Cape Town May 2026

Green_hopeful

My adult step son and his dad are going to Cape Town for six days in May 2026. Any tips on must do things or things to avoid. Recommendations on safari trips? Seems a shame to go so far and not see the wildlife. They have booked their flights already but not accommodation. Many thanks. 

Diddidi

Six days is not very long to see Cape Town and do a safari, but I believe there are internal flights that will enable them to visit Kruger. We did a self drive holiday there a couple of years ago with 3 days in Cape Town and then driving along the Garden Route, ending up in Amakhala for the safari for 3 days at the end. It’s also worth going to Simon’s Town, just outside CT to see the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Green_hopeful

@Diddidi yes i realise that it is a bit short. Its slightly complicated by circumstance. 

twopenny

We visited a vineyard for lunch. That was nice and relaxing and good to be in countryside.
Didn't take up the whole day either.

And of course the top of tabletop mountain. Wonderful experience and great photos of the whole of Cape town below.

Wonder if there's a day trip to see the penguins on Boulders beach?

There is a hoho bus around the town with excellent commentary. They can hop off to see anything of interest.

One of the main events is going to the Waterfront where there is live music and entertainment.

Take care walking around. Keep with the crowds and don't wave phones, cameras or money around.
Don't have wallet in back pocket or jacket. Keep alert.

Green_hopeful

@twopenny thank you. I will let them know to be super careful. 

jimi_man

We did four days in Cape Town. Worth hiring a car which we did. Table mountain is an obvious one. The penguins in Boulder Beach can be seen and it's nice driving down to the Cape of Good Hope (a national park), which has some wildlife too.  Wine tours are good and some of the Garden route.

For that length of time I wouldn't bother with a safari. Kruger is a long way away and you really need 3-4 days to do a safari justice. There are local ones but they are nowhere near as good. 

It's a lovely part of the world and without doubt, the best steaks you'll ever have. 

Green_hopeful

@jimi_man the boys will certainly love the steaks. 

jimi_man

In Jo'burg last year we were paying £8 or so for a 14 oz ribeye (far too big) and the quality is amazing. Puts British beef to shame. 

MysteryMe

We all have different interests but I'd do Table Mountain, Robben Island and Cape of Good Hope. There are vineyards to visit, scenic coastal drives. It's a while since I was there but a guided tour to Soweto was interesting.

There are a few private safari parks within reach from Cape Town which you can do day trips to. If you just want to see some animals sitting in a Jeep one of the local ones is fine.

I'd stay in a hotel close to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

jimi_man

MysteryMe said:

We all have different interests but I'd do Table Mountain, Robben Island and Cape of Good Hope. There are vineyards to visit, scenic coastal drives. It's a while since I was there but a guided tour to Soweto was interesting.

There are a few private safari parks within reach from Cape Town which you can do day trips to. If you just want to see some animals sitting in a Jeep one of the local ones is fine.

I'd stay in a hotel close to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

I agree to all that, other than Soweto is in Johannesburg which is some distance away. I have done the tour and it's excellent, but probably a little far. 

MysteryMe

Oh yes, you are right, I must have done that tour when staying at Sandton.

Would be just a quick 2800km round trip from Cape Town!