Why Cape Town is the ultimate Honeymoon destination

Enjoy your honeymoon in one of the most romantic, beautiful, vibrant & exciting cities in the world – Cape Town!

Its honeymoon time! Can you feel the romance in the air? We sure can! The glorious city of Cape Town is undoubtedly any honeymooners dream come true…plus a little (or A LOT) more!

Cape Town is without a doubt one of the most romantic, remarkable, breathtaking, vibrant, diverse, exciting, and extraordinary honeymoon destinations in the world. For newlyweds, a Cape Town honeymoon offers a chance to truly escape. You get to explore a city that’s anything but a concrete jungle. The scenery is drop-dead gorgeous and completely diverse. Expect to take in stunning vistas of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, mountains, and acres of vineyards.

With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture and atmosphere, and diverse range of magnificent destinations, Cape Town offers the perfect blend of romance and adventure for newlyweds looking to celebrate their honeymoon & new-found newlywed bliss in a truly spectacular location – there truly isn’t anything in this world quite like it! From the most beautiful beaches and picturesque coastlines to ever exist, majestic mountain ranges, the captivating Cape Winelands, scenic vineyards, stunning gardens, unimaginable natural wonders, world-renowned landmarks, incredible attractions, and vibrant cosmopolitan city centre to its unbelievable array of hidden gems, magical secret spots, romantic hideaways, and picturesque fairy-tale like escapes, it isn’t hard to understand why Cape Town has become one of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed honeymoon & wedding destinations in the world. With something for absolutely every type of couple, Cape Town gives you & your new husband or wife the opportunity to experience an unforgettable sweep-you-off-your-feet (in ALL the best ways of course) honeymoon getaway – trust us, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better honeymoon destination than Cape Town – and that’s a promise!

The vibrant and stunning city of Cape Town along with the entire Western Cape is overflowing with settings and destinations that are not only tailor-made for romance, adventure, and unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all of which will make for a magnificent, magical, and memorable honeymoon of a lifetime, but are the epitome of tranquillity, exclusivity, lavish luxury, serenity, and pure indulgence all-around. From sensational coastal hideaways, picturesque mountainside escapes, and remarkable boutique hotels, to away-from-it-all treetop retreats, serene Cape Winelands’ wonders, idyllic country-side cottages, luxury tented lodges, and hidden wilderness havens – Cape Town has the picture-perfect honeymoon hideaway for every loved-up newlywed couple which is bound to capture both your & your new hubby or wife’s heart from the moment you arrive, so much so, that you may never want to leave – and we certainly don’t blame you one bit!

It’s safe to say that it doesn’t matter which show-stopping location or breathtaking destination you choose as your Cape Town honeymoon escape – it promises to be a beyond exciting and extraordinary honeymoon getaway you’ll cherish & remember for countless years to come.

~ When it comes to embarking on an unbelievable Cape Town honeymoon, careful planning undoubtedly yields the most memorable results. That’s definitely not to say that every moment needs to be scheduled – after all, it is YOUR honeymoon to savour & celebrate as you please – however, by putting together an itinerary or having an award-winning travel company like Secret Africa handle all the logistics & nitty gritty details for you, will not only serve you best in this distinctive and utterly irresistible destination, but allow you to relish in every single second of your newlywed honeymoon bliss, as well as enjoy the endless array of unbelievable experiences, romantic moments, exhilarating adventures, breathtaking destinations, wonderful Cape Winelands wonders, culinary delights, world-renowned landmarks, sought-after attractions, secret spots, hidden gems, blissful beachy sun-kissed days, memorable rendezvous, picturesque coastlines, breathtaking natural wonders, fun-filled activities, beachfront cocktails, and stunning, sweep-you-off-your-feet, sherbet-coloured sunsets (to mention merely a few) that awaits you on your Cape Town honeymoon of a lifetime! ~

If we haven’t convinced you just yet and you’re still on the fence about honeymooning in Cape Town, here are 10 reasons (even though there are a million more) why Cape Town is the ultimate honeymoon destination to spend your first getaway as husband and wife.

Why you should go to Cape Town on your honeymoon

The beautiful & vibrant city of Cape Town, along with its stunning surrounding areas & destinations that make up the remarkable Western Cape as a whole, is HUGE! This means Cape Town boasts a plethora of truly incredible activities, adventures, experiences, landmarks, sites, and attractions that will undoubtedly make your honeymoon an indulging, romantic, riveting, and unforgettable trip of a lifetime – because that’s EXACTLY what you deserve.

Here are merely 10 extraordinary ways & once-in-a-lifetime experiences – exclusive to the Mother City of course – that will make your Cape Town honeymoon one of the most glorious, grand, exhilarating, enchanting, and dreamy affairs you’ll both cherish, celebrate & remember for many years to come! …And we ABSOLUTELY cannot wait! So, without any further ado, here is what you can look forward to…

#1 Table Mountain: The tall-standing giant of the Cape Town skyline

Of course we’re kicking off our list of the top 10 reasons why Cape Town is the ultimate honeymoon destination with one of the New7Wonders of Nature – TABLE MOUNTAIN! Regarded as one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks – the world-renowned Table Mountain along with the remarkable Table Mountain National Park (a UNESCO World-Heritage Site) – encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain that stretches from Signal Hill in the north of Cape Town, all the way to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope in the south (an accumulative distance of approximately 60km); boasting some of the most sensational scenic sites, majestic mountains, astounding natural gems, spectacular panoramic views, and a vastly diverse and unique biodiversity & an incredible array of endemic flora & fauna along its exceptional & extensive stretch. Not to mention a few sweep-you-off-your-feet secret spots and hidden gems too! WOW, are you in for a newlywed treat!

Now, after introducing you to this exceptional nature lover’s paradise and one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world, its officially ADVENTURE time! Are you ready?

While admiring this iconic flat-topped mountain from below or from any of the city’s amazing array of vantage & look-out points is always an incredible sight, there is absolutely NO view that beats or even comes close to the one you’ll experience from the top of Table Mountain. There truly is nothing quite like standing on the summit of the al-mighty Table Mountain, 1084.6 meters (3,563-feet) above sea level, and looking out over the vast Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay Beach, Clifton Beach, the glorious Mother City and beyond – it truly is unmatched! This is one down-right spectacular panoramic view you absolutely don’t want to miss, trust us!

Now that we’ve cleared that up, there are two main ways to reach the top of Table Mountain, depending on how much thrill and adventure you’re up for. Yes, it all comes down to you! Firstly, you can choose to enjoy an exciting Aerial Cable-way ride to the top, or, alternatively if you’re feeling a bit more daring and adventurous, we highly recommend hiking to the summit of Table Mountain. Not only will you be able to tick one of Cape Town’s top bucket-list adventures off your list but enjoy a jam-packed hiking experience filled with stunning scenic views, untamed natural beauty, plenty of hidden gems, and tons of fun and excitement too. Not to mention the bonus bragging rites you’ll earn – just an extra sweet cherry on top!

So, if you’re an active & adventurous couple at heart who loves to get out in nature and discover & explore to your heart’s desire, why not seize the day by taking on one (or even a few – who are we to stand in your way?!) of Table Mountain National Park & Table Mountain’s exciting 350 hiking trails which lead to the top of the tall-standing Table Mountain summit while on your honeymoon in Cape Town?

**Most hiking trails up Table Mountain are free of charge except for the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Point, and Boulders Beach.

As Table Mountain has an extensive variety of hiking trails to choose from, all catering to different fitness and experience levels, it gives ALL nature enthusiasts, eager adventurers, avid explorers, and keen hikers – irrespective if you’re a hiking newbie or a self-proclaimed hiking aficionado – the opportunity to embark on the ultimate Table Mountain hiking adventure. So NO, you absolutely don’t need to be an expert hiker to conquer one of its hiking routes!

**TIP: However, before setting off on your newlywed Table Mountain hiking expedition, it is VITAL that you do your research on each Table Mountain hiking trail (along with its degree of difficulty & the level of fitness & experience it may or may not require). This will not only properly prepare you for what you’re getting yourself into but give you the knowledge & know-how you need to select the hiking trail that is best suited to your level of fitness, abilities, and hiking experience. Ultimately allowing for the best & most rewarding Table Mountain hiking adventure & experience!

#2 Cape Town boasts a glorious year-round mild Mediterranean climate

The Mother City’s beautiful year-round mild Mediterranean climate and her one-of-a-kind seasonal changes is by far one of the top reasons why Cape Town is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world & among newlyweds all across the globe looking to celebrate and enjoy their new-found newlywed bliss in one of the most beautiful, vibrant, exciting, and enchanting cities in the world. Plus, who wouldn’t want to soak up all the glorious Mother City sunshine and bask in every second of her clear blue skies on their special honeymoon getaway?!

As each Cape Town season brings with it something unique and exciting to be enjoyed by all, it doesn’t quite matter what time of year you choose to have your wedding in Cape Town, you’re bound to love every second of it!

Summer in Cape Town means glorious sunny weather, late sunsets, blue skies, and blissful beach days – making it the ideal time of year for a sensational sunset beach wedding. With the sun setting as late as 8:30pm in the summer months, you’ll be able to dance the day & a good portion of the night away under the glorious Cape Town sun & magical Mother City moonlight!

Winter (also known as the ‘Green Season’) transforms the Mother City into a lush green paradise perfect for adventuring, exploring, and walking down the aisle of course. In addition to being Cape Town’s ‘Green Season’, winter in Cape Town is also known as the Mother City’s ‘Secret Season’ as many venues offer discounted rates on the same great services you’ll find in summer.

Spring season is not only a wonderful time of year to have your wedding in Cape Town, but it is also world-renowned for being the Mother City’s fabulous flower season. Spring is the time of year when the Mother City becomes the most glorious floral escape, with Cape wildflowers and a vibrant diversity of flora covering every inch of the Western Cape’s vast and varied landscapes in blankets of flourishing florals, vivid colours, and pure unapologetic beauty that stretches far and wide. This makes for the most picturesque wedding celebration amongst the glorious Cape wildflowers – it is pure magic! Not to mention Autumn, when the weather is perfect for just about everything and anything.

Regardless of what time of year or season you choose to go on your Cape Town honeymoon, the combination of Cape Town’s superb surroundings, beautiful backdrops, and fantastic weather allows for memorable adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll cherish and remember for many years to come.

#3 Beautiful Beaches Galore!

Did someone say Cape Town beach honeymoon?! There truly is nothing quite like being sun-kissed, sandy-toed, and salty-haired while soaking up all the Mother City sunshine as you enjoy a blissful day on one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches, especially on your honeymoon!

Life’s a beach, a Cape Town beach that is! Home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that people (loved-up honeymooners included) travel from far and wide to experience Cape Town’s beach magic first-hand. Whether you’re looking for a stunning secluded beach escape, long stretch of white sand, something a little cooler and quirkier, the ultimate surfing hotspot, or a beautiful beach gem where you can simply sit back, relax, and soak up the glorious Cape Town sunshine, the Mother City has the perfect beach for every beach lover at heart. With so many breathtaking beaches to choose from, your Cape Town beach honeymoon promises to be nothing short of spectacular!

Here are a few beach stunners that should absolutely be on your Cape Town beach honeymoon bucket list:

Camps Bay Beach
Clifton 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th Beach
Boulders Beach
Beta Beach
Llandudno Beach
Muizenberg Beach
Sunset Beach
Glen Beach
Bakoven Beach
Diaz Beach
Bloubergstrand
Water’s Edge
Hout Bay
Long Beach
AND SO MANY MORE!

For all things Cape Town beaches, we’ve put together the Ultimate Cape Town Beach Guide to ensure you find the ideal beach for you. Click here to check it out!

#4 Cape Town is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers, adventurers & adrenalin junkies

Calling all adventurous, daring & thrill-seeking honeymooners & newlyweds – if you consider yourselves to be avid adventurers, daring thrill seekers & die-hard adrenalin junkies eager to take a walk on the Mother City’s wild side – This is for you!

In the mood for a honeymoon adventure of a lifetime? Your wish is our Cape Town command! In Cape Town you have the opportunity to turn your honeymoon celebration into the ultimate adventure escape & trust us, it will without a doubt surpass even your wildest expectations.

If you’re keen to get your blood pumping, Cape Town is DEFINITELY where it’s at! Deemed the adventure capital of Africa, the Western Cape is any die-hard thrill seeker’s dream come true. Beyond Cape Town’s obvious natural beauty, electrifying energy, vibrant diversity, and endless array of things to do, see, and experience, the Mother City is every bit as adventurous, bold, and daring as she is stunning – and oh how she loves showing off her wild adventurous side!

Home to such a vast diversity of natural wonders, National Parks, mountain ranges, beaches, the ocean, exhilarating hiking trails, and endless stretches of untouched wilderness, Cape Town is jam-packed with an endless amount of adrenalin-inducing and thrill-seeking adventures just waiting to be experienced by you, your new husband or wife, family, friends, and everyone in between. So, go ahead, seize the day, and start exploring the abundance of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and bucket-list worthy activities available to you.

Shopping, surfing, or sightseeing – there are so many places to go, landmarks & attractions to see, and people to meet that you’ll probably find there’s not enough time for everything. That’s exactly what return trips are for! Go abseil down the tall-standing Table Mountain. Go paraglide from the summit of Lion’s Head or Signal Hill. Go hiking in one of Cape Town’s many National Parks. Go shark cage diving in Gansbaai. Go up Table Mountain in a cable car. Go whale watching in Hermanus. Go wine tasting in the famous Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Go bungee jumping at the Gouritz River. Go learn to cook traditional Cape Malay food in the vibrant & culturally diverse Bo-Kaap. Go to Robben Island to view Nelson Mandela’s prison cell. Go eat “braaivleis” at a BBQ restaurant for a taste of certified natural South African lamb. Go charter a yacht in the V&A Waterfront & spot Cape Town’s Marine Big 5 – Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales, African Penguins, and the Mola-mola sunfish. Go for a sunset stroll along the beautiful Camps Bay shore. Go soak up the sun on one of Clifton’s 4 beaches. Go explore the breathtaking Cape Point. Go enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Go see the Big 5 on safari. Go cave exploring, skydiving, sandboarding, surfing, deep-sea scuba diving, snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking with African Penguins, surfski paddling, kloofing / canyoning, stand-up paddle boarding, free diving, cliff jumping, coasteering, shipwreck and reef diving, waterfall exploring and adventuring, or river-rafting & tubing in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. JUST GO!

Cape Town has the perfect adventure and ultimate thrill-seeking experience for absolutely EVERYONE! With such a vast & exciting variety of unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures right at your finger tips ready for you to enjoy and tick off your bucket list, your Cape Town honeymoon will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations. Not to mention add a whole lot of spice & thrill to your honeymoon!

Check out the following blogs for some epic adventures and thrilling adrenalin-pumping experiences you’ll NEVER forget!

HAPPY ADVENTURING HONEYMOONERS!!

#5 Vibrant cultural diversity

Boasting a vibrant cultural diversity, eleven official languages, a rich and intricate history, and an incredible variety of cultures and ethnicities, South Africa ranks among the 10 most culturally diverse countries in the world with its population being one of the most complex and diverse.

Known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, the Mother City is a magnificent melting pot of people, cultures, ethnicities, religions, and traditions – Each of which is deeply rooted within Cape Town’s own culture, history, and heritage and has had a MAJOR impact on the city we know and love today.

It is in this spirit that all Capetonians and South Africans are encouraged to not only embrace, share, and celebrate their own culture, traditions, beliefs, and heritage – which ultimately makes up our glorious ‘Rainbow Nation’ – but each other’s too!

**Extra Insight: Cape Town is located in the most southernly province, the Western Cape, and has the infrastructure of a first world city. When the Dutch colonised South Africa in 1652, it was at the port of Cape Town that they anchored. The rich history and heritage of the city with the towering mountains at its edge is what makes it such an attractive tourist destination.

It is this unrivalled blend of nature and culture that makes Cape Town such an attractive option as a wedding destination, and it is why so many couples from across the world opt to get married in our beautiful city of Cape Town.

Exploring the Mother City’s vibrant cultural diversity through her various renowned historical landmarks, museums, heritage sites, attractions, and colourful cuisine is by far one of the best and most rewarding experiences for both locals and tourists alike. In fact, fully immersing yourself in Cape Town’s vivid, vibrant, and diverse culture should most definitely be at the top of your bucket-list – Trust us, you won’t regret a single second of it!

From exploring Cape Town’s colourful graffiti art on a Street Art Tour in the iconic neighbourhood of Woodstock, watching performers dance and sing in front of the V&A Food Market, and visiting the world-renowned Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa – which is the largest art museum in Africa, as well as the largest museum in the world showcasing the art of Africa and its diaspora – to embarking on a tour to the infamous Robben Island (one of Cape Town’s most renowned historical sites, Robben Island is an integral part of South African history & arguably one of the most recognizable & well-known prisons in the world), and exploring the colorful cobble-stoned streets of the vibrant & culturally diverse neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most diverse & dynamic destinations brimming with culture & a remarkably rich history.

#6 See the African Penguins at Boulders Beach

Home to a thriving African Penguin colony, a visit to the renowned Boulders Beach is an absolute must-do on your Cape Town honeymoon. In addition to Boulders Beach being one of the Mother City’s most visited & highly sought-after beaches, it is also one of the only places in the world where you get up close and personal with these cool and charismatic ocean locals. This undoubtedly makes visiting the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach a bucket-list worthy Cape Town honeymoon experience in every way.

Besides seeing the African Penguins from the African Penguin Viewing Site in Boulders Beach, you can enjoy a variety of other once-in-a-lifetime adventures such as swimming, kayaking or enjoying a laid-back beach day with them right by your side.

In addition to Boulders Beach, Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay is home to an African Penguin viewing site as well as one of the largest successful breeding colonies of African Penguins in the world.

**Note: Visitors will need to pay an entrance fee (which forms part of a conservation project) to gain access to the African Penguin Viewing Site and Boulders Beach. Your ticket is valid for the entire day. You can choose to exit and re-enter as it suits you (this only applies to the day your ticket was purchased).**Visit the SANParks website for more information regarding Boulders Beach’s Conservation Fees.

#7 The captivating Cape Winelands

In Cape Town, any time is wine time!

The Western Cape is home to the largest, and certainly the most beautiful and unique, wine producing region in Africa. It’s no surprise that visiting and exploring the captivating Cape Winelands and all of its remarkable Wine Estates is one of the best things to do in Cape Town all year-round for locals and tourists alike, not to mention loved-up honeymooners!

The Western Cape is truly spoiled for choice when it comes to exceptional Wine Estates and Wine Farms, its abundance of highly sought-after Wine Routes, and, of course, its award-winning wines and pristine wine tasting and pairing experiences. To top it off, the Western Cape is said to produce among the very best wines in the world – How incredible is that?! It’s all this and so much more that makes Cape Town and the Western Cape as a whole the ultimate destination for wine lovers and avid vino aficionados from all around the world.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be much of a wine enthusiast, you’ll undoubtedly fall head-over-heels in love with the stunning Cape Winelands, its beautiful surrounding scenery, its remarkable vineyards, its charming allure, as well as its excellent wine selection. The Western Cape Winelands just has a way of converting us all into wine lovers, somehow, someway, but hey, who are we to complain?!

Here are some of the most popular & renowned wine routes in the Western Cape:

Stellenbosch wine route
Wellington wine route
Franschhoek wine route
Helderberg wine route
Breedekloof wine route
Constantia wine route
Durbanville wine route
Elgin Wine Route
Little / Klein Karoo wine route
Tulbagh wine route
Darling wine route
Walker Bay wine route
Cape Agulhas wine route
Cape Point wine route
Olifants River Valley wine route
Paarl Vintners wine route
Robertson wine route
Swartland wine route
Worcester wine route

Check out our ‘10 of the best wine tasting experiences in Cape Town’ blog for all your wine tasting pleasure.

#8 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Couples who loved picking out florals for their wedding will be in absolute heaven at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It sits at the eastern foot of Table Mountain and is considered one of the world’s seven most magnificent botanical gardens. It goes without saying that If you & your new husband or wife are head-over-heels nature lovers, a visit to the remarkable Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens should definitely be right at the top of your Cape Town honeymoon bucket-list.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens in the world. It has also won the highly esteemed ‘International Garden of the Year’ award, and to be honest, very few gardens can compare to the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch. This not only makes Kirstenbosch gardens one of the best gardens to visit in Cape Town, but one of its most magnificent natural gems too!

Located right at the base of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most incredible displays of indigenous natural beauty you’ll find anywhere in the city. It forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cape Floristic Region is the world’s smallest, yet most diverse, floral kingdom. It is one of only six floral kingdoms in the world and is the only one that occurs entirely in one country. Here you’ll find a glorious diversity of fauna and flora entirely indigenous to Cape Town. Kirstenbosch covers an area of 528 hectares filled with more than 7,000 plant species, 2,500 of these from the Cape Peninsula.

Besides its vast natural beauty and top Cape Town garden status, Kirstenbosch offers visitors an endless variety of things to do and see. Not to mention some exciting adventure experiences!

Here is a sneak-peak of what you can expect on your visit to Kirstenbosch:

Calling all wildlife and bird lovers! Kirstenbosch is home to over 125 bird species, making it any bird enthusiast’s dream come true. You will also encounter several reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates as well as amphibians such as the Chirping Frog, the Cape River Frog, and the critically endangered Table Mountain Ghost Frog.
Avid hikers can enjoy a variety of hiking trails and walking routes. The Kirstenbosch estate can be explored via five trails of differing levels of difficulty. All are well-maintained, logged footpaths or gravel roads and are sign-posted. The Braille Trail and Boekenhout Trail are ideal forest walks for those pressed for time and the not so fit. The Stinkwood Trail is a relatively short exploration of the oldest part of the forest with some of the largest trees. The Yellowwood Trail and Silvertree Trail are long hikes that take you up to the waterfall and around the estate, through both forest and fynbos. It is also possible to climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, up Nursery Ravine or Skeleton Gorge.
Kirstenbosch boasts a variety of beautiful garden areas, including the Botanical Society Conservatory, art at the Sculpture Garden, and the Protea Garden, to mention just a few.
For avid adventurers and thrill seekers, there are tons of hidden gems, secret spots, caves, waterfalls and so much more to be discovered and explored – so get ready for an adventure!
Beautiful, lush lawns and large shaded trees perfect for picnics and kiddies ruuning around.
The famous Centenary Treetop Canopy Walk, also known as the ‘Boomslang’, has fast become a fan-favourite Kirstenbosch attraction for both the young and young at heart. The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway is a curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum. The Walkway takes visitors from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, boasting spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Garden.
The cyad amphitheatre which features life-size models of dinosaurs – this is a real winner with the kids!
Kirstenbosch also has a variety of restaurants to and curio shops.

#9 Cape Point

Located approximately 60km south west of the city of Cape Town, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point Nature Reserve is one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders and sought-after attractions.

Boasting beautiful green hills, a rocky coastline, rising peaks, plunging cliffs, a rich diversity of fauna and flora, amazing marine life, stunning secret beaches, endless adventure experiences, incredible nature walks, thrilling hiking trails, and unparalleled panoramic views, Cape Point is the ultimate mecca for nature lovers, avid explorers, travelers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners eager to discover & explore all of Cape Town’s remarkable natural wonders.

Cape Point Nature Reserve is also home to an incredible variety of wildlife (including baboons, herds of ostriches, Cape foxes, an array of antelope, genets, polecats, mole rats, snakes, porcupines, mongooses, tortoises, and several other wildlife species wondering around Cape Point’s diverse landscapes and surroundings), birdlife, and marine life (be sure to keep an eye out for Cape Town’s Marine Big 5 – Dolphins, Southern Right Whales, Cape Fur Seals, Molo Mola Sunfish, and African Penguins).

With so much to do, see, and experience, visiting the renowned Cape Point should undoubtedly be on your Cape Town bucket list.

Here are a few of the top things to do at Cape Point:

#Go on a Cape Point Hiking Adventure

Cape Point boasts some of the most beautiful, captivating, and down-right exhilarating hiking trails in the entire Western Cape.

A few of Cape Point’s top hiking trails include:

The Cape of Good Hope Trail
Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail
The Gifkommetjie Trail
Antoniesgat Trail
The Kanonkop Trail
The Phyllisia Circuit trail
Cape Point Shipwreck Trails: The Thomas T. Tucker Trail & The Sirkelsvlei trail

Check out our ‘Best Cape Point Hiking Trails’ blog to find out everything you need to know about all of Cape Point’s incredible hiking trails.

#Visit Cape Point’s Secret Beaches

Cape Point’s array of secret beaches has remained largely untouched and unspoilt by the masses, undoubtedly making it that much more spectacular to witness and explore.

Four of Cape Point’s stunning secret beaches include:

Buffels Beach
Diaz Beach
Maclear Beach
Olifantsbos Beach

Other Cape Point beaches include Bortjiesrif and Platboom Beach, and perhaps even a few more secret beach spots yet to be discovered.

#Take a ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular

The Flying Dutchman Funicular, also known as the Cape Point Funicular, is a funicular railway located at Cape Point. It’s the only commercial funicular of its type in Africa and takes its name from the local legend of the Flying Dutchman ghost ship.

Apart from offering visitors an exciting and novel method of travel, taking a ride on the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular saves visitors the extra effort of an uphill climb from the car park to the iconic lookout point to see the renowned old Cape Point lighthouse; all while being surrounded by spectacular panoramic views of the glorious Cape Point and beyond.

#Enjoy Outdoor Adventures & Discover Cultural & Historical Spots

In addition to enjoying an incredible and exciting range of hikes along an assortment of scenic and overnight trails, leading you through natural fynbos and along sandy beaches, Cape Point is known for its amazing and exhilarating variety of activities and outdoor adventures.

Some of these thrilling experiences include:

Sea kayaking
Mountain biking
Action-packed nature walks
Surfing
Cycling
Beach hopping
Coastal foraging
Deep-sea fishing
Exploring a wide variety of stunning dive sites on both sides of the Point

Cape Point has an outdoor activity and adventure experience for absolutely everyone.

#Explore Cape Point’s Vast & Diverse Fauna & Flora

Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve within the beautiful Table Mountain National Park, a declared Natural World Heritage Site.

This wildly unapologetic, and glorious natural gem boasts a rich, remarkable, and vibrant biodiversity, featuring a spectacular display of wildflowers along with endless stretches of endemic Fynbos scattered about.

#Visit the renowned Cape Point Lighthouse

In 1859 the first lighthouse was built. Following that, the new lighthouse – the iconic old Cape Point Lighthouse – was built and completed in 1911, which, to this very day, stands loud and proud at 238 meters above sea-level on the highest section of the peak. The old Cape Point lighthouse remains one of the most powerful sentinels on the South African coast, with a range of 60 kilometers and a luminous intensity of 10 million candelas.

Besides being one of Cape Point’s most sought-after sights and attractions amongst locals and tourists alike, it is now used as the centralized monitoring point for all the lighthouses on the coast of South Africa. The view from the old lighthouse is nothing short of spectacular. Boasting absolutely breathtaking sights of the two oceans as well as the surrounding coastline, there’s nothing quite like it!

The truth is this is merely scratching the surface of what Cape Point has to offer. Click here to find out everything you need to know about Cape Point.

#10 Take a trip to Robben Island

The renowned Robben Island is not only one of Cape Town’s ‘Big 6 Attractions’ and top landmarks, but an integral part of South African history, playing a pivotal role in the country’s journey to democracy. Arguably home to one of the most recognizable prisons in the world, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, imprisonment, and isolation for nearly 400 years.

For centuries Robben Island was used as a penal colony primarily for political prisoners, with the most well-known political prisoners being former and late South African President, activist, world icon, change-maker, and one of the most influential people in the world, Nelson Mandela, as well as Tokyo Sexwale, Walter Sisulu, and Govan Mbeki. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years during the South African apartheid era. In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum – The Robben Island Museum – and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Today Robben Island represents a symbol of hope and a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Honeymooners can tour / take a trip to Robben Island, visit the original Robben Island Prison and famed Robben Island Museum and lighthouse. Robben Island Tours are typically led by ex-inmates who not only have first-hand knowledge, but actual lived experience of what life was truly like during those pivotal years / times – The exact times that would ultimately change the entire course of South African history.

#11 The V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Albert Waterfront is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. In fact, the famous V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and highly sought-after attractions come rain, shine, or wind.

Located in the heart of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront is known as the ultimate hub of art, entertainment, culture, history, adventure, food, shopping, and everything in between.

Besides being the leading retail destination in the city, the V&A Waterfront is home to some of the most incredible restaurants, bars, hangout spots, eateries, and food markets in Cape Town. All of which can be thoroughly enjoyed at any time, during any season, right throughout the year.

If you’re looking to add an extra dose of thrill and adventure to your Waterfront experience, here are some of the most exciting, exhilarating, fun, and bucket-list worthy things to see, do, and experience at the V&A Waterfront:

Take a ride on the famous Cape Wheel – Its tons of fun for the whole family!
Enjoy a boat tour
Have some fun at the Scratch Patch
Visit the Clock Tower – One of the V&A Waterfront’s most iconic historic landmarks
Enjoy a game of Cave Golf
Visit the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
Explore the Silo District & Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
Let the kids take a ride on the Hamleys Express
Visit the Chavonnes Battery Museum – Dating back to 1725 it is the harbor’s oldest heritage site
Enjoy a self-guided walking historical tour, which starts at the Information Centre, or embark on a 90-minute guided tour that departs daily from the Chavonnes Battery Museum at 11am and 2pm
Check out the Robinson Dry Dock – One of the oldest operating dry docks in the world
Brush up on your marine history at the Iziko Maritime Centre
Visit Nobel Square, which boasts bronze sculptures of South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners
Visit the V&A Food Market and the Watershed at the V&A
Enjoy amazing up-close Cape Fur Seal sightings – These beloved members of the Marine Big 5 can be spotted while simply strolling along the V&A Waterfront harbor. You can also find them at the Clock Tower Precinct and on old tires lining the quayside.
Enjoy incredible live performances – Talented local musicians and bands, street side buskers, and performing art groups regularly perform at various locations and stages throughout the Waterfront.

#12 Cape Town is affordable – Get WAY more than you bargained for!

With the weak local currency, foreigners find that the buying power of their pounds and dollars stretch much further than anticipated. Here you can have the honeymoon of your dreams at a fraction of the cost it would set you back on home soil.

If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise too much, you may want to consider bringing your entire wedding party to Cape Town as pounds go a long way here! A value for money haven, in Cape Town you’ll get away with paying 50% less than for a similar honeymoon experience you would have had in Europe – lest we forget that the lovely weather and unsurpassed setting come free of charge south of the equator. The same holds for accommodation, consumer goods, indigenous arts and crafts, as well as property. The possibilities are endless and very reasonably priced throughout. Enjoy the honeymoon you’ve always dreamt of & more in the beautiful city of Cape Town and you’ll have some money left to put towards your new house, or whatever you both desire, upon your return to your home country.

#13 Thriving & thrilling night life scene

Are you ready to experience Cape Town by night? The Mother City truly comes alive once the sun sets. Not only does she love letting her hair down, she knows exactly how to have a great time, and you better believe you will too!

Boasting a truly exciting night life scene, Cape Town promises to have you on your feet, loving life, and dancing the night away right into the early morning hours. From vibrant beachfront sundowner spots, incredible rooftop bars, hip hangouts, cool clubs, wine bars, exclusive whisky bars, epic dive bars, and absolutely everything in between, Cape Town has something for absolutely everyone to enjoy!

Cape Town also boasts some of the best, world-renowned, global chart-topping hotspots – how cool is that? Named one of the 50 most Instagrammable bars in the world, the sought-after ‘Secret’ Gin Bar has gin lovers flocking from far and wide to see what all the hype is about, and trust us, it doesn’t disappoint one bit.

If you’re not much of a gin lover and cool dive bars are more your scene, you’re in luck! Cape Town is home to the ‘19^th Best Dive Bar in the world’ as rated by Big 7 Travel, SurfaRosa. From cool rustic interiors, a laid-back vibe, and witty bar staff, to ice-cold beers on tap, lively music, and an everyone is welcome atmosphere, this hip Mother City hangout has become a real fan-favourite among locals and tourists alike.

To top it off, if you’re looking to have a good time both during the day and night, you should definitely check out some of the Mother City’s trendiest city centre streets – Kloof Street, Bree Street, Longmarket Street, Long Street, Loop Street, Lower Main Road, and Buitenkant Street. Each of which is jam-packed with everything from quirky and cool dive bars, trendy rooftop spots, must-visit bars, amazing restaurant hotspots, epic night clubs, laid-back hangouts, and several secret spots and hidden gems. Best thing is, if you’re not into your chosen spot, you can just hop on over to the next, how cool is that?!

#14 Exciting culinary landscape & beloved local dishes

Named the best food city in the world in 2016 by Conde Nast Traveller in its Readers’ Choice Awards survey as well as dubbed the culinary capital of Africa, the Mother City is at the very top of her culinary game with avid foodies travelling from all around the world to experience Cape Town’s exciting and thriving culinary scene first-hand.

In addition to the Mother City’s multiple world-renowned award-winning restaurants, trendy cafés, hip hangouts, amazing eateries, artisan bakeries, and exclusive rooftop bars, trying, tasting, and immersing yourself in Cape Town’s unique local food culture and array of delicious and authentic traditional dishes is an absolute MUST when honeymooning in Cape Town. Because in Cape Town, there’s NO experience quite like the local food experience.

Some of Cape Town’s must-try local dishes include the ‘Great’ Gatsby Sandwich, traditional Cape Malay Bobotie and Waterblommetjie Bredie, Bunny Chow, local harbour-front fish and chips, ‘Koesisters’ or ‘Koeksisters’, boerewors, biltong, malva pudding, traditional west coast cuisine and sensational seafood, to mention merely a few. Cape Town has no shortage of incredible local dishes to try and has something for everyone to enjoy.

#15 Cape Town has a little bit of EVERYTHING!

By far one of the top reasons to have your honeymoon in Cape Town is the fact that it has a little bit EVERYTHING! Yes, we know that’s a pretty bold statement to make – Let’s be honest, how is it possible that one place can have absolutely anything and everything your heart desires? But what can we say, Cape Town is just one of those magical cities that has it ALL!

To make it even better, it’s all right at your finger-tips, simply waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, explored, and experienced by you & your new husband or wife whenever and however you please – How absolutely incredible is that?! Cape Town truly is any honeymooners dream come true!

Stunning mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, the ocean, magnificent natural wonders, nature reserves, gardens, parks, and sensational flora, the captivating Cape Winelands, unbelievable marine life and wildlife, fantastic food, exceptional restaurants, and pristine culinary gems, extraordinary art, culture, history, and heritage, world-renowned landmarks, highly sought-after attractions, spectacular sherbet-coloured sunsets that will sweep you off your feet, an endless array of exhilarating and unforgettable bucket-list worthy experiences and thrilling adventures, and SO much more – the list truly is ENDLESS!!

What are you waiting for – Pack your bags right away! Your Cape Town Honeymoon awaits!

#BONUS: Romantic honeymoon getaways, luxury hotels & and endless array of exceptional accommodation options

Why Cape Town is the ultimate honeymoon destination

Photo credit: Ellerman House

Can you feel the romance in the air? We sure can! The vibrant and stunning city of Cape Town along with the entire Western Cape is overflowing with settings and destinations that are not only tailor-made for romance, but are the epitome of tranquility, exclusivity, lavish luxury, serenity and a true sense of magic and wonder – Undoubtedly making Cape Town the perfect honeymoon destination.

From sensational coastal hideaways, picturesque mountainside escapes and remarkable boutique hotels, to away-from-it-all treetop retreats, serene Cape Winelands’ wonders, idyllic country-side cottages, luxury tented lodges, blissful beachfront breakaways, and hidden wilderness havens – there truly is something for absolutely every couple to enjoy the honeymoon of their dreams.

For the most magical, memorable & magnificent Cape Town honeymoon experience be sure to check out our following blogs:

We take the hassle out of planning your perfect Cape Town honeymoon, from sourcing the accommodation to procuring the best activities, experiences & adventures Cape Town has to offer.