3 Days in Cape Town: Mountains, Penguins & Wine
Cape Town is ridiculously good-looking. You have a massive flat mountain in the middle of the city, beaches, and penguins. Three days requires a rental car or some clever Ubering, but it's enough time to hit the peninsula and drink some excellent wine.
Day-by-Day Snapshot
The Mountain & City
Table Mountain cable car (go early), Bo-Kaap, and the V&A Waterfront.
The Peninsula
Drive to Cape Point, see the penguins at Boulders Beach, and Chapman's Peak Drive.
Wine & Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and an afternoon in the Constantia wine valley.
- •Planning Table Mountain on the last day (if it's windy, the cable car closes).
- •Walking around the CBD or quiet areas late at night.
- •Swimming in the Atlantic without a wetsuit (it's freezing).
- •Not tipping car guards (give them 5-10 Rand).
November to February for summer weather.
Kalk Bay, a quirky seaside town with great seafood and antique shops.
- Camps Bay: Glamorous, on the beach, beautiful sunsets.
- City Bowl/Gardens: Central, hip cafes, closer to the mountain.
Getting Around
Uber is incredibly cheap and reliable. Renting a car is best for the Peninsula day trip.
Where to Eat
The Test Kitchen (book months ahead). Kloof Street House for dinner. Get fish and chips in Hout Bay. South African meat (braai) is exceptional.
Common Questions
Is Cape Town safe?
Be vigilant. Don't flash valuables, use Uber at night, and stick to busy areas.
Do I need malaria pills?
No, Cape Town is malaria-free.
Can I see lions here?
No, you need to fly to Kruger or drive 3 hours to a private reserve for real safaris.
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