Adventures in Cape Town, South Africa

Whether it’s work, school, the kids, family or any of the other many responsibilities we find ourselves taking care of, it can be hard to escape the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Travel is one of those things we may not do enough of, but always gives us a change of perspective, a period of escape, pleasure and/or adventure.

For the avid traveler, adventurer and even those who travel less often, Cape Town, South Africa is a must do bucket list destination. With its rich history, lush landscapes, fascinating culture, vast wildlife, and beautiful beaches, Cape Town offers much to do, see, and experience. Here we breakdown 5 of the most amazing experiences that await you in South Africa.

Great White Shark Watching & Cage Diving

Did you know Cape Town, South Africa is a premiere destination for prime great white shark viewing as well as cage diving. For the adventurous traveler, the nature seeker and especially the shark lover, to see one of these awe inspiring creatures up close and personal, is an experience of a lifetime. You can watch from the safety of a boat, documenting the encounter with your camera, or submerged in the water with only the cage between you and this magnificent king of the ocean. 

Shark watching and cage diving tours are available all year with prime season being between July and October (July – August is also rainy season, when traveling at this time, weather should be monitored for best planning). September to October being the most recommended shark viewing period.

Whale Watching

Cape Town is also one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. With annual visits from southern right whales, humpback whales and enormous dolphin pods, it’s an experience no traveler should miss. Throughout South Africa, peak viewing for the southern right whale is from June to November with peak calving season being in July to August. Medium sized Bryde’s whales can be seen year round, while humpback whales are thriving from May to December. You may also see majestic minke whales, playful orca whales and polygynous beaked whales. 

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Often referred to as one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch Gardens is a must see when visiting Cape Town. Established in 1913, this garden possesses 7,000 species of plant. In bloom against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, there are not many gardens that can compare to its captivating grande 89 acre setting. It is part of a 1,305 acre estate conserving forest, fynbos, animals, and birds. Bordering Table Mountain National Park, the sights of it is something to marvel. 

Seal Island

Near the northern beaches of False Bay, 5 acres of land mass is home to as many as 70,000 Cape fur seals. The sheer number of them is a sight to behold. The seals are very inquisitive and quite playful in the water. You can see them playing, hunting, lounging and socializing in their natural habitat. Seal island is also the opportune feeding ground for the great white shark, with some sharks jumping all the way out of the water in pursuit of the seals. To experience that spectacle is a story to tell time and time again.

Aquila Private Game Reserve

A comfortably scenic drive through the Hex River Valley brings you to Cape Towns closest private game reserve, Aquila Private Game Reserve. Aquila, named after the Black Eagle that rule the skies of roughly 11,000 acres on the Karoo Highlands. Take a ride through the preserve in an open aired landrover, exploring the breathtaking world of African wildlife. See and document the sights of revered animals such as rhino, lion, elephant, wildebeest, leopard, baboon, zebra, giraffe and much more.

 

 

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