Africa Born’s top five Cape Town adventures for 2026

The buzz around Cape Town continues to grow. Its blend of dramatic scenery, pristine beaches, vibrant urban life, great food, shopping, sunshine and opportunity for adventure gives some indication as to why it tops the list of best city breaks each year. 

It’s also a popular choice among families: the mountains, beaches, botanical gardens, playgrounds, cable cars and of course the penguins are always a hit with little ones.

And so Hen, the girls and I took a trip to Cape Town last month to give you the inside scoop on exploring Cape Town at a relaxed, family-friendly pace. Guided by local experts with a finger on the pulse, unparalleled local knowledge and behind-the-scenes access to its best spots, here’s our top five Cape Town adventures for 2026.

Penguin encounters

Escape to the quieter side of the Cape Peninsula - the city’s more laid-back corner - for a visit to Boulders Beach, home to a large colony of highly-entertaining endangered African penguin. Explore this surreal picture-perfect beach, where these fluffy local inhabitants are dwarfed by the boulders they call home. Incredibly, the colony has grown from just a few pairs in the 1980s to several thousand birds today, making it one of the best places in the world to observe these charismatic birds in their natural habitat.

For a quieter alternative to Boulders Bay, the Stony Point penguin colony near Betty’s Bay offers a splendid coastal walk and excellent viewing, with fewer crowds. Beyond the penguins, avid birdwatchers may spot Crowned, Cape and Bank cormorants nesting on the outer rocks, while Hartlaub’s and Kelp gulls wheel overhead and forage among the colony.

Picnics with a view

Further along the coast from Boulders Bay lies Cape Point Nature Reserve, the most south-westerly tip of Africa. Here, mountains plunge into the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, creating a landscape that is both wild and breathtaking. Rich in flora and fauna and framed by dramatic coastal scenery, Cape Point is a spectacular setting for an unforgettable picnic.

Keen picnickers will also love Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, and part of the Table Mountain National Park. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of Kirstenbosch. With your own private guide, wander through indigenous fynbos, shaded lawns and vibrant Protea gardens, or venture onto the canopy walkways and explore the lush ravines of Skeleton Gorge. The plant species, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects that make up this thriving habitat are nothing short of extraordinary.

If you’re visiting between November and April, don’t miss Kirstenbosch’s Summer Sunset Concerts, a much-loved Cape Town tradition where families and friends gather on the lawns to picnic as the sun dips behind the mountain.

Exploring the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands are arguably one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa, famed for its rolling vineyards, historic estates and farms producing exceptional wines and artisanal fare. The Western Cape is both the oldest wine region of the New World and, the newest expression of the Old - either way, for wine lovers, it more than delivers.

The Eerste River Valley, home to historic and world-famous Stellenbosch, is best explored by e-bike: all the enjoyment with a little less effort, perfect for families travelling with children. Lanzerac Wine Estate, one of the country’s oldest and most storied farms, is well worth a visit, as are the charming oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, best savoured at an unhurried pace with an ice cream in hand. Nearby, the breathtaking Jonkershoek and Banghoek valleys offer dramatic mountain scenery, excellent restaurants and a collection of internationally acclaimed wine producers.

Further south, the historic Constantia Valley - South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region, dating back to 1685 - offers a different but equally compelling experience. Nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain and the cool breezes of False Bay, this unique microclimate produces distinctive, world-class wines in a setting of timeless beauty.

Sunset on Table Mountain

Cape Town is a rare city where vibrant urban life meets vast, pristine wilderness. Rising at its heart is Table Mountain - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and the city’s most iconic landmark - a must for adventurous types drawn to wild beauty and rewarding views.

Take the famous cable car (with your fast-track pass, arranged by us) or lace up your trainers and hike to the summit. Routes range from gentle strolls within Table Mountain National Park to more adventurous climbs through Platteklip Gorg: either way, the 360-degree vistas over the city, vineyards and ocean are breathtaking. On reaching the top, your private guide will rustle up an unforgettable sundowner in a secluded spot: watch the fading light cast a golden glow over the Cape and the city sparkle below.

Cold dips and ocean adventures

Cape Town’s beaches are hard to beat. From the golden sweep of Camps Bay and powder-white coves of Clifton to the gentle surf and colourful beach huts of Muizenberg: all framed by dramatic mountains and the deep blue Atlantic.

Water temperatures are brisk year-round, making dips in the Atlantic an invigorating experience! For those fascinated by the underwater world, diving - and snorkelling - around the Cape Peninsula and False Bay reveals extraordinary kelp forest and abundant marine life including seals, octopus, and colourful reef species. The winter months also bring incredible whale sightings: southern right and humpback whales are often visible close to shore.

For families and those new to marine life, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront provides an engaging introduction to South Africa’s coastal ecosystems. From interactive exhibits to hands-on displays, it’s a chance to discover the richness of the oceans without even getting wet.

Cape Town is a great addition to a safari - a few days of ocean air, mountain walks, city culture and world-class dining add a cosmopolitan contrast to time in the bush. The city is beautiful, laid-back and friendly: an ideal choice to unwind, eat well and soak up something completely different after days spent out in the wilds. If you like the sound of Cape Town and are keen to weave it into your safari with us, we’d love to chat to you.