Essential Cape Town Vacation: Best of the Mother City

What to expect on this itinerary
Cape Town, which is situated in the stunning Western Cape of South Africa, is a must-visit metropolitan city that is surrounded by sweeping landscapes, magnificent mountain ranges, and world-class beaches. Exploring the best of Cape Town’s diverse environment and rich cultural heritage affords you the opportunity to experience a luxurious getaway that is unique to the African continent. This pristine location offers captivating sightseeing opportunities and riveting activities that will keep you thoroughly entertained throughout this 10-day trip. Fully immerse yourself in South African culture as you discover what makes the country, especially this city, one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Customizable Itinerary
Cape Town – Arrive and Unwind
Upon arrival in the city of Cape Town, you will be welcomed by magnificent mountain ranges that overlook vast stretches of green landscape and picturesque beaches that boast crystal clear waters. The coastal paradise will provide nothing less than an exceptionally luxurious and immersive stay within the country of South Africa. Your private transfer will meet you at Cape Town International Airport, which is a thriving hub of foreign travelers that are seeking the best that the city has to offer. You will enjoy a swift ride into Cape Town, traveling around the momentous Table Mountain on your way to your first destination of the tour.
You will arrive at your premier 5-star hotel in one of Cape Town’s leading locations: the V&A Waterfront. Here, you will spend a few nights in true style as you explore the highlights of the city. Looking out over the bustling harbor with a serene backdrop of the mountain range behind you, you can breathe in the fresh oceanic air from your private balcony. You may want to unwind in your comfortable luxury suite before setting off to explore the waterfront. The prestigious waterfront boasts Cape Town’s best shopping experience, and world-class restaurants are in abundance. You can browse the most influential fashion stores and delight in one of the many gourmet dining experiences that the top-tier destination has to offer. Then, you will return to your room in anticipation of the days to come.
What's Included:
Cape Town – Highlights of the City
Cape Town – The History of Mandela
Cape Town – In the Spotlight
Cape Town – A Day at the Beaches
Cape Town – Cape Peninsula Tour
Cape Town – World-Class Wine
Cape Town – Natural Beauty
Cape Town – South African Animals
Cape Town – Bittersweet Goodbyes
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Cape Malay culture and gain insight into South African heritage with a tour of the city’s most significant points of interest
- Climb via Cable Car to the top of the magnificent Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city
- Visit Nelson Mandela's prison cell at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island, and delve into South Africa’s remarkable history
- Brush shoulders with the elite in Camps Bay and explore Cape Town’s most coveted beaches
- Discover the serene Western Cape landscapes on an in-depth tour of the Cape Peninsula
- Taste renowned, world-class vintages and blends on a tour of Constantia’s impeccable wine route
- Stroll leisurely through the city’s notable national botanical garden, discovering flora that is completely unique to the Cape
- Spot whales, dolphins, and an abundance of land-dwelling wildlife on a hike through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve
- Enjoy award-winning haute cuisine alongside surreal South African sunsets
Detailed Description
Begin your journey in one of the most sought-after destinations in Cape Town: the V&A Waterfront. After checking into your luxurious hotel, you will witness gorgeous wraparound views of the sea from the comfort of your private balcony. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and unwind in complete comfort after the long flight to South Africa. Over the next few days, you will discover the most iconic attractions in and around the city in addition to enjoying the exquisite South African cuisine. You will spend your first full day, after a delightful breakfast spread, venturing through the city and stopping to see the culturally immersive points of interest. In the evening, you will climb a Cable Car to the top of the spectacular Table Mountain for panoramic views of the cityscape.
The following day, uncover more of the country’s rich heritage as you make your way to the famous Robben Island. The story of South Africa’s remarkable, former president will inspire you as you visit the cell in which he was imprisoned for 18 years of his sentence. After transferring back to the Cape Town coastline, delight in Afternoon Tea with traditional South African treats and a sweeping view of the surrounding area from the top of one of the city’s most prominent sunset locations. The next morning you will transfer to Cape Town’s premier seaside suburb: Camps Bay. Enjoy the majestic ocean views and fine-dining hotspots as you explore more of the elite area. You will spend the following day visiting Cape Town’s pristine, white beaches, which is located only a short distance from your immaculate hotel.
On the 6th day of your trip, you will join your private transfer for an enchanting tour of the Cape Peninsula. Sit back comfortably as you take in the picturesque views of the Western Cape’s scenic settings and stop at all of the key destinations along the route. After arriving at the Cape of Good Hope where the two oceans meet, you will be invigorated by the sheer majesty of the province’s diverse environment. Continue to your next lavish suite in the Constantia area, which is a breathtaking Cape Town suburb that is most notably recognized for its world-class wines. After a night’s rest in the tranquil location, you will explore Constantia’s famous wine route and visit a few of the country’s distinguished estates. A picture-perfect day of tasting and overlooking the beautiful Constantia valley will round off with an exquisite fine-dining experience.
On your final few days of the trip, you will witness the wonderful wildlife within South Africa. The city’s celebrated, national botanical garden provides you with the opportunity to leisurely view the diverse flora of the Western Cape. You will enjoy a serene picnic in the stunning gardens that are nestled at the base of the impressive Table Mountain. In the evening, you will experience haute cuisine in true South African style as you relish in meals that will be prepared by an award-winning local restaurant. On the final full day of your trip, journey along the Whale Coast Route and explore the magnificent wildlife from the mighty peaks of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Transfer back to Cape Town’s premier restaurants in Hout Bay for one last African sunset that will overlook the deep blue waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. Interested in learning more by seeing some of our travelers’ South Africa vacation tour reviews? Click here for more.
Starting Price
$5,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 315 reviews
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Testimonial – Shelley and Ray, British Columbia, Canada, travelled to South Africa
An Africa Safari was one of our “Bucket List” adventures. As such, it needed to be exceptional. Our initial research focused on large tour companies with their safari/vacation packages. All such tours had one or two activities/events that did not interest us yet we would be required to participate. It looked like we would need to develop, plan and book our own tour, which was not an appealing thought. At this point, we discovered Zicasso.
Through Zicasso and their process to connect clients with tour/travel agencies, we chose this travel company and this agent to help us develop and plan our trip.
We will admit this process was scary from the perspective that we did not know either companies before discovering Zicasso through the internet, never met face to face with anyone from either companies, and relied on their websites’ testimonials and other testimonials we could find on other sites to move forward with them. We were in Canada communicating only by email and telephone to our agent in Zimbabwe or South Africa. By the second phone call with our agent we knew this would work. The end result: choosing this company turned out to be a great decision.
It was not easy planning this trip because there is so much you can do and developing the right logistics involved many considerations. Our travel agent was very patient with us, asked us a lot of questions about what we wanted to see and experience and, as importantly, what we did not want. She answered all our questions and repeatedly told us that, from the moment we landed in Cape Town to the moment we left Johannesburg to return home, we would never be alone and would be well taken care of. That statement was absolutely “bang on!”
We were fortunate to be able to meet with our agent twice during our vacation. What a knowledgeable, energic, bubbly and confident individual! She stayed on top of our trip and could be counted on to address any misstep that might occur. Fortunately, none did.
All transfers between/within airports, accommodations and outings were smoothly handled.
Our Cape Town accommodations were at the Clarendon, Bantry Bay. What a lovely boutique hotel – great rooms, great meals and great personal service from friendly and dedicated staff. We toured Cape Town, wineries and the coastline with our guide. The scenery was fantastic, the wines and food were delicious, and our guide was very personable, knowledgeable and tweaked our tour as he learned who we were and what we like. Seeing two Great White Sharks was a great ending in this beautiful city. We had a great time in Cape Town.
Then came the most important part – the safari. Our agent recommended Londolozi Private Game Reserve. We had 8 amazing safari drives with our ranger and our tracker. We got up close and personal with a cheetah and her two cubs, a lioness and her four cubs, a leopard and her two cubs, a mature male lion, a hyena den with eight cubs, and much much more. To witness these predatory animals, behave as they normally do, while we were so close to them, was an incredible experience. Back at the camp, the accommodations were 5-star and private. The meals and service were as exceptional as they had been in Cape Town.
It was a very sad day when we had to say goodbye and leave Londolozi.
Thank you to our agent and this travel company!! You made our dream safari vacation come true.
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We have just returned from the most amazing two-week trip to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Zicasso’s travel team was absolutely the best. My mother-in-law has Parkinson's and this was her bucket-list trip. Our travel agent helped me plan the perfect trip for her that included two safaris, wine country, Victoria Falls, and all the sights in Cape Town and the surrounding areas.
She was available to us throughout the trip. There was even wine and birthday treats for us at various hotels! She checked us into our smaller flights beforehand and made sure every last detail was taken care of. All of the accommodations were top-notch and our guides and transfers went smoothly. My husband and I could not have asked for anything more. Most importantly, my mother-in-law had the most wonderful experience.
I will definitely be recommending our travel team's services to anyone going to Africa. And I will use this service again in the future to plan all my trips.
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Perfectly designed and Perfectly flexible!
This was our first luxury vacation and pampering is something easy to get used to. Our wonderful guides made each day special, like spending time with a good friend. They were knowledgeable and efficient and adjusted according to our needs and desires. South Africa is a wonderful place full of friendly people. The beauty, variety of activities and diversity of experience in Cape Town is exceptional. Our beautiful suite with a private garden was an oasis. The staff and breakfasts were over the top delightful. Our time in Krueger National Park at Narina Lodge was intoxicating. Seeing animals in their natural habitat and being treated to luxurious accommodations with world class food and drink is a lifetime memory. Along our journeys we met people from all over the world and enjoyed getting to know them.
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