Today (May 18, 2015): Top 10 places to see in & around Cape Town‏. 

It’s no secret. Cape Town is my favorite city, taking the number one spot in my top 10 list of the world’s most beautiful cities. Blessed with some of the world’s most amazing beaches, jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains, rolling hills of vineyards, spectacular drives and tons of trendy bars and fine dining restaurants to choose from, it is hard to imagine a more picture perfect city destination than South Africa’s Mother city (and frankly, you won’t find a better one). Combine this with some of the best accommodation and service on offer anywhere in the world and you are left with one of the hottest city destinations you will ever visit. I hereby present you the top 10 places & activities that every visitor to Cape Town should put on his/her bucket list.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Cape Town adventure in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS (IN A CAGE)

For an once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, jump into the shark-infested waters around Cape Town — in a cage of course – and prepare yourself for a potentially heart-stopping encounter with the ultimate super-predator: the great white shark! Gansbaai, a small fishing village 163 km (101 mi) to the east of Cape Town, has become the hub for tour operators that specialize in diving with great white sharks, all from the safety of a cage of course. The cages are shark-proof, so there is nothing to fear, and the trilling experience will inspire you for a lifetime. You’ll definitely emerge with a greater respect for these often misunderstood, ocean predators.

9. ENTERTAIN YOUR TASTE BUDS IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

Be sure to add at least one day of wine-tasting to your itinerary when visiting Cape Town. South Africa’s wines are well-known all over the globe, and the heart of its wine industry is located a 45 minutes drive from Cape Town in the Cape Winelands, centered around the ancient university town of Stellenbosch and the lesser known villages of Franschoek and Paarl. Here, you can discover and explore more than 150 wine farms and estates where both connoisseurs and novice wine-drinkers can enjoy the fruit of the vine. One of my favorite is the Delaire Graff Estate, which also houses a restaurant with a spectacular view that matches the food.

8. FIND SOLITUDE IN THE CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies some 200km (214 mi) north of Cape Town, stretching from Citrusdal to Clanwilliam and encompassing some 71,000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain. The Cederberg is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rock formations, as well as its namesake, the rare Clanwilliam Cedar.  It was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973 and has grown into a popular destination for hardy hikers and mountaineers. The solitude and breathtaking natural beauty of the area is captivating. Here you will find Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, one of the world’s best wilderness lodges.

7. GET UP CLOSE WITH PINGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH

Boulders Beach, close to Simon’s Town on False Bay, is a sheltered bay made up of sandy inlets between massive granite boulders, from which the name originated. Yet, it’s not for the beautiful beach or crystal clear waters that people come here, but for its world-famous breeding colony of over 2000 endangered African Penguins. You can observe the penguins from the board walks that you will share with many others, but let that not put you off: it’s great fun to watch the penguin’s behaviour, from waddling along the sandy shores and nest guarding, to sunbathing and diving in the cold water.

6. SIP ON A SUNDOWNER AT BLAUBERGSTRAND

There’s no denying that Cape Town enjoys some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. As warm summer weather descends on the city, tourists and locals flock to the Atlantic shores for sipping on their favorite drink while watching the sun slowly dipping below the glistening ocean. There are many places in the city to have a coctail while soaking in those perfects sunsets, but a standout is the Bloubergstrand shoreline, with its picture perfect views of the Table Mountain silhouette across Table Bay, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), the endless ocean and the occasional passing dolphin or whale.

5. OBSERVE THE WHALES IN HERMANUS

Hermanus, a small city 127 km (79 mi) to the east of Cape Town is one of the world’s best whale watching destinations. The best time to enjoy whale watching in Hermanus is between July and November either from land, by boat or from the air via a scenic flight. Hermanus, particularly Walker Bay, is the mating and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale during the winter and spring months (from June to November). Southern Right Whales migrate from the Antarctic around June to calve and mate. Calving takes place in August and September and the males arrive for mating in October when the whale population peaks.

4. RELAX ON THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY BEACHES

Cape Town is one of the world’s greatest beach destinations, with amazing beaches just minutes from the city centre.  From the family beaches on False Bay to the gorgeous beaches for the rich and beautiful on the Atlantic Seaboard – you’re sure to find a stretch of sand that suits your fancy. Our favorite beaches are Clifton, Llandudno, and – of course – Camps Bay, one the world’s most beautiful beaches. Set against the majestic backdrop of the 12 Apostles Mountain Range and boasting blinding white sands, Camps Bay’s water is a bit cold, due to the currents in the Atlantic Ocean, but that will not distract you from the amazing surrounding scenery.

3. VISIT CAPE POINT & CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Cape Town, lies Cape Point, a rocky promontory with a lighthouse on top of it, towering more than 200 m (650 ft) above the sea and providing spectacular 360 degree ocean views. Cape Point is separated from another rocky headland, the famous Cape of Good Hope, by breathtakingly beautiful Dias beach. Although these two rocky and beautiful capes are very well-known, neither cape is actually the southernmost point in Africa or the point where the cold Atlantic Ocean and warm Indian Ocean meet; that is Cape Agulhas, approximately 150 kms (93 mi) to the east.

2. DRIVE THE MARINE ROAD AROUND CHAPMAN’S PEAK

Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in the world, winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast of the Cape Peninsula. The 9 km or 5,6 mi route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak (593m or 1768 feet tall), with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The drive is affectionately known as “Chappies” and there are many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the exquisite scenery. Drive the route from south (Noordhoek) to north (Hout Bay) for the best views and easy access to the viewpoints (all on the ocean side of the road).

1. TAKE A HIKE UP OR DOWN TABLE MOUNTAIN

Flat-topped Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of Cape Town, and it’s also Africa’s most photographed attraction. Its famous cable car took more than 24-million visitors (so far!) to its top, from where you can enjoy tremendous 360-degree views of the city, Table Bay, the Atlantic seaboard, the nearby mountain peaks and the rest of the Table Mountain National Park. The more adventurous ones may choose to hike one of the 300 trails up and down the mountain, with my favorite being Skeleton George starting in the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site, is the single richest floristic area in the world.

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Today (June 30, 2014): Top 10: world’s most scenic roads.

Our planet is paved by more than 18 million kilometers or 11 million miles of roadways. However, only few of them are worth the drive, be it because of the adrenalin factor, the amazing scenery or the expectation of adventure. Some roads are so stunningly beautiful that they became iconic destinations in their own. Here’s my countdown of the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world (with more information below the slideshow).

Think I missed one? Share your favorite scenic road in the comments section or take my poll below!

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10. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ONE, CALIFORNIA, USA

One of the crown jewels of America’s national scenic byways system, the Pacific Coast Highway stretches just over 190 km (120 miles) between Monterey and Morro Bay. The narrow two-lane road hugs the impressive cliffs of California’s Central Coast, towering over the waves crashing into the shore below. Some of the best spots for a break along this roughly five-hour drive include the Monterey Peninsula and the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, one of the most beautiful (and photographed) places in all of California.

9. RUTA 40, ARGENTINA

Winding its way from the top of Argentina to the southern tip of the mainland, Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the longest stretches of highway in the world, covering more than 4800 km (3000 miles).  Most of the highway runs alongside and sometimes within the Andes Mountain range, passing through some of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet and connecting 20 national parks. One of the most spectacular views along the way (weather permitting!) is that of the Fitzroy and Cerro Torres ranges which kick in when you get close to El Chalten in Southern Patagonia.

8. TRANSFAGARASAN HIGHWAY, ROMANIA

Europa has no shortage of mountainous roads with spectacular vistas, yet it is the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania that tops them all. Named by Top Gear as one of the world’s best driving roads, the Transfagarasan is dotted with endless twists and turns and with spooky, pitch black tunnels (the longest is more than 800 meters or 2600 feet), making for an exciting trip through Dracula territory. The winding road from Cartisoara goes south to Curtea de Arges then zigzags from Transylvania into Muntenia, and later ascends to 2,034 meters (6673 feet), to the highest peak in Romania (Moldoveanu Peak).

7. GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD, MONTANA, USA

Going-to-the-Sun road is a spectacular 50 mile (80 km), two-lane highway that bisects Glacier National Park – my favorite National Park in the USA – east to west. The road spans the width of the park and crosses the Continental Divide at the 2025 meters (6,646 foot) high Logan Pass. It passes through almost every type of terrain in the park, from windswept alpine tundra atop the pass to large glacial lakes and cedar forests in the lower valleys. In 1983, the Going-To-The-Sun Road was included in the US National Register of Historic Places and in 1985, it was made an US National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

6. AMALFI COAST DRIVE, ITALY

The Amalfi Coast is widely considered Europe’s most scenic stretch of coastline, a landscape of towering, green-swathed mountains, pastel-hued villages with cobblestoned streets, palatial renaissance mansions, and expansive vistas over the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In 1997, the coastal landscape was rightfully awarded a coveted spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The scenic Amalfi drive (formally Strada Statale 163) winds for about 80 km (50 miles) along the shoreline and cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula, with plenty of viewpoints along the way to take in the spectacular coastal views. 

5. LYSEBOTN ROAD, NORWAY

The Lysebotn Road, traveling over the mountains of Rogaland and Vest Agder, is considered one of the most breathtaking roads in Europe, although is only accessible during 5 months of the year, when it is snow free and safe. It starts with a trilling ascent – with 27 challenging hairpin turns and average climbing percentage of 9,4% –  up the steep walls of the Lysefjord, providing stunning panoramic views. To make things even more interesting, the way down to Lysebotn includes a 1.1 km (3600 feet) long tunnel with 3 switchbacks as well as incredible vistas that will put a smile on every driving enthusiast’s face.

4. ICEFIELDS PARKWAY, ALBERTA, CANADA

To travel the Icefields Parkway is to experience one of Canada’s national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 232 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains’ World Heritage Site, this world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, exciting wildlife and broad sweeping valleys. This special travel route winds its way through the national parks of Banff and Jasper, boasting a unique and irreplaceable landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none.

3. SEWARD HIGHWAY, ALASKA, USA

Visiting Alaska is a superlative yet deeply personal, tranquil and inspiring wilderness experience, with bears, moose, whales, glaciers and mountains everywhere. One the highlights on every Alaska trip is the scenery along the Seward Highway, connecting Alaska’s capital Anchorage to the coastal town of Seward. The first 50 miles (80 kilometers) skirts the base of the Chugach Mountains and the shores of Turnagain Arm, where it’s common to see beluga whales, Dall’s sheep, waterfalls, and eagles. The remainder of the drive winds through the mountains of the Chugach National Forest, offering dramatic views of Alaska’s famous landscape.

2. CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE, SOUTH AFRICA

Chapman’s Peak Drive, the most spectacular marine drive in the world, winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast of the south-western tip of South Africa. The 9 km or 5,6 mi route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak (593m or 1768 feet tall), with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The drive is affectionately known as “Chappies” and offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the exquisite scenery.

Chapman’s Peak Drive also features in my top list of places to visit in & around Cape Town.

1. MILFORD ROAD, NEW ZEALAND

This is sort of the landscape that gives hobbits wet dreams, and we don’t blame them. Winding through Fiordland National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps, visitors will find this stunning 230 km (144 mile) long road, in our humble opinion the most scenic road in the word. The road is part of State Highway 94 and connects the town Te Anau with the majestic Milford Sound. Along the scenic Milford Road, travelers get to see ridiculously beautiful rainforests, crystal clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, mighty cliffs, and snow-capped summits.

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