48 hours in Cape Town
A&K’s Ross Pakes lays out his favourite ways to spend two days in South Africa’s cool capital
Just a night flight away, with a climate made for city exploring, Cape Town offers a contemporary buzz backed by panoramic views of Table Mountain. A&K’s senior product manager Ross Pakes lays out his favourite ways to spend two days.
Day 1
08.30
Leave the bags at your hotel and make the most of your first morning in the city. For one of the best brunches, stretch your legs with a walk to the popular Manna Epicure restaurant on Kloof Street. I can’t go in here without ordering a flat white and the Atlantic sandwich.
09.30
Ease into Capetonian life with a morning of shopping before heading to the beach. Long Street is a haven for interesting one-off boutiques, or follow the tourist trail to one of South Africa’s most visited destinations, the V&A Waterfront. With over 450 stores, from local designers to international brands, you’re sure to find something your heart desires. Here, you’ll also spot The Silo hotel and Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa).
12.00
For an authentic lunch, book onto one of Zainie Misbach’s three-hour Bo-Kaap cooking experiences. Savour some hands-on Cape Malay cuisine in one of the oldest urban residential areas in Cape Town. Discover the secrets of mixing masala, creating dhaltjies (chilli bites), folding samoosas (the local spelling of samosas), mixing and frying rootis, and learn the traditional way to cook a mouth-watering Cape Malay curry.
15.00
Now take some time to relax and soak up the South African sun. Enjoy a little local-watching in Clifton where the beautiful people go to sunbathe and the four beaches are as handsome as the regulars. There are no shops here, but you can get cold drinks and ice-creams from the beach vendors. If you want a bit more of a buzz, continue to Camps Bay, a wide sweep of a sand backed by a promenade of shops and restaurants.
17.00
Take a cab back to the waterfront and jump onboard a sunset catamaran cruise. This scenic 90-minute sail into the harbour serves complimentary drinks and there’s a good chance of spotting seal and dolphin.
19.30
For your evening indulgence, enjoy gastronomic delights at Baia. This large and lively restaurant provides the tastiest seafood. High-profile, modern, metropolitan, energetic – it personifies Cape Town and serves a classy mix of Portuguese, Mozambican and more mainstream continental dishes.
22.00
After dinner, head to Merchants Shebeen on iconic Long Street. This divine dive bar offers great cocktails and is open until 02.00. Be sure to check it out during your luxury holiday in Cape Town.
Day 2
08.00
Time for nature in the Mother City. There’s a choice of hikes depending on how late your night was. Take the beautiful trail up Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain or climb Lion’s Head for equally stunning views of Cape Town. Neither are a walk in the park, so don’t wear jeans and flip flops. This towering wilderness in the middle of the city has to be the highlight of your visit.
13.00
You will definitely have worked up an appetite by now, and Woodstock is the place to go. Renovated warehouses are home to cutting-edge art galleries and shops – like Cape Town’s answer to London’s Shoreditch. The hottest table in town is at The Pot Luck Club, so reserve your table a good few months in advance. This is the place for city vistas and culinary variety. Try fish sliders, beef in truffle café au lait sauce, cocktails, and local wines.
15.00
Your legs will probably want a break, so take advantage of the city’s hop-on/hop-off tour buses to catch any sights you may have missed. Bree Street is worth a wander to experience the rainbow effect of colourful townhouses and excellent shopping – this area is also home to many cosmopolitan boutiques. Stop for a coffee from Jason’s Bakery, or something stronger at Mother’s Ruin if you fancy a pre-dinner gin cocktail.
18.30
Now’s the time to indulge yourself at one of the city’s premier spots. Settle in with your sundowner at The Silo’s Willaston Bar and enjoy the people-watching. Be sure to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
20.00
For dinner, if you’re wanting something eclectic from the place where the locals hang out, head to the Bombay Bicycle Club. Try the Cajun calamari or the drunken Camembert, followed by chocolate chilli steak or the ostrich special. With swings for seats, it’s a wonderfully wacky, bohemian den, and the perfect place to consummate your love affair with Cape Town.
For more travel inspiration, take a look at our South Africa destination page, where you can browse our itineraries and find out when is best to visit.
- Holiday ideas
- Accommodation
- Holiday ideas
Classic South Africa
Our tailor-made South Africa tour lets you explore classic destinations such as cosmopolitan Cape Town and the beautiful Winelands
Private jet tour of Southern Africa
Admire Southern Africa’s many wonders on this multi-centre holiday. Enjoy the luxury of private chartered flights, expert guidance and insider access throughout
Discover South Africa
Discover authentic South Africa on this tour of its wildlife, wineries, stylish cities and coastal hideaways. Travelling from west to east, this journey promises to be an unforgettable one
South Africa's Alternative Garden Route
Spend three nights exploring De Hoop reserve: whale watching, hiking nature trails, biking the mountain fynbos and sandboarding
South Africa's battlefields
Spend three days learning about the Zulu War. Listen to lectures amid the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift with a specialist guide
The Great Karoo
Spend three nights in South Africa’s Great Karoo on Samara – a private game reserve. Go cheetah tracking, scout out resident wildlife, and sleep out under the stars
Cape Town for the active
Spend three days adventuring through Cape Town. Climb Table Mountain, surf gentle breaks, go paddleboarding and enjoy a spa day in between
Iconic South Africa to Mozambique
Experience Africa’s showstoppers from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to Mozambique’s dreamy beaches. Enjoy supreme wildlife viewing in Botswana and natural wonder at Victoria Falls
Family Cape Adventure, Meerkats & Madikwe
Your South Africa itinerary ticks off the best of the country’s cities and natural wonders
Luxury honeymoons in South Africa & Mozambique
Luxury honeymoons in South Africa offer newlyweds wildlife-laden landscapes, captivating culture and world-class food and wine
South Africa & Victoria Falls Escorted Tour
This eclectic itinerary offers nine days of pure delight. Visit Cape Town’s most intriguing attractions, tour mighty Victoria Falls, and experience the wildlife wonders of Kruger
Southern Africa by river & rail: Escorted Tour
Your southern African adventure starts in style with the timeless elegance of a train journey on Rovos Rail
Wings Over Southern Africa
This trip across the African south exposes the continent in all best colours. From wildlife and nature, to cities and culture. This trip has it all
- Accommodation
Sanctuary Makanyane
Sanctuary Makanyane lies hidden in the lush river-side forest of the Madikwe Game Reserve
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
The rock art sites at Bushmans Kloof have been described as the 'The World's largest open-air gallery'. Seven luxury rooms, six deluxe rooms and three suites all have private terraces with spectacular mountain and river views
One&Only Cape Town
On entering the One&Only Cape Town be greeted by the majestic Table Mountain framed by the high atrium windows
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa stands at the edge of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Each of the 57 suites and 144 spacious bedrooms are individually furnished. For increased seclusion, four cottages in Sydenham Terrace have been meticulously restored and are set in private gardens with a swimming pool
Cape Grace
Nestled on a private quay between Cape Town's bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina
Kubili House
Set within the Thornybush Game Reserve, Kubili House is an exclusive private residence that promises a luxury safari like no other
Private Residences of The Royal Portfolio
These properties epitomise the Royal Portfolio’s signature level of luxury. Located only a short distance from The Silo in bustling Cape Town, expect the highest standards throughout
Africa House, at Royal Malewane
Africa House, at Royal Malewane enjoys a privileged position within a private reserve in the Greater Kruger Area, renowned for yielding fantastic wildlife sightings
Leeu Estates
The Leeu Estates is an exclusive boutique hotel set in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley
Leeu House
A country guesthouse in a vibrant village. Leeu House is a charming hotel in one of the most enchanting towns in South Africa’s pretty Winelands
Birkenhead House
Set high up on the cliffs just outside the town of Hermanus and overlooking Walker Bay is the magnificent Birkenhead House, the ultimate coastal retreat
The Silo
Created from the V&A Waterfront's iconic grain store, The Silo offers 28 individually designed rooms, each with a balcony view of Cape Town or Table Mountain
Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa
The interior of the hotel is an elegant fusion of contemporary design with traditional African flare
Grootbos
Grootbos delivers the basics with ease, international cuisine, fine wines and stunning lodge accommodation along with some more refined touches
The Marine Hermanus
This unforgettable property overlooks South Africa's most pristine whale sanctuary, and it is just a stone's throw from one of the greatest densities of the endangered great white shark
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is rightly deserving of the international acclaim it receives for creating truly world class travel experiences
The Blue Train
Since it's inception in 1946, South Africa's Blue Train has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg is conveniently located for golf and some of the best shopping centres and markets
Singita Boulders Lodge
Boulders Lodge takes its inspiration from a huge boulder that could not be removed without disturbing the environment during construction of this exquisite lodge
Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge
Sabi Sabi's intimate all-suite Selati Camp is furnished with a historic Railway theme and 19th century charm
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
Hidden in the shade of indigenous riverine trees, on a bend of the Msuthlu River lies Little Bush Camp, the smallest and most secluded of Sabi Sabi's lodges
Londolozi Pioneer
Londolozi Pioneer Camp is steeped in the history of the ancestors who, eighty years ago, arrived by ox wagon and set up camp
Londolozi Founders
Londolozi Founder's Camp is ideally situated along a riverbank, making it perfect for guests with a keen interest in river life
Jabulani Safari
Luxurious Jabulani Safari offers an extraordinary African experience. This South African camp is situated within the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit and close to Kruger National Park
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
Nestled into a bend of the Sand River, andBeyond Tengile is perfect for those wishing to get away from it all
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp is located in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, an exclusive game rich area adjacent to the Kruger National Park
Londolozi Tree Camp
The ultimate in opulent indulgence, relax on wooden decks with a glass of champagne in hand as you survey the ancient landscape below
Londolozi Varty Camp
Founded in 1926, Varty is the original camp at Londolozi
Leopard Hills
Perched high in the forest canopy on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole, Leopard Hills commands fantastic views over the park and to this day is owned by the Kruger family
Kirkman's Kamp
Step back in time with a stay at Kirkman's Kamp, a beautiful old homestead with a green tin roof synonymous of this area
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge is situated in the remote northern wilderness on the Sabie Sand Game Reserve
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Surrender yourself to the opulence of your suite or step outside and appreciate Africa's natural beauty from the privacy of your own game viewing deck
Singita Lebombo
A rare wilderness experience can be enjoyed with spectacular scenery boasting the highest concentration of wildlife in the entire park
Singita Sweni
Immediately below Lebombo and set on the banks of the Sweni River, Sweni Lodge is the smallest of the Singita Lodges
Rockfig Safari Lodge
Wake up in the wilderness at Rockfig Safari Lodge, located deep in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Experience a luxurious safari experience at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge where the suites are spacious and private
Kings Camp Private Game Reserve
Kings Camp Private Game Reserve has an enviable location on the edge of a savannah plain scattered with Acacia trees
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Bush Lodge is set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a water-hole and an African plain
Lion Sands River Lodge
River Lodge is the soul of Lion Sands, positioned on a site, which has trees dating back almost 800 years and facing east so that guests can enjoy the perfect African sunrise
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Lion Sands Narina Lodge has been built on stilts and constructed to blend with the surrounding nature and offers luxurious accommodation and exceptional hospitality
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi's Granite Suites offers an unforgettable bushveld experience for no more than six guests
Singita Ebony
Ebony is the 'original' Singita lodge that has retained its unspoiled charm and relaxing ambience
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sculpted deep into the earth, and almost invisible in the landscape, the property is inspired by the textures, colours and shapes of the natural world
andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Rock Lodge has been built on the side of a mountain
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return"
The Oyster Box
Perfectly situated on the ocean's edge, a brief 5 minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre and is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Afro-chic Durban city centre
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
High in the Drakensberg Mountains, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse sits adjacent to the Highmoor Nature Reserve
andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
Set within 23,000 hectares of Phinda Private Game Reserve, Mountain Lodge has 24 air-conditioned suites, each with en suite bathrooms, sitting areas with private bar and spectacular viewing decks with plunge pool
andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Nestled within 15,000 hectares of Phinda Private Game Reserve, exquisite architectural design meets conservation in these luxurious hand-crafted suites
Fugitives Drift Lodge and Guesthouse
The Rattray family continue to pioneer Heritage Tourism in South Africa, having created the ideal setting for visitors to experience the events surrounding the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift
Ant's Hill
The spacious cottages benefit from huge folding doors and the thatched lodge roof that blends into the bush
Jaci's Safari & Tree Lodge
Two exceptional child-friendly, privately owned lodges are set deep in the Madikwe Game Reserve
Ant's Nest
The original homestead with its wide verandas has a classic African atmosphere. Nestled in landscaped gardens, the expansive swimming pool blends naturally into the surroundings
Marataba
Marataba Safari Lodge is the ultimate glamorous retreat
Tuningi Safari Lodge
Tuningi Safari Lodge is one of the few five star lodges that welcome children
Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge
Where five star service, lavish accommodation and adventurous game drives come as standard, Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge offers an unforgettable luxury safari experience
Molori Safari Lodge
Deep in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve set high on a hill is the utterly beautiful Molori Safari lodge
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
Located on South Africa’s Garden Route, this inn offers wow factor in spades
Emily Moon River Lodge
Emily Moon River Lodge is a beautiful lodge located on the Bitou River near Plettenberg Bay the heart of the Garden Route
Kanonkop House
Located just a five minute drive from the centre of Knysna, Kanonkop House has incredible views of the Knysna Lagoon and the dramatic Knysna Heads whilst being surrounded by indigenous forest
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge is ideally placed to explore the wonders of the marine world, though it has to be said that guests here find it hard to tear themselves away from the comfort of their suites, set high up in the trees
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is the perfect place to relax after exploring the wonderful Garden Route
The Plettenberg
The Plettenberg - situated on a rocky headland in Africa's most spectacular coastal resort - is the ultimate escape
Tswalu The Motse and Tarkuni
In the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, lies Tswalu. Founded in 1995, it is one of the largest private conservation projects in Africa
Steenberg Hotel
This luxury hotel in Cape Town offers exquisite hospitality, world-class cuisine, an award-winning winery, an 18-hole championship golf course, a plush spa and plenty of history
Kensington Place
Each of the eight guest rooms interiors have an unmistakable contemporary feel with eclectic African touches throughout
The Table Bay
Set on the historic V&A Waterfront with views of Table Mountain and the sea, The Table Bay is a luxury Cape Town hotel renowned for its standard in service and cuisine
More Quarters
More Quarters is a rare combination of historic exteriors with modern, bohemian interiors and offers the experience of genuine Cape Town living, in stylish and secure apartments
Cape Cadogan
The Georgian and Victorian buildings of the Cape Cadogan hotel date back to the beginning of the 19th century and it is perfectly located in the centre of Cape Town
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
The family friendly lodge, Riverdene Lodge comprises of nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Set in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, Ecca Lodge offers breath-taking views of steep shale cliffs. Expansive wooden viewing platforms provide the ideal setting for soaking up the bushveld atmosphere
Samara Private Game Reserve
Samara Private Game Reserve is a stylish safari lodge in the heart of a malaria-free area within the Eastern Cape
Settlers Drift
Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape
Shamwari Eagles Crag
Ultimate luxury personified - Shamwari Eagles Crag is nestled in a valley and provides the epitome of luxury for the most discerning of travellers
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Experience spectacular views from the Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge's viewing decks. Set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named, every aspect of the lodge is designed to amplify the endless landscape
Gorah Elephant Camp
Gorah Elephant Camp was the first 'Big Five' private concession to be built within a National Park. It is set in the heart of the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park
The Cellars-Hohenort
The Cellars-Hohenort boasts 52 individually decorated rooms and suites
Le Quartier Francais
A hidden gem of captivating charm, Le Quartier Francais is set in the delightful enclave of Franschhoek
Mont Rochelle
Mont Rochelle, Sir Richard Branson's Hotel & Vineyard, is owned by and part of Virgin Limited Edition
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition. Babylonstoren lies in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl
Delaire Graff Estate
Located on the highest crest along the magnificent Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape's two leading wine districts, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Delaire Graff Estate combines understated elegance with state-of-the-art design
La Fontaine
This boutique hotel boasts a spectacular location in the heart of Franschhoek, renowned for its lush vineyards. Expect contemporary décor and good service
La Residence
Nestled within a 30-acre private wine and olive estate in the Franschhoek Valley, La Residence is conveniently located just forty-five minutes' drive from Cape Town and offers 11 individually-furnished suites and five Vineyard Suitesbedroomed Vineyard Suites
Tintswalo Atlantic
This fantastic boutique hotel is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Unwind in your luxurious suite, enjoying dedicated hospitality and stunning Atlantic views
Royal Malewane
Set high amongst a canopy of indigenous acacia and lanternbush trees and linked via elevated walkways, each of the six Royal Malewane suites benefit from rich deck wood terraces, thatched gazebos and infinity pools
Morukuru Lodge
Three beautifully appointed bush houses, set in the wilds of the Madikwe Game Reserve on the banks of the Marico River, Morukuru blends chic stylish décor with warm African hospitality
Cheetah Plains
Nestled among the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and adjacent to Kruger National Park, Cheetah Plains is a haven for wildlife-spotting
Shamwari Sarili Lodge
The Sarili Lodge is an environment-friendly, private, thatched villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman's River
The One Above
Get ready for some serious spoiling at The One Above, Cape Town's most exclusive address
Morukuru Ocean House
Ocean House offers the ultimate in private oceanfront accommodation
Dulini Lodge
The riverside location of Dulini Lodge sets the perfect scene for relaxation
Dulini River Lodge
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to the world renowned Kruger National Park is Dulini River Lodge boasting access to a vibrant conservation area of over two million hectares in which lie the 'big five' and in particular the elusive leopard
Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Dulini Leadwood Lodge has a stunning location on the seasonal Mabrak river, not only a beautiful setting but it also attracts an array of wildlife to be observed from the lodge
Ellerman House
Discover Cape Town's glamorous beach lifestyle at one of the Ellerman Villas, perfectly situated to enjoy the facilities at the nearby hotel
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Once a private home, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is a delightful grand retreat away from the busy city
Kaleidoscope
A contemporary private residence, overlooking the popular Clifton beach, with local art dotted throughout the property