Making the most of Cape Town - South Africa Hotspots2c Making the most of Cape Town - South Africa | Hotspots2c

Cape & Beyond


make the most of your cape holiday

trip filter
Type
Join Group
Private Transfers
Tailored

Transport
4x4 Jeep & Van
Mini-coach / Van

Tempo
Medium pace
Packed pace

explore more

Cape Town summer is all about the warm, sun-filled days, blue skies and long balmy evenings. While the early summer months from October to December are already heating up, temperatures can hit way above the 30 degree Celsius mark from January to March. If you are visiting from the cooler northern hemisphere, surviving these steaming summery days can seem challenging, but as the locals know, there are many ways to stay cool in and around our city.

The Mother City is THE place to be in summer; you’ll find Capetonians lounging poolside and chilling at rooftop bars across the city, cocktails sweating in the sun, perfecting the art of looking very good while doing very little. Whether you're an outdoor fan, beach bum or just a sunseeker in general, here are a few tips to plan your scorching Cape summer stay - and while your tan may fade - make sure the memories will last for years to come.

 

 hit the beach  

Cape Town has a diverse and spectacular selection of beaches dotted along its coastline, each with their own distinct personalities; and most just a quick drive from the city, you'll soon find your favourite.

The blue flag beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are a short scenic drive of around 5 kilometres away and a sure way to escape the city with a mini coastal joyride as you drive along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard watching the waves crash against jagged shores. Sunbathing in style is a popular pastime on these 'people-watching' beaches as the freezing water is only for the brave. While pro surfers will tell you summer isn’t the best time for surfing in the Cape, the city has a few tricks up its sleeve with secluded coves located along the bay that's ideal for a 'board meeting' if you dare to ride some gnarly surf breaks...

Surfing is synonymous with South African culture, no surprise there when you consider that 2 000 kilometres worth of waves lap at this section of Africa's coastline. Colourful beachside cabanas add a splash of prime colour to the white sand beaches of Muizenberg. Add in good surf conditions almost year-round, and you have yourself a perfect playground for amateur and talented boardriders alike. It's also not just a summer season hot spot; shallow waters offer fun for the kids and smaller consistent waves make learning to surf the number one activity on this jam-packed beachfront. Even if you’re a complete newbie, there are plenty of surf schools to teach you how to feel the stoke in a few short lessons.  Read more at this blog to find unique beaches to visit near Cape Town.

  

make a splash

For many visitors to the Mother City, the Sea Point Pavilion IS summer. The recently renovated pavilion also offers the filtered seawater Sea Point Public Pools with four different swimming facilities. The absolute perfect chill spot for locals and visitors alike to cool down and gaze at tankers skimming the Atlantic horizon in the distance. At 50 metres long, the main pool is perfect for training professionals, while the kid's pool is great for safe splashing and the diving pool comes equipped with a 5m-high diving board. During the summer peak season, this is the place to be in Cape Town so ensure you go early to find chillax.  

Now it's about time to quench your thirst too... For a minimal ±R150 order from the drinks menu, some hotels open their poolside rooftop bars to visitors. Now there's a neat trick to find a much-needed pool in Cape Town's summer. With incredible scenery stretching along the city's waterfront, it’s no surprise that there will be views for days; if not of the surrounding mountains then of the ocean or urban cityscapes: Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar serves up some great cocktails with a heavenly view to match, and the cherry on top is the crystal clear plunge pool perfect for hot summer afternoons. Located in the heart of Tamboerskloof, this boutique hotel and spa comes with a dual-level rooftop, comfy couches and uninterrupted 360-degree views of Table Mountain and the city below. Similarly, the Cape Milner hotel's splash pool is a welcome retreat from any hot summer’s day! Drink in gorgeous views of Table Mountain as you dangle your legs in the cool waters. While away the day on the pool deck, complemented by ice-cold drinks and poolside snacks served direct to your sun lounger.  Check out this blog for more city pools to check out.

 

 take the plunge

Taking a dip in Cape Town’s notoriously cold ocean is the perfect way to cool down and with so many tidal pools along the Cape's coast, you'll be spoilt for choice. Like sparkling jewels, hidden among clusters of rocks, the tidal pools along the Atlantic Seaboard offer jaw-dropping views of the mountains marine life like dolphins or even whales that pass within sight of the shoreline during the whale-watching season (June to December). 

 

 Maiden's Cove is just one of many hip tidal pool hangouts, known for its exquisite view of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic lookout point along Victoria Road is a popular swimming spot with tidal pools located between Glen Beach and Camps Bay Beach. As well as boasting some of the best views you’re likely to find from any poolside, Maiden’s Cove has a grassy area that’s perfect for a braai or picnic. Flanked by mountain ranges, massive boulders and the azure blue seas - this is what true Cape summer memories are made of. 

 

 Nestled in the exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay, you’ll find Saunders Rock, an innercity tidal pool, enticingly located at the last beach in Sea Point. Its large granite rocks create a wind barrier, giving you shelter on those hot, but windy, summer days.  It's super central and convenient for a sun-kissed lazy day without getting too far from the city centre. Enjoy a late afternoon dip, watch the sunset and then dine out at one of the time-tested eateries on the Sea Point strip. 

St James which is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. Tucked neatly between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, it's one of Cape Town’s most popular tidal pools, but if you’re not into crowds you may want to skip this spot or get there bright and early for a quiet morning dip. Watch the skies for albatross, petrels, shearwaters or everyday seagulls and also keep an eye out for spiky sea urchins at the bottom of the pool. For more options of tidal pools around Cape Town check out this blog.

 

 
 

If you're adventurous and prefer to stay active, even in the heat, why not opt to dive into Cape Town's cool Atlantic ocean and snorkel with seals off Duiker Island, Hout Bay. Snorkelling with seals near Cape Town is the perfect way to experience a close encounter with the Cape fur seal in their natural habitat. With over 10 000 friendly seals, you are guaranteed to see these goofy swimmers. Take the plunge into the cool waters for an unforgettable experience and come face to whisker with hundreds of playful and curious Cape fur seals.

 

 

beyond the cape

With a quick google search, you may think you know all there is to know about Cape Town.. but just south east lise a diverse piece of paradise with an endless fountain of adventure possibility... After years of touring along this lush coastal route, we’ve stumbled upon some unique, lesser-known spots we think you need to go experience too while visiting Cape Town. So be sure to add a week or weekend for this epic roadtrip.   

Trust us, travelling along the Garden Route can be overwhelming if you're going in blindly so here's a shortlist of some of our favourite gems and insider guidelines to see the route a little differently.
This meandering stretch of the south-eastern coastline is known for its ecological diversity and jaw-dropping scenery;  spliced by dramatic mountain ranges and epic road trip routes, it is no wonder the Garden Route has become THE must-do activity on any South African holiday. Come rain or shine, this coastal route is a must! In summer, the best beaches of the world cannot contest these sun-soaked shores and in winter it's a retreat for adventure seekers, slow food lovers and nostalgic romantics.

So much to see and so much to do, let's get rolling...

 

kruger kingdom

Plenty of Safari options available from Cape Town too.. The Kruger National Park and surrounding areas offer a plethora of safari encounters that can fit any preference and every budget. 
 
From exquisite 5-star safari lodges, to authentic rondawel huts, glamping tents and even rustic campsites, the Greater Kruger area is your go-to spot to indulge in some seriously sensational safaris. Kruger National Park, which is the largest national park in South Africa (almost as large as the whole of Belgium!), offers wildlife viewing that is second to none and is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. Visitors to the park can drive in their own vehicles and explore the rugged roads as they please, or join a guided 4x4 game drive. 

 
 

addo adventure 

One of our personal favourites is the splendour of the Garden Route, and the array of private and national reserves that litter the scenic malaria-free region. Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park in South Africa, is home to all of the Big Five including, as the name suggests, hundreds of majestic elephants.

 


One of our personal favourites is the splendour of the Garden Route, and the array of private and national reserves that litter the scenic malaria-free region. Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park in South Africa, is home to all of the Big Five including, as the name suggests, hundreds of majestic elephants. This wildlife paradise offers incredible animal viewing opportunities and even the chance of seeing some of the Marine Big Five! The Park sports some amazing accommodation within the reserve, or the option to stay nearby and enter as a day visitor; either way, it comes highly recommended.  So whether you’re a seasoned safari expert, a birding enthusiast, a budding botanist, or just an animal lover, the Garden Route is most definitely the place for you! And for those looking to add a little big city glam, many of these game parks are within driving distance of Cape Town, the perfect option to balance out your bush breakaway.
 

 

 

explore the cape

You just can't beat these unforgettable lazy long sunny days in Cape Town! Join one of our join group or private tours or let our expert travel advisors tailor make your dream Cape & beyond summer escape. Check out our tours on offer underneath: 

trips 2 book

price
tablemountain view custom tour
wishlist it
Cape Town Tailor Made
1+ Day
from $443
Tailored
   
view
tour Capetown
wishlist it
Cape City Highlights Selection
Medium pace
1 Day
from $175
Private Transfers
   
view
guided game drive hotspots 4x4
wishlist it
Garden Route + Safari
3 Day
from $338
Join Group
   
view
Meander hotspots2c tour gardenroute
wishlist it
Garden Route Meander
4 Day
from $2,131
Private Transfers
   
view
garden route knysna heads
wishlist it
Garden Route Tailor Made
2+ Day
from $1,268
Tailored
   
view
Wildernes beach
wishlist it
Garden Route Highlights
3 Day
from $969
Private Transfers
   
view
babylonstr
wishlist it
Cape Winelands Explore
1 Day
from $244
Private Transfers
   
view
Filters