s Peak Drive — quite simply one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the entire world. This dramatic toll road hugs the sheer cliff face of Chapman’s Peak above the churning Atlantic, with viewpoint after stunning viewpoint stretching into the distance. The toll is about R60 (~$3 USD) to drive the road one way, which is an extraordinary value for what is genuinely one of the most beautiful drives you will ever experience. Drive it slowly, pull over at every viewpoint, and watch the sky turn every shade of gold and pink over the ocean.

Day 3: Muizenberg Beach, Kalk Bay, Kirstenbosch & Table Mountain Cable Car Sunset

After the beach, make your way to the charming seaside village of Kalk Bay for lunch. Head to the legendary Kalkys for fish & chips — an absolute Cape Town institution with fresh-caught fish served up right at the harbor. Then spend the afternoon exploring Kalk Bay itself — it is one of the most ridiculously cute and vibrant little shopping strips you will find anywhere in South Africa. Lined with antique shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and unique local stores, it is VERY busy (especially on weekends) and SO fun to wander through. Budget at least an hour or two of happy exploring!

Now for the grand finale of Day 3: sunset on Table Mountain via the cable car — one of the most ICONIC experiences in all of Cape Town. My top tips to make your Table Mountain visit as easy & enjoyable as possible:

• Download the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway App to check live conditions before you go — the cable car closes in high winds, which happens regularly, so always check before making the trip up!
• You can park in the parking lot at the base of the road leading up to the Cable Car (there’s not really much parking up top). Then just take the free shuttle up to the cable car station!
• In the busy season, expect to wait up to an hour in line, so arrive early, pack water and SUNSCREEN because you’ll be standing in the sun as you wait. However, you’ll also want to pack a jacket for sunset because it gets QUITE cold up top with the wind!
• You can buy fast-track tickets in advance through the app — about double the price (~$60 vs $30 USD) but if sunset is what you’re after, it is genuinely worth it to not risk missing the light.
• The cable car takes only about 5 minutes but the car rotates 360 degrees the whole way up, so everyone gets incredible views!
• Double check the app for the last car down timing — you don’t want to miss it!
• There is a restaurant at the top of Table Mountain (plus to-go food options) — I highly recommend eating dinner up there with those extraordinary 360-degree views spread out below you. It is unforgettable!
• If you are feeling VERY energetic and open to more adventure (or if the Cable Car is closed), you can actually hike up to the top of Table Mountain. Just be careful, as this steep route can be treacherous in certain conditions and is only recommended for advanced hikers.

Day 4: Dolphin Kayak Tour, Paragliding, Rooibos Tasting & Bloubergstrand Sunset

Today is a day for EPIC experiences! Start very early with a dolphin kayak tour in Table Bay — one of the most magical ways to experience Cape Town from the water. Paddling out into the bay with Table Mountain rising behind you, you might encounter dolphins, Cape fur seals, and African penguins right alongside your kayak. Book in advance as spots fill up quickly!

In the afternoon, make a stop at Northern Plateau Rooibos to taste and purchase some authentic South African Rooibos tea (it’s naturally caffeine free!). Rooibos is entirely indigenous to the Western Cape region of South Africa and is one of the country’s most unique and beloved exports. 

Northern Plateau is locally owned and is my FAVORITE place to buy rooibos tea at  — the owner makes you feel like you are family coming to visit, and he has a ton of varieties from vanilla rooibos to blackcurrant rooibos. It’s very affordable — last time I bought over 10 bags as souvenirs for my friends — and the bags are lightweight so it even works for carry-on only stans. You can even purchase local honey (UNREAL good) or a bottle of local gin. Tell him Rebecca sent you!

For tonight’s sunset, you have two amazing options — pick one depending on your mood! Bloubergstrand Beach is about an hour’s drive from central Cape Town but offers arguably the most iconic view in the entire city — Table Mountain perfectly framed across the bay, with the sun setting off to the side. It is THE postcard shot of Cape Town and absolutely worth the drive. And it’s not as busy as the beaches right in Cape Town, so it’s a nice, quiet sunset option. Tip: make sure to leave early because traffic can be quite intense before sunset!

Day 5: Cape Point, Boulder Beach Penguins, Kalk Bay Lunch & Lion’s Head or Kloof Corner Sunset

Today is one of the most epic full-day adventures of this entire Cape Town itinerary — get an early start and buckle up!

Drive south along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point — the dramatic headland at the tip of the peninsula and one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in all of South Africa. Part of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point offers dramatic cliff faces plunging hundreds of meters into the roaring ocean, breathtaking hiking trails with jaw-dropping views, and the historic Cape Point Lighthouse at the top.

The absolute must-do here is hiking down to Diaz Beach — a pristine, wild, and incredibly beautiful beach at the base of the cliffs, accessed via a short but steep walk. Not many people make the effort to hike down, which means you might have this stunning beach almost entirely to yourself. Do not skip it!!!

From Cape Point, drive a short distance to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town for one of the most joyful wildlife encounters anywhere in South Africa — a wild colony of African penguins living right on the beach! Walk the boardwalks to get up close (stay on the paths!) and spend time watching these wonderful little guys swim, waddle, groom each other, and generally be completely adorable. Entry is around R220 (~$12 USD). Trust me — you’ll wish you could stay longer!

For lunch, head into Kalk Bay (which you explored on Day 3 — but it’s worth a return visit!) for a meal at Live Bait — one of the best seafood restaurants on the entire peninsula, with waves literally lapping at the rocks below your table. Make a reservation in advance! This place is extremely popular and fills up fast. If you can’t get a reservation, Kalk Bay has plenty of other great spots to duck into — or grab takeaway fish & chips from Kalkys for a waterside picnic!

The circular trail takes about 1.5-2 hours in total (about 1 hour to the top) and involves some adventurous scrambling sections with chain ladders and ropes (don’t worry – it’s manageable for most fitness levels although it is definitely challenging, so just make sure you wear real hiking boots). At the top, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, the ocean, and the most insane sunset you’ve ever seen. Start the hike about 2-3 hours before sunset to make sure you reach the top in time!

An easier sunset option is Kloof Corner — a shorter hike up to a viewpoint above Camps Bay that has JUST as stunning views as Lion’s Head. It’s usually less crowded than Lion’s Head (although it can still get quite busy during peak season), with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles cascading down to Camps Bay beach. Bring a bottle of local wine, a blanket, and enjoy the sunset like a local!

Day 6: Drive to Albertinia — Hello, Garden Route! Game Drive & Sunset Safari

Today is the day the adventure shifts gear completely — you’re hitting the road and heading east to the Garden Route in South Africa! Pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready for one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world.

The drive from Cape Town to Albertinia takes about 4 hours, and my top tip is to stop for an early lunch and coffee at The Country Deli in Swellendam — a gorgeous little deli and café about halfway along. Their freshly baked bread and homemade rusks are absolutely incredible, and it’s the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs and grab something delicious before continuing east.

The reserve is home to the Big Five plus a wonderful variety of other game including cheetah, white rhino, blue crane, zebra, giraffe, and elephants. The knowledgeable guides are exceptional and the safari drive experience is fantastic value — especially for first-time safari-goers who want a taste of the Big Five closer to Cape Town.

If you’re staying at the Garden Route Game Lodge, make sure you book the sunset game drive in the early evening as well — watching lions and rhinos silhouetted against the golden African sky is something you will never forget. If you’re not staying at the Lodge, catch sunset at Mossel Bay and grab dinner at Meet at Sea (seafood pasta, homemade ciabatta, and the local speciality amarula malva pudding were to DIE for!).

And if you decide to stay at Gondwana Game Reserve instead, similarly make sure to book their sunset game drive! It is a fantastic way to see even more animals on two different private reserves if you do the midday Garden Route Game Lodge tour and finish up with the sunset game drive at Gondwana Game Reserve.

Where to Stay in Albertinia / Mossel Bay

🎒 Budget: Hostel Villa Nova

A well-loved and lively backpackers lodge in nearby Mossel Bay, with great communal areas, affordable dorms and private rooms, and easy access to the Garden Route attractions. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore the area independently.

🏨 Mid-Budget: Garden Route Game Lodge 

Staying right at the Garden Route Game Lodge itself is the obvious mid-budget choice — thatched chalets set in the reserve, all meals included, multiple game drives per day, and the extraordinary experience of waking up in the African bush. It is such a special place to spend a night or two and represents excellent value for a safari experience this close to Cape Town.

✨ Luxury: Gondwana Game Reserve 

For a truly spectacular luxury safari experience on the Garden Route, Gondwana Private Game Reserve near Mossel Bay is world-class. Stunning safari lodges, exceptional Big Five game viewing on a massive private reserve, and service that rivals anything in Africa — it is the pinnacle of the Garden Route safari experience.

Day 7: Sunrise Game Drive, Drive to Plettenberg Bay, Shark Cage Diving & Robberg Hike

Get up early for one final sunrise game drive at Garden Route Game Lodge (or Gondwana Game Reserve) before hitting the road again! There is something so extraordinary about watching the African bush come alive at first light — this is when predators are most active and the golden hour light makes every photograph stunning.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin the 2-hour drive east to Plettenberg Bay — one of the most beautiful coastal towns in South Africa and the heart of the Garden Route. En route, make sure to stop at the iconic Knysna Heads viewpoint — the dramatic twin cliffs framing the entrance to the Knysna lagoon make for one of the most photographed and stunning vistas on the entire Garden Route. 

For lunch, head to Luka Café in Plettenberg Bay — a gorgeous local favourite and hidden gem with a wonderful menu and beautiful setting. Reservations are usually required, so book ahead!

If sharks aren’t your thing, an excellent alternative is a game drive at Plettenberg Game Reserve — note that while it no longer has the Big Five, it still offers a lovely afternoon of game viewing in a beautiful setting, and the guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

End the day with the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve coastal hike — one of the most beautiful walks on the entire Garden Route. Entry costs R75 (~$4–5 USD). There are three different trail options: a short 2km walk to The Gap viewpoint (stunning ocean views AND a massive resident seal colony you can see from the trail!), or the full 9km loop around the peninsula for serious hikers. Whichever you choose, the dramatic scenery of rugged cliffs, crystal ocean, and wheeling seabirds is absolutely breathtaking.

For dinner, make a reservation at Adi’s Kitchen — a Plettenberg Bay local favorite known for creative, delicious food in a warm and cozy setting. Do not miss it!

Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay

🎒 Budget: Albergo for Backpackers 

A perennially popular backpackers lodge in Plettenberg Bay with a great social atmosphere, affordable rates, and a perfect location for exploring all the Garden Route highlights. A great base for budget travelers wanting to maximize their time in this beautiful area.

🏨 Mid-Budget: Plettenberg Park Hotel 

Set on a clifftop with extraordinary views over the bay, Plettenberg Park Hotel offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms and stunning ocean vistas at a very reasonable mid-range price point. Waking up to those views every morning is genuinely something special.

✨ Luxury: The Plettenberg 

One of the most iconic boutique hotels on the Garden Route, The Plettenberg sits dramatically above Plettenberg Bay with panoramic ocean views, beautifully designed rooms, exceptional service, and one of the best restaurants in the region. It is the ultimate splurge on the Garden Route and absolutely worth every rand.

Day 8: Seal Colony Snorkel Tour, Moby’s Lunch, Monkeyland & Birds of Eden

You’ll kit up in a wetsuit and snorkel right alongside hundreds of Cape fur seals in their natural habitat. The seals are incredibly playful and curious and will swim right up to you — it is absolutely magical and unlike anything else you’ll experience in South Africa. Book this in advance!

For lunch, head to Moby’s — conveniently located right near the seal tour launch point on the beach! This fantastic spot serves wood-fired pizzas with a beautiful ocean view — exactly what you need after a morning in the water. It’s casual, delicious, and the vibe is just perfect.

The afternoon is all about Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and Birds of Eden — two of the most unique and extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries on the entire Garden Route, located right next to each other near The Crags. More info and my top tips for visiting:

• Monkeyland (open 8am–5pm) is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, set in 12 hectares of indigenous forest with over 550 primates from 9 species — all rescued primates that sadly would not survive in the wild but happily get a new life and home at this sanctuary. 
• You MUST be with a guided tour group, which departs every 10 minutes. The tour takes 45–60 minutes. 
• Mosquito repellent is provided right at the start; I’d recommend slathering some on!
• Because the monkeys are FREE and roaming in the open forest around you, put your car keys and sunglasses ALL the way away and make sure your phone is on a leash — the monkeys are curious and WILL grab things!
• If you can time your visit to a feeding time (4 times daily), the primate activity is especially incredible.

Right next door, Birds of Eden is the largest single-dome free-flight bird aviary in the world — a breathtaking 2-hectare enclosed sanctuary spanning a gorge of indigenous forest, home to over 3,500 birds from more than 220 species. Unlike Monkeyland, you can explore Birds of Eden at your own pace, and I’d recommend giving yourself at least 90 minutes to 2 hours to fully enjoy it. The birds fly freely around you — it is absolutely stunning, especially for photographers!

Get a combo ticket for both Monkeyland and Birds of Eden — it’s the most popular and best-value option (around R610 per adult for the combo as of 2024) and the shared parking lot makes it incredibly easy to move between the two.

After a wonderful afternoon with the animals, it’s time for the longest drive of the Garden Route leg: a 2.5-hour drive to Oudtshoorn — the quirky ostrich capital of the world and your base for tomorrow’s extraordinary adventures! Grab a quick dinner on arrival and get to bed early — tomorrow starts early!

Where to Stay in Oudtshoorn

🎒 Budget: Backpacker’s Paradise 

A well-reviewed, friendly backpackers lodge right in the heart of Oudtshoorn, with a great pool, communal kitchen, and easy access to all the local attractions including Cango Caves and the ostrich farms. Perfect for budget travelers.

🏨 Mid-Budget: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge 

Set on a private game reserve just outside Oudtshoorn, Buffelsdrift offers luxury tented chalets, wildlife on the doorstep, a beautiful waterhole, and a fantastic restaurant. It’s the perfect mid-budget option that adds a magical element of bush immersion to your Oudtshoorn stay — and they offer their own meerkat sunrise safaris for guests!

✨ Luxury: La Plume Guest House 

An utterly beautiful boutique guesthouse on a working farm just outside Oudtshoorn, La Plume offers elegantly decorated rooms, a gorgeous pool, outstanding hospitality, and extraordinary mountain views. It is one of the most celebrated accommodations in the Little Karoo and the perfect luxury base for exploring all that Oudtshoorn has to offer.

Day 9: Meerkat Sunrise Safari, Cango Caves, Van Loveren Winery & Drive Back to Cape Town

This is genuinely one of the most magical wildlife experiences in South Africa — emerging into the pale pre-dawn light to find a family of wild meerkats standing sentinel on their mound, waiting for the first rays of sunshine. As the sun rises, they turn their bellies toward the warmth in perfect synchronized formation, and the whole thing feels impossibly cute and impossibly wild all at once. 

After the meerkat experience, grab breakfast and coffee at Beans Café in Oudtshoorn (or have breakfast at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge if you are staying there) before heading to one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in all of South Africa: the Cango Caves.

The Cango Caves are the largest show cave in Africa and the 4th largest in the world, stretching 5.4km — though only a small portion is open to the public. They are the 3rd most visited attraction in South Africa for very good reason! You have two options:

• Heritage Tour (R300/~$18 USD, approximately 1 hour): takes you through five spectacular chambers with extraordinary stalagmite and stalactite formations, beautiful lighting, and a knowledgeable guide. This is the standard tour and is accessible for all fitness levels. Note: the caves are surprisingly warm and humid, especially deeper in — bring water (but you can skip a jacket!).
• Adventure Tour (additional cost, approximately 1–2 hours): This is for the thrill-seekers! In addition to the heritage route, the adventure tour takes you 1.2km deeper into the cave and back, through a series of increasingly challenging passages involving stairs, climbing, crouching, crawling, army crawling, squeezing, and sliding. It’s VERY energetic — about 1,000 steps in total — but absolutely exhilarating. If you’re fit and not claustrophobic, DO IT!

After the caves, begin the drive back toward Cape Town via one final unmissable stop: Van Loveren Winery — one of the most celebrated wine estates in the Robertson Valley (make a reservation in advance as the restaurant & tastings fill up!). 

The wine tasting flights at Van Loveren are genuinely extraordinary, with options that include a wine and cheese pairing, wine and biltong pairing, wine and chocolate pairing, and my personal favorite — the “Undiscovered Gems” flight, where wines are paired with an eclectic variety of tastes ranging from chorizo to chocolate. They even offer an “Almost Zero De-Alcoholised Wine Pairing” — perfect for designated drivers or non-drinkers who don’t want to miss the tasting experience! Enjoy a long, lazy lunch in the restaurant on site before the final 2–3 hour drive back to Cape Town (traffic dependent).

Day 10: Fly Home from Cape Town

Don’t cry even though it’s your final morning in Cape Town! Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours for a last breakfast or brunch in town, a final stroll along the sea, or even one more red latte (rooibos + milk) overlooking Table Mountain before heading to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for your flight home.

Fair warning — you will be planning your return trip before the wheels even leave the ground. Cape Town and the Garden Route in South Africa have an extraordinary way of doing that to people. Don’t fight it — just start saving!

Tips for Visiting Cape Town, South Africa

• Safety: Cape Town is a beautiful and generally very manageable destination for tourists, but like any major city, it pays to be street smart. Always use Uber rather than street taxis, don’t flash expensive camera gear or jewelry in public, avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas, and keep your belongings close in crowded spaces like markets.
• Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Carry some cash for markets, smaller restaurants, and park fees, but most larger establishments accept credit cards.
• Tipping: Tipping 10-15% is expected and very much appreciated at restaurants in South Africa. Also be sure to have cash on hand to tip car guards/parking attendants around R5–R10, petrol attendants around R5–R10, hotel housekeeping about R20–R50 per night, and around 10% for game drive guides — they work incredibly hard and earn relatively modest salaries.
• Electricity: South Africa uses the unique Type M plug (large round three-pin). This is actually NOT commonly included in a lot of “universal adapters” but here’s a universal adapter that does include a Type M plug. You can buy one on arrival at the airport if you forget!
• Sunscreen: The South African sun is INTENSE — pack a high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen and reapply constantly, especially on outdoor activities, beach days, and open game drive vehicles.
• The Cape Doctor: Cape Town’s famous strong southeast wind (locally called “The Cape Doctor”) can be VERY gusty, especially in summer. It’s what keeps the city so beautifully clear and clean — but it can also cancel paragliding and ruffle your hair in every single photo.
• Book in advance: Cape Town is a hugely popular destination. Book your accommodation, Table Mountain cable car tickets, restaurant reservations, and popular tours (paragliding, kayaking, seal snorkel tours, meerkat safaris) well in advance — especially if you’re visiting in peak season (December–February).
• Rental car tip: If you’re renting a car for the Garden Route portion of this trip, book early for the best rates and make sure your rental includes unlimited mileage. I recommend Discover Cars to compare the best prices and options.
• eSIM: Cape Town has good mobile coverage and the Garden Route surprisingly does as well! Set up an eSIM before you leave home for the most seamless connectivity – my favorites are Airalo (very affordable & save with my code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your first eSIM) and Holafly (for unlimited data – and you can use my code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” to save 5% on any plan!).
• Travel insurance: NEVER travel to South Africa without comprehensive travel insurance,  especially with activities like shark cage diving, paragliding, and hiking involved. I recommend World Nomads for adventure travelers and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Are Cape Town & the Garden Route on your bucket list yet?! If they weren’t before reading this Cape Town itinerary, I have absolutely no doubt they are NOW! From the iconic sunsets over Table Mountain and the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap to free-roaming monkeys, meerkat mornings, and the most extraordinary coastal scenery in Africa — this 10-day itinerary has it all. 

Drop your questions in the comments below — I’d love to help you plan your perfect Cape Town adventure!

Plan Your Cape Town Trip

✈️ Flights: Search for flights into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) via Skyscanner. Best connections from the US via Johannesburg, London, or Doha or direct from Washington Dulles, Newark, or Atlanta.

🏨 Hotels: Book your Cape Town hotel early — especially for peak season (December–February). Use Booking.com for flexible cancellation options.

🚗 Car Rental: Book through Discovercars.com for the best rates. Remember to drive on the left!

🎫 Activities: Pre-book Table Mountain Cable Car tickets, Robben Island Ferry, and Cape Point tours online to avoid queues. Always book early so they don’t sell out – I love using GetYourGuide for their 24-hour free cancellation policy.

🌍 Travel Insurance: Do not skip travel insurance for South Africa — I always recommend World Nomads for adventure travelers and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

📱 eSIM: Always stay connected by using an eSIM! You’ll have access to data WITHOUT having to spend a ton on your at-home plan, change your number, or buy a physical sim. My favorites are Airalo for affordable plans (save with my code “REBECCA3” for $3 off your first eSIM) and Holafly for unlimited data (use my code “ROAMFREEREBECCA” to save 5% on any plan!).

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