Cape Town Tryathlon

On my recent holiday to Cape Town, all I wanted was more time. After two weeks I had climbed mountains, swam with sharks, cycled cities, and ate my weight in food, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. In a city that has so much to offer, you’ll find it’s hard to sit still—and soon enough, Cape Town will have you begging for more time too. Here’s a handful of favourites I’d recommend you try:

Hike Table Mountain 

You know that big iconic mountain looming over the city? Well you’re going to climb it, or at least I recommend you do. I recently did the hike called Kasteelspoort with the help of a guide that lead me up through one of the 12 Apostles (that’s the local name for the dozen rock outcroppings that buttress the mountain) and onto Table Mountain. Seeing it on foot affords you some of the best views of the city and brings you closer to the wildlife, not to mention the sense of accomplishment once you reach the top. A short cable car ride down will have you back to where you started.

Bicycle Wine Tour

A short drive northeast of the city, you’ll find yourself in Stellenbosch, the hilly region of the Cape Wine lands. With a great guide, you’ll be navigating the streets, peddling from winery to winery, enjoying some of South Africa’s finest. A well-deserved gourmet lunch at one of the wineries is a great break for your hardworking legs.

Explore The Townships

These undeveloped urban living areas outside of the city created during the Apartheid era are the heart of South African culture and community. I had the pleasure to visit friends living there but a guided tour with a small local company is a good option too. Make sure you stop for some magwenya (dubbed as fat cakes, it’s a homemade dense donut). Or maybe a braai (similar to a BBQ, however, a BBQ just doesn’t quite measure up to braai goodness) is more your taste. Or how about a smiley (tasty sheep’s head)?

South Africa’s birthplace of surfing: Muizenberg

A short train ride out of the city is this beach side suburb. Favoured by the local surfers, Muizenberg is a great place to grab some lessons, enjoy the beach or try some of the fresh seafood. You’ll spot the beach by the coloured change shacks along the sand. Make sure to keep an eye on the warning flag or you may also spot a shark or two.

African Penguins at Boulders Beach

Granite boulders line the beach creating various coves and inlets making it the perfect place to get up close and personal with penguins. Stray from the boardwalk and head straight for the sand. You may have to scale a boulder or two but it’s worth it. With no fencing around, it’s just you and your new web-footed friends.