Africa
A mountain by the sea, wine country, and the whole of Africa in one city.
South Africa packs a continent into one country — safari bush, dramatic coastlines, winelands and vibrant, complex cities, all at the tip of Africa. Cape Town is the jewel: one of the most beautiful cities on earth, cradled between the flat-topped Table Mountain and two oceans, with golden beaches, penguins, world-class wine on the doorstep and a poignant, powerful history. Stunning, welcoming and remarkably good value — if a city of stark contrasts, to be enjoyed with your wits about you.
What things cost: Cape Town is great value for visitors — superb food and wine and comfortable stays cost well below Europe or North America. It's also a city of real inequality and crime, so stay in the busy tourist areas, don't walk around at night, and use rideshare. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for Cape Town.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
A joyous, uniquely Capetonian new-year tradition — the 'Kaapse Klopse', when thousands of minstrels in dazzling satin costumes, faces painted, parade through the city with banjos, brass and song, in a celebration rooted in the Cape's slave history. Loud, colourful and utterly infectious; the city's biggest street party.
Cape Town · The city centre streets
'Africa's Grandest Gathering' — two days of local and international jazz greats across multiple stages at the city's convention centre, one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world. A highlight of the cultural calendar, drawing music lovers from across the continent and beyond.
Cape Town · Cape Town International Convention Centre
A celebration of the peak of whale season in nearby Hermanus — market stalls, music and food along the cliffs, as southern right whales breach and calve just offshore. The best time to combine the festival buzz with the world's finest shore-based whale watching, a scenic drive from the city.
Cape Town · Hermanus (1.5 hr from Cape Town)
