Cape Town Shore Excursion Reviews

Popular Things to Do in Cape Town

South Africa's Cape Town is an ideal base for exploration in a country known for its incredible wildlife and unprecedented cultural experiences. Cape Town, which is home to nearly half a million people, is a sophisticated and scenic city offering cruisers excursions to learn about its tribal past, visit its abundant vineyards, explore Table Mountain or venture to the game reserves. There is also a happening jazz scene. Nature-lovers should consider shore excursions to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Cape of Good Hope, for some of the most incredible views around.

January is peak season in Cape Town -- the weather is hot and dry, making it a great time for outdoor exploration. There are many tribal languages spoken throughout Cape Town, but English is at least understood by most people. Currency is the rand, also referred to as the "buck" by locals.

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Cape Town Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

Food and Drink in Cape Town

You'll find a huge variety of options for your midday meal including locally inspired Cape Malay, Indian and Continental cuisine. Seafood is very popular, so don't miss your chance to enjoy fresh fish and shellfish. The langoustines are a real treat.



Eat like a local and head to any of the docks for fish and chips. Kalky's (021-788-1726) at Kalk Bay is a popular option. This place is as unassuming as it gets, with indoor and outdoor seating (tables and benches). But, the fresh hake, snoek (the local speciality) and chips are delectable. (Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay; open Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)



Panama Jacks, in Table Bay Harbour, is a tourist favorite. The seafood-heavy menu features hake, trout, tuna, prawns, lobster, calamari, mussels and more. The menu also features sushi and entrees like prime rib and lamb. (Quay 500, Cape Town Harbour; open for lunch from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., closed for Saturday lunch.)



The Western Cape is also home to the Cape Malay style of cooking, brought to South Africa by Indonesians and Malaysians. Curry dishes, bobotie (minced meat, sweetened with brown sugar, raisins and apricots) and samosas can be sampled at Bo Kaap Kombuis. You'll also be dazzled by the sweeping views of Table Mountain. (No. 7 August Street, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town; open Tuesday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Monday.)

Best Cocktail in Cape Town

When in South Africa, you must observe the stalwart "sundowner" tradition of sipping a refreshing beverage while witnessing a spectacular African sunset, whether you're at a bar on the Victoria Wharf, on the white sand beach at Camps Bay or out on safari. Locally made Amarula liqueur -- made from the fruit of the marula tree -- is a favorite. Drink it on ice or knock it back in a "Springbokkie" -- a delicious double-layered shooter made with creme de menthe.

Don't Miss in Cape Town

Iconic Table Mountain is the image most closely associated with Cape Town. Almost always blanketed by a "tablecloth" of clouds, the mountain bisects the city and offers views of Table Bay, Robben Island, the Cape Flats, and Cape Peninsula. If you wish to snap the quintessential photo of Cape Town, take the 10-minute cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain. Go whenever the weather is good because clouds can roll in at any time. This entire area is part of Table Mountain National Park, and you'll find many hiking trails to suit all ability levels, several viewing platforms, two souvenir shops and a cafe.



To learn more about South Africa's apartheid-tainted past, visit Robben Island. This outpost in the Atlantic Ocean was a prison during the apartheid years (1948-1990), when racial segregation was enforced by law. Nelson Mandela was sent to the prison and treated brutally, and you can see the cell where he spent 18 years. Today, former prisoners lead guided tours of the island, explaining what it was like and discussing the strides South Africa has made since banishing apartheid in 1990. Ferries depart at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.



Visit the African penguins. In 1983, a pair of penguins showed up at Foxy Beach/Boulders Beach. Within a few years, the population had grown immensely. Today, there are more than 2,500 penguins in the Boulders colony, near Simonstown (40 minutes south of Cape Town). The best viewing spots are Boulders Beach, where you can mingle with the birds, or Foxy Beach, where you'll view the colony from a raised boardwalk.



In Cape Town, a variety of shopping experiences might appeal to even the most jaded browser. Look for pottery, beadwork, woodcarvings and wire baskets and sculptures.



Your quest begins at the popular Greenmarket Square. You'll negotiate with craftsmen from all corners of Africa at this open-air market on the cobblestone streets in the central business district (on Burg Street between Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets). The square is open every day, except Sundays -- when most vendors head to the Green Point flea market, near the soccer stadium.



On Long Street, just around the corner from Greenmarket Square, is the indoor Pan African Market (021-426-4478). Here, you'll find woodcarvings, jewelry, paintings and more. There's also a lovely cafe on the upper floor. While you're on Long Street, take some time to explore the many unique shops and restaurants in the area.



And finally, as you head back to your ship, consider a pit stop at the Red Shed Craft Workshop (021-408-7846) at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. Local artisans sell a variety of wares, and some even offer custom creations while you wait.



South Africa is known the world over for its diamonds and gold jewelry. You'll find many boutiques across Cape Town that will custom design the perfect piece for you. Victoria Wharf is home to several reputable jewelers.

Animal lovers might consider checking out the Cheetah Outreach project at the Paardevlei development in Somerset West, 30 minutes east of Cape Town, where you will be introduced to an adult cheetah. If the animal is in the mood, you will be able to get up close. In addition to the world's fastest mammals, the center is home to caracals, servals, bat-eared foxes, jackals and meerkats, and the facility features viewing platforms with fantastic views of the Helderberg Mountains and a restaurant offering wine tastings.



Head to False Bay in Simonstown, and meet up with African Shark Eco Charters for the ultimate shark cage diving tour. Not that adventurous? No problem. You don't have to get in the cage; you can simply watch the drama unfold from on deck. You'll hold your breath in awe as Great White sharks approach the vessel, within inches of the divers in the cage and even breach the water. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! This is a popular pastime, and you'll find many operators offering similar trips.


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