My husband and I are going to do a train trip in South Africa to Victoria Falls.
Before the tour starts we are going to be in Capetown a few days. I was trying to see if someone could recommend a good tour book (Like a Rick Steve's book) for Capetown or any suggestions. We are going in July 2026. Thank you
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4197 posts
This video documentary by the historian Michael Wood will give you an excellent informational background that precisely answers your query https://youtu.be/LRwtABg21YA?si=chm-8UMBKz3y-zyS
Posted by
new york
986 posts
I've used TIME OUT guides and the ROUGH GUIDE to CT.
What train is that, Rovos Rail?
I took the Blue Train on my first trip to SA. What an experience!
Posted by
46 posts
Hi Betty,
Occasionally, individuals will ask about South Africa and Cape Town on this forum, and it is by far one of my favourite if not my favourite place in the world. So, here are my recommendations for a pleasant time in Cape Town (CPT) and the advice I typically offer when this question comes up:
Cape Town is lovely, and the weather is very fickle! I know that everyone has opinions on the Hop On Hop Off busses (Red Bus) in different places across the world, but my experience on the HOHO busses in Cape Town has been delightful and affordable. There excursions to the other areas around (Winelands, Cape Point, Hermanus) are also top tier, in my opinion. The main station is just in front of the aquarium at V&A - the aquarium is lovely, too. The V&A Is a large shopping area (read: touristy, but fun) with beautiful views of the Table. It is fun to stroll in the evenings, enjoying the music and beauty following dinner. There is a lovely restaurant, Den Anker at the Waterfront that I recommend (their menu changes, but if they have the Curry, you don't want to miss it!). Another restaurant in CPT that is lovely is Kloof Street House, but make your reservation in advance!
You'll definitely want to make it around Chapman's Peak Drive and maybe to Simonstown if you would like a quaint area -- You don't have to purchase tickets to the Nature Reserve in Simonstown to see the penguins; they will be around when you get close to the beach! If you are interested in botanicals, stop by Kirstenbosch Gardens. Cape Town represents a unique botanical biome found no where else in the entire world (fynbos) - also makes good gin which I am sure you will find in the winelands. I would recommend taking the Wine Tram if you want to explore the winelands around Franschhoek. Franschoek is a lovely area. Again, each of these are visited on the HOHO bus, so take your time enjoying the scenic views AND the audio guide on the bus, as it provides very thorough information! On the HOHO bus, you can make a stop in Hout Bay (interesting history here). You have to eat the fish and chips from Mariner's Wharf Harbour Front Emporium. Can't miss it; best in the world.
You may also be interested in visiting Robben Island; however, the weather will dictate if you are able to make it to the island. As I mentioned earlier, Cape Town weather is absolutely lovely, but unpredictable. If you want to make it up to the top of Table Mountain, your schedule should be guided by the weather - if it is a clear morning when you wake up, go to the mountain first. NOTE: the funicular closes for annual maintenance for about a week sometimes in July/August each year. Note the dates on the website as it gets closer!
There are some nice restaurants along Mouille Point and Green Point area (not far from V&A Waterfront). Ubers are, in my opinion, are quick, safe, and affordable (Lyft does not function in SA, you could also use Bolt, but in my experience the prices have fun similar to Uber and I have had better experiences with Uber, just my experience). All of this said, the Hop on Hop off Red Bus is lovely and will even take you to some of the larger wine estates (Groot Constantia is nice). The areas serviced by this bus service are more than enough to fill your several days. The views on the open top of the bus are divine. I would recommend some of their other excursions, too. You can take the day trip to Hermanus, and try to spot some whales as we are right in the middle of the southern right whale migration (you'll catch the beginnings in July!). In Hermanus proper, you could also book an excursion to go out whale watching, but can likely catch some spouts from the walk along the seaside! If you need a good restaurant in Hermanus, Burgundy Restaurant is a gem right on the main drag.
Feel free to inbox me with additional questions! July is also my favourite time to visit SA!
Cheers! ~Milo