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The majestic natural landscapes, elevated viewpoints, and countless wonders at these 11 locations in Cape Town will provide endless inspiration for photographers visiting this beautiful city.
Lion's Head
If you've ever seen pictures of Cape Town, you've probably noticed a rocky mountain rising right from the city. That iconic mountain is Lion's Head – one of the most popular hiking spots in Cape Town. The mountain is surrounded by a winding trail. To conquer the entire trail, visitors will need approximately 90 minutes.
Starting with smooth, flat stretches of road, the climb becomes significantly more challenging as you ascend. Visitors should avoid exploring this route during peak sunshine, as the South African sun is very intense and scorching. If possible, remember to set off a little earlier and enjoy the gentle sunrise on your way to conquering Lion's End.
TIP:There are many peaks you can sit on to create the illusion that you're suspended precariously over the edge of the mountain. You'll look like you're risking your life to get a great photo, but in reality, those rocks are just a few steps below. Even without a DSLR camera, you can still use your phone's portrait mode to emphasize the depth of field in the picture.
Table Mountain
Visitors can reach the summit of Table Mountain in several ways: by taking the cable car and admiring the most beautiful views of Cape Town, or by hiking to experience trails of varying difficulty. The most popular trail is Platteklip Gorge. It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete this trail (depending on the level of fitness). The difficulty level of Platteklip Gorge is considerably higher than Lion's Head, so if you don't want to hike, you can choose to travel by cable car instead.
Checking the weather beforehand is also important because if it's too cloudy, the trip will be much more difficult. Ignoring the likes and views on Instagram, this is a perfect spot for everyone to enjoy a picnic. However, visitors should also be aware of dassie – a rabbit-like rodent that enjoys hunting human food.
TIP:If you've never taken a helicopter ride, now is the time to try it and admire the Cape Town landscape from above. Note that you should always wear dark clothing when taking photos from a helicopter, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed by the light from the windows. On cloudy days, you might see layers of clouds covering Table Mountain, what the locals call a "tablecloth."
The Silo Hotel
The Silo is a luxurious 28-room hotel located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – a former historic silo complex dating back to 1924. If the $1,000 per night room rate is beyond your budget, you can certainly stop by the hotel to enjoy a relaxing cocktail at sunset and take a photo in the opulent lobby before departing.
Boulders Beach
Famous for its African penguin habitats and giant granite rocks, this sheltered beach is also a name frequently mentioned by photographers and sunbathers alike.
The highlight of this beach is the tuxedo-clad penguins that bark like donkeys; however, the sad reality is that these birds are on the verge of extinction. If you have the chance to visit, you can observe and take photos with them, but please note that you must never touch or disturb them.
TIP:As soon as you set foot on this beach, don't forget to walk to the left to find a narrow path nestled between large rocks. Finding them won't be easy without guidance from a local, so be very careful. After climbing the rocks and wading through knee-deep water, you'll find a pristine area with more penguins than the main beach area.
Woodstock
Woodstock has been dubbed the Cape Town version of Bushwick in Brooklyn. Having undergone a significant transformation after a period of decline, this suburb has become a vibrant and trendy area. Here, all the neighborhoods, houses, and high-rise buildings have been revitalized by colorful street art.
Taking a tour of the area and learning the story behind each artwork here will be an invaluable experience. In particular, new murals tend to appear at night, and the pieces are constantly changing.
TIP:Before exploring the street art at Woodstock, visitors can stop by one of the neighborhood's trendy coffee shops, such as Espresso Lab Microroasters, to start their day off right.
Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is famous for its brightly colored houses, creating a vibrant color palette perfect for Instagram. Beyond their charming appearance, these houses hold significant cultural and historical value. Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, was once home to houses rented by the slave class in the 18th century.
It is said that when rented out, these houses had to be painted white. Until slavery was abolished, former slaves decided to buy and repaint their houses in bright colors as a way of honoring their freedom.
TIP:Many families in Bo-Kaap have lived here for generations. Therefore, when taking photos, visitors need to show respect and remind themselves that people are still living inside the house. Fortunately, many locals are aware of the popularity of the house they are in, so if you meet a local, you can introduce yourself and ask permission to take a photo.
Muizenberg Beach
Bo-Kaap isn't the only colorful spot in Cape Town; Muizenberg Beach is just as vibrant. When you arrive, don't forget to snap some photos in front of the rainbow-colored buildings lining the beach. Muizenberg Beach is the perfect location for those wanting to take a surfing lesson or simply enjoy some sunshine.
Cape Defense
Cape Point is located on the Cape of Good Hope – the southwesternmost point of the African continent (not to be confused with Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of the continent). Cape Point is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Cape Town. Once you arrive at Cape Point, you can take a tram, also known as the Flying Dutchman Funicular, to the lighthouse. Here, spectacular cliffs rise as if trying to reach the edge of the earth.
TIP:Whatever you do, don't forget your jacket because the wind at Cape Point is extremely strong.
Signal Hill
Signal Hill is one of the most popular paragliding spots in South Africa. However, you absolutely shouldn't try paragliding in Cape Town if it's your first time, because once you've experienced it, all subsequent paragliding experiences will be incomparable.
You'll take off from the top of Signal Hill, then soar to an altitude of over 30 meters. The ride can last from 7 to 20 minutes depending on wind conditions. It sounds scary, but this experience in Cape Town is actually very relaxing and enjoyable.
Stellanbosch
The 45-minute drive from Cape Town to Cape Winelands promises to be a fantastic day trip. If you have time in your schedule, you might consider staying overnight at one of the wineries, especially the Boschendale winery – which has been producing wine and food since 1685.
Visitors can travel back in time by staying in one of the rustic cottages here and enjoying a horseback ride through the vineyards or a picnic while cruising on the lake.
TIP:Sipping a glass of Pinotage – a unique South African red wine – is an experience not to be missed here.
Gondwana Game Reserve
A safari is an essential part of any African trip. The Gondwana Game Reserve in Mossel Bay, just a four-hour drive from Cape Town, is a highly recommended option. From luxurious villas to eco-friendly cottages, Gondwana promises a truly unique experience.
Stepping out onto the porch, visitors will be greeted by zebras leisurely strolling along the road. Then come unforgettable moments on a "hunt" for the Big Four: lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, and leopards. After a long day on the road, don't forget to return and enjoy the sunset before continuing your equally thrilling nighttime adventure. Lions, in particular, love to roam freely after dark.
TIP:If possible, a zoom lens for your DSLR camera will help you capture the wildlife in this area.
