The Saltee must-dos in a must-visit city
In the eyes of Saltee; Cape Town is one of our 5 favourite cities to visit in the world.
Dominated by the iconic Table Mountain, which serves as a backdrop everywhere in the city, Cape Town is a mish-mash of cultures. The mainstream tourist attractions can’t be missed but there’s enough alterative activities to keep you busy every day of the year.
Whether it was checking out a weekend market, hiking, attending a jazz concert, canyoneering, or spotting some wildlife, Saltee hasn’t ever been bored. One thing that just about everything has in common is simple – the outdoors. Apply the Saltee and get outside exploring.
Lions Head
Everyone should hike (or at a push we will let you off using the cable car) up Table Mountain but…a morning walk up the adjacent Lion’s Head is a lot of fun too, works up an appetite for a fabulous brunch and it’s only a 45-minute climb to the top. Lions Head is essentially the little sister to Table Mountain. It’s also one of the most photogenic spots in Cape Town – be Instagram ready. Rising high above the city skyline, it still provides incredible views of the city, sea, and Table Mountain.
Drive Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point
For us a drive Past Chapman’s Peak southwest of Cape Town is one of THE best road trips in the world. You pop out at Cape Point National Park, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans collide at the Cape of Good Hope. You will have to pay a R42 (£3) toll to drive on the road; however, the scenic drive is well worth the cost. The famous drive snakes along the vertical cliff faces of Table Mountain, leaving you wondering whether your car will end up in the Atlantic.
Robben Island
Visiting the former political prison on Robben Island is inspiring. A former inmate personally guides everyone around the prison. It is both sobering and inspiring to learn first-hand about Nelson Mandela especially from other people who actually knew him. Tours depart from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and visitors are shuttled across the bay to the island via ferry. Buy your tickets online before you travel as it is very popular.
Bay Harbour Market
On weekends in Hout Bay, artisans and vendors from around the city come to the Bay Harbour Market. Be ready to shop for everything and anything – from fish stew, souvenirs, crêpes, jewelry, art, and even mojitos are available, as are live bands.The market (31 Harbour Road) is open on Friday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday. Also make sure that you travel to the eastern edge of Hout Bay Harbour, where you’ll find a crowd of locals and live music.
Kirstenbosch Gardens
Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens are appropriately dubbed “the most beautiful garden in Africa.” Kirstenbosch offers visitors a chance to explore the fynbos and various floral kingdoms found across the African continent. It provides a welcome escape from the city.
Surfing at Muizenberg Beach
Top up on Saltee Active Sun Lotion (for when you plan to sweat or get wet) and head to Muizenberg – a southern suburb of Cape Town famous for its boardwalk and surf. It’s a 30 minute car ride from the city centre and the ideal spot to learn how to surf. The laid-back neighbourhood is a beach bum’s haven and has a strong multicultural vibe that is refreshing. If surfing isn’t your thing, the area is also home to a number of cultural events and yoga studios. Then refresh with a healthy wrap and smoothie along the beach. Again be Instagram ready as the multi-coloured beach huts are one of the Saltee-st photo ops in the southern hemisphere.
Boulders Beach penguins
Make your way to Boulders Beach to see the home of thousands of African penguins. You can view them from a raised boardwalk, while still giving the massive colony their personal space. These days you can’t swim at this spot which is a shame as this member of the Saltee Tribe did swim with the penguins when visiting Cape Town a few years back.
Wine and dine in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a world-renowned wine region, yet it is only a 45-minute ride outside of Cape Town. There are hundreds of privately owned vineyards in and around Stellenbosch, which is famous for the mountains and valley that are often blanketed in fog. Organise a visit at your hotel and enjoy a full day of wine and food pairings (ranging from salt and cupcakes to cheese and chocolate). It’s like Napa Valley but at about 10% of the cost. Saltee recommends Lanzerac vineyard to taste the region’s best pinotage.
Colorful Bo-Kaap
Walking distance from the city centre is the colourful Cape Malay neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, the former quarters of the city’s slave population. However, as time passed, the area grew and diversified so that today there is a rich mix of communities and cultures. Don’t feel shy walking through and taking photos of the beautiful colourful houses. Make sure to have lunch at a Malay restaurant – we love Bo-Kaap Kombuis.
Saltee’s top 5 pre-vacay tips for Cape Town:
- Check your Uber account is functioning. It is the most affordable and safest way around the city.
- Pre book that Robben Island tour.
- Read 50 restaurant reviews and then book dinner at a different style of restaurant for every day you’re going to be in town.
- Pack your trainers and shorts, a morning run, power walk or yoga sesh is a must-do.
- Buy the Saltee bundle – the full sun collection will be needed as you are going to spend a lot of time outside.
Enjoy what we consider a truly #SalteePlace
Happy adventures!
Wherever you’re headed, take Saltee with your on your adventure. Vegan friendly, cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free and suitable for sensitive skin. Discover your perfect Saltee match.
