Why Cape Town is the Perfect Start to a Southern Africa Safari
Read More
Begin Your Epic Journey in Stunning Cape Town
At Brandt Safaris, we often recommend beginning your journey in Cape Town, and for good reason. This isn’t just a convenient stopover, it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re an adventurer eager to summit Table Mountain or a traveler looking to unwind with world-class wine and ocean views, Cape Town offers something for everyone.
It’s a place where wild landscapes meet urban culture: dramatic coastlines, ancient mountains, and a rare floral kingdom surround a city buzzing with creativity, flavor, and history. After a long international flight, it’s the perfect place to acclimate, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to the pace of Africa.
Cape Town’s food and wine culture is second to none, blending flavors from across the world, Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, African, with local ingredients and bold creativity. Add to that a thriving rooftop and beachside cocktail scene, and you’ve got a city that invites you to savor every moment. And when it’s time to head off on safari, Cape Town offers easy access to Southern Africa’s top wildlife regions, from Botswana to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and beyond.
From Table Mountain to the Cape Winelands
Cape Town is packed with world-class landmarks, each offering a unique lens into the soul of the city and its surroundings.
Table Mountain is easily one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. You can hike to the summit or take the rotating cable car, either way, the views are unforgettable. Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and city skyline, surrounded by small rock hyraxes and rare flowers of the fynbos biome, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. With a guide, you’ll gain deeper insight into the ecological significance of this remarkable mountain.
The Cape Peninsula makes for one of the most scenic day trips in Africa. Traveling along the coast, you’ll pass through charming towns, visit the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony, enjoy lunch at a tucked-away locals’ favorite, and cruise the cliffside curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The route culminates at Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet in a dramatic clash of waves and wind.
Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, provides a powerful and emotional connection to South Africa’s past. Tours are often led by former political prisoners, offering firsthand insight into the country’s journey to democracy.
And then there’s the Cape Winelands, a short drive from the city but a world apart. The wine estates here are truly exceptional, not only for their vintages but for their beauty, creativity, and hospitality. Whether you’re strolling through the gardens at Babylonstoren, admiring the open-air exhibits at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, or sampling wine, olive oil, and chocolate in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the Winelands are full of sensory pleasures and visual splendor.
Food, Wine & Cape Town’s Flavor Culture
Cape Town is, without exaggeration, one of the great culinary cities of the world. It’s home to a dazzling variety of restaurants, from internationally acclaimed fine-dining spots to neighborhood cafés and food markets that locals swear by.
The city’s cuisine draws on global influences, African, Indian, European, Asian, and Mediterranean, creating a rich, eclectic food scene. Whether you’re enjoying sushi with a sea view, tasting Cape Malay spices in the Bo-Kaap, or dining on African-inspired tasting menus paired with local wines, you’ll find every meal feels like an experience.
And it’s not just the food. The wine and cocktail culture is vibrant and unpretentious, with rooftop lounges, seafront patios, and stylish bars offering perfect settings to relax, connect, and enjoy the scenery.
Cape Town’s neighborhoods, Sea Point, Gardens, Woodstock, and Constantia, each have their own culinary character, making it easy (and fun) to spend days eating your way through the city.
Why Cape Town is the Ideal Safari Starting Point
Cape Town isn’t just a stunning city, it’s also a smart and strategic place to begin a safari.
After a long-haul flight from the U.S., spending a few days in Cape Town helps travelers acclimate to the time zone, reset their internal clock, and settle into a slower rhythm. Safari mornings often start at dawn, with activities that stretch into the evening, so arriving well-rested makes a huge difference.
From Cape Town, you can also fly non-stop to many major safari regions in Southern Africa, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa’s Greater Kruger. But bush flights are limited and tend to book early, so planning ahead is key.
By starting your journey in Cape Town, you give yourself the gift of time: time to unwind, explore, and connect, before diving into the wild beauty of safari.
If You Only Have 2–3 Days in Cape Town, Don’t Miss This
At Brandt Safaris, we recommend spending at least three full days (3–4 nights) in Cape Town to get the most out of your visit. But if your time is limited, here’s our top-three must-do list:
Ready to start planning your adventure?
Get in touch with Brandt Safaris today!
